Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelée in Poppy Paradise

I was hesitant, while shopping online at Sephora, when I saw the color of Josie Maran's Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelée ($22) in Poppy Paradise. It looked orange, but was described as a cool-toned pink. When It arrived, I opened a pot of bright orange and went to check my order. I had ordered Poppy Paradise, and that's what arrived. So, I hesitantly swatched, and found a beautiful, light pink. Pfew!

This innovative coconut water-infused cheek gelée offers 14 hours of wear and hydration. This cheek color is a buildable, blendable blush hybrid that provides the natural look of a cream blush with the long-lasting hydrating color of a gel stain. Underline stain.

Infused with 50 percent-pure coconut water, it instantly hydrates while nourishing with the powerful benefits of vitamin E-rich argan oil. Like a refreshing sip of coconut water for your skin, this moisture-packed blush instantly drenches the cheeks in a cool veil of color.

It's definitely a stain. After swatching it with my fingers, I had a pink fingertip and had difficulty removing the color from my arm. Those who find that cream blush melts on their faces will love this product.

I took swatch photos in full, mid-day sun, using my finger to apply the blush. It applied easily, and the color was easy to build. It doesn't dry terribly quickly, so I had plenty of time to apply it - to my arm and my face - before it set into color that won't budge.

The pink is a beautiful color for my complexion. Just as advertised, it's cool in color - but it's not blue-cool. I think it's very flattering. You can also see that it's semi-sheer, so when you wear it, it won't look like makeup, just a more blushing you. Don't want pink? There are six shades available.

Josie Maran said, “Living on the beach in Oahu, I became a devotée of coconut water - and noticed that drinking lots of it seemed to make my skin and hair glow. I created Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelée to bring that hydrating color to my face, and yours. Have a sip of coconut water for your face with this blush that's cool to the touch.”

Josie Maran, a former model, has designed a line that features pure, natural cosmetics in a luxurious array of colors and textures. Packing formulas with botanical ingredients, and housing products in recyclable and biodegradable packaging, Josie Maran Cosmetics embraces eco-friendly practices with products made with love - for people, animals, and the planet. She also donates to shelters for abused animals.

You can feel good about buying Josie Maran products. Sephora and Josiemarancosmetics.com are the exclusive retailers for Maran's products.

Photo at top courtesy of Sephora; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Tarte Awakening Cheek Stain

Tarte Cheek Stain ($30), the stain that started it all. Tarte’s award-winning and best-selling cheek stain gives you a gorgeous, natural flush in a gel or cream consistency. The rounded-top cheek stains are gel-based stains, while flat-top cheek stains are the cream-based version. Who knew that? I didn't!

This lightweight glow-getter imparts a natural flush - like someone just pinched your cheeks. Get the look of love and an instant pop of soft and dreamy color by applying this to the apples of your cheeks. Unlike traditional stains that are hard to apply or way too dark, this goof-proof tint melts into the cheeks readily and gives you 20 seconds or more of blending time before it sets in place for all-day wear.

Awakening is Tarte's latest entry into its iconic Cheek Stain collection. I wasn't sure what color to expect when I flipped off the protective plastic cover. It appeared to be nude with a twist. Tarte describes it as a sheer, glowy nude with pink undertones, which is just about perfect.

I took swatch photos of this lovely Cheek Stain in full, morning sunshine. I applied the gel directly from the tube to my arm. I was very pleased with what I saw. The nude shade does have pink in it, preventing it from looking muddy on the skin. This is the perfect shade for this spring's subtle cheek.

Awakening does impart a glow, which I always need. The glow varies with lighting conditions, as you can see when comparing my two photos above.

I declare Tarte's Awakening Cheek Stain a must-have for Cheek Stain collectors and give it a buy recommendation for anyone looking for a new cheek treat.

I suspect you know about Tarte's wonderful cruelty-free ethos, but if you would like to know more about this company I deeply respect, check out this link. Not only does Tarte spare the animals, they work hard to ensure that they protect us from nasty ingredients, while adding ingredients that are good for our skin.

