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.