Tarte Call of the Wild Palette Review and Swatches

     More Tarte?! Of course.  The Tarte Call of the Wild Palette became one of my favorite go-to's for fall as soon as I picked it up before autumn came around last year.  Can I just start with the packaging?  It's sleek and shiny on the outside with that little pop of leopard print that peeks out - what beauty product hoarder could resist that?!  When you open it, it's just as exciting with the leopard print around the mirror as well as the shadows.  Is it wrong I could just look at this palette and justify the purchase?  Oh well.

     Now that all of that is out of the way, inside you will find 8 shadows that are - in my mind - perfect for autumn time.  You've got the coppery/bronze color,  the perfect deep cranberry color, a warm brown, and great frosty white.  The rest of the shadows are mostly matte - which is great!  The dusty gray/blue and navy blue make for such a beautiful spin on an ordinary brown or black smokey eye.  The peachy pale and light gray are matte and make for great blending colors.  I think that the formula of the mattes are really amazing - not too dry and chalky, but have great staying power. 

     Whenever I need a statement eye look, but not sure what to do or do not have a lot of time to plan it out - I grab for this palette! Recently, I've been loving a look with the pearly white on the inner 1/2 of my lid, the medium gray on the rest, and the deep navy in the crease and outer corner.  Navy shadow! Try it.

     One thing that I have to mention is that the eye shadow formula I talked about in my review of the Tarte of Giving set is different than these - since this palette is a little older.  I find that some of these take a little more working with, but still give a great end result.  I think the matte colors work about the same, but it is the shimmers that they have improved - which is funny because it is usually the other way around (matte formula's usually need improvement).  None the less, I've still been reaching for this palette for fall-time!

     Make sure to leave a comment and let me know what your favorite Tarte products are!  Hope you all enjoyed!

The Tarte of Giving Gift Set Review and Swatches

     If you've followed my blog for any length of time, I'm sure you're slightly aware that Tarte is one of my favorite brands.  I've been seeing glimpses of some of the upcoming holiday sets online, but when I finally saw this one in person I knew I had to have it.  I don't think they hit stores more than 2 weeks ago and I was out shopping on my birthday for some things I "needed", when suddenly this beauty of a gift set caught my eye. Long story short, I was in love with the first swatch of the shadows.  I've always loved Tarte's Amazonian Clay shadows for their long wearing capabilities and formula, but these are much more extra buttery than any of my other Tarte eye shadows. So smooth, creamy, pigmented, silky, and a few really unique colors.  When I scoped out all of the other goodies in this set it was almost too much to take in; all of the mini sizes of everything come with quite a bit in them! A lot of product for $59. Not bad. It may be called the Tarte of Giving but afterall - it was my birthday, right?

Here's The Rest Of The Tarteness You'll Find Inside: (Swatches and close-ups at the bottom!)

1. Amazonian Clay Eyeshadow Palette: 20 FULL SIZE eye shadows; I already raved about these but they seriously blew me away. Extra special Amazonian Clay eye shadows; must be enchanted or something. AND there's mattes along with the shimmers and frosts! 7 mattes to be exact. (Look for swatches at the bottom of this post!)
2. 8 Maracuja Lipglosses: I've been enjoying these because I'm not the biggest lipgloss wear-er, but I'm venturing out; they're mini sizes so they've been great for trying out different shades and tossing in my purse for the day. I love the formula because it's one of those glosses that is hydrating like a balm, minty, and feels great on the lips. They're pretty pigmented so I've been using them on their own to create a vibrant but not over-the-top pop of color on my lips - especially the dark fall colors! (Swatches also at the bottom.)
3. Deluxe Pure Maracuja Oil: Another travel size?! Just click on this: Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil Review. This little miracle oil is too great to review in a couple sentences!
4. Deluxe Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment: I've been really interested in trying this eye cream for a few months now, but I'm currently using the Clinique All About Eyes Cream. Expect an in-depth review on this as soon as I get the chance to test it out fully!
5. Deluxe Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush: Who doesn't love the Amazonian Clay Blushes? I'm pretty sure everyone who has tried them has fallen in love - I'm no different. This one in Memorable is a pretty everyday pink with subtle shimmer. (Swatch at bottom.)
6. Deluxe Cheek Stain: Also something I've been wanting to try from Tarte - their cheek stains! This one is in Flush and I'm pretty sure it is the gel formula (they also have a cream formula). I find that it can be a little too hydrating for my oily skin and I have to set it with a powder, but it still gives a very natural "flush" of color that lasts all day. (Swatched at bottom of post.)
7. Deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara: Also something I ALREADY love from Tarte. Review here: Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara.  This is the only "lash enhancing" mascara I've found that does what it claims. Excited that this is an even bigger sample than I've had before!
8. Travel Makeup Bag: It's actually pretty cute and nifty. On the outside it has a quilted bow pattern and inside it has 3 zipper compartments for product; 1 is plastic and detaches - you can also hang the whole thing up!