I received mine from a friend who is a Tarte representative. You can find Awakening Cheek Stain at Tarte's Web site, where there is a Divine Shine Gloss BOGO deal with the code KISS. It's available at Sephora too.

Photo at top courtesy of Tarte; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Tarte The Perfect Pink Holiday 2012 Exclusive Cheek Stain in Shimmering Pink

Wouldn't you know? I got mine last week, having paid full price, and now it's on sale. You can purchase Tarte's The Perfect Pink Holiday Exclusive Cheek Stain for $21 instead of $28.

Give a little tint this holiday season with this limited-edition Tarte.com exclusive cheek stain in “the perfect pink.” Tarte’s award-winning and best-selling Cheek Stain gives you a gorgeous, natural pink  flush in a creamy gel consistency.

This lightweight "glow-getter" imparts a natural sheen, like someone just pinched your cheeks, but better. Get the look of love and an instant pop of soft and dreamy color by applying this to the apples of your cheeks. Unlike traditional stains that are hard to apply, this goof-proof tint melts into skin easily and gives you 20 seconds of blending time before it sets in place for all day wear.

The first one I ordered and received was a disappointment. You know how Tarte tops its Cheek Stains with a plastic, protective covering? You simply lift them off carefully and you're good to go. Except...when I carefully lifted the covering, the whole column of color lifted off with it. There was no way I was going to remove it without destroying the product, which had fused to the lid. I called Tarte, they e-mailed me a postage-free return label, and promised they would overnight a replacement. I did get a replacement, but it was about five days after they should have received the return.

You can see the flaky product on the edges where I pulled the cap off of this one. It's fine. If I had taken my finger and smoothed it down, it would not be noticeable. Note to Tarte: You really should design those plastic gizmos so that they "latch" to the plastic container, not adhere to the product. The packaging is the only thing about this Cheek Stain that isn't perfect.

Shimmering Pink was designed for the Holiday season, but it's a year-round delight, as well as being a superb shade for spring. I took my swatch photos in full sun in shivering, windy cold. I can see that my arm starting to show goosebumps. I did not blend the stain - just applied it straight from the tube using the tube. The sheen offered by this beautiful pastel pink blush is gorgeous.

It may be too light for those with dark skin, but on pale or medium skin, it blends into healthy glow. I think it's very pretty. Because my photos were taken in full sun, the color appears a bit more iridescent than it is in "real life" - applied and blended properly.

For anyone who didn't purchase one before Christmas, it's now a steal. Check it out at Tarte's Web site, where you can find some other amazing deals.

Photo at top courtesy of Tarte; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Tarte Maracuja Cheek Tint in Deep Berry

Tarte's Maracuja Cheek Tint ($25) is a cheek tint or stain for those who can't keep color on their cheeks. It's seriously long-lasting! More on that below. I was interested in trying one, so I selected Deep Berry online from the four shades available.

Deep Berry, shown above, was a "radical" choice for me. I'm sure Light Nectar or Light Pink would have been more appropriate, but I really wanted to see Deep Berry. Into my shopping cart it went. I only had $25 to lose, right?

Brighten up! Infused with pure maracuja oil, this brightening cheek tint is loaded with antioxidant-rich nutrients. Effortlessly dab and blend the gel-like texture to the apples of your cheeks to experience the true uniqueness and the cooling sensation of the pure undiluted maracuja in this blush.

So far, so good. This Cheek Tint comes with a pump top, so you have to pump a small amount to an intermediary location. I pumped it into my palm. You can apply the tint with a brush or your fingers (pat, pat, pat, hope it looks even).  I used a sponge-tipped applicator for my swatch photos, but I use a brush on my face. Check out my swatch photos, and you will see a scary dot of the unblended shade and a much larger swatch of the blended shade.

My photos were taken in full, but rapidly disappearing sunlight. The dot straight out of the pump is deep pink or a shade of cherry red, depending on your eyes and perspective. The blended shade is bright pink.

This Cheek Tint is ideal for women who cannot keep blush on their faces - either because of oily skin, perspiration from outdoor activities, or any other cause. It's also ideal for the woman who needs cheek color for 48, maybe 72 hours - a rare breed.

