sweet tarte

For some reason, the East Coast got the memo that summer was here while here on the West Coast we’ve had some serious June gloom. But even if the sun was melting the sidewalks, I’d be using bronzers and tanners to get a faux summer glow. Which is why I was so excited when tarte sent me their newest bronzer - part of the Amazonian clay collection. More eco-fabulousness from tarte? Yep, there's more.

I’m a big fan of their hotel heiress bronzing powder, but the Amazonian clay blushes are so fabulous (who knew powder blush could be so un-powdery?), I couldn’t wait to try more of the line.

Here’s the awesome thing about Amazonian clay: it absorbs oil (perfect for oily/combo skin) but it also hydrates and helps with flakiness (perfect for dry skin). It’s no wonder tarte calls it “nature’s most perfect ingredient.” 

 

The smooth operator micronized finishing powder ($28) works for all skin tones and the packaging is absolutely brilliant. Loose powders can be a mess. But the container has a flexi plastic cover with a small hole. If you press gently on the plastic, it releases enough powder for one application. For those who want more coverage, layer as desired. (A special edition bronzer with bamboo brush can be found at QVC for $42.)

I am also loving the waterproof Amazonian clay liners – in both pencils and pots. Once again, the clay works its magic. I didn’t need eye primer – the powders set quickly and they do not budge. And after playing with a few colors, and having to wash my face more than once, there wasn’t any redness or irritation. I think that has a lot to do with the tarte’s ingredients. Not a petrochemical, paraben, synthetic fragrance, or dye to be found.

The waterproof liner pencils come in great jewel tones and a seriously dramatic black (black, brown, and plum in stores now, but navy, turquoise, plum, bronze and green in the coming months). They’re a great texture for a smudged eye or dramatic line. They’re available exclusively through QVC, here. (For a super precise line, I highly recommend the emphasEYES™ natural eyeliner.) 

While the pencils are convenient, I really love the potted liners. Especially the bronze. Using plant waxes to create a waterproof finish, they come with super simple tips for creating various looks (much appreciated) – for creating everything from a subtle line to a seriously smoky eye. I settled for something in between.

As my friend Erin has taught me well, great brushes make all the difference. And tarte has put together this incredible kit with a double-sided brush (one side for lining, the other with a domed design perfect for the shape of the eyelid). For $22, you get the set – a $45 value.

The Amazonian bronzer and potted liners are available at tarte, Sephora online and in stores, as well as beauty.com, Henri Bendel, ulta.com, and boutiques nationwide. Enjoy!  xo a.