Tag Archives: Tarte

Swatch Sunday: tarte Tartelette Tease

tarte Tartelette Tease

A bite size beauty, the tarte Tartelette Tease palette is one of those quick and convenient palettes that makes a great staple in one’s collection, or an easy grab for someone on the go. (Thinking about it – this is the perfect palette to keep at the office in case of emergency touchups!)

tarte Tartelette Tease
tarte Tartelette Tease

The Tartelette Tease palette costs $30 CAD on sephora.ca or $23 USD on sephora.com.

tarte Tartelette Tease
tarte Tartelette Tease

Sidenote: Brands that stylize themselves with small letters (like tarte and essence) give me so much stress when I’m typing things out for posts. It just looks soooo wronnnnng!

tarte Tartelette Tease Swatches

tarte - Whisper
tarte – Whisper
tarte - Crush
tarte – Crush
tarte - Heartbreaker
tarte – Heartbreaker
tarte - Wink
tarte – Wink
tarte - First Kiss
tarte – First Kiss
tarte - BFF
tarte – BFF
The product featured in this post was sent to me for consideration. Post may contain affiliate links.

What I Bought This Month – September 2016 Haul

This month wasn’t incredibly spendy (which is nice!), but that’s all about to change because IMATS is on October 1st!

As a reminder, and just a note for people who are new here, items that go into these monthly haul posts are items that are either purchased by me, gifted to me by friends and family or received in a beauty swap. These posts never contain PR samples that are sent directly to me.

On with the haul!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in Moonchild
Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in Moonchild ($40 USD)

You’ve potentially already seen my review of this, but I picked up the Anastasia Beverly Hills Moonchild Glow Kit last month when my friend Samantha was putting in an ABH order online. I had already picked up the Sweets palette the previous month and LOVED it so I figured I’d complete the crazy highlighter collection and get Moonchild as well.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in Moonchild
Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in Moonchild

The colours in this palette are so freaking stunning and I’ve been loving wearing them so, so much (I’ve got Lucky Clover as my highlighter today!). If you’d like to see a full review of this Glow Kit as well as the Sweets one, head over to this blog post. (And there’s an international giveaway going on in that post as well!)

F.U.N. Lacquer in Black Holo Witch and Blessing (H) - $12 USD each
F.U.N. Lacquer in Black Holo Witch and Blessing (H) – $12 USD each

I’m going to have to stop referring to myself as “not a nail polish” person, because I’m starting to find myself enamored with certain kinds of nail polish. And F.U.N. Lacquer is definitely one of those brands! They’re out of Singapore and I discovered them via Cristine of Simply Nailogical (she’s a nail polish vlogger out of my hometown of Ottawa) since she collaborated with FUN Lacquer to create Black Holo Witch, a black holographic nail polish that I became obsessed with getting my hands on. While placing my order, I decided to pick up Blessing (H) which is a purple green duochrome shot through with holo glitter (hence the (H) at the end of the name). It’s GORGEOUS. As I type this, I’ve had Blessing (H) on my nails for TWO WEEKS and I’m not even getting bored of it!

Sidenote for anyone ordering from FUN Lacquer: I didn’t have any customs charges, but the delivery took almost two months to get to me. It wasn’t their fault – they shipped my order the next day, but holy smokes was the post ever slow!

NYX Micro Brow in Taupe ($12.99 CAD)
NYX Micro Brow in Taupe ($12.99 CAD)

I ran out of ALL my other brow pencils (that’s a serious accomplishment in my book), so I picked up the NYX Micro Brow in Taupe because it’s been my longstanding favourite brow pencil. However, I’ve found this pencil exceptionally rock hard this time. I have no idea if I got a dud, or if I’m so used to the softness of the QUO Precision Brow Pencil that I’m just not as used to this one. Hmmmm….

Tarte Application Mitt ($7 CAD)
Tarte Application Mitt ($7 CAD)

I recently received some self tanning items and figured I should probably pick up an application mitt, so I grabbed the one by Tarte at Sephora. A lot of my peers in the CBB had recommended this one to me so I figured I might as well go with their recommendation! Of course, as luck would have it, I went to an event the very next day where I was gifted a St. Tropez tanning mitt. /facepalm

Anastasia Beverly Hills Maya Mia palette (free - swap)
Anastasia Beverly Hills Maya Mia palette (free – swap)

All of the next items are from a beauty blogger swap that we had when Jodi was in town just last week!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Maya Mia palette (free - swap)
Anastasia Beverly Hills Maya Mia palette (free – swap)

This Anastasia Beverly Hills Maya Mia palette has been passed around a few times at swaps now and I’m starting to wonder why no one’s in love with it. This time it’s my turn! I’ll give it a shot and see how I like it. 🙂

Avon - Anew skincare (free - swap)
Avon – Anew skincare (free – swap)

There were a bunch of Avon Anew skincare minis at the swap that I snatched up. I’ve been using the Avon Anew daily moisturizer with SPF in it recently and was surprised with just how much I love it. Since I’ve tried nothing else in the Anew range, I figured this would be a good place to start!

