Tarte Cosmetics is a brand I’d never heard of till fairly recently, in the past few years. I’d tried a few of their items and I must say that I do like their shadows very much. I don’t talk about them (I don’t know why!) but the quality is good, and their palettes always grab my attention. The texture is very soft however, and I am always on tenterhooks whenever I have them shipped to me, because I’m afraid of breakage (happened to me once). You read it right folks! As of now, I have no idea where to get Tarte Cosmetics outside of the USA and especially not in Malaysia.
But I wanted to share this with you anyway, because the world is much smaller now and I know that there are ways and means of purchasing items that may not be available in local stores 😉 I also want to talk about one of my favourite brands – I get tired of the same old same old, as I’m sure you are too 😉
I have accumulated a few of these Tarte Amazonian Clay Long Wearing Blushes by now, but this particular one in Natural Beauty is a favourite. The colour of the case reflects the colour of the blush and as you might expect, its a pretty bright red! It does however, live up to its name of Natural Beauty so although it is very bright, it is very easy to wear.
The Tarte Amazonian Clay blushes are formulated with Amazonian Clay for longer lasting power on all skin, even oily skinned types. It not only absorb oil so it stays put for oily skin, but also hydrates dry skin so it doesn’t apply patchily. Tarte promises that this blush wears longer than normal powder blushes.
And they’re right!
That pattern on the surface of the blush is a reflection of the Amazon river and the rainforest. The colour of the blush is, as you can see, reflective of the colour of the case. All the blushes are the same so it is very easy to identify in your drawer. Some days, when I’m in a rush, I actually find myself reaching for these blushes more than others, simply because I can easily identify the colour from the case.
The colour is a watermelon red with slightly cool tones. It, at first glance, looks like a hard colour to wear, and if you use a dense brush, or a heavy hand, it will be. However, if you use a brush that is slightly looser and softer (I use my Lunasol Cheek Brush or Cle de Peau cheek brush) the colour will diffuse better on skin. I’ve never had problems with application and I attribute it to the brush as much as I do to the product.
The product swatches easily. Here it is in just 1 swipe. Very scarily red as you will see. It is matte but does not look flat. I find it easy for my brush to pick up colour. I just tap it on the surface and then apply to cheeks, and blend. I’ve never had a problem but it may also be because I am quite used to dealing with strong coloured blushes 🙂
In terms of longevity, I find that it does last longer than most blushes. If you wear a primer, it will look fresh for pretty much all day. The primary reason I love Natural Beauty, is because it gives me a very lovely pop of colour on cheeks, that makes me think “Just came in from the cold”.
I really like this one and if you dare take the gamble, I’d say that this is a colour that will suit most, from the fair to the tanned. You can layer it on for more colour, or use a light hand for just a pretty flush of colour on cheeks. I can’t rave enough about it 😀
In a nutshell
The Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Natural Beauty is to me, just that. Although a deep watermelon red in pan, it applies on my skin a very pretty fresh flush that looks natural and can be layered for intensity, or used with a light hand for a light flush. I believe the colour will quite easily suit most skin tones. As for the longevity it claims, I have experienced good wear time with this blush. I really do think this lives up to its hype!
Pros: Colour coordinated case makes it easy to identify the colour, Easy to apply and to pick up colour with a brush, Easy to blend on skin, Colour can be built up for intensity or worn with just a light hand, Lasts longer on skin than other powder blushes
Cons: Unavailable in local stores at time of writing
Who will like this: Anyone who likes a bright coloured blush, Anyone who wants a powder blush that will last on skin
I have a couple more of these blushes (Tipsy – coral and Amused – bright pink), which I’ll try to review if anyone’s interested. I am quite a fan of Tarte; everything I’ve tried from them so far have worked well for me, so it would be nice if it was easier to source online so I didn’t have to bug my friend every time I hanker after an item 🙂 If anyone knows of an online store that will ship Tarte products internationally, please do share!
