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Tarte Cosmetics is a well-known brand in the beauty industry that offers a range of high-quality, cruelty-free makeup products, formulated with natural ingredients. From their popular Shape Tape Concealer to their new lip products, Tarte has become a go-to for many makeup enthusiasts. In this Tarte review, you’ll find the best Tarte makeup products that are a must-have as well as a couple of products you might want to skip.
About Tarte
Maureen Kelly, Founder and CEO of Tarte Cosmetics, began the company in 1999 with no experience, little money, and a wish to create products with formulas and ingredients you can understand. She started with the Tarte Cheek Stain and eventually created the well-known Tarte Shape Tape Concealer which quickly became a cult favorite. Now, the brand has grown to offer over 100 products, including a skincare line, which are spread through a collection of different lines.
The Best Tarte Makeup Products
Shape Tape Concealer
The Tarte Shape Tape Concealer is one of the most popular Tarte products. This concealer is known for its full-coverage formula and long-lasting formula that hides dark circles, blemishes, and imperfections. It is available in 35 shades, making it easy to find the perfect match for your skin tone. The Shape Tape Concealer is also infused with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, mango butter, and licorice root extract that hydrate and brighten the under-eye area. The concealer’s doe-foot applicator makes it easy to apply and blend, giving you a flawless finish.
Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush
Tarte’s Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush is a highly-pigmented, long-lasting blush that provides a natural-looking flush of color to the cheeks. The blush is formulated with Amazonian clay, which helps to absorb excess oil and sweat, keeping the blush in place for up to 12 hours. This clay also provides skin benefits such as improving the skin’s texture and clarity. The Amazonian Clay Blushes come in a wide variety of shades, from soft pinks to bold corals, that complement a range of skin tones.
My favorite shades in the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush are Paaarty and Exposed.
Tartelette In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette
The Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette is a versatile palette that contains a combination of microshimmer and matte finish shades. The versatility of this Tarte palette is why it is still a best-seller, years after it was released. These shades are perfect for creating both daytime and nighttime looks. The eyeshadows are made with Amazonian clay, which helps to keep them in place all day. They are also infused with nourishing ingredients like vanilla extract and cocoa powder that give them a delicious scent. The Tartelette In Bloom Clay Palette also comes with a large mirror, making it easy to do your eye makeup on the go.
Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara
The Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara is another cult-favorite Tarte product. This mascara adds volume, length, and curl to your lashes, while also nourishing them with ingredients like rice bran wax and olive esters. The mascara’s unique brush is designed to separate and coat each lash, giving you a dramatic, false lash effect. The mascara is also available in a waterproof version making it perfect for long days or hot summer days.
Busy Gal Brows Tinted Brow Gel
The Busy Gal Brows Tinted Brow Gel is a must-have for anyone looking to achieve perfect brows. This brow gel is formulated with nourishing ingredients like kaolin clay, which helps to absorb oil and keep your brows in place all day. The Busy Gal Brows Tinted Brow Gel also comes with a small spoolie brush, making it easy to apply and achieve a natural-looking brow. It is available in a range of shades, making it easy to find a shade that matches your brow color.
Sugar Rush Lip Sip Vegan Lip Oil
The Sugar Rush Lip Sip Vegan Lip Oil is a nourishing lip oil that hydrates and softens dry lips. This lip oil is infused with nourishing ingredients like maracuja oil, which helps to hydrate and protect the lips. It is available in a range of shades, from clear to pink, making it easy to find a shade that suits your preferences. The Sugar Rush Lip Sip Vegan Lip Oil’s non-sticky formula makes it easy to wear on its own or layered over your favorite lipstick.
Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump
Tarte’s Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump is a lip product that provides a natural plumping effect. This product is formulated with maracuja oil, which is known for its nourishing and hydrating properties, as well as shea butter and avocado oil to further moisturize the lips. The lip plumper also contains a unique blend of peptides and hyaluronic acid to help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the lips. It’s available in a range of shades, has a non-sticky formula, and adds a glossy finish that lasts for hours.