Believe me, Maracuja Cheek Tint won't come off. Here's what I had to do to remove it from my arm.

1. Soap and water didn't work. Didn't touch it.
2. Oily long-wear makeup remover didn't work.  Didn't touch it.
3. An abrasive exfoliator/scrub didn't work. It was still as bright as it was when I applied it.
4. I was desperate. I reached for the Clorox bottle and used 100% Clorox. That took it off my palm and arm with a little rubbing. I would not recommend that you try this method of removal on your face.

Once applied, this Cheek Tint will be on your face for a long time. The only thing I didn't try was a long, soaking shower or bath. I wanted to get more swatch photos that day.

The Deep Berry color is pretty. It is better suited to medium or dark skin. It is sheer and buildable, and I can wear it on my ultra-fair skin if I blend it out significantly.  Still, it's not my shade. After trying it, I know I should have selected one of the shades I listed above.

I purchased my Maracuja Cheek Tint at Tarte's Web site. I don't see it at Sephora. Maybe it's a Tarte exclusive. If you can't keep your cheek color on your cheeks, hop over to Tarte.

Photo at top courtesy of Tarte; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Hourglass Aura Sheer Cheek Stain

I hadn't dipped my toes into Hourglass, a brand I had seen repeatedly at Sephora. I was afraid it might be one of those teenybopper brands - without knowing anything about it. Then, I read favorable reviews of Hourglass makeup by Gaia at The Non-Blonde, so I started browsing at Sephora. I finally bought my first Hourglass piece, and I'm delighted with it!

Aura Sheer Cheek Stain ($45) is a water-based stain that gives cheeks a subtle lit-from-within glow. The lightweight, hydrating cheek stain creates a radiant, natural color that lasts all day. Its click mechanism dispenses the perfect amount of product for convenient on-the-go application. The first time I used it, I clicked and clicked and clicked - I started to wonder if Sephora had sent me a dud. Then the color appeared in the spongy applicator, leaving me a bit relieved I didn't have a product to return. I wanted to like it.

Aura Sheer Cheek Stain comes in three shades: Flush (berry pink), Petal (peachy pink), and Rouge (soft plum). They all looked pretty in the little swatches, but I was conservative and ordered only Flush, the one that looked the most perfect for my skin tone. When the product clicked its way into the applicator, I was suddenly fearful that the swatches were off-base. It looked strawberry with a hint of coral! While strawberry is a berry (remember, berry pink), I was expecting something a little different, but what I expected was almost exactly what I saw on my skin when I applied the cheek stain.

Here's a swatch photo. I applied a little circle on my arm, using not only the applicator, but my finger to even out the color just a tad. It's a messy swatch, but I think it shows the color well. I took my photo indoors in sunlight. While there is a tiny amount of coral/peach in the shade, it's a pretty pink that will be wearable by gals with different skin tones. I can wear it with my pale skin, and I think it's going to be perfect on medium-toned skin also. I think it's fabulous.

I'd like to see how Rouge works on my skin, but that will have to wait for a trip to Sephora. For now, I'm very happy with my purchase, and I have Gaia to thank for unknowingly prompting me to try Hourglass. If you would like to read about the brand and its founder, Carisa Janes, check out this Sephora link.

You can purchase Hourglass Aura Sheer Cheek Stain at Sephora and Apothica.

Update 2/6: Here's a second photo. The sparkly appearance in the photo above and this one is due to sunshine, not the cheek stain. The reflection in this photo is a little less extreme because the photo was taken indoors during sunrise. The cheek stain is very natural and not at all sparkly. Unfortunately, the color isn't true in this second photo. Flush is not this peachy.

Update 2/6: I have been clueless about Hourglass! I just discovered they have their own Web site, where you can purchase their cosmetics. Their little swatches of the cheek stain may be better than Sephora's.

