Tarte Coupon Code 2016: 30% OFF Entire Purchase (including sale and new items)

Tarte is having a Friends and Family Sale right now. Get 30% OFF your entire purchase, including sale items and products from their new collection, using coupon code FRIENDS. The promotion ends July 27, 2016. You can also get free shipping on orders of $40 or more. Make sure to check out their brushes (review #1 and review #2) as well! 

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Swatches + Comparisons: Benefit Cheekathon vs Tarte Tarteist Blush Palette

Benefit Cheekathon Blush & Bronzer Palette ($58, Limited Edition) 

Packaging: It comes with 4 full-size blushes, including Dandelion (0.25oz), Rockateur (0.17oz), Dallas (0.32oz) and Coralista (0.28oz), a full-size Hoola matte bronzer (0.28oz), a brush made of natural bristles and a sizable mirror. Each shade retails $29, which makes the value of the palette to be $145!

I never bought Benefit's individual blushes because I find the cardboard packaging to be too bulky. The palette is actually not as thick and is a huge space saver compared to buying the blushes/bronzer individually. (It measures 7 inches x 0.85 inches x 5 inches.) It may not be as travel-friendly as the Tarte Tarteist palette, but I would still take this with me on trips, especially if I'm going to be out of town for more than a week and want to create various looks. I just love that all the shades are conveniently laid out in one palette. 

The insert is removable and pops out easily. So, you can use the box for storing little trinkets when you finish the palette. You can also depot the pans and pop them into an empty Z Palette. 

The brush reminds me of the NARS Ita (review), except the Benefit one is a little bit wider and denser. It works really well for contouring because it's narrow enough to fit nicely on the hollows of the cheeks and fluffy enough to blend out any harsh lines with ease. For blush application, I prefer a domed-shaped brush, such as the Sonia Kashuk #29 (review) because it covers the entire cheek area more evenly and lightly. I also love that the pans are wide enough to fit any type of brush easily.  

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Swatches + Review: Drugstore Haul (Milani, Revlon, L'oreal)

Out of all the foundations in the market (drugstore, mid-range and high-end), the Revlon ColorStay and L'oreal Infallible Pro-Matte are one of the best foundations for those with combination and oily skin because of their lasting power. However, the way you prep the skin can make or break the results of both foundations. 

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Tarte Coupon Code: 30% OFF Entire Purchase (No Exclusions)

Tarte is having a Friends and Family Sale right now. Get 30% OFF your entire purchase, including sale items and products from their new collection, using coupon code FRIENDS. The promotion ends April 15, 2016. You can also get free shipping on orders of $40 or more. 

This post contains affiliate links.

Overview: Synthetic Buffing Foundation Brushes

A few of my favorite buffing brushes for liquid and cream application are actually from ELF. I didn't include them in this post because I already reviewed them here. (I definitely recommend checking them out because they created the same type of brush in 3 different size and density, which allows them to cater towards a wider audience and different types of preferences. So, I'm sure you'll find the one that's suitable for you.) Also, I reviewed the Real Techniques brushes already, so I won't go into detail about them in this post.

Synthetic buffing brushes are far superior than those made with natural bristles, when using liquid and cream-based products because they don't absorb as much product and blends it into the skin alot easier without streaking. There are so many in the market, ranging in different sizes, shapes, and density. My preference is for those that are not too big or too small so that it can be multi-functional. Also, I like them to be not too dense so it doesn't tug my skin and cause premature wrinkles. Continue reading to find out how these brushes compare to one another!

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Review + Comparison - Curved Foundation and Contouring Brushes

I'm always in the market for new brushes, if you guys haven't already noticed. =) So, when I saw the Marc Jacobs The Face II Sculpting Foundation brush a couple of months ago, I just had to buy it. I was intrigued by the curved shape and immediately fell in love with it as soon as I brought it home. So, I started looking for other brushes with the same shape and decided to try Tarte's and Sephora's version. 

