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