PS. If you want a non-plumping formula, check out the Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm.
Shape Tape Glow Wand
The Shape Tape™ Glow Wand by Tarte is a multi-purpose beauty tool that can be used to highlight and brighten the face. The formula is infused with hyaluronic acid, which helps to hydrate and plump the skin, and light-reflecting particles create a radiant, natural-looking glow. A precision brush allows for easy application and control, making it perfect for targeted areas such as the cheekbones, cupid’s bow, and brow bone.
Tarte Makeup Products To Skip
Editor’s Note: It’s important to remember that beauty products work differently for everyone, and what may not work for one person may work well for another.
SEA Power Flex Full Coverage Vegan Concealer
Tarte SEA Power Flex Full Coverage Vegan Concealer is a high-coverage concealer that provides a flawless, natural-looking finish. The product is formulated with marine plant extracts to help hydrate and protect the skin while covering blemishes and dark circles.
Unfortunately, this product did not live up to its claims of being hydrating. This product was very drying and did not give a natural look to the skin.
SEA Surfer Curl™ Volumizing Mascara
The Tarte SEA Surfer Curl™ Volumizing Mascara is designed to volumize, lengthen, and curl the lashes for a dramatic and eye-catching effect. The formula of the Surfer Curl™ mascara is enriched with nourishing sea algae and plant waxes, which help to condition and strengthen the lashes.
Tarte usually has very good mascaras, unfortunately, this is not the best mascara from the brand. The results were not very dramatic and it was very flakey.
Amazonian Clay 16-Hour Full Coverage Foundation
Tarte’s Amazonian Clay 16-Hour Full Coverage Foundation is designed to provide full coverage without feeling heavy on the skin, making it ideal for anyone who wants a foundation that lasts all day. Like all products from the Amazonian clay line, it’s formulated with Amazonian clay, which helps to absorb excess oil and minimize the appearance of pores.
While the Amazonian Clay Foundation does give great coverage, the formula is very thick. To be fair, I tend to prefer light-coverage foundation products. It also made my skin feel dry, even though I have combination skin.
Some Thoughts on Tarte
Over the years of Tarte’s existence, the beauty brand has not been without controversy. I am hopeful that the Tarte leadership team has learned from these past mistakes. If so, Tarte has the potential to rise up in the beauty world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Tarte a cruelty-free brand?
A: Yes, Tarte is a cruelty-free brand. They do not test their products on animals, and they do not sell their products in countries where animal testing is required by law.
Q: Are Tarte products vegan?
A: Tarte offers a range of vegan products that are free from animal-derived ingredients. They label their vegan products with a “V” symbol on their website and packaging.
Q: What are some of the key ingredients used in Tarte’s cosmetic products?
A: Tarte cosmetics are formulated with natural ingredients that are good for the skin, such as Amazonian clay, maracuja oil, and plant extracts. Many of their products are also enriched with antioxidants, vitamins, and other skin-loving ingredients.
Q: Are Tarte cosmetics suitable for sensitive skin?
A: Yes, Tarte cosmetics are formulated to be gentle on the skin and are suitable for sensitive skin types. However, it is always recommended to patch-test any new product before using it all over the face.
Q: What is Tarte’s focus on sustainability?
A: Tarte is committed to reducing their environmental impact through their packaging, product formulations, and partnerships. They are a member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition and partner with organizations like the Rainforest Alliance to support sustainable practices in the beauty industry.
Q: How can I contact Tarte customer service?
A: Tarte offers several options for contacting customer service, including email, phone, and live chat. Their customer service team is available Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm EST.
Q: What is Tarte’s return policy?
A: Tarte accepts returns within 30 days of purchase for a full refund or exchange, as long as the product is in its original condition and packaging. They also offer free returns (free return shipping) for customers in the United States.
Q: Where can I purchase Tarte cosmetics?
A: Tarte cosmetics are available for purchase on their website, as well as at Sephora, Ulta, and other department stores.
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