Have you tried any of the Tarte Amazonian Clay blushes? Any colour I should try? Or have you tried anything from Tarte Cosmetics that you think I should to?
I’ve only tried the blushes and a couple of eyeshadow palettes thus far. Haven’t really talked about the palettes (some are discontinued) but if anyone’s interested please let me know and I’ll try to oblige 🙂
Paris B
Tarte Amazonian Clay blushes come in a matte and shimmer formula Price: US$25 Availability: Tartecosmetics.com and Sephora.com (Unavailable in Malaysian stores at time of writing)
Hanny Daforcena says
October 1, 2012 at 8:58 amYou look great, PB!
I do know a few sellers in Malaysia that will sell this product, but the prices are so exorbitant that I just gave up. >.<" I do love Tarte though, because my Jewelry Box palette from way back in 2010 is still going strong, heh heh! ^.^
Paris B says
October 2, 2012 at 10:22 amThank you Hanny! 😀 I think I might have come across some online stores too but when I saw the prices quoted, I chose to ignore it. I’m not prepared to pay over RM100 for this blush, no matter how good it is! I remember your Tarte Jewelry Box and like yours, my old palettes are doing very well too.
shusheshe says
October 1, 2012 at 9:06 amI’ve got the one called Exposed. It’s a beautiful blush I reach for a lot.
Paris B says
October 2, 2012 at 10:23 amI’d read a lot about Exposed and was pleased to see it included in one of the palettes I picked up recently! 😀 It doesn’t look like a colour I’d use a lot of so being in a palette is great 🙂
AnT says
October 1, 2012 at 9:25 amWow! That’s lovely on you my dearie Paris! This on you is the matte version right?
Nope, haven’t even heard of this brand. Wears longer than normal blush? Wow!! Perhaps we should request Sephora Singapore or Malaysia to bring in this eh? 😉
Paris B says
October 2, 2012 at 10:25 amThank you AnT! Yes, this is matte. There is a shimmer version but I just realised I never picked up any of the shimmer ones LOL! I do wish Sephora would bring in this brand. I think its got really good stuff.
AnT says
October 1, 2012 at 9:27 amOh yes! Please try the Tipsy-Coral 😀
Paris B says
October 2, 2012 at 10:25 amWill do! 😀
AnT says
October 2, 2012 at 12:05 pmThank you thank you thank you! ~muacks~!!
By the way, I felt that this brand resembles Stila cosmetics 😛
Paris B says
October 2, 2012 at 3:52 pmHmm… now that you mention it, there is some similarity in packaging 😉
AnT says
October 2, 2012 at 5:44 pmOh yes, especially their divine lip gloss! 😛
Have you tried their matte Lip Tint? Skinvigorating benefits~! No mineral oil, no SLS, OH MY! This looks good!
Paris B says
October 2, 2012 at 5:48 pmNope haven’t tried their lip stuff bar the LipSurgence lip crayons. Wasn’t too impressed so want keen on trying others lol! Wish we had easy access to this brand though. Sigh 🙁
AnT says
October 2, 2012 at 5:55 pmOpps. Okie. How about their Poreless Primer? Hopefully they can come out with international shipping soon 😛
Paris B says
October 3, 2012 at 12:28 pmHaha nope, haven’t tried that either >.< Wish they'd do international shipping too!
Monstro says
October 1, 2012 at 9:38 amI have not been excited about blush for some times till I saw this post! Maybe it’s because I don’t own one in this amazing colour :-)))) Thanks for the post!
Paris B says
October 2, 2012 at 10:25 amHaha always glad to ignite your excitement! 😉
LSY says
October 1, 2012 at 9:40 amI recently got my hands on Exposed. I really like it, texture is soft and staying power is good. I intend to get Glisten and Dollface next. I tried their gloss sometime back but that didn’t do much for me.
