Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes! Mascara Review

Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes! Mascara Review

From the Brand:

Take your lashes to the extreme with this ultra-black mascara that lengthens, curls and magnifies for an intensified look proven to increase lash volume by 752% instantly!

Product Performance: Take your sultry, flashy lashes to the extreme with this amped up, ultra-black mascara that lengthens, curls and magnifies lashes for an intensified look proven to increase lash volume by 752% instantly! Powered by tarte’s proprietary triple black complex, this longwear, vitamin-infused formula emphasizes length and volume while conditioning lashes for a dramatic look that won’t dry out, flake or budge. The custom-engineered, dual-molded brush boosts even the skinniest lashes for an exaggerated, voluminous look. First, the shorter, denser side of the brush delivers the optimal amount of mascara to volumize and coat each lash perfectly, then the longer, firmer side of the brush lengthens and separates for maximum volume without clumping.
Powered By: Provitamin B5: vitamin B derivative that helps treat and thicken lashes. Beeswax: a protective barrier between the skin and the environment that has been known to naturally stimulate collagen production. Mineral pigments: soothe and soften lashes.

Retails for:  $23.00


Where to Buy:  Tartecosmetics.com, Ulta stores and Ulta.com, Sephora stores and Sephora.com


My Thoughts:  This mascara sure has a lot to "say" about how amazing it is at volumizing.  But since this is my review, this is what I have to say about how it really works.  First, I can't believe it's taken me this long to even do a review on it since I've had it forever.  I got it back in October as part of my Tarte Kit from QVC.  I had to go back and look through my list of reviews to really convince myself that I hadn't done one yet.  So sorry about that!  Hopefully you haven't been patiently waiting all this time!

This mascara has a really unique dual sided brush that claims to volumize on one side and then comb through to separate on the other side.  I find that the volumizing side does a really great job of adding a lot of volume with one coat.  The separation side was ok, but it's kind of hard to tell the difference.  The wand itself has two colors, but once it's coated in mascara, it's impossible to see.  On the separation side the plastic bristles are only marginally longer and spaced too far apart in my opinion to really give great definition.




Final Verdict:  Gives great volume, and I really like it but not as much as their Gifted mascara or their Lights, Camera, Lashes! mascara.

**Disclaimer: As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products. This article contains some affiliate links provided through Viglink.com. All the opinions expressed in this article are my own. These items were purchased with my own money. For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

Product Review- Tarte Maracuja Oil

Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil Review



From the Brand: 
This nutrient-rich oil contains vitamin C and essential fatty acids to hydrate sensitive, dry, and acne prone skin, leaving skin even toned and smooth without a greasy feel. Pure maracuja oil is a hydrating treatment oil known for its anti-aging and healing properties for firmer, brighter, and smoother looking skin, and will not cause breakouts.

Product Performance: Essential fatty acids repair and rebuild skin, and promote skin recovery by reducing redness, irritation, and inflammation. The nutrient-rich oil instantly hydrates sensitive, dry, and acne prone skin, leaving skin even toned and smooth without a greasy feel. Vitamin C brightens dull skin for a radiant, dewy, and luminous complexion.

Powered By: Maracuja oil: pure maracuja oil has been known to replenish, rebuild and brighten skin. The nutrient-rich essential fatty acids repair & rejuvenate skin for a firmer complexion. The moisture-rich formula replenishes & hydrates skin.

Known as “puro milagro” or “the pure miracle”, only one crop of this rare Amazonian fruit is harvested each year by Amazonian women affiliated with tarte’s cooperative in the Amazon. Piece by piece, they sustainably pick and extract this nutrient-rich seeded pulp from each individual maracuja fruit by hand. This naturally harvested treasure, referred to as the “alma” or “soul” of the maracuja fruit is then hand pressed without the use of heat to guarantee the maximum amount of nutritious essential fatty acids and vitamins.

Retails for:  $46.00 for 1.7 fl oz


Where to Buy:  www.tartecosmetics.com, online at Sephora.com and Ulta.com, in Sephora and Ulta stores


My Thoughts:  I really like the way that this sinks into my skin, and it doesn't break me out.  I'm not sure what about it didn't agree with my skin personally though.  I was suffering from dry flaky patches on the sides of my nose, and instead of fixing and preventing that, it seemed to exacerbate it.  It has a slightly nutty scent to it, nothing overpowering but not unpleasant. I love the bottle.  It's very pretty with it's jewel tone purple and easy to use dropper.  This comes in a lot of of sets from Tarte it seems, and I've got lots of samples of it.  Maybe it will be better to supplement my new skincare routine now that the dry patches have been resolved, so I plan on trying it again to see if the dry patches come back or not.


Final Verdict:  I think this would be a great facial oil for those with combination or oily skin, since it sinks in quickly and doesn't leave a residue on the skin.  Drier skins should use in conjunction with a rich moisturizer to lock in the benefits of the oil.

**Disclaimer: As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products. This article contains some affiliate links provided through Viglink.com. All the opinions expressed in this article are my own. These items were purchased with my own money. For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

Product Review- Tarte Gifted Mascara

Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara Review


From the Brand:
An Amazonian clay smart mascara that instinctively treats your unique lash concerns- working overtime to keep lashes hydrated, intact, healthier, and stronger, while delivering the appearance of voluminous lashes.

