There are three ways in which I’m willing to try new makeup:

1. It’s free.
2. Someone gives me samples.
3. It’s deeply discounted, and in a fun “pack” that allows me to try the whole brand, not just their “signature product.”

Enter my sample sale love affair with Gilt.

Spring Greening 11 Piece Collection: $19

Usually, Gilt’s got good deals on beauty products…but not amazing deals.  I often find myself hemming and hawing about whether I should take the risk on a Gilt beauty sale because, beyond clothes, makeup is the one category of the fashion and beauty world women are most picky about.  The mascara has to be smooth.  The foundation has to be flawless.  The eyeliner…well, that’s a whole can of worms, right there.  (I am so, so picky about my eyeliner.)  That’s why I really like today’s Gilt sale on Tarte Cosmetics.

Peaches & Cream Foundation – SPF 20: $13

You’ll notice I haven’t been sharing all of the all natural sample sales lately.  Part of it is because I’ve just been focused on other stuff (like the day job) but the other part is that all those sales got boring!  Lots of stuff I haven’t tried, but not at the prices that could convince me to spend the cash (plus shipping) to try them.

Summer Look Eyeshadow & Eyeliner Duo: $23

But as you can see, I like a LOT of the Tarte sets available today.  They’re fun, summery, natural, and cheap. I can try their foundation without spending thirty-five dollars, or new summery eye makeup for twenty-three.  (Take that, monetary guilt complex.)

Must-Have Brush Set: $39

I’ve mentioned Tarte Cosmetics before, but since it was long ago, here’s the skinny on the brand from Gilt’s site (which is also where I got the product images):

“Tarte is the leader in high-performance natural beauty, proving that glamour can be good for you with its wide selection of healthy and clinically proven cosmetics full of natural, skinvigorating ingredients. Tarte’s luxe compacts are more than just pretty packages: They are post-consumer recycled, recyclable or reusable to help reduce environmental waste.”

Gilt Group Limited Edition 5-Piece Set: $35

I honestly can’t decide between these five items.  The Limited Edition Set is a STEAL, but so are those brushes, and I seriously need new brushes.  Then I look at the shadow and liner, which are even cheaper, and think about all the fun I’d have with those summer colors.  Which do you think I should get?  Which would you get?

As always, if you don’t yet belong to Gilt, you can use this invitation to get in on the deals.  They’ve got fashion, beauty, home, and even baby and menswear deals every single day, and they range from “I’m on a strict budget” to “75% off designer clothing but that still makes it $300″ pricing.  My affiliate policy is here.

Tags: deals, eyeshadow, Makeup, mascara, natural makeup, recycled packaging, Sales, summer looks