Hey beauties, near and far!  August has been a busy summer month for me; with trips and such, I’ll likely be behind on my typical monthly reviews..but I will get to them!  I have a lot of things I am going to try to ‘get out there’ this week, and today; is Tarte Day.  I am a huge Tarte fan, and wow, they have really launched a lot of new product over the course of 2016 and it’s been really hard not to want all of it!  I’ve purchased plenty of it and as much as I had planned too, not reviewed it all.  But; today I am going to be reviewing my favorite summer Tarte purchases, some new this summer, some recently launched.

 I’ll begin with my newest must-have, can’t believe I didn’t try this sooner, holiest of grails, I feel like I should buy this in bulk product.  Enjoy!

Tarte Maracuja Rainforest Glow Instant Matte Body Perfector: $39.00

This is the one product I am reviewing today that has actually been around a while.  Tarte introduced a newer line of self tan and bronzing products this summer and as a long time fan of the original Maracuja Self Tan; I wanted to try all of them.  Upon further research I was not certain what, if anything, changed about most of them, aside from the packaging/design and the upgraded mitt..but wanted to purchase the newer versions either way.  I added the newest version of the self tanner to my cart but found they were out of stock on the newest body bronzer/perfector; after reading many reviews, nearly 5 stars across the board, of this ‘older’ rainforest glow version, I went ahead with it.  I can’t tell you how happy I am with it.  It’s perfect.  I do not ever want to live without it.  The product is a bronzer; the instant and the wash off type, designed to give an immediate tan, and mask minor imperfections.  The product is said to be waterproof and transfer proof.  The product comes with a mitt and is super easy to apply.  It glides on and blends perfectly.  I have used a lot of different body bronzers & perfectors, in a variety of types and finishes, from translucent bronzing gels to shimmering bronzers and even the [not a fan of] make-up like products from Sally Hansen via a free trial.  This product takes the cake.  It has a matte finish and makes your skin look velvety smooth, yet still seems to have somewhat of a light reflecting particle/sheen to it (sans shimmer.)  It gives you a pretty dark, instant tan and definitely smooths the look of your skin, (especially legs), masking cellulite and other skin imperfections (minor stretch marks, veins, you name it)  It feels totally light on, like you’ve put on nothing at all.  I was really impressed with my results.  The waterproof and transfer proof aspects seem to hold truer than most as it seems to really stay once it sets.  While I’ve not been brave enough to toss on white shorts after using this, and would not suggest it, I have noticed zero transfer on my light denim cutoffs and when being splashed with water it seems to stick around without any dripping, running or streaks.  In fact; even when I get in the tub I do not notice the ‘tan’ seeping in to the water around me just from submerging.  It seems to really require a soap and water washing to remove.  I can’t recommend this product enough!

Here is what it looks like dispensed on my obviously well used mitt 😉

A little before and after.  It was pretty hard to depict the body perfecting…but you will just have to trust me on that one!

Tarte Brazilliance Plus+ Self Tanner: $39.00

I have been using the original version of this since it first launched and instantly fell in love.  This appears to be a slightly upgraded version of the original; a change in packaging, a more plush, upgraded mitt and some added skincare benefits.  While I haven’t really noticed any real difference from this than that of the original..it could be a bit more skin pampering.  The main reason I love the original formula so much is that it is the only lotion type self tanner that not only did not dry out my skin; but moisturized and smoothed it.   This is something you really notice when a self tan product fades.  Most of them break up and become patchy, requiring a crazy exfoliation session to rid yourself of the product; not this one.  So, this being said; the added ingredients may provide additional moisture and skin improvement over time.  Aside from that, it seems to feel, smell, perform, just as the original.  I like the new mitt a bit better and the new packaging is bright and fun.  As far as the products performance and specs go (this and the original);  it is the only lotion type I will use.  It blends easily, seamlessly and streak free with the provided mitt and has a nice instant color.  The actual self tanning does take a bit longer to develop than most, so give it a good 8 hours before showering once applied.  While this one is not the darkest out there; it does build easily and continues to soften your skin as it does so.  The major accomplishment of this product for me is the lack of self tan; I’ll just say it, stench.  Nearly every self tanner out there claims a ‘no after tan scent’, it smells good going on, and bam; it hits you.  Some of them are downright offensive.  If you sweat a lot, even worse.  I think for some the scent is stronger, a body chemistry thing, and I am one of those.  This is the only lotion type self tanner that does not ‘stink’ on me.  I can sometimes detect a very, very faint bit of it prior to showering and nothing after.  It’s worlds better than others.  The initial fragrance is light and somewhat sugar cookie like.  Love, Love, Love.

(gel like)

swatch/swipe

Tarte Frxxxtion stick 3-in-1 exfoliating cleanser: $22.00

This chubby cleansing stick is seriously fab.  It cleanses, exfoliates and can be used as a mask as well.  It is so perfect for travel and fun to use any time.  It’s a really unique formula and has no detectable scent.  It is so much more gentle than any other ‘scrubby’ exfoliant I’ve tried and the exfoliants are extremely fine.  The stick itself is a solid gel based type that is very gentle on the skin and meant for all skin types.  These microexfoliants are comprised of fossilized sea algae that absorb surface oil and toxins while acting as a gentle exfoliant.  (1)I wet my face and rub the stick directly on to skin in circular motions, (2)then with a bit more water on my fingertips I lightly massage my face and rinse clean.  I prefer to use mine as more of a mask; so I leave it on for about 10 minutes prior to step two and I do so a couple times per week.  My skin feels ultra clean without the drying or tightness I can get from other exfoliants.. and most any product that’s black or grey.. it leaves my face feeling smooth and soft.

If you look closely you can see the texture

Tarte Lipsaver Treatment Primer: $19.00

This product is somewhat unique as it is both a treatment and a primer.  It doesn’t leave my lips feeling dry and crackly like some lip primers do but instead helps the condition of my lips quite a bit.  It fills in the little lines in your lips and has a matte-ish finish; so it’s great on its own or under your lip stick.  It’s surprising to find a product that is both matte and moisturizing; but this is.  It’s my must have for wearing under lip products that are not glosses.  Product also makes a great overnight treatment.  I find that it pairs fabulously with the Tarte Drench Lip Splash Lipstick. (below)

Honorable Mentions:

Tarte Drench Lip Splash Lipstick: $22.00

I have this lipstick in shade cabana boy, an ultra wearable, medium mauve shade.  As I stated above this product pairs perfectly worn on top of the lipsaver treatment.  It’s so nice to be able to achieve a matte lip look when your lip’s conditions is less than stellar.  With this duo I can achieve ultra comfortable wear, that is smooth when I rub my lips together without the visible signs of rough chapped lips.

Tarte Quench Lip Rescue: $19.00

I’m a major lip balm/treatment junkie, one of my many weaknesses and the packaging on these pretty much insured my purchase.  The shades of these balms are described as sheer and as I purchased the opal shade, it’s a sheer iridescent type..perfect for summer days when I want a little something, but mostly the treatment and moisture or for when my lips are too wrecked for and major color.  This gloss is soft and really moisturizing while the light, cooling sensation feels great on parched lips.

..And that’s my take.  What are some of your favorite ‘New’ Tarte products?  I’d love to hear about them!

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-Kelli xoxo