Product Performance: The Amazonian clay makes this the first and only “smart” mascara that intuitively finds and treats your unique lash concerns, delivering the benefits you need and volume you desire. The Amazonian clay instinctively lengthens, conditions, repairs and replenishes dry and brittle lashes. This mascara works overtime to keep lashes intact, healthier, and stronger by preventing lash loss and promoting lash health.

Powered By: Amazonian clay: balances, nourishes, hydrates, replenishes and repairs to promote healthy, more voluminous lashes and while preventing lash loss

Rice wax: natural wax that helps lengthen lashes

Retails for:  $19.00


Where to Buy:  Sephora.com and Sephora stores, Ulta.com and Ulta stores, Tartecosmetics.com, QVC.com


My Thoughts:  Every time I try a new mascara, I feel like I fall in love with, and it’s suddenly the best thing since sliced bread.  That’s all I use for the next few weeks or so until it’s time to test-drive another one, and the last is left half-used and forgotten in a box on the bathroom counter.  Very few stand up to the test and are used still months down the road.  This however, is one of them.

I adore the brush head on this mascara.  Very similar to their Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara, the wand on this one is full of short densely packed bristles that grip the eyelashes and coat it evenly from root to tip for full lush lashes in fewer strokes.  The formula is thick and deeply black for a volumized look.  It’s more matte than patent, so it doesn’t have a wet look, which I prefer in a mascara.  It dries a bit stiff, but when I put it on immediately after curling my lashes, this stiffness does help hold the curl in my eyelashes pretty darn well.  However, I don’t find that it flakes, dries out my lashes, or is hard to remove.

But also like Tarte’s Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara, I do like to use this as a base under another formula for maximum effect.  Mostly, I use it with Buxom Lash or Benefit They’re Real! Mascara.  (I guess I have a thing for mascaras with exclamation points in the name.)  Tarte Gifted Mascara is great for the volume and some definition, but it does lack a bit in the lengthening and high defining category.

Final Verdict:  Another love of mine from the Tarte line, and a definite BUY if you get the opportunity.

**Disclaimer: This article contains referral links.  As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products. All the opinions expressed in this article are my own. These items were purchased with my own money. For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

Product Review- Tarte Beauty Without Boundaries QVC Set

Tarte Beauty Without Boundaries Set from QVC

I got an email a few months ago about a new set coming out from Tarte available only on QVC.  It contained two brushes, their new mascara I was dying to try, plus their new BB concealer that's not even available anywhere else yet.  That alone was enough to compel me to buy, but there was more and it was a major value!  I'm happy to bring to you my findings on these new products after playing with them the past two weeks on a near daily basis.

BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer-  I thought it was going to be like other BB creams that I've tried, and I was honestly wondering what the difference between this and their BB Perfecting Liquid Foundation was.  Well, this is definitely a primer and not a traditional BB cream.  The tint might as well not even be there for the amount of coverage it has when you immediately apply it.  However, it's like there's some kind of magic in it, because by the time I'm done applying some of the BB undereye corrector to my dark circles and a big around the sides of my nose, it's like I've suddenly got a face of foundation.  I'm not sure what it is about this stuff that tricks my eyes into thinking that I've got more even skin than I do, but I'll take it!  As a primer, it does amazingly well, and I've been wearing it under my regular foundation every time since buying the set.  There is something in there though that is causing the slightest bit of irritation to my face, since I'm noticing a little bit of bumps/redness in my t-zone.  It's not enough to make me stop using the product, and I'm hoping my skin adjusts over time.  My foundation usually starts to settle in my pores after a few hours, no matter what primer I use, and with this even after a 10 hour day on set, my foundation was looking amazingly perfect.  It also feels like pure silk.  I love it!

Double Ended Bamboo Brush-  I haven't used this yet honestly.  It's not the style of brush I use on myself, since I prefer a sponge or bigger buffing style brush for my foundations, but it may work its way into my pro kit at some point.

BB Tinted Undereye Corrector-  If you've read my review on the Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer, you'll understand why I find this so amazing when I say it's like they figured a way to put the maracuja concealer into a pan.  At first I thought the color was a little too pink, but that was in the lighting in my office.  In my bathroom lighting and out in the real world it looks pretty perfect for my fair skin, and it's super super pigmented.  I don't know why they are calling it tinted.  It's way more than tinted.  It starts off kind of sticky, and if you don't set it with powder or put some foundation over the top of it, the sticky feeling doesn't fade.  This is one concealer I'll definitely always use under my foundation.  I really really hope they release this into their regular line soon.  I don't see it individually on the Tarte or QVC sites, and it's really an amazing concealer.

Dual Sided Diffuser Bamboo Concealer Brush-  The brush is almost as good as the concealer itself.  You can see in my photos that it's been well used!  I love the different textures of the hairs on each side.  The light side is perfect for applying the concealer, while the dark side is made to buff and blend it evenly over the surface for a perfect finish.  I don't know how well it would do with a more liquid concealer, but it's perfect for the BB one in the set.

