REVIEW: Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer

~AG~

This best-selling concealer has been on my wish list for the longest time! With the pandemic and working from home situation, my makeup has not been touched in a long time. Decided to toss my long overdue Chanel concealer. It has been in use for over 2 years. It is way past the recommended shelf life for concealer. Formulated without parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, triclosan and sodium lauryl sulfate. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer is great for those who are concerned of harmful ingredients in their cosmetics.

This highly raved concealer claims to lasts for 16 hours. Tarte Shape Tape concealer claims to smooth and brighten to make eyes appear lifted. Since the main use of concealer is for my dark circles, this product sounds perfect. The sponge tip applicator makes it easy to use. Tarte Shape Tape’s crease-proof formula would not cake or settle for 12 hours. Its trademarked tape technology helps to smooth and blur appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Tarte Shape Tape concealer is quite pricey at S$42. Though it is slightly cheaper compared to Chanel Le Correcteur, which is S$47.50. The texture of the Tape Shape Concealer is thicker than Chanel Le Correcteur concealer. You only need a small amount (less than a pea-size amount) to conceal the dark circles. When I tried the concealer under my eyes, the 27S light-medium sand was a better match for my overall skin tone. It conceals my dark circles without being too light. 27S is suitable for light to medium skintone with yellow undertones. 

For reference, I use:

• Chanel Le Correctuer in 20 Beige

• IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Corrector in Medium

• Cle de Peau Beaute concealer in Ocher

• Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in Shade 22 Beige Rose

• Bobbi Brown Beige (3)

• Urban Decay Weightless Liquid Makeup in Shade 3.0 and 

• Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation in Shade 52 (Vanille)

High-End vs. Drugstore (Roadshows) Makeup Products

Worth the Splurge:
1) Foundation - I almost always buy high-end foundation. The biggest factor is the process of selecting a color match. A saleslady at the counter can greatly assist in the color selection. For drugstore brands such as Revlon or L'Oreal, you often have to play the guessing game to select a color match. Plus, the lighting at the drugstore is often not suitable for selecting a color match for foundation. The only drugstore foundation brand that I adore is Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation. But in Singapore, they sell it at BHG counter, so I had the helpful assistance of a saleslady. 
2) Concealer - There is a huge difference between high-end concealers and drugstore concealers. High-end concealers provide more coverage, and yet goes on smoothly. As with drugstore foundations, you often have to guess your color match because there are no testers available. Even if there is a tester, the lighting at drugstore is not adequate to accurately determine a color match. Drugstore concealers that have high coverage tends to be cakey too. 

 

Not worth the extra $$:
1) Mascaras - Since you have to replace them every 6 months, it would be very costly to purchase high-end mascaras such as Lancome, Dior and Chanel. Drugstore brands such as Maybelline and  CoverGirl produce good-performing mascaras that are easy on your pockets. Korean roadshow brands such as Etude House and innisfree have a good selection of mascaras as well. 
2) Lipstick - A girl needs an array of lip colors. I have a confession to make: I am a lip product junkie. I probably have more than 20 lipsticks, lip tints, lip crayons, lip glosses and lip balms. I do own some high-end lipsticks such as Chanel, NARS, Dior lipsticks. But I also own mid-priced products such as Benefit Benebalm. For affordable-priced products, my inclination is towards Korean roadshow brands such as Clio, VDL and innisfree. I especially <3 the VDL Expert Color Lip Cube Ex! 

So there you have it! Makeup products that I splurge on, and those that I save on. Tell me about yours!

Blush Series - Powder Blush, Highlighters & Cream Blush

~AG~

BLUSH

1. Benefit Cosmetics Sugarbomb Box o' Powder Blush
- This is a more 'bronzey' blush that is suitable for a sunkissed glow
- The shades are very pretty and blends well together
- Plus, the blush has a sweet scent

2. Nars Blush in Orgasm
- The highly-awarded powder blush by Nars
- This peach blush with gold shimmers works well for various skin tone. 
- I would not recommend this blush for those with dry skin, as it can accentuate dry patches

3. Tarte Pin-Up Girl Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush Palette
- My FAVORITE blush palette! It has various pink and peach shades. You can pick and chose  the shade based on the look of the day. 
- A great piece to have in your makeup arsenal. Highly recommended!
- Highly(x2)  pigmented and has good staying power. 

4. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush
- If you are looking for a matte blush, this is the blush for you. 
- Great pigmentation and stays on very well.
- Works well for sensitive/oily skin. 
- Nothing to complain about this wonderful powder blush

5. NYX Powder Blush in Ethereal
- An affordable dupe of Nars Blush in Orgasm, though it is not as pigmented
- Shimmery peach shade that will be great for fair-to-medium skin tone

6. Benefit Cosmetics CORALista Box o' Powder Blush
- A shimmery shade similar to Nars Orgasm though it is more shimmery
- This coral/peach shade is much lighter than Nars Orgasm, and works well for fairer skin tone

BLUSH/HIGHLIGHTER

7. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact in Rose
- This was my first Bobbi Brown purchase and I loved this!
- Love this shimmery blush and highlighter product
- People often comment on my healthy glow when I use this product
- Works well for my warm, medium skin tone
- Easy to use, you just swirl your brush and apply it to the apples of your cheeks

8. Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect Rose Peche
- Beautifully designed powder, you can expect no less from Chanel!
- Finely-milled shimmers that are oh-so-flattering
- It works more as a highlighter than a blush as it does not give off as much color

CREAM BLUSH

9. Stila Convertible Color in Lillium
- Great for those new to cream blush as it is easy to apply - you can use your fingers to apply the cream blush
- The shade, Lillium, works well to create a fresh, healthy glow. Cream blush creates a more natural look than powder blush.
- Works especially well for those that have dry skin type. For oily/combination skin type, I recommend powder blush instead, p.s: see #4 (Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush).

NEW BUY: Tarte To Go Travel Size Maracuja Oil

Tarte to go travel size maracuja oil

~AG~

My skin has been severely dry due to travel to a dry & cold climate. My combination skin became flakey, especially around the nose and cheeks area. Borrowed MG's Tarte Maracuja Oil and was amazed by it. It works very well to hydrate my skin. Plus, my sensitive skin did not have any adverse reaction to it. No new breakouts or bumps on my face *thumbs up* 

Decided to buy my own bottle of Tarte Maracuja Oil from Sephora Singapore. The mini version comes with 15 ml of product and was S$20.  

Not all oil is created equal. This earth-prescribed treatment oil targets your individual skin concerns and delivers harmony and moisture for firmer, brighter, smoother-looking skin. 

In a 6 week consumer use study:

96% of women saw an overall visible improvement in skin

91% of women saw a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles

94% of women saw a visible improvement in skin texture

94% of women thought skin appeared renewed and rejuvenated.

Formulated without parabens, formulated without mineral oil, formulated without  phthalates, formulated without sodium lauryl sulfates, formulated without gluten

So far, I am loving this face oil, please stay tuned for my in-depth review of this Tarte Maracuja Oil. 

REVIEW: Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara

Mini-version of Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara

The densely-bristled brush

Medium-sized brush head

~AG~

Received a sample size of Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara from Sephora (USA) Beauty Insiders rewards redemption. I have been a BIG fan of Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes waterproof mascara for years. Click the link for my review of it. http://beautyloverssisters.blogspot.sg/2013/10/review-tarte-lights-camera-splashes.html

Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara contains active ingredients that treats the lashes while
creating a voluminous look. This Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara from Tarte is designed to treat your lash concerns while at the same time creating voluminous lashes. It promises to keep lashes hydrated, intact, healthier and stronger. The Amazonian clay balances, nourishes, hydrates, replenishes and repairs lashes. It claims to improve the overall health of your lashes. This natural clay also absorbs oil all-day to keep mascara lasting longer. Lastly, Amazonian clay's enriched pigments create voluminous lashes. 

THE GOOD

• Adds volume to my fine and straight lashes
• Does not clump
• Does not irritate my eyes 

THE BAD

• Not smudge proof, causes racoon eyes 
• Does not really lengthen my short lashes

I will not re-purchase this because I need to use waterproof mascara. This product does not come with a waterproof formula. There are way better performing high-end mascaras. I MUCH prefer Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes waterproof mascara and Dior Iconic mascara.  

NEW BUY: Tarte Pin-Up Girl Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush Palette

 

 

 

 

 

~AG~

 



I was finally able to get my hands on this Tarte Pin-Up Girl Amazonian Clay Blush Palette. Thanks to my boyfriend for getting the last piece of blush palette from Sephora Great World City! The week before I had looked for this blush palette at several Sephora stores in Singapore such as at Ion, Takashimaya and Suntec City, but I was told that it was sold out. Desperately looking for it, I even contacted Tarte official to ask whether they were producing more of this blush palette. It was no longer available on tarte.com, Sephora.com, Ulta.com and Beauty.com. The blush palette was only available through re-seller, which I did not feel comfortable purchasing from.

