Sunday, April 22, 2012

tarte Gifts from the Lipstick Tree Achiote Color Collection



Hello Lovelies! I hope you all are enjoying a relaxing Sunday afternoon! The weather here in California has been uncharacteristically warm the last few days (mid 80's). All of the sunshine inspired me to relocate out to the backyard to get a bit of work done. Seeing as how tarte prides itself on harnessing nature's own potent ingredients for their products, what's better than to photograph these treasures in the great outdoors (aka the deck/ garden out back)?

The tarte Gifts from the Lipstick Tree Achiote Color Collection is a new, limited edition collection from tarte for the Spring season. I am a huge fan of tarte Cosmetics for their high quality products but also the fact that they are all formulated without harmful ingredients such as parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, or synthetic fragrances.

The products are all full-sized and include an Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush, LipSurgence Natural Lip Luster, and Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss, all in the shade Achiote. This kit is a fantastic steal at only $42 (available at Sephora and tartecosmetics.com) The blush on its own usually retails for $25, the LipSurgence pencil for $24 and the lip gloss for $21. 

The Achiote color that this collection is based on is described by tarte as a "honeysuckle" color and is not available outside of this collection. In person, the color appears to be a red-based coral, with very little pink undertones. The story behind the Gifts from the Lipstick Tree Achiote Color Collection is quite interesting as well. According to tarte, the Achiote Tree is also called the "Lipstick Tree" by native Brazilian women who harvest pigment from the fruit of the tree for use in their natural cosmetics.  


Packaging


Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss, LipSurgence Lip Luster, Amazonian Clay Blush


Amazonian Clay 12- Hour Blush in Achiote



In my opinion, the Amazonian Clay 12-Hour blushes are one of tarte's best products. They are wonderfully pigmented, easily blendable, long lasting, & come in many flattering shades. I already own Dollface, a light baby-pink shade,  which I often reach for during the Winter. So when I saw that tarte had come out with this blush in Achiote, a coral color, I thought it would be perfect to add to my collection for Spring and Summer.

The blush looks much more pigmented in the pan than it is on the skin. In fact, the powder is semi-sheer but very buildable. This made it a breeze to apply and blend out on the cheeks for a natural wash of color. On my skin (neutral toned, slightly more warm than cool) the color was a more coral- tangerine flush. There was hardly any pink in the blush once I applied it to my face. I think this color would be a lovely compliment to more tanned skin in the Summer time. Also, because it is more neutral-toned than a pink blush per se, I felt that it had a bit of a contouring effect on the cheeks. 


LipSurgence Natural Lip Luster in Achiote



I have to say this product was the only disappointment in the kit for me. I adore my LipSurgence lip tint from tarte in the shade Charmed (bright baby pink) & have been wearing it almost daily with my Chanel Bagatelle on top. When I first swatched this Lip Luster on my arm, I couldn't help but squeal in delight at its gorgeous shimmering coral & gold tones. I thought this color would be the perfect coral counterpart to my beloved Charmed. Unfortunately though, the color looked nothing like it did swatched on my arm, on my lips. On my lips the color was very sheer  and looked like my own natural lip color, only darker and a bit more red-toned. Although that sort of look may appeal to some women, I personally do not think darker lips flatter me, and I generally go for either brighter or lighter lip colors.

I have to say though, the formula of these LipSurgence lip pencils is bar none. They are very long-wearing and feel luxuriously moisturizing on the lips. With a bit of gloss added on top, I have never had any issues with them drying out my lips, like other lip pencils/ lipsticks have in the past. Also, I particularly enjoy their subtle natural peppermint scent. 


Left to Right: tarte Natural Lip Stain in Charmed & tarte Natural Lip Luster in Achiote. 


Swatches Top to Bottom: Lip Luster in Achiote, Lip Stain in Charmed



Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss in Achiote



I have heard so much about these new lip glosses from tarte, and so was very pleased that one was included in this kit for me to try. I have to say, I adore the formula of this gloss. It might (just maybe) even rival my Chanel Glossimers for all time favorite *gasp* 

Like the lip pencils, the Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Glosses have a subtle peppermint scent & upon initial application impart a refreshing tingling sensation on the lips. The consistency of these glosses in a bit thick, but lovely and smooth and not at all sticky. I was amazed at how long this gloss lasted on my lips! Even through drinking a coffee, my lips were still slightly glossy and lovely! This gloss was also wonderfully moisturizing and slighting plumping. 