Lights, Camera, Lashes Waterproof 12-Hour Inner Rim Liner-  This I wasn't a fan of at all.  I found that it didn't give a full coverage with one swipe, and once you go over the same area more than 2-3 times, it starts to remove the product rather than build it up. It seems to set that quickly.  I was able to keep it in place for several hours, but no where near the 12 hour claim, if I didn't actually touch the waterline, but you can wipe it away easily with the tip of your finger even after it's set.  If you want a more smudgey smokey effect, this will work well.  If you want a stark deeply pigmented line, skip it.

Lights, Camera, Flashes Statement Mascara-  I've used the Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara for years, and I was excited when I saw this one released on the website a few weeks back.  I'd gone back and forth over whether I had time to review yet another mascara (trust me if you're getting bored with reading all the mascara reviews, imagine how bored I'm getting with writing them...), but when I saw it in the kit I knew it was meant to be that I review it.  And I'm glad I had the opportunity.  It's a unique brush as it has two different sides for applying and then combing the mascara through.  It's a similar concept to the Benefit They're Real! Mascara brush.  It's just as pokey, too.  I won't go into too much details now, as I am writing a separate review on the mascara of course later on.

LipSurgence Power Pigment in Awakening-  Another product I wasn't in love with.  It has some high points- it's super pigmented with just one quick swipe, and I love both the creamy hydrating feel and the peppermint flavor/tingle.  But the color just wasn't right for me.  It seemed to oxidize really quickly on my mouth and turned a weird orangey color, when it looks like a beautiful pink with only the slightest hints of peach.  If they come out with this in other shades, I'd love to try them out to see how they look on me.

Looking to add any of these products to your own makeup bag?  Check out TarteCosmetics.com for the BB Tinted Primer and Lights Camera Flashes Mascara now and be sure to keep checking back for when they launch the rest of the products.  You can also check out the selection of Tarte products available on QVC.com for products I've never seen on the regular Tarte site!

Product Review- Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara

Tarte Light! Camera! Lashes! Mascara Review

 

Tarte Light! Camera! Lashes! Mascara Review

From the Brand:   
A lengthening, curling, volumizing, and conditioning mascara infused with olive esters to condition, treat, and protect lashes.

Product Performance: Our lights, camera, lashes™ 4-in-1 mascara could be considered a push-up bra for your lashes—a 4-in-1 (lengthening, curling, volumizing, and conditioning) plus it’s dermatologist- and clinically-proven to increase the appearance of lash volume.

Powered By: olive esters: conditions, treats and protects lashes

Retails for:   $19.00

Where to Buy:   TarteCosmetics.com, Sephora Stores, Sephora.com, Ulta Stores, Ulta.com

My Thoughts:   Of all the products I've tried through the years by Tarte, this will probably always remain my all time favorite.  I'm pretty sure it was the first product I tried by them, and it set a pretty high precedent for the rest of their products.  Here's why:

The Wand-  This is the ultimate mascara brush head.  It's tightly packed with short bristles to get right to the base of my lashes and evenly coat both sides.  It's small enough in length that I'm not having to play twister with my lashes to avoid getting mascara on my lids and undereyes, and it's narrow enough in diameter that it doesn't block my field of vision.  It gives soft volume with just one coat and great definition with no clumping of the mascara and no clumping of the lashes together into spikey clusters.

The Formula-  It's thick enough to coat without clumping but thin enough to use as a base coat for other mascaras that are better at volumizing in a single coat.  I use this almost like a primer rather than a straight up mascara, most often applying it under my Makeup Forever Smokey Lash.  The combination of these two mascaras is a perfect One-Two punch that takes my lashes from subtle to amazing.  You can definitely build this up very easily for a really volumized look on its own, but for some reason I've always just used it as a base coat or for nice natural looking lashes in a flash.  I get too lazy to really layer layer layer the same mascara.  (Sounds weird I know when I say that I layer another mascara over it but my brain just sees it differently I suppose.)

The Packaging-  I love that it's not in just another cylinder.  It's very unique and immediately recognizable!  Not only is it a beautiful purple, but it's a textured leather with a unique shape.  When I see makeup set ups by artists, I can spot this baby out a mile away!  I'm always like "oh HEY!  I use that mascara, too!"

Side Note:  If you haven't checked out Tarte, you really should!  I honestly have almost every product they make either in full size or trial size.  I'm addicted.  If you're looking for a brand that's cruelty free, and always formulated without parabens • mineral oil • phthalates • triclosan • sodium lauryl sulfate • gluten, they're the brand for you!  If you're interested in trying out the mascara but don't want to buy a full size, they have a bunch of sets that have smaller versions, and when you sign up for an account with them you'll earn points towards freebies, including trial sizes of this mascara.  I think I end up with a trial size every time I buy something (about once a month probably) and then an additional sample.  Not sure what to get?  Check out my reviews of their Amazonian Clay Blush and their Amazonian Clay Foundations.  No, I'm not paid by them to endorse their products, nor do they send me free stuff. I have a pro discount with them, because I'm a professional makeup artist, so I've stocked up over the years to accommodate my clients with allergies and who ask that I use only cruelty free brands on their face.  I know that I can accomplish both of these with anything from Tarte while still providing amazing quality and staying power.  I do have a referral link to share with people and earn some points towards more products to review for you guys, so if you are interested, I'd be eternally grateful if you used the links in my articles.  Either way, it's a brand I highly endorse due to my years of experience using the products on both clients and myself.  (I think there's at least one product from Tarte on my face every single day!)  Ok, so now I'll just let you get back to your regularly scheduled makeup review reading....