Bioderma Sebium H2O Micelle Solution and Biore Baking Soda Pore Cleanser (free - swap)
Bioderma Sebium H2O Micelle Solution and Biore Baking Soda Pore Cleanser (free – swap)

Well, we all know I love Bioderma, so there was no way I was leaving this little mini micelle solution behind. As for the Biore Baking Soda Pore Cleanser… well, I have a hard time saying no to skincare and no one else wanted it… so it came home with me!

MAC Flock and Roll eyeshadow and Unlimited Style lipglass (free - swap)
MAC Flock and Roll eyeshadow and Unlimited Style lipglass (free – swap)

I was kind of surprised that nobody was making a bee-line for the MAC products, and they were one of the last items on the table that were from a big brand. Although they’re EXCEPTIONALLY pink, I figure if I hate them, I can always Back 2 MAC them. The eyeshadow is Flock and Roll and the lipglass is Unlimited Style.

Pixi Glow Tonic, Glow Mud Mask and Glow Mud Cleanser (free - swap)
Pixi Glow Tonic, Glow Mud Mask and Glow Mud Cleanser (free – swap)

I was also surprised to see the Pixi Glow Tonic in the swap because so many people seem to obsess over this item! Melanie told me she had bought it at Gen Beauty but that it hadn’t worked well for her. I figured I’d give it a shot regardless. I’ve not used it yet, but once I’m done my current toner, this one will be next in line!

And of course, the mini Glow Mud Mask and Glow Mud Cleanser were just too adorable to pass up!

Tarte Drench Lip Splash in Top Down and Make Up For Ever eye shadows (free - swap)
Tarte Drench Lip Splash in Top Down and Make Up For Ever eye shadows (free – swap)

And lastly, we have the Tarte Drench Lip Splash in Top Down. I did a review on these a few months back and I LOVE the formula so, so much. I was really happy to see the shade Top Down in the swap pile because it was a shade I didn’t have yet!

There was also this Make Up For Ever eyeshadow duo that I’m pretty sure was from Gen Beauty as well. No one else seemed interested so I figured I might as well snag it!

Phew, there we go – that’s it for this month. There was a heck of a lot more items in the swap than I thought there was going to be! I went with a big ole bag of product myself so I was super happy to get rid of a bunch of things that either didn’t work for me, or that I wasn’t absolutely in love with. As for next month, I can just see October being an absolute mad dash to purchase holiday palettes… and of course IMATS!

What I Bought This Month – August 2016 Haul

This month ended up being a lot more spendy than I was anticipating. It’s the start of the makeup holiday season (YAYYYY!!!!!) and there’s a lot of exciting products coming out now and in the near future!

Too Cool For School - Egg Mousse Soap ($15 CAD)
Too Cool For School – Egg Mousse Soap ($15 CAD)

I’ve heard a little bit about the brand Too Cool For School and was intrigued by the fact that they use a lot of egg products in their skincare. I was low(ish) on facial cleansers at the time so I decided to pick up their Egg Mousse Soap one in a recent Sephora order because I “had to” get to the $50 free shipping mark. Of course, now I’m overburdened with facial cleansers and this one has moved to the back of the pile. Oops!

Bite Beauty Luminous Cream Lipsticks in Musk, Fig and Retsina ($28 CAD for all three)
Bite Beauty Luminous Cream Lipsticks in Musk, Fig and Retsina ($28 CAD for all three)

My whole reason for placing a Sephora order was that Bite Beauty was doing a flash clearance sale on their old Luminous Creme lipsticks. I had just recently finished up Fig (an all time favourite shade of mine) and was planning to repurchase the shade anyway so I figured this would work out well. The trio came with Fig, Musk and Retsina. I actually already own Musk and Retsina, so I figured I’d put those lipsticks in giveaways!