The color of this gloss is a beautiful sheer orange-coral. I also discovered that layered over my Natural Lip Stain in Charmed, it creates a beautiful melon popsicle-stained lip effect. So pretty!

The only complaint I have about the Maracuja lip glosses is the packaging. Although the floral design is feminine & eye-catching, the actual package feels a little bulky & awkward. I am not a fan of the click-up dispenser either. 



Below I've included swatches of all the products in this kit. 


Swatches Top to Bottom: Amazonian Clay Blush, LipSurgence Lip Luster, Maracuja Lip Gloss

This kit is a fantastic collection of tarte products that I'm sure are going to fly off the shelves! I would highly recommend you pick one up while they are still available!

Thanks for reading!



Lots of Love,

Louise



25 comments:

  1. Louise, This is so beautiful! I'm a big fan of anything with coral in it. I'm disappointed to hear that the LipSurgence pencil isn't that great. How do you like the LipSurgence pencil and the gloss from kit layered together? or is it still to dark? Loved the post!

    -Ashley

    blushbug.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks Ashley! I agree, coral is such a universally- flattering shade!

      In all honesty, even with the pencil & gloss layered together, it was just a tad too red/ dark for my taste. But that is just my personal opinion- it might look great on someone with different coloring than me! I did love the Maracuja lip gloss over Charmed (the brighter light pink) though :)

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    2. I understand what you mean by the dark lip, I prefer my eyes to be darker over my lips. :) Hope you find some use for it, possibly a cheek colour? I'm not sure if the LipSurgence has the texture to be used as a cheek colour. If it does have the right texture, hopefully it will turn out to be that 'shimmering coral with gold tones' you had initially thought it would be!

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  2. This is such a nice little set! So cute, and it would be perfect for gifts as well as treating yourself! Great review and post :) xo

    tattooedtealady.blogspot.co.uk

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  3. i have that tarte lip tint... love it!

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  4. I have yet to try one of their blushes, but I am really eager to finally get my hands on one of those gorgeous shades. The lip stain/tints are something that I tried to love so much because I have two but I just can't. They make my lips feel a bit ridiculous. But the lip gloss sounds tempting!

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    1. The lip gloss is fantastic! I loved the formula so much, I actually went out and bought another color!

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  5. I love tarte blushes!

    http://www.navlandstyle.blogspot.ca/

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  6. I really want to try some Tarte products, especially a blush, as I've heard so much ab out them. xo

    www.almostdelightful.com

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  7. i've heard so much about the tarte clay blushes!! that colour looks gorgeous, very similar to one of my fave Nars blushes - Sin! great pics and reviews! xx

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    1. Thanks Emma! Tarte blushes are great, I'd say pretty much on par with NARS- only matte :)

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  8. Such pretty pinks love! I adore tarte products as well! Thank you so much for sharing, I must try these out soon!
    It would mean the world to me, if you'd check out my latest post!
    XoXo
    Morgan
    http://thesocialboutique.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thanks for the comment Morgan! I would love to hear what you think of these products if you try them out :)

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  9. love this post!

    www.indulgenceissimple.blogspot.com

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  10. Lovely shades and pretty packaging! SoCal weather is crazy right now.


    ***** Marie *****
    allthingsmarie.com

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    1. Thanks Marie! It really is a pretty collection :)

      I know California weather is crazy the last week or so! It was so hot and now as I sit here writing this, it's pouring rain outside. Go figure!

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  11. Love the post i have heard soo much about tarte have to try them out :)
    now following :)
    http://starvogue84.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you for following! I'm so glad you found me <3

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  12. Great blog! Following you now :) xx

    http://beautybyemma.blogspot.com

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  13. Very nice deal considering the price of the individual full-sized products. I really want to try the Tarte blushes as I've heard so many positive reviews about them, it's too bad they're not available where I live.

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  14. Ooh this set looks beautiful!! I wish we could get Tarte in Ireland xx

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  15. What a beautiful blush! I've always wanted to try those Amazonian Clay ones xoxo
    A Thing of Beauty

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  16. Thanks for the review! I've been lusting over this set, but hadn't seen a good review or swatches yet - I think you just sold me! ;)

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