Paris B says
October 2, 2012 at 10:26 amI have their lip crayon thing and I’m not terribly impressed with it, if I’m to be honest! Their blushes and shadows fare much better. I was toying with the idea of getting Glisten and Dollface too but I could only limit myself to one the last time I did a CP. Sigh…
Ling says
October 1, 2012 at 11:11 amThat colour looks so intense on your hand and translates so well on your face!!! I think I am turning into a blush fiend (I blame Tine :P) Haven’t tried tarte cosmetics yet but one day 🙂 I love how your beauty blog enables me so easily LOL
Paris B says
October 2, 2012 at 10:29 amLOL!! Join Blush Fiend Anonymous like me! 😉 I love my blushes and I just realised I don’t talk enough about them which I of course plan to remedy 😉 I think, Ling, us bloggers are each others’ worst enablers! 😉
Rachel says
October 1, 2012 at 11:25 amWhat a gorgeous colour! I’m way too attracted the the scary looking blush colours lol. I’ve wanted to try these blushes out for so long, but they are so difficult to get in Australia, hopefully I’ll get my hands on this one in particular soon!
Paris B says
October 2, 2012 at 10:31 amHi Rachel, I know exactly how you feel about being unable to get this brand. Its so hard to get it outside of the USA but I have seen quite a lot pop up on Ebay so that’s always a place to start – just don’t pay too much over retail there. I don’t understand sellers who sell over RRP o_O
Charlotte says
October 1, 2012 at 11:29 amI use Exposed and Dollface! Love them both! 🙂
Paris B says
October 2, 2012 at 10:32 amLooks like both these colours are popular faves! So many readers have mentioned Exposed!
peach_ says
October 1, 2012 at 11:56 amYou look like Snow White!!!
I love how much it complements your lip color. I’ve never tried tarte but I want to see them in person and play with all the colors. I’m really intrigued by the eyeshadow palettes, too!
Paris B says
October 2, 2012 at 10:33 amLOL Snow White! *sings* Someday my prince will come… 😛
Thanks Peach! The next time you head to the USA, you can find Tarte in the Sephora stores there. I really do wish it was brand that was more easily available outside of the USA though.
Efrain says
October 1, 2012 at 12:00 pmI find very interesting Tarte products, but as you said they aren’t sold in many countries including Mexico so I haven’t tried them, someday I’ll do it.
Paris B says
October 2, 2012 at 10:34 amSomeday, Efrain 🙂 Its a pity about the brand being so inaccessible outside of the USA. Don’t they realise the world is getting smaller?
Sam says
October 1, 2012 at 1:10 pmI’ve seen Tarte somewhere, just can’t remember where! I thought it was Sephora in SG, but it could have been Melbourne.
That blush looks absolutely gorgeous on you 🙂
Paris B says
October 2, 2012 at 10:35 amThanks Sam 🙂 I believe we don’t get Tarte in our part of the world so it might be Melbourne that you saw it at 😉
Becca says
October 1, 2012 at 2:14 pmThis looks soooo natural on you, Paris! I’m always scared of blushes with very obvious red tones as I tend to have some redness on my nose and upper lip area and the ones I’ve tried in the past have always accentuated that. I’ve never tried a watermelon-pink one though. I will definitely give this a swatch next time I’m at Sephora! 🙂
Paris B says
October 2, 2012 at 10:37 amThank you Becca! Red will almost definitely accentuate redness in skin so maybe something peachy would work better for you? Still, do take a swatch anyway – you’re lucky to be able to! 😉
Huda says
October 1, 2012 at 2:15 pmPretty! I’ve been wanting to try out this blush for so long, after reading so many rave reviews. Even if we do get Tarte here in Malaysia eventually, I’m sure the prices will be exorbitant. I’m still (im)patiently waiting for NARS to reach our shores. Sigh.
Love the color on you, by the way. Also, what lipstick/lipgloss are you wearing in that picture?