Final Verdict:  Use alone for a soft volumized and defined look with just one swipe, or layer under another mascara for a conditioning basecoat for a "push-up bra" effect like they claim.

 

 

**Disclaimer: This article contains referral links.  As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products. All the opinions expressed in this article are my own. These items were purchased with my own money. For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

Product Review- Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hr Full Coverage Foundation

 

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hr Full Coverage Foundation Review 

 

From the Brand:   A long-wearing, skin-perfecting full coverage foundation with UVA/UVB SPF 15 infused with Amazonian clay for better, longer, truer wear.

Product Performance: Achieve flawless skin that looks healthy and natural. This supremely blendable, buildable and full coverage formula delivers up to 12 hours of satin-matte coverage with a weightless texture. Reduce the appearance of pores, discolorations and imperfections and ensure a perfectly flawless complexion every time with this best seller.

Powered By: Amazonian clay: This nutrient-rich, multitasking and total-skin-balancing clay reduces dryness and flakiness, improves skin clarity, elasticity, firmness, and texture while removing oil from the skin's surface for smooth application and wear

Retails for:   $38.00

Where to Buy:    TarteCosmetics.com, Sephora Stores, Sephora.com, Ulta Stores, Ulta.com

My Thoughts:   This formula has almost a whipped mouse-like consistency, sort of gel-like but not dense.  If that make any sense.  It's definitely unique.  There's a decent amount of pigmentation in it, so a little goes a long way.  I didn't like applying it with my damp blender sponge.  I think that the moisture in the sponge doesn't mix well with the formula of the foundation.  I got much better coverage and finish from a buffing brush.  I love using the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush to buff it into the surface of the skin.

It covers the redness on the sides of my nose very well without making my pores look more noticeable, which is very important to me.  It also absorbs any shine in my t zone without separating and looking either patchy or chalky by the end of the day.  It has a great wear time and a demi-matte finish.  It looks like skin, but not dewey and not dry and powdery either.

While it does absorb oil, since my skin is naturally on the slightly drier side, it's not a great every day foundation for me in particular.  It's great for days when I'm more oil-prone due to hormones, or for when I need the coverage and will be spending an extended amount of time in the humidity.  I can see this being the perfect foundation for those with oily skin all the time, especially teenage girls.  Just remember that a little goes along way with the coverage so you don't end up wasting any!

Final Verdict: It's not the cheapest foundation around, especially if you are a teenage girl with a limited budget, but it's worth the investment for a great oil controlling foundation that doesn't look heavy on the skin.  A great option to rotate out for those with combination skin as well!

 

**Disclaimer:  This article contains referral links.  As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products. All the opinions expressed in this article are my own. These items were purchased with my own money. For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

Product Review- Tarte emphasEYES Eyeliner

Tarte emphasEYES Gel Eyeliner

 

Tarte Emphaseyes Eyeliner Review

From the Brand:   

Specifically designed for the sensitive inner-rim, this eye pencil imparts a super fine line for a defined, sultry look that lasts all day.

Product Performance: This ultra fine liner easily fills gaps in the lashline and glides perfectly on the inner rims of eyes. Our patented silicone system creates a super creamy, long-wearing formula specifically designed for the sensitive inner rim so it won't fade or run and its dermatologist tested, so it won't irritate the sensitive eye area like traditional wood pencils.


Powered By: Aloe leaf extract: widely-known plant extract with soothing, healing and antiseptic properties that helps maintain moisture balance in the skin

Retails for:   $18.00

Where to Buy:    TarteCosmetics.com, Sephora Stores, Sephora.com, Ulta Stores, Ulta.com

My Thoughts:   I love that this is made for the inner waterline of the eyes.  I can never find a good mascara that won't fade out to nothing super quickly or end up irritating me eyes.  They have the perfect brightening color, too.  This photo is an old version of the packaging, and they've updated it now.  I haven't used it in forever, and it's time to toss this one, but I figured it was still good enough for a photograph.  I need to purchase a new one in black, as I like to wear color in the waterline a lot more now, and nothing stands up to this formula for that.

Final Verdict:  Like a smokey eye or just some color in your waterline?  This is the formula eyeliner for you!

 

**Disclaimer:  This article contains referral links.  As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products. All the opinions expressed in this article are my own. These items were purchased with my own money. For more information on my policies, please view my Let's Chat page.

July Favorites

It's been forever since I've done a favorites post, March in fact!  I figured it was high time that I get into the routine of doing these every month, so here are my favorite hair and makeup products for the month of July.