Houses of Lashes Adhesive ($11 CAD)
Houses of Lashes Adhesive ($11 CAD)

The last item in my Sephora order was the House of Lashes lash adhesive! I was hunting for cheapie products to add in to my Sephora order to make the minimum spend for free shipping, and Megan (who knows I’m a huge House of Lashes fan) pointed out that Sephora was now selling their lash glue. I was OVER THE MOON. Not only is the price tag good ($11 CAD), but now I don’t have to order it from the US and risk a customs fee! This is currently a backup as I’m working my way through another tube of the very same adhesive.

tarte Pin Up Girl palette

I just swatched this palette for Swatch Sunday, so you may be aware that Tanya of I, Redhead sent me this tarte Pin Up Girl palette!

tarte Pin Up Girl palette
tarte Pin Up Girl palette

I hadn’t bought the palette when it came out in 2014, but Tanya knew I was a fan of tarte‘s blushes so she sent her backup my way! I am so, SO grateful to her for sending it to me – it was a really lovely gesture. And I love the formula of tarte‘s blushes so I’m always happy to add another bunch of them to my collection!

tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen palette
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen palette ($59 CAD)

I’ve watched Grav3yardgirl for a few years now, and while I did find her personality a bit of an acquired taste (seriously, how can anyone be that peppy/vibrant/loud all the time??), she’s become one of my favourite YouTubers to just idly watch. I always find myself giggling with her in her videos and it’s nice to be able to tune in to someone who seems to be very comfortable in their own skin (with or without makeup!). However, I held off picking up her collaboration with tarte because I didn’t need another eyeshadow palette.

tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen palette
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen palette

But as all good makeup lovers are apt to do… I caved. I was particularly drawn to the Dogman and Sassy Bun shades and it was always in the back of my head that I was going to be supporting a YouTuber that I already enjoyed watching. So I picked up the Swamp Queen palette and I’ve been enjoying it so far. It’s not a total knockout palette, but there are some really, really lovely shades in here! If you’d like to see this palette in action, I did do a video tutorial featuring it which you can see right here:

The Body Shop mini body butter in Frosted Plum (free - gift)
The Body Shop mini body butter in Frosted Plum (free – gift)

I got a few cast off products from Julie – I don’t know what it is, but I’ve become such a hoarder with skincare products. I feel like I want all of the body butters, creams, lotions, etc. and when someone’s like “oh you want this?” I’m like yes yes yes, and then I throw it in my closet… only to realize I already had it. So ridiculous. Anyway! This is The Body Shop body butter in Frosted Plum which was limited edition around from around the holiday season. Not sure if they’ll be bringing this one back this year!

Bite Beauty Kale and Squid lipsticks
Bite Beauty Kale and Squid lipsticks (free – gift)

Julie also ended up with duplicates of Bite Beauty‘s Kale and Squid lipsticks so I said I’d give them a shot. Although they look black in the tube, one is a very dark green (Kale) and the other is a dark navy (Squid). I’ve not worn them yet, but I’m excited to put together some looks with them and see how best they wear!

Milani Amore Metallic Lip Creme in Matte About You (free- gift)
Milani Amore Metallic Lip Creme in Matte About You (free- gift)

A few weeks ago, Shawna surprised me and handed me this Milani Amore Metallic Lip Creme in Matte About You. She had tried all of the shades about and decided this would work better on me – and who am I to say no to that? I haven’t tried it yet, but be sure to check out her post on these Milani lip products because she’s got some great swatches!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in Sweets ($40 USD)
Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in Sweets ($40 USD)

I’m becoming a diehard for the Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kits you guys… it started with Gleam. And now I’ve purchased Sweets… and I’ve recently ordered Moonchild now too. These freaking highlighters are just so lovely and exciting that it’s really, really hard to resist them!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in Sweets ($40 USD)
Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in Sweets ($40 USD)

I’ve been particularly loving Sassy Grape. I had no idea I needed an iridescent purple highlighter in my life, but I now I realize I do! Also, rather amazingly, I was sent TWO of these Glow Kits when I only ordered one. Since this was shipped to the US, and then brought back to Canada for me (thanks Shawna!), I wasn’t going to bother shipping it back to ABH since paying for  return shipping is kind of stupid when it was their mistake in the first place. INSTEAD, you guys will profit off it because I’ll be doing a giveaway for it in the next month or so. Why so far away you ask? Because there’s ANOTHER giveaway I already have planned for my YouTube channel tomorrow to celebrate 1k subscribers!

201608_wibtm_anastasiabeverlyhills_neutrogenahydratiNeutrogena Hydrating Wipes ($8.99 CAD)ngwipes
Neutrogena Hydrating Wipes ($8.99 CAD)

I’ll never understand why these Neutrogena Hydrating wipes are so much more expensive than the regular Neutrogena ones… BUT they are my absolute favourite, so I always wait till they go on sale before I pick them up. (They’re usually priced around $13 CAD!)