I'm insanely happy with my purchase and have been using most of the products nearly everyday since I picked it up a week ago (except for the eye treatment that I haven't opened yet).   I'm excited to see some of the other smaller gift sets that come out for the holidays - maybe I'll actually practice the Tarte of Giving instead of the Art of Self-Indulging.

Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil Review

I know I've been reviewing a lot of Tarte lately, but I've just been really pleased with the brand (as I always have, just enthusiastic). I got a trial size of their Pure Maracuja Oil with my Tarte purchase from Ulta and was always wary to try it because it's OIL . . . and I have oily skin . . . that breaks out a lot. Sounds like a catastrophe waiting to happen. But, my experience has been quite the opposite. I finally decided to just take the plunge and try it; if I break out - oh well! Upon first applying this I kind of had a mini panic attack on the inside because it really is an oil - it kind of feels like putting cooking oil on your face. Scary. After washing my face before bed I only used a few drops and covered my entire face. I felt a little better after absorption because it absorbed really quickly into my skin and my skin felt like it was moisturized well and that's about it; it wasn't nasty crazy greasy feeling. When I woke up in the morning my skin felt very balanced: moisturized, but not greasy; clear, but not irritated; and the active acne that I did have was soothed and healing. (All nearly impossible things for people with sensitive, oily, or acne prone skin). OIL. Oil did that! It adds the right kind of moisture that when I wake up my face isn't a grease-ball but feels like it is NATURALLY hydrated (which is something that even oily as it is, my skin doesn't seem to do).  I have been using this every couple nights as a supplement to my regular moisturizer. I'm afraid every night would be overkill and I don't want to abandon my regular face routine. I find that my skin is more balanced, never feels irritated anymore, (which is a constant thing if you suffer from acne or sensitive skin), is less red, brighter and my hyper-pigmentation is fading better than it ever has! It hydrates with the right pH, seems to almost resurface skin without harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbing, doesn't make me greasy, doesn't clog my pores, and I've found that my skin becomes less oily during the day because it's hydrated in the right way. Seems like an all around miracle product, huh? I'm thinking so. Definitely sold on Tarte's Pure Maracuja Oil. Priced at $46 you may be turned off.. In all honesty, I probably wouldn't have found this miracle in a bottle if I hadn't received a sample with purchase because I didn't want to pay for something I BELIEVED was going to break me out. The trial size has only .23 fl. oz. but because you only use such a tiny amount, it lasts forever! I can't imagine ever using up the 1.7 fl. oz. in the full size! That's a crazy amount of this pure heaven-sent oil!
Now, to say this again: I only use it every couple nights in addition to the moisturizer I normally use. I will probably enjoy this a little more often during the colder months. I only use about 2-3 drops to cover my whole face well. The tiniest amount a few times a  week will take you so far.   Wonderful product! Tarte is doing things no one else in the industry is doing; truly innovative and glamorous products that are natural. My Tarte love affair just gets deeper and deeper.            Smiles and a happily "oily" face, 

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara Review

I don't know about you all, but I'm forever on the hunt for a better mascara. There's always my holy grail mascara, but I have it in my head that something can always be improved upon (especially something you have to buy so frequently). I don't tend to buy high-end mascaras because I have not enjoyed any that I've sampled and I believe the drugstore has just as good if not better mascara in some cases. Tarte is one of my favorite high-end brands and I received a sample of their Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara with my purchase from them. I know a lot of people rave about this mascara, but I don't usually end up liking mascaras that are raved about. I'm picky about my mascara; that's for sure. What stands out to me about Tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara is that it feels good for my lashes; it feels nourishing. It goes on effortlessly and never becomes too dry and brittle (which is a recipe for broken lashes). 

The Break Down:

♥ It goes on like a mousse; feels lightweight, healthy, and completely coats the entire lash in this dreamy cloud of a formula. ♥ Clumping isn't an issue (maybe a little once it's almost gone and drying out, but that's typical). ♥ It creates volume AND length. ♥ Looks natural with drama at the same time? Somehow! ♥ Cleans off very easily at the end of the day. No scrubbing or tugging. ♥ It has improved the condition of my lashes! Longer, thicker, stronger. No kidding. ♥ At $19 it isn't as expensive as some high-end mascaras; just about $8 more than a lot of drugstore mascaras. Not a bad price point. Feels nice and non-brittle- yes. Easy application- uhm, yeah! No clumping- yes. Volume- definitely. Length- yes. IMPROVES my lashes?! yes! This would be a perfect everyday mascara for me because it is natural enough (doesn't look like false lashes or anything crazy) but still has enough drama and prettiness to make it stand out all while being simple and easy to get a great application.