L'Oreal Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm :  This is the only product in this list that I haven't actually reviewed yet, but I'm getting ready to do one next month.  I'm almost completely done using this jar of conditioner, and I'm totally in love.  I think this treatment has pretty much replaced regular conditioner in my shower.  Already from experience, I learned that most traditional conditioners don't give me the kind of hydration and therapy that I need with my constant coloring.  I've been coloring my hair for half my life now, so there's nary a hair on my head that hasn't been almost processed to death.  I keep my hair healthy however by washing it only 2-3 times a week and using a treatment conditioner like this L'Oreal one instead of regular conditioners.  I think I've used just about every hair treatment mask out there at some point or another, and this one has impressed me the most.  And it's only $6.99!  I picked it up on a whim at Target one day, and I have barely used anything else since.  My hair is soft and bouncy, and the shine is great!  It's honestly the healthiest it's ever felt.

Revlon Colorstay Foundation:  {Read my review here}  Since I've got a bit of a tan this month from spending a lot of time outdoors (despite the ridiculous 90+ degree temps!), I've been using this foundation a lot.  I picked it up in a color I knew was a little too dark at the time, but now it's perfect.  But that's not the only reason I've been using it.  It really does last all day long, and it's proven to be pretty humidity resistant as well.  I just use a tissue to blot my face when I feel sweaty (I don't get oily much with my dry skin), and it doesn't rub off that way.  I do notice a bit of transfer on my cell phone screen, but I think that every brand of foundation does that to some extend.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Brow Mousse:  {Read my review here}  This has totally replaced my Elizabeth Arden brow powder that I've been using for the past six years.  Every once and a while I'll grab a pencil to fill in my brows, but pretty much this is my go-to product for getting perfect brows that last all day long.  I think my favorite part is that it comes with a dual ended brush to apply the product and brush out the brow hairs.  And this stuff is majorly pigmented.  Just a tiny bit will fill in the whole brow, and after an entire month of using it nearly every day I've made just the barest of dents in it.

NYX Lip Butter in Eclair:  {Read my review here}  I introduced my teenage nieces to this lip gloss, and they are all about now, too.  I recently stocked up again at Ulta when they had a sale (and broke my challenge, I know! Ugh!), and I added a few more colors to my collection. I need to just start buying them online instead of in the store, because the colors I want are always out of stock in my local store.  They seriously had 1-2 of only a few colors, and I had to be nice and let my niece get the only one in a color I've been wanting.  What a nice Auntie I am! ha ha!  Meringue is a pretty decent substitute for Eclair if you can't get your hands on it by the way.  Eclair still remains my favorite though, and I use it daily.  It is the perfect pale pink and positively LIVES in my purse. (Peter Piper picked a peck.... haha)  Moving on...

Be A Bombshell Blush:  {See my review on IPSY here}  If you've read my blog about Tarte's Amazonian Clay Blush {here}, you'll know how much I absolutely adore their product.  But I think I may have found a new brand of blush to obsess over for a while.  I got the Be A Bombshell blush in Sweet Cheeks, and I've used it almost every day.  I alternate it with my Frisky Tarte blush, and this color gives me a great flush without being too bright.  It's a subtle warm pink that goes great with my fair skintone, although it does look better on me now with a bit of a tan.  It's nice and pigmented and can be brushed on sheer with a brush like the Real Techniques Stippling Brush, or layered for more color with an angled blush brush.

Covergirl Flamed Out Mascara: I haven't published my review for this mascara yet, but I've definitely been recommending it via my Facebook and Instagram if you've been paying attention.  (If not, why not?  Check them out and follow me now to stay up to date with my top recommendations BEFORE they hit the blog!)  This has a unique hourglass shaped wand that deposits mascara perfectly, and the formula is rich and creamy without clumping. It delivers perfect volume and the perfect price point.  Every time this month I've done my makeup, this is the mascara that I've reached for, and it's not even waterproof!  It hasn't smudged or melted off, either.  Not sure if they make a waterproof version, but I'll definitely be hunting it down at the store before I head to Florida in a few weeks to double check.

What are your favorite products this month?  Share your thoughts with us on your favorite products or on these.  We'd love to hear them!

Product Review- Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer

Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer

 

From the Brand: A full coverage, waterproof concealer that won’t crease, flake, or leave you needing more.

 

Product Performance: Maracuja creaseless concealer offers long-lasting, full coverage in a rich, creamy texture with pure, skin-soothing, and anti-aging ingredients. This velvety concealer is also ideal for masking discoloration and imperfections such as acne/blemishes, redness, scars, hyperpigmentation, and dark circles. This nutrient-rich, blendable, liquid concealer brightens and restores skin’s natural luster, leaving you with a flawless complexion.

Powered By: Maracuja: helps to improve skin’s texture, tone and moisture content while imparting a brightening dewy, luminous finish. In addition to promoting healthy skin.

Retails for: $24.00

Where to Buy: Tartecosmetics.com, Sephora stores and online, Ulta stores and online

My Thoughts:  This concealer is super creamy and the most pigmented stuff I've ever used.  The tiniest, and I mean tiniest, bit is all you need to smooth over your undereye area.  It's pretty budgeproof, too, even in the heat.  And when they say it's creaseless, it really is!  I haven't found it settling into fine lines at all.

