Tarte Glow Your Way To Gorgeous

     As I have meandered through places like Ulta, I remember seeing displays for Tarte, and thinking, 'Oh, that's different,' and continued walking by. Never really thought too much about it, that is....until QVC aired a few Tarte presentations. I was very impressed by the natural ingredients and the addition of Amazonian clay and maracuja oil, which shit, just that alone sounds impressive, right? I mean real clay from the Amazon? How exotic, ripe and fruitful will I look? And maracuja oil? I have no idea what it is, but sign me up. (Actually, it's an enhancing agent to allow the other Amazonian products to blend and absorb better.) Huh??

     Yeah, I ordered it. Not really sure what I was buying until it arrived. They call it an eight piece kit, but really as you can see from the (bad) photo, it's more like 11, (12 if you count the bag). Here's what comes in the deal-

0.42 oz Maracuja Creaseless Concealer in choice of Fair, Light, Medium, Tan, or Deep--Shades exclusive to QVC until 12/31/11

0.20 oz 12-Hour Wear Clay Blush in Peaceful, a soft rose--Shade exclusive to QVC until 12/31/11

0.10 oz Amazonian Clay Waterproof Cream Shadow in Shimmering Taupe--Shade exclusive to QVC until 12/31/11

0.056 oz Amazonian Clay SmolderEYES eyeliner in Fig, a plum brown--Shade exclusive to QVC until 12/31/11

0.24 fl oz Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara in Black

0.10 oz Lip Luster in Sweet, a peach pink--Shade exclusive to QVC until 12/31/11

Blush brush

Shadow brush

Sharpener

Carryall Bag

     First thing I did was add my moisturizer and SPF, (gotta have that ladies) and finally primer. This kit doesn't include a foundation, so I just rolled out my old Bare Minerals and dusted my skin. Next I applied the Maracuja Creaseless Concealer on my lid and under my eye, to cover by dark circles, (which I never had before my son:)). Then I added a bit of a neutral lid color, as I didn't really want to use the cream shadow on the entire lid. Next I added the Amazonian Clay Waterproof Cream Shadow, using a wonderful brush! I then broke out the Amazonian Clay SmolderEYES in Fig (a brown/plum color). I was hesitant about this color, because I have diverted from my usual black or dark brown eyeliner before and had never been happy, so this was BIG for me. And you know what? I loved it! I have very dark brown eyes, and loved how it brought out lighter flecks of brown, colors I had never seen using my standard staples. Truly an awesome product....So, getting back on track, I went in and did my brows, and then whipped out the Lights, Camera, Lashes. Now, here is another product I was eager, yet cautious in using. I thought I had just found another mascara to claim my ideal match, but I heard so many rave reviews about this Tarte product, that I was very excited to see if it lived up to the hype. Well? It did. I don't think my lashes have ever looked so lush and flirty before. Excellent, and when combined with the eye cream and liner, I looked pretty fuckin' good. I don't have high self-esteem, so this is saying great things. To be honest, I felt totally done at this point, but it occurred to me there was more to do, as I noticed I still had a few items I had not used. So, I added the 12-Hour Wear Clay Blush, the strange colored bronzer and lovely lip color, which is very cooling and slightly plumping.

     I think for never trying this beauty line before, I was blown away by the quality of the products. I pretty much loved everything, but had a hard time with the bronzer. It felt a little dark for me, but I might have been too heavy handed. Otherwise I am definitely NOT sending this kit back. I will be looking forward to purchasing other items, especially the Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF15 (Apparently only available on QVC currently)! I am getting to the point in my life where I don't like adding strange chemicals onto my body, so I have been actively searching for something that is durable, long lasting and actually delivers on their claims. I am very satisfied with this kit, which is currently $54.96 on QVC.com, but I paid about $6 less and used the flex pay option. Still, it's a great deal when you consider all you are getting and the quality of the product is outstanding.

     On a side note: If you are a fan of True Blood, check out the official Tarte website, as they have a collection of makeup inspired by the show!

GRADE: A-