Le t me tell you the funny story on how the Tarte blush palette found its way into my possession. My boyfriend and I happened to be at Great World City. At that time, I had lost any hope of finding the Tarte blush palette because the salesperson at Sephora had told me that it was sold-out citywide. I was shopping by myself while my boyfriend went to the ATM. After I was done shopping, I happened to see Sephora and decided to pop there to verify whether all the Tarte blush palette were truly sold out. While heading to the Tarte section, I noticed someone familiar at Sephora. Guess who it was? My boyfriend! He had unexpectedly gone to Sephora to also check whether the Tarte blush palette was available. What a funny coincidence! We both think so alike! Anyway, when I opened the Tarte drawer, there wasn't any blush palette left. But turns out, my boyfriend at the last piece of blush palette in his hands. I was so HAPPY and EXCITED! It was like a won a lottery or something :)

This blush palette contains 5 shades (Breathless, Embraced, Whimsy, Bashful and Irreplaceable) of the Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush for S$59. This is one of the best beauty purchases EVER! It is totally worth the S$59! I own a Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush and they are SO good. Their blushes are highly pigmented and long-lasting. So to own a blush palette from Tarte is a GREAT investment! I get to play around with the various blush shades, and wear them according to my mood. How FUN!

Tarte Amazonian Butter Lipstick

Angelic Nude (pinky nude)

Pink Peony (blushing pink)

Coral Blossom (salmon pink)

Tulip (mauve rose)

A moisturizing, creamy lipstick infused with sustainably pressed Amazonian butters.

Inspired by the whimsical colors of the Amazon and infused with naturally derived ingredients from its lush vegetation, these Amazonian butter lipsticks add a splash of rich color and creamy shine for a perfect pout. Each skin-flattering shade is enriched with sustainably harvested cupuacu and murumuru butters to deliver intense moisture and help restore and soothe even mature lips.

What else you need to know:
Cupuacu Butter: Contains essential fatty acids and sterols that help firm while drenching lips in moisture.
Murumuru Butter: Contains essential fatty acids and ProVitamin A to help restore elasticity and soothe lips.
-Shea Butter: Helps retain skin elasticity and protects against degeneration.
-Mineral Pigments: Soothe and soften lips.


~AG~
NEW from Tarte!
I am a big fan of Tarte's products. And especially love the cute packaging for the Amazonian Butter Lipstick. Each shade has a different design packaging. The colourful patterns are refreshing for the upcoming Spring season. There are a total of 8 shades. It retails for USD $16. You can find it on Sephora.com and Sephora stores.

REVIEW: Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes

According to Sephora, this mascara contain Skinvigorating ingredients such as beeswax which is known as a natural waterproof agent. It also contains mineral pigments that soothes and softens; and carnauba wax, which is an emollient that ensures smooth application.

I always have trouble finding a truly waterproof mascara. Even though the cosmetic company labels a mascara as waterproof, I often find that it will smudge to my lower eyelids. For example, I don't trust when Maybelline states that its mascaras are waterproof. In my experience, they are truly the worst waterproof mascaras that I've tried. They give me severe racoon eyes effects. But here are a few things that I like about Tarte Light, Camera, Splashes mascara. It is truly waterproof as it claims. It must be the beeswax that gives it its waterproof property. It adds definition and lengthen my short lashes without clumping. After curling my eyelashes with my trusty Shiseido eyelash curler, this mascara really holds up the curl for the rest of the day.

It is rather expensive for a mascara at USD $19 compared to drugstore mascaras. However, it is not as highly priced as other high-end mascaras such as Chanel and Lancome.

The only thing is that I wished that it was more volumizing. So, if you wanted more dramatic eyelashes, you would need to layer this mascara with one that gives more volume.

This mascara will be great for those that have naturally long lashes and wants a waterproof mascara that will keep their lashes curled all day.

WHERE TO BUY IT:

In the States, you can find it at Sephora and Ulta stores. 

Tarte Call of the Wild

A fearless and sophisticated eye shadow palette featuring nature’s most perfect ingredient: Amazonian clay. Each Amazonian clay eye shadow delivers the perfect amount of creamy matte perfection or subtle shimmer while Amazonian clay works to nourish lids, reduce surface oil, and improve overall texture for easy application and better, longer, truer wear. Everything you need to create a complete eye look that is sleek, sexy, wild, or mild is inside including a full-size mirror for flawless application.The palette includes:

- 6 x 0.09 oz Amazonian Clay Eyeshadow in Meow, Jungle, Instinct, Wild, Primal, Roar- 2 x 0.1 oz Amazonian Clay Eyeshadow in Call, Lynx

Price: USD $38

~AG~

I was checking out Sephora for new products when I saw this palette by Tarte. I've always been a big fan of Tarte since I tried a few of their products - Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes mascara and Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush. But have never tried any of their eyeshadows, so I cannot comment much about the pigmentation and staying power. However, if it is similar to the Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush, which has great pigmentation and staying power, I will definitely go out to buy it now.

There is a great selection of colours on this palette. The eyeshadows on this palette is more neutral with warm undertones. I think it will be a great everyday palette. You can use the lighter colours for daytime use, and the darker colours for night time use.

I'm thinking of getting this in the next Sephora Family & Friends Sale.