I don't think I've used it often enough (since I don't wear makeup every day) to see any skin benefits from it, but it does outlast and outperform the majority of concealers in my repertoire.  The finish is nice and dewy, although I do usually add a touch of powder when I set my foundation/concealer.  It's also great for other areas rather than just under the eyes, and it won't budge or settle there either.

Final Verdict: Amazing concealer and worth every penny!

 

 

**Disclaimer: As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products.  All the opinions expressed in this article are my own.  These items were purchased with my own money.

Product Review- Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Brow Mousse

I think just about every thing Tarte makes these days is made with Amazonian clay.  Or maracuja oil.  Still not sure what makes these ingredients the bomb diggity (yes, I just said bomb diggity.  I just turned 30 on Saturday, and I'm rebelling by reverting back to 90s lingo from my teenage years.)  Whatever makes them so awesome, they must work, because I think I'm in love with everything that I try from the Tarte Cosmetics line of makeup.

Their new (or at the very least new to me) emphasEYES Waterproof Amazonian Clay Brow Mousse is no exception.

From the company:
Amazonian clay-infused brow mousse with a shape shifter double ended bamboo brow brush.

Product Performance: For brows that WOW, trust Amazonian clay brow mousse to take the guesswork out of achieving arch perfection. Fill them in nicely without looking fake. This light, airy consistency allows the product to naturally glide onto brows, fill in and blend seamlessly so there’s never any harsh lines or waxy build up. The FREE shape shifter double-ended bamboo brow brush allows for a precise application every time so it’s practically impossible to mess up the application.
Powered By: Amazonian clay: Amazonian clay minimizes oil around the hair follicle to balance skin and keep pigment in place. Dry skin? This nourishing clay hydrates skin naturally to restore moisture so product does not flake or transfer

My Take: At first I was a little like brow "mousse"?  When you open the little glass jar, it looks more like gel eyeliner than a mousse, and it comes with an angled brush that looks a lot like an angled eyeliner brush.  It's a bit thicker and stiffer and works perfectly for the brows, though.  I got the medium brown, and it was a beautiful warm toned brown that looks great with my red hair.  It's only available in three colors, and I would love to get the other two and add them to my makeup kit for work.  This stuff really stays put, but it hasn't been super hot or humid yet, so it's still got to be "tested" a bit more. Just a tiny bit goes a really long way, and I can see this lasting forever so long as it doesn't dry out first.

**Disclaimer: As with all my product reviews, I was not paid by the cosmetic company to provide feedback or review/promote their products.  All the opinions expressed in this article are my own.  These items were purchased with my own money.

Tarte Makeup Haul

I'm totally loving just about everything that I've gotten from TarteCosmetics.com lately, and my recent haul purchases are no exception.  I placed an order online a few weeks ago for some more of their lovely blushes, since all I had was Blushing Bride and a limited edition travel size in Adventurous.

While I was surfing around the site, I found a really cool new product called a brow mousse.  I'd never heard of it before, but you pretty much apply it just as you would a powder.  It looks more like a gel liner than a brow product, and it's super pigmented.  So if you're going to use it be sure to go easy.  I barely touched the brush into the product, and it gave me great coverage.  It comes with a dual ended brush that has the angled applicator brush side and a spoolie for combing the color through the eyebrows and shaping the hairs into place.  Overall, I really really like this product!

I know I've talked ad nauseum about how much I love their Amazonian Clay 12 hr blushes, but the three new colors I got are quickly becoming my go to colors.  I'd heard amazing things about Exposed all over YouTube and the beauty blogging world, so that was definitely on my list.  It's perfect for when I'm doing a monochromatic bronzy look.  Or when I don't really want a lot of "color" so to speak, so not pink or peach, but just a something so that my skin doesn't look naked.  Hope that makes sense to you! haha.  Frisky is a gorgeous slightly warm reddish pink with some subtle golden shimmer, and Amused is a nice candy pink that's not chalky at all.  Frisky is definitely my go-to color these days, as it looks fabulous with my red hair!

What do you think of the Tarte brand?  Any products you love and would recommend?

Makeup Tips #1!

Copyright Urban Decay Cosmetics

I'm starting a new series here on the blog- Makeup Tips!  Quick little posts with some of my favorite tips for making your makeup look amazing.

Tip #1:  Use an eye primer before putting on your eye color

Using an eye primer will allow your eyeshadow to cling to the eyelid better and last all day.  I hear from women all the time that they get frustrated when their eyeshadow fades or settles into the creases of their eyelids.  Yet when I ask them if they use an eye primer first, they look at me like I have two heads.

Not only will it help your eye color last longer through the day (especially important if you have oily lids or lots of fine lines), it will also keep the color truer.  Ever put an eye shadow on your lid only to  have it look completely different from how it did in the pan?  Eye primers counteract this problem!

And if that wasn't enough, many eye primers now come with a multitude of skincare benefits, from hydrating to firming.  How awesome is that?!