Photo courtesy of Sephora

Stila Coconut Crush Lip & Cheek Stain

Stila's newest crush, Coconut Crush Lip & Cheek Stain ($24), creates a beautiful bronze/rose gold shade for your lips and cheeks! This is a Lip & Cheek Stain I can love. The last Lip & Cheek Stain I tried, Açaí Crush Lip & Cheek Stain, lived up to its title: it stained. It was too dark and bright for my skin, and I couldn't get it off, no matter what I did. Coconut Crush is perfect. I love everything about it.

Lip & Cheek Stain creates a personalized blush and pout with one click of the pen, which sends a drop of product into the brush for application. The nourishing formula contains potent antioxidants; vitamins A, C, and E to moisturize; and coconut extract, which is known to slow the degeneration of collagen (supporting the skin's natural structure and slowing premature aging). Also, coconut is celebrated for its high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. How about that? Pretty color that's good for you!

Coconut Crush creates a naturally beautiful, rosy-bronze glow. It warms the skin with its beautiful, subtle color. I swatched it without blending, which is why you see a little uneven color in my photo at right. I took the photo indoors during the five minutes of sun we saw on one recent day. Isn't this a gorgeous shade? It's a blend of colors. I hope you can see the rose in it. The rose differentiates it from many of the bronze shades available to warm our skin. I adore this Lip & Cheek Stain. (Note to self: Give the Açaí Crush to a friend who will appreciate it. Now that I have Coconut Crush, I won't ever reach for it.)

Do I need a second? I think so - I'll order one on my next Stila order. I bought my Coconut Crush Lip & Cheek Stain from Stila online. You can also find Stila at Sephora, SkinStore, and Beauty.com.

Photo at top courtesy of Stila

Stila Açaí Crush Lip & Cheek Stain

Recently, I purchased Stila's Açaí Crush Lip & Cheek Stain ($24). It sounded fun, and I love Stila makeup. Here's what enticed me.

We can all use a little boost over the holidays...and thanks to our latest addition to the Stila Crush family, which comes infused with Açaí, one of the richest super-fruits in the world, you can get the boost you need with a click of a pen. Known for its amazing healthy benefits, Açaí is celebrated for its high levels of antioxidants and immunity-boosting powers. It also helps protect cells from free radical damage to keep skin looking younger longer.

Our latest Crush delivers a rich, vibrant red color, a not-so-subtle, but still perfectly sheer stain that is super long-lasting. Açaí Crush also happens to be super smart too. The formula reacts with the pH level of the skin to create the perfect pop of color on the lips and the cheeks that is uniquely you.

Infuse your holidays with a nourishing color fix that has incredible staying power. This is a must-have Lip & Cheek Stain for a beautiful, naturally rosy flush.

Sounds fabulous, right? I love Stila - I just bought a box full of new items, and I'm very pleased with all of them, with one exception. I learned that some descriptions have clues, hints that you should heed. Now that I've tried Açaí Crush Lip & Cheek Stain, I can tell you that Stila wasn't kidding when they used these terms.

• Not-so-subtle
• Super long-lasting
• Incredible staying power

I think this stain was made for: 1) women who have trouble with blushers that disappear a few hours after application, 2) those who want a "serious" stain on their lips and/or cheeks, and 3) beauties with dark complexions. I match none of these criteria.

Let's take a look at the "kapow" color. On my arm at right, I swatched Açaí Crush with no blending - just applied straight to my arm with the brush - and blended below. You can see that it's very dark and bright, something I discovered after applying it to my cheeks. It's too bright for me. It's also way too long-lasting.

To demonstrate, I thoroughly washed it off with soap and water, giving my arm a gentle scrub. The photo of the result is at left. I had blended it with my finger, and my finger was still bright pink, which you can see below. Next, I used long-wear makeup remover that wouldn't touch it. Then I used an exfoliating body scrub. I was able to remove most of the blended stain, but the pink stripe is still on my arm and is likely to be for days. The things I do for you!

The Stila Web site provides tips for application, and they recommend that you use your fingers or Stila's #27 brush to apply it evenly. I wouldn't recommend that you use your fingers unless you don't mind looking like you were fingerpainting that day). I would also caution you to avoid using a brush that you love - you will dye it bright pink. Interestingly, there are no removal tips.