Paris B says
October 2, 2012 at 10:38 amThank you Huda! 😀 Like you, I can only imagine that prices locally will be quite marked up athough to be fair, Urban Decay is quite decently priced still so maybe there’s hope! 😉 I hear Nars is already is/entering Singapore soon so fingers crossed we see it here at some point in time 🙂 As for the lip colour, I’m afraid I can’t remember, Huda, sorry! This picture was taken a while ago 🙁
Jyoan says
October 1, 2012 at 2:21 pmThis has prompted me to open my one. =P I got it in Blissful.
Paris B says
October 2, 2012 at 10:39 amLOL! Yes yes, do use it! I think its really a lovely blush!
Sze Ling says
October 1, 2012 at 2:34 pmThese Tarte blushes last the longest on me. 😀 Love!
Currently, I only have one called Blissful. Very pretty coral. Though I do plan to add more to my collection. 😉
Paris B says
October 2, 2012 at 10:39 amYay for another Tarte blush fan! 😉 Its quite addictive isn’t it? 😛
plue says
October 1, 2012 at 3:26 pmi tried Tarte back when I was in Bangkok and the girls I travelled with brought theirs for me to try. I think I tried Tipsy and that’s a beautiful peachy shade.
I currently own Blissful (beautiful matte peach but looks rather pink on me) and Natural Beauty (haven’t worn it yet! oops), and Exposed is coming home soon to me 😀
Paris B says
October 2, 2012 at 10:41 amTipsy is such a fun bright shade! Nice to know that you’re liking these Tarte blushes too! I think they are really good quality
casey23 says
October 1, 2012 at 3:42 pmOh Tarte is one of my favorite brands. Though it is unavailable here in Turkey, one or two bloggers buy them here.. It’s a bit pricey for me so I usually ask my cousin to bring me a few things. Before amazonian blush, Tarte was famous with their cheek stain. My cheek stain is Natural Beauty which is the same color here but it is hard for me to use on my lovely deariest oily skin(!) so I asked for Amazonian clay blush in Glisten. It is such a perfect color (coral with golden shimmers) and I used it whole summer. Tarte is a very good brand and their product’s quality is more than OK, so I wish they could be accessable worldwide as soon as possible.
Paris B says
October 2, 2012 at 10:43 amOoh lucky you to have a cousin shop for you Casey! 😉 Its great to know that you like the items from the brand too 😀 I haven’t tried the famous Cheek Stain, but I never really had much luck with stick blushes so I chose not to get that. Glisten is such a pretty colour! I was eyeing it, but I”m not sure why I didn’t get it. Hmm… I too wish they were more easily accessible worldwide. They could be like Benefit and ship directly from their online store and that would be awesome!
casey23 says
October 2, 2012 at 1:40 pmIsn’t sephora online doing that?!?!
Paris B says
October 2, 2012 at 4:01 pmNope, Sephora doesn’t ship internationally 🙁
iffazainal says
October 1, 2012 at 4:06 pmI’m in love with Tarte! Just wish is was easier to get my hands on them. I currently own Blissful, Exposed and Dollface. Also their bronzer which I have yet to open. 😛 Their eyeshadows are also amazing! Their lipgloss so-so.
You look great in the photo! 😉 Still wondering whether I can pull of this colour though.
Paris B says
October 2, 2012 at 10:44 amThank you 😀 Like you, I love their blushes and shadows but their lip products that I’ve tried are meh. I tried the lip crayon and wasn’t terribly impressed. I think you picked up 3 of the most popular shades available – every reader who loves the blush seems to own at least one of them (but I strangely don’t! LOL!) I wish it was easier to get too!
Lily says
October 1, 2012 at 4:55 pmI only have one in Exposed and it’s such an easy colour to use! I saw one of their holiday collections, a set of 4 blushes. I’m eyeing that 😉
Paris B says
October 2, 2012 at 10:46 amI spotted that set of 4 blushes too! Its definitely great value even if its a mini compact 😀