Do you have a favorite eye primer?  Here are mine:

1. Tarte 360 degree Creaseless Eye Primer.  It's silky smooth and very hydrating.  And I love that Tarte doesn't test on animals and uses natural ingredients in a lot of their products.
2. Benefit Stay Don't Stray.  This is best for fair skinned women, as it's got a built in concealer that completely blocks out discoloration on the lid.  Perfect for those days when you don't really want to wear shadow, but you want your lids to look fresh.  Goes under your undereye concealer as well to keep it in place!
3. Too Faced Shadow Insurance.  Available in a variety of shades to give your eyes exactly what they need.  Comes in clear, lemony yellow, candlelight (shimmery golden), champagne, and glitter glue- perfect if you wear glittery shadows or loose pigments!
4. Urban Decay Primer Potion.  Also available in a variety of colors.  Eden (a nude), Original (clear), Sin (shimmering champagne- gorgeous on its own!), and Greed (shimmering golden).

March Favorites 2013

Here are some of my absolute favorite products from March 2013.  I've been either using or wearing these for the majority of the month and highly recommend them to anyone.  As with all of my product recommendations, I do not receive payment from the brands to promote their products, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am part of an affiliate program through Ulta, so if you are interested in purchasing any of these items they sell, the link provided in the text is an affiliate link to their site.

Skincare:

1. Ren Glycol Lactic Radience Renewal Mask-  This stuff combines the exfoliating power of both glycolic and lactic acid to dissolve dead skin cell buildup on the surface of the face and unclog your pores.  It's got a bit of an orangey scent to it, and it looks quite gross when you apply it. But it works wonders.  You only need about a quarter size amount once a week, so this stuff will last forever!

Makeup:

2. Hello Flawless Oxygen WOW Foundation (my color is Ivory)-  I love the texture of this.  It's almost like a silicone primer, but pigmented like a foundation. I don't even use a primer with it, and it evens out my skin and minimizes my pores.  And best of all, it looks like real skin, not heavy makeup!  Even if you build it up to more full coverage!  Better for people with oily or combination than dry skin, as I found that it did start to cling a bit to my drier patches by the end of the day.

3. Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder-  There's not too much to say about this other than-  It's the shiz.  And smells like real chocolate.  Ah-ma-zing.  There's the darker- the chocolate soleil color, and the lighter- the milk chocolate soleil color.  They are matte and really pigmented.  Perfect if you like to contour with a bronzer.  (I forgot to talk about this in my video!  Whoops!)

4. Milani Glosses-  I'm addicted to these things.  I own almost every color.  I love the 3D Glitzy Glamour Glosses best.  They smell like glazed lemon cake.  Yummy!  All the Milani lip products smell so edible, and they aren't sticky and super pigmented.  Plus, they're cheap!  Score!

5. Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-Hour Smoothing Eye Primer-  I love Tarte, but these guys have got to narrow down their names.  Bonus points for descriptiveness though.  But back to the product... it feels like a lotion going on the skin, so it's hydrating and not sticky or dry feeling like some other eye primers. I can feel it working on my skin, improving the texture of it while it holds my makeup in place.  I don't know if it's actually doing anything, but it feels great and works great so....  it gets my thumbs up!  I also love that it's a squeeze tube, so I can measure out exactly how much I want vs using an applicator to wipe some off on the back of my hand.  (I forgot this one in my video, too!  And thiiiis is why I need to be better organized when I film these things!)

6. Lorac Pro Palette-  (Not pictured)  These eyeshadows are super pigmented and blend really beautifully.  Plus, one half of the palette is mattes, and the other half is shimmers, so you can mix and match to your hearts desire!  

Nails-

7. Essie Spring Nail Polish Collection-  Just tried these for the first time the other day, and while I didn't use them all month, I am a huge fan of them right off the bat.  They are so creamy and pigmented compared to every other brand I've ever tried, that I think I'm a believer for life.  Now I just have to control myself from buying them in every color!  My favorite from my Spring Collection Review is the gorgeous coral shade Hip-Anema.  I have no idea what that means, but its a beautiful color, so what-ev's!

Tools-

8. Real Techniques Brushes-  These are so nice!  They are super inexpensive, and I love that they are lightweight aluminum handles.  I haven't had a single hair shed on any of them, and I've got multiples of all of the collections as well as the individual brushes.  I've been using and washing them all month testing their durability, and they pass with flying colors.  My biggest fav right now is the Expert Face Brush.  Great for buffing in liquid or cream foundation or contouring under the cheekbones.  It's a real multitasker, which I love in a brush.

I don't have any favorites for hair right now.  I just started going back to my regular stylist after she came off of maternity leave, and there was some color repair she's had to do on my roots.  So I'll be using my Bed Head shampoo and conditioner for the next month or two until it's time to color again to avoid anything interacting with the color process.  Reds are so finicky!  If you have any products you'd like me to test run (that are safe for color treated hair of course!) please leave me a comment below, and I'll add it to my review routine coming up!

Thanks so much for reading!  Be sure to check out my other articles and product reviews and leave me some love.  I always really appreciate feedback, and the random hello's! are fantastic, too!

Product Review- Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 hr Blush

 

Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush


From the company:

A long-wearing, supremely soft blush infused with Amazonian clay harvested from the banks of the Amazon River and naturally baked by the sun.

Product Performance: This 12-hour blush universally benefits all skin types for a fade-free, flawless finish in shades ranging from soft to vivid and matte to shimmer to suit a wide variety of skin tones.
Powered By: Amazonian clay minimizes oil in and around pores to balance skin and keep product in place while also hydrating the skin naturally to restore moisture, reducing the appearance of dry, flaky skin.

