Product of the Week: Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer

That was quite a mouthful title! How’s everyone today? I’m almost in Jakarta! In couple days, blogging might resume to normal. I’m currently somewhere in Asia, and finally got my hands on wi-fi and managed to do a couple of quick snaps of my new Tarte Amazonian Clay BB cream (with SPF 20).

I’ve worn this BB cream for couple days now, but with powder on top of it. For this review, I wore it alone without any powder (or blush/eye makeup etc) for a complete 6 hours. I’m in a cooler  and humid climate, about 17-20 degree Celsius. My skin is combination – oily T-zone, dry cheeks.

I bought the Tarte BB cream on my very last day in Canada, since I knew I wouldn’t be able to get this product in Asia at the moment. I’ve been quite a fan of Tarte products, mostly the Tarte Lipsurgence (click on link for review on those). I also owned an Amazonian Clay Blush from Tarte, which I wear frequently. So, I thought it was about time for me to try on one of their foundation products.

Now, I know we all are getting tired of this whole BB cream bandwagon, and I myself felt that the BB creams are getting quite over-rated lately. However, after testing, swatching, smelling and owning several BB creams from both Asian and Western BB creams, I have only found 1 that I truly loved so far, which is Stila 10-in-1 HD BB cream. I was determined to find another BB cream that suits my skin-tone and type.

(click on each picture to enlarge it)

Tarte Amazonian Clay BB cream

Anyways, let’s break it down!

What is Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer (SPF 20) – formerly known as Tarte Smooth Operator

“A light-to-medium coverage, oil-free tinted moisturizer that delivers a natural, sheer finish to revitalize all skin types while the SPF 20 protects your skin against the sun’s harmful rays. While it works with all skin types, this oil-free tinted moisturizer is ideal for tartelettes with normal to combination skin.  

Product Performance: This weightless, water-based formula blends into your skin as easily as your favorite moisturizer (and it’s formulated without oil, so it won’t clog your pores) while micro-treated mineral pigments diffuse fine lines and wrinkles, giving you an even, smooth finish. This dermatologist-tested formula is chock-full of skinvigorating™ ingredients like Amazonian clay, apple extract, camellia extract,  chamomile, vitamins A, C and E, and sodium hyaluronate, which all work in perfect harmony to visibly hydrate, soften, brighten the appearance of skin for your most  flawless complexion ever.

Powered By: Amazonian clay: this nutrient-rich, multitasking and total-skin-balancing clay reduces dryness and flakiness, improves skin clarity, elasticity, firmness, and texture while removing oil from the skin’s surface for smooth application and wear “

Tarte Cosmetics, 2013

Tarte Amazonian Clay BB cream review

First Impression:

  • Product is to the brim! Holy mackerel, look at that tube, it’s full to the very end.
  • I love how I can see how much product I’m getting.
  • Very cute tube cover.
  • Light and Light-Medium have more of a yellow undertone than the rest of the selection (may be Ivory too, but I didn’t get the chance to swatch it in store)
  • Does not cater to darker skintones (anyone deeper than NC/NW 45).

Pros:

  • Blends beautifully to the skin.
  • I found that this BB cream is more pliable than the other BB creams.
  • Does not have the sunscreen smell.
  • No distinct scent.
  • Long-lasting – tried this for 6 hours and it’s pretty good.
  • Sheer coverage, which is fine for me for daily use. Very natural finish.
  • Contains SPF 20.
  • Yellow undertone which means I don’t look pasty and grey (like most of the Asian BB creams)
  • N said my skin looks smoother, which is always a plus on my list 😀
  • I, personally, find that this BB cream isn’t as moisturizing as how a “tinted moisturizer” should be. However, I don’t mind it since I do have a combination skin.
  • No flashback.

Cons:

  • It has very very very teensy weensy specks of light-reflecting particles which can be a negative thing for those with oily to extremely oily skin. These specks aren’t as big as Revlon Mousse foundation and YSL Touche Eclat foundation. However, those with oily skin in a warm climate might find themselves to be quite shiny after application.
  • Limited shades and undertones. Even though there’s 8 shades in this collection, there’s only 2-3 yellow undertones available. Those who are darker than me with yellow undertones might have difficulties finding a shade that’ll work for them.
  • They advertised their coverage as Medium buildable, but I find this to be more on the sheer side. It does remove some of the redness, but not all – look at the breakout of my forehead, and sides of my nose.
  • PRICY for a BB cream.

Price: CAD$47 (tax not included) in Sephora

Will I buy this again? May be – I might buy it if it becomes available in Jakarta/Singapore, and if I can’t get more of my Stila HD BB Cream. Might not buy it if I can get my hands on more of the Stila HD BB cream in Jakarta/Singapore.

Tarte Amazonian Clay BB cream review