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Swatches: Tarte Cosmetics 500 Point Perk at Sephora

I hoard my Sephora points and rarely redeem them because they rarely offer any goodies that I'm interested in. They came out with the Tarte Cosmetics 500 Point Perk ($45.98 value) last week and I placed an order to redeem it. As most of you know, for every dollar that you spend at Sephora, you get 1 point. Some of you guys may feel that I paid $500 for the Tarte 500 Point Reward. However, I don't see it that way. I see the Tarte 500 Point Reward as a bonus on top of the $500 worth of makeup products that I bought. Also, even if Sephora terminated their rewards program, I would still buy my cosmetics from them because they have an extensive line of beauty products, an amazing return policy, and awesome discounts without limitations throughout the year.

Tarte Lights Camera Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara 0.10oz ($7.92) - The full size costs $19/0.24oz. It volumizes, darkens and separates my lashes well, but since it's non-waterproof, I can't wear it. Non-waterproof mascaras tend to weigh my lashes down and don't hold my curl. Unfortunately, the Tarte one was no different.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder 0.07oz ($6.34) - The full size costs $29/0.32oz. It's transparent, mattifies my skin and leaves my skin silky smooth, but my NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder controls my oils better. (I have an extremely oily t-zone.)

Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow 0.1oz ($19) - I received the full size! The Maybelline cream eyeshadows (0.14oz each) look much bigger than the Tarte ones, but they contain almost the same amount of product. The Tarte one is definitely more travel friendly and feels more lightweight. Shimmering Moss has a more olive undertone compared to Mossy Green, which is more green and Gold Shimmer is more gold. I find that the formula of the Tarte one is creamier and doesn't dry as fast as the Maybelline one. I love using Shimmering Moss as a base for MAC Sumptuous Olive. It makes the powder eyeshadow more intense, lengthens the wear-time and prevents creasing & fading.

Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil 0.23oz ($6.22) - The full size costs $46/1.7oz. Alot of people love this product. Unfortunately, I find it to be greasy even when I use only a tiny drop and it doesn't sink into my skin. It feels like it's just sitting on top of my skin and I'm scared to lie in bed because I'm afraid that I'll get my pillow case all oily. (You all know how oil can be impossible difficult to remove.)

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in Exposed

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed 0.05oz ($6.50) - The full size costs $26/0.2oz. This was the main reason I redeemed the 500 Point Reward. Everyone seems to rave about the color and I want to get in on the action too! Also, the packaging is so cute and it's so convenient for travel. Exposed is more rosy, while Prim & Proper is more nude. Both are my go-to neutral shades when I'm doing a day time look or when I don't know which blush to match my eye makeup. You can't go wrong with either shade in any situation. They both have regular pigmentation (not sheer or too pigmented) and are buildable. Also, they last at least 8 hours without fading when applied on top of liquid foundation + setting powder. Prim & Proper is discontinued and difficult to find, but fortunately, Exposed is still in production.

(Indoor Natural Lighting)

(Outdoor Natural Lighting on a Cloudy Day)

(Outdoor Natural Lighting on a Sunny Day)

Note: The Tarte Cosmetics 500 Point Perk is sold out on Sephora's website, but is still available in some Sephora stores. Call your local Sephora store!

Which Sephora 500 Point Perk was your favorite?

*This post contains affiliate links.

Swatches + Comparisons - Tarte Glamazon Pure Performance 12-Hour Lipstick

Pure ~ Inspired ~ Enlightened

I received the Tarte Glamazon Pure Performance 12-hour Lipstick in Fierce in my January 2013 GlossyBox and loved it so much that I purchased 3 other shades.

Pure ~ Inspired ~ Enlightened

Pure ~ Inspired ~ Enlightened

Pure (2g/0.07oz for $26) - The swatches are quite deceiving because it looks like a gorgeous light rosy shade on my arm, but when applied onto my naturally pigmented lips, it looks too nude and corpse-like. Also, the formula is very drying, it emphasizes my extremely chapped lips, and it fades within 15 minutes of application, which is weird because I did not have any issues with Fierce. 

Inspired (2g/0.07oz for $26) - It has a more pinky undertone, but the formula is similar to Pure. Also, it looks too pale when applied onto my lips. 