And now for my $.02:

Let me start off by saying, nobody from Tarte paid me or asked me to do this review.  I bought their Amazonian Clay 12 hr Blush in Blushing Bride last fall all on my own, with my own dollars.  I bought another kit from them that had a travel size of a color called Adventurous (which I will cry when I run out of b/c they don't sell it on it's own!).

Copyright Tarte Cosmetics.  This is a screenshot from their website of the Blushing Bride Color.

That disclaimer out of the way... I LOVE THIS BLUSH!  I really love the Adventurous color a lot better than the Blushing Bride color, but it's still a really great product and can be totally wearable even on my super pale skin.  When I want a more mauve/wine based color for a bit more drama, or I'm wearing cooler tones for my outfit and makeup but don't want to reach for a really Barbie-pink color, the Blushing Bride looks great.  I love how it has some soft golden shimmer to it.  However, Adventurous is way more my speed- the perfect blend of peachy pink with a non-glittery glow.

Click to shop

The 12 Hour Claim:

I find that this product goes on beautifully and really holds up to it's claim of 12 hours of wear.  It actually lasts longer than that on me, as I am often putting on my makeup in the wee hours of the morning for weddings and hitting the hay after midnight.  Can't say I'm totally stunning at that witching hour, but it's definitely better than 12 hours.  I do wear a high quality foundation (most times over a high quality makeup primer like Makeup Forever HD Primer), so I'm sure that helps with staying power vs applied over cheap foundation or just a powder.  No matter how good a product is, you have to give it something to grip to!

Copyright Makeup Forever from the Sephora website.

My favorite thing about these blushes, other than the fact that they wear so well, is that the case color matches the product color. Ingenious!  I don't know why more cosmetic manufacturers don't do this!  It's really such an amazingly simple idea, yet it makes it so nice for when I'm looking for exactly the color I want.

Watch my YouTube review video for more about why these blushes rock!  Looking to add some Tarte products to your makeup bag?  SHOP HERE and don't forget to sign up for their Pretty Perks program to earn great rewards for shopping online and FREE SHIPPING on orders of $40 or more!

Tarte Smooth Operator Illuminating Serum

Being a professional makeup artist sure has its perks.  First, I get a tax write off on all the makeup I buy as business supplies, so it gives me the opportunity to try out all sorts of new stuff.  Second, with as much makeup as I have to buy to simply replace the makeup in my kit I use on shoots and weddings, I rack up a lot of membership points at Sephora and Ulta.  Sephora has a program called V.I.B., Very Important Beauty (Insider).  I get exclusive emails with discounts and promotions, and every year on my (Free) renewal date, I get a coupon for 10% off.  With this year's discount, I bought a set of "Sephora's Favorites- Glizt & Glam Collection" and in it got a lot of great kit-sized products to test out.  I tried a few of them out this weekend at a wedding and was super impressed by Tarte's Smooth Operator Illuminating Serum, an new product that's only available right now as a part of the set or as a part of Tarte's Radiant & Rested Luminous Complexion Collection.  It's so smooth and silky feeling, and it has a bit of a tint to it,so it really helps to even out skin tone either alone or under foundation.  It says there's a bit of a glow to it, but I didn't really see much pearly glow as an evening of the skin.  I think it's best for clients with fair skin, as on darker skins it might look chalky.  But it made a super amazing base for a client with a large red cluster birthmark on her right cheekbone above her eye.  It helped grip the concealor and added a bit of coverage on it's own. Then with the airbrush over the top, you couldn't even see it any more.  I just ordered the R&R complexion set with my Sephora Friends and Family discount code (Available from now until Nov 3, use promo code FF2010 for 20% off!) for the full size product.  I'm also excited to try the EmphasEYES eye brightener for the inner rim that comes in the set, too.

Copyright Tarte Cosmetics.  Photo from the Sephora website.

Another product from the Sephora Glitz & Glam collection that I fell in love with is the Lorac Perfectly Lit in Spotlight.  It's a tan bronzer like product that has a bit of shimmer to it that adds a beautiful glow for sculpting the cheekbones on fair skins.  I brushed it on the back of the cheekbones and up to the temples and then used a very sheer bright pink on the apples of the cheeks to help them "pop".  It was a beautiful combination that gave them a gorgeous glow without looking like they were wearing a ton of blush. 

Since I'm going on and on about the great stuff I got from Sephora recently (and that I tried out at the wedding this Saturday) I'll also let you know about Tarte's Good As Gold Lipgloss Collection (for only $29!!!!!).  It is absolutely going to become a staple in my kit.  The glosses are the perfect size, the price is amazing, and the colors are to die for.  I used some of the brighter pinks on the lips blended over a brownish nude lipliner, and it was the perfect compliment to the bronze/pink cheeks of the bridesmaids.  Paired with shimmery nude and chocolate colored eyeshadow and glitzy copper liner, it was a soft romantic effect that went perfectly with the deep chocolate colored bridesmaids dresses.

I ordered a few more collections from Sephora with my discount today, and I can't wait to get them in and tell you all about the awesome products inside!