Too Faced x Nikkie Tutorials - The Power of Makeup ($68 CAD)
Too Faced x Nikkie Tutorials – The Power of Makeup ($68 CAD)

We all know I’m a Too Faced junkie at this point – so I’ve just accepted that I’m going to end up buying every palette they release, regardless of whether or not I’m dying for the shades. So, I picked up the Too Faced and NikkieTutorials collaboration “The Power of Makeup” mid-month.

Too Faced x Nikkie Tutorials - The Power of Makeup ($68 CAD)
Too Faced x Nikkie Tutorials – The Power of Makeup ($68 CAD)

I’ll be brutally honest about this… I love watching NikkieTutorials, and I love Too Faced, but this collaboration has left me totally underwhelmed. There’s nothing about this eyeshadow palette that screams “Nikkie” to me. The purple mascara is a weird choice – even if she says it’s her favourite colour, I can’t think of a time when she’s ever used coloured mascara. The eyeshadow shades are a weird combinations for her (in my opinion) and they swatch really poorly (swatch post coming soon). I’m glad it came with a black Sketch Marker because I do quite enjoy that product (my review on other shades cane be found here) and I am happy to own the glitter “Gliterally” – although, if you remember the Too Faced Glamour Dusts… this is the exact same as Blue Fire. Sadly, I didn’t collect them all so I don’t have a full size of Blue Fire, which is why I’m happy to own this one.

Anyway, all this to say, I haven’t actually put this palette on my face yet, so maybe I’ll like it more in when I actually use it… but yeah… not my favourite release by Too Faced sadly.

And that’s it… anyone else getting super excited about the upcoming holiday palettes and collections? September/October is the BEST time of the year in the makeup world as far as I’m concerned! 😀

Swatch Sunday: tarte Pin Up Girl

tarte Pin Up Girl palette

I never ended up purchasing the 2014 holiday tarte blush palette… so imagine my surprise when Tanya of I, Redhead offered to send to send me her backup! I was so THRILLED! I love, love, love tarte blushes and couldn’t wait to add these to my collection!

tarte Pin Up Girl palette
tarte Pin Up Girl palette

This is the tarte Pin Up Girl palette and it was released for the 2014 holiday season. Unlike the previous year, Off The Cuff, it does not contain a bronzer.

tarte Pin Up Girl Swatches

tarte Pin Up Girl - Breathless
tarte Pin Up Girl – Breathless
tarte Pin Up Girl - Embraced
tarte Pin Up Girl – Embraced
tarte Pin Up Girl - Whimsy
tarte Pin Up Girl – Whimsy
tarte Pin Up Girl - Bashful
tarte Pin Up Girl – Bashful
tarte Pin Up Girl - Irreplaceable
tarte Pin Up Girl – Irreplaceable

Swatch Sunday: tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen

tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen palette

I held off buying this palette because I really wasn’t sure I needed *another* palette. (And obviously, I really don’t!) So when the tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen palette went up on sephora.ca, I just avoided it until it sold out. But then it became available last week and I caved. I mean, I think the colours are gorgeous, and I do watch Bunny (aka Grav3yard Girl) on YouTube, so I justified it to myself that I was helping support a YouTuber that I already watch. (Makeup addicts… we’ll find any possible way to justify a purchase to ourselves, won’t we??)

tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen palette
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen palette

While I haven’t used the palette on my eyes yet, there’s a few things that REALLY stuck out to me while I was swatching this:

  1. This palette smells like fake vanilla. This is totally unlike any other tarte palette I own which traditionally had a kind of stinky/earthy scent which I can only presume was from the amazonian clay.
  2. There’s a LOT of glitter particles in some of these shades and they are CHUNKY. I have no idea how they’ll play out on the lids, but I do expect to see glitter fallout at some point or another because even while swatching some of the glitter particles were swept away from my arm.
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen palette
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen palette

tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen Swatches

tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen - Sweet Tea
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen – Sweet Tea
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen - Does Thing Thing Really Work?
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen – Does Thing Thing Really Work?
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen - Gator Wings
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen – Gator Wings
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen - #SFS
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen – #SFS
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen - Natural Peaches
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen – Natural Peaches
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen - Dogman
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen – Dogman
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen - Big Baby
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen – Big Baby
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen - Sassy Bun
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen – Sassy Bun
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen - Sippy Sippy
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen – Sippy Sippy
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen - Haunting
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen – Haunting
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen - Uncommon
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen – Uncommon
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen - Mancat
tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen – Mancat

The tarte Grav3yard Girl Swamp Queen palette can be purchased on sephora.ca for $59 CAD, annnnnnd… I was going to say it’s also on sephora.com but I can’t actually seem to find it there. Hmmmm. :/ This is limited edition, so get it while you can. (It’s also available in stores!)