Enlightened (3.7g/0.13oz for $26) - It translates into a nudish peachy brown shade on my lips and I find it to be very similar to the L'oreal Colour Riche Lip Balm in Caramel Comfort, but Enlightened is more pigmented, lasts longer and is matte, which makes it more versatile because I can put a gloss over it for a shiny finish. I am in love with this color because it's a "my lips but better" shade and it's very office-safe.

It lasts at least 4 hours on my lips without fading even after eating and drinking. This is the best formula that I've experienced. Other lipsticks make my lips peel and fade within minutes of application. (Keep in mind that it's very difficult for me to find a lipstick that works well with my extremely chapped lips.) This one applies like butter and feels hydrating!

Note: The Tarte Glamazon Pure Performance 12-Hour Lipsticks are available at Ulta, Tarte, and Sephora for $26 each.

Did you experience the lack of consistency with the formula of the Tarte Glamazon Pure Performance 12-Hour Lipsticks?

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Tarte Cosmetics Coupon Code 2013: $10 OFF $50 Order + Free Shipping

Tarte Cosmetics is offering $10 OFF $50 Order + free shipping. 

This coupon code can be used on their new Aqualillies Summer 2013 Collection.

Enter coupon code BUNNY at checkout. 

Offer expires March 31, 2013.

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Swatches: GlossyBox USA January + February 2013

(GlossyBox USA January 2013)

OPI Liquid Sand in Can't Let Go

Left: One Coat

Right: Two Coats

GlossyBox USA January 2013 ($77.21 Total Value):

1. Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara .1oz ($9.26) - The full size costs $25/.27oz. The applicator is made of non-plastic/rubber bristles, which separates and volumizes my lashes really well. However, because the formula is on the wet side, it doesn't hold my curl as well and makes my lashes droop downwards. Also, because it's not waterproof, it smudges throughout the day and leaves traces of mascara below my waterline. Keep in mind that all non-waterproof mascaras does this to me. Since I really like the brush head and how well it darkens, separates and volumizes my lashes, I will definitely try the waterproof version.

2. Fresh Umbrian Clay Mattifying Serum .17oz ($5.95) - The full size costs $35/1oz. It has a strong scent, which reminds me of produce and the "farmer's market." The scent is not offensive and it personally doesn't bother me because it quickly dissipates within minutes of application. As for performance, I find that it doesn't completely mattifies my face to the point where I look lifeless. It removes excess shine, but still leaves my face looking natural. At the same time, it makes my skin feel hydrated and it doesn't make it look greasy. Overall, I like using it as a primer to prep my skin before foundation application because it makes my skin feel fresh and clean.

3. Le Metier De Beaute Replenishing Daily Solution .1oz ($19.23) - The full size costs $225/1.17oz!!! The formula is very thick and creamy, but it spreads easily and sinks into the skin quickly. It has a strong scent to it, but dissipates within minutes of application. It's very hydrating without feeling greasy, but it broke me out. However, I find that it works wonders on extremely dry and rough areas, such as my feet, knees, and elbows and it doesn't break me out there, but the $225 price tag is scaring me away.

          

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 5%

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Propylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, Coco-Glucoside, Tocopheryl Phosphate, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Oil, Squalane, Corylus Americana (Hazel) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Retinyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Lecithin, Lauryl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Bisabolol, Butylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Algae Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sodium Lactate, Lactic Acid, Serine, Urea, Sorbitol, Sodium Chloride, Allantoin, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Oil, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol, o-Cymen-5-ol, thylhexylglycerin, Red 4 (CI 14700).

4. Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau de Toilette Spray 0.03oz ($1.44) - The full size costs $77/1.6oz. I am absolutely in love with this perfume. It has a very feminine, sophisticated and classy smell to it. Definitely getting the full size asap! For reference, I love Dior J'Adore, Donna Karan Cashmere Mist, Britney Spears Curious, and Bath & Body Works Magnolia Blossom.