So . . . What's Wrong With It?

It makes my lashes droop. That's the ONLY problem. It's absolutely perfect except that in about 30 minutes my lashes look a little droopy. Which makes me sad because it is SO perfect in so many ways; but droopy lashes are just sad. Maybe their new waterproof version (Lights, Camera, Splashes) would hold a curl? I've been trying to shy away from waterproof mascara because it's so hard to get off (the removing process can be more damaging than anything else). But I'm definitely going to check out Tarte's other mascaras. Do you ever have droopy-lash problems? Any non-waterproof mascaras that hold curl really nicely? Let me know!               Love and Droopy Lashes, 

Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush (Powder) Foundation Review

 

How EXCITED was I when I saw Tarte's instagram post on the Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation?! I can't put it into words. And I don't even want to because it would probably be embarrassing; with giddy being one of the main bolded, italicized, AND underlined words. Moving on.

I've been wanting to find a good powder foundation for summer, but I find powder foundation to be the hardest to find a formula you love. This sounds like shopping around to me, I just didn't want to spend the money to test things out; even at the drugstore. But because it's TARTE, and because it's amazonian clay, I just knew that this foundation couldn't disapoint. I HAD to have it.

It also has a special little brush, the Airubuki Bamboo Powder Foundation Brush, that was made to go along with the powder foundation... but it's $26.00. For a brush. That's $62 for this foundation (which is $36) and it's special little brush. Worth it? I got the brush just so I could tell you!


**If you hurry, you can find the foundation AND the brush on QVC for only $39.84. They don't have all of the foundation shades, but a good majority!**

First Off, The Packaging:

I think this deserves a special little comment. It's different. I love the wooden cap and the design. This screams Tarte to me. Simple, classy, earthy, natural-looking, and even sturdy. Love.
Inside is the noteworthy part; you find there is a mesh covering where the product comes out. Not just a plastic sifter that you're going to have to turn over to DUMP the product out; a mesh piece that you PUSH your brush into to pick up the product. Cool! The rest of the inside is like a little bowl to catch the powder that gets away. Love it. It's a loose powder but without the mess! Great idea.

The Foundation:

♥ Coverage: It's called a full coverage foundation and it definitely is that! I'm continually impressed with the coverage that comes from this powder. It's just as good as a full coverage liquid foundation. I will say that it doesn't cover up my hyperpigmentation perfectly and I'm experimenting with ways to get the most of it. Keep reading for my tips!

♥ Staying Power: You're not gonna find anything better. I've never had a powder foundation hold up for long periods of time on my oily skin, but this one does! It looks great even at the end of a busy and hot summer day. Thouroughly impressed. Thank you Amazonian Clay!

♥ Finish: Semi-matte and natural. Tarte's Amazonian Clay products are so loved by many because it is great at combating oil without drying skin out and has great staying power. I find that this powder foundation keeps my shine at bay, doesn't cling to any dry patches, doesn't look powdery AT ALL, and actually seems to nourish my skin (feels better for you than a nasty liquid mask). I don't know how Tarte does it, but they do it right! I am pleased to find that this is a powder foundation that holds up in the summer, but is somehow moisturizing enough that I will love it in the fall as well! (Yeah, I just called a powder foundation moisturizing... AND oil-controlling. I don't understand either.)

The Brush:

While the brush is made very well and it is VERY dense, soft, good at buffing the powder foundation out, matches the packaging, and looks cute, I will say that it is dupe-able. If you already have a somewhat flat-top brush that is dense and soft enough to really buff the product, you can skip it.

My Tips:

♥ Make sure whatever you put on before (moisturizer, setting spray, or even concealer) has time to fully set in. You don't want to apply a powder foundation to a wet face.
♥ Don't use silicone-based primers. (Which I tend to love underneath liquid foundation.) No amount of setting time will keep any powder foundation from clinging to this type of primer and looking cakey.
♥ It looks most natural and flawless on clean skin. Because I want something to help with hyperpigmentation and to even out the texture of my skin, I sometimes wear the L'oreal Magic Beautifufying BB Cream very lightly applied underneath. Because it is SO lightweight and doesn't add much of a layer or moisture to my face it works well under this foundation.
♥ I like to buff the product into my skin really well, but when you get to areas where you have larger pores (like next to your nose and center of your face in general) I make sure I am always sweeping downward. When you go in circles or upward you push the foundation directly into your pores and it tends to leave this little dip in the center of the pores and emphasizes them. Go only downward and it will smooth right over them and make them disappear!

Are you as excited about this as I was?! I love Tarte and this has become my new favorite foundation of the moment.

If you have any recommendation for a primer/BB cream that is similar to the L'oreal BB cream that will help with texture but not leave a coating definitely let me know!