5. OPI Liquid Sand Nail Lacquer in Can't Let Go .5oz ($9) - I received the full size! The swatch pictures are kind of deceiving because the bright daylight washes the color out. In person, the nail polish looks beautiful even with only one coat. Also, it applies evenly & effortlessly and leaves a matte finish with shimmers & sparkles. The only thing that may turn some people off is that when you look upclose in bright daylight, the nail polish looks very chunky and thick, but the base color is just so irresistible and gorgeous.

6. Sebastian Professional Potion 9 1.7oz ($6.33) - The full size costs $19/5.1oz. I love using this on the ends of my hair to bring back some life to it. It makes my ends look healthy and not dry. I also use it after I straighten my hair to add texture and to make it look less flat. 

7. Tarte Glamazon Pure Performance 12-hour Lipstick in Fierce .07oz ($26) - I received the full size! My lips are extremely chapped and lipsticks tend to emphasize the dryness and flakiness. I can't believe that I finally found a lipstick that's hydrating, pigmented and long-lasting. It glides on smoothly and applies evenly without making my lips peel. Also, it's super pigmented and it stains the lips in a good way. No matter how many times I lick my lips, the lipstick stays put. I can't wait to try their other shades!

(GlossyBox USA February 2013)

GlossyBox USA February 2013 ($45.96 Total Value):

1. BLVGARI Eau Parfumee Au The Blanc Soap 1.76oz ($9.96) - The full size costs $30/5.3oz It lathers nicely with a loofah and smells amazing. It has a very strong perfume-y scent to it and it lingers on my skin after the shower. 

2. Da Vinci Cosmetics Shimmer Powder in 03 Champagne 0.6oz ($15.00) - I received the full size! I The swatch picture is taken without a primer. When worn over a primer, it's super pigmented and looks like a shimmery light golden champagne with a gorgeous metallic finish. It applies evenly with minor fallouts during application like most pigments. Also, It lasts at least 8 hours without fading. I love wearing it as an all-over-the-lid shade and it's so easy to pair with all sorts of shades. 

3. Lisi Sheer Sparkle in 08 Battery Park .31oz ($7.00) - I received the full size! It has a hint of a cherry scent to it. but it's barely detectable. It's sheer and doesn't add any color to the lips. I can see very tiny sparkles in the tube, but thank goodness they don't transfer onto my lips. It just leaves my lips looking very glossy without the glittery mess. 

4. Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Hydro Gel Mask .98oz ($6) - I received the full size! The mask feels very slippery and slimey, but refreshing at the same time. I left it on for 30 minutes and it left my skin feeling clean and hydrated. This is a great way to pamper myself after a stressful week. 

5. Nail Rock Nail Wraps Full Set ($8) -  I received the full size! In my November GlossyBox, I received the Incoco Nail Polish Applique and I prefer that one much better because it was so much easier to apply. The Nail Rock strips don't fit or stick as well and are just overall more difficult to apply. 

For more information about GlossyBox, check out my previous posts of their August & September box.

*This post contains affiliate links and the products mentioned were provided by GlossyBox for consideration. This does not affect my opinion about the products. I don't do paid or guaranteed reviews. My reviews are based on my own honest opinion. 

Tarte Cosmetics Coupon Code 2013: Free Brush ($28 value) with Blush

Tarte is offering a FREE brush ($28 value) with any Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush purchase. 

Free shipping will be applied on any purchase of $40 or more. 

Offer expires February 24, 2013 at 11:59pm ET. 

Enter coupon code WINNER at checkout. 

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Tarte Cosmetics Friends + Family Sale 2012: 30% OFF Entire Order + Free Shipping

Tarte Cosmetics is having a Friends & Family Sale and is offering 30% off entire order (no minimum)* + free shipping on any purchase of $40 or more. Enter coupon code FFDEC at checkout. Offer expires December 13, 2012. 

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Tarte Cyber Monday Coupon Code 2012: 25% OFF

Tarte is offering 25% OFF*, plus receive a deluxe sample with any order + free shipping with any $40 purchase. Offer valid today, only. Enter coupon code CYBER at checkout.

*affiliate link