My final photo was taken after I had tried all of the measures mentioned above to remove it. A little lasting flush on your cheeks or lips isn't so bad. Having one on your arm and fingers isn't nearly as attractive. Whatever you do, don't get it on your clothing!

Need a blush that won't melt? Lip color that stains? Have a dark complexion? This is your makeup! What do you think? Anyone going to try it?

You can purchase Stila products at Stila's Web site, Sephora, SkinStore, and Beauty.com.

Photo at top courtesy of Stila

Tarte Ring It In Cheek Stain Set for Holiday 2010

The Ring It In holiday set from Tarte is hoard-worthy. If I'm a good example, you'll need three of them for yourself, and if you plan to give any as gifts, you better buy more. Don't say I didn't tell you! On top of its sheer appeal, there's the lure of a discount. Right now, you can get a 20% discount at Sephora, using their not-so-secret Friends & Family discount code FF2010.

The Ring It In Cheek Stain Set ($25 before discount, $20 after) is limited-edition set of three best-selling and award-winning "mini" cheek stains in all-new sumptuous shades. I can't tell you my delight when I opened the box from Tarte and started to play with the shades. Every one of the three excited me. Then, there's the costume "universally sized" cocktail ring that's too big for my size 5 ring finger - even with it's elasticized band. A few friends at work will enjoy the rings (yes, rings, because I will get one with each set I ordered). The ring is a gimmick, but it's cute - and big.

The set contains three mini Cheek Stains in Vivid (vibrant rosy pink), Luster (peach champagne), and Flawless (soft peachy pink). They aren't teeny tiny, but they aren't full-sized. That's good. The size is as perfect as it gets for throwing in a makeup bag, and that's where each of them will go in my handbag - one at a time. That's where the first set that came from Tarte will go. When my order from Sephora arrives, one full set will go in my desk drawer at work.

Each shade is sheer and pretty. They are so sheer, I'd wager there's no way you can overdo them. Just swipe a few times, blend if you need to, and go. You will glow. I remember one of my favorite makeup gurus saying, "Everyone is nicer to you when you wear blusher." She's right! When you head for a meeting or encounter that makes you anxious, pop into the ladies room for a little Cheek Stain. Can't hurt!

My photo shows the three flattering transparent shades on my arm in late afternoon sun. Flawless, Vivid, and Luster are shown top to bottom. I can't use enough superlatives to tell you how happy I am with the shades, which look even better on my cheeks. My photo was taken late-afternoon fading sunlight. I rolled each stain across my arm four or five times to ensure the colors would show in the photo. Can you use Luster as a highlighter? Absolutely! You can also use it to bring out your own natural pink blush, adding a champagne touch to reduce excess redness.

There's a close-up of Vivid at right (photo taken in brighter sunlight). I absolutely love the rosy pink shade. Whether your skin is cool or warm, light or dark, you'll be able to wear it.

These ultra-flattering Cheek Stains feature a t5-infused botanical formula that keeps pigments truer, allowing you to blend into skin for a finish that's fresh and dewy. The t5 super fruit complex is a proprietary blend of the five most active super-fruits: extracts of goji berry, açaí, maracuja, acerola, and pomegranate extract. The first blend of its kind, the t5 super fruit complex is loaded with naturally occurring, antioxidant-rich nutrients and vitamins that are known to deliver refining, anti-aging, and skin-restorative benefits with each application.

If you've been reading Best Things in Beauty, you know that Tarte's makeup is formulated without the following ingredients we should all try to avoid.

• Parabens
• Sulfates
• Synthetic Fragrances
• Synthetic Dyes
• Petrochemicals
• Phthalates

Head over to Sephora to see Ring It In, and make sure to check out the other beautiful Holiday 2010 sets at the same time. I'll be showing you more this week. Ring It In will also be available at Tarte's Web site soon. There's a special offer there too. Through October 31, you will save $5 on any purchase of $25 or more with code TREAT.

My gushing rave is over - for now. These Cheek Stains make me smile.

Photo at top courtesy of Sephora

Tarte The Perfect Rose Amazonian Clay Cheek Stain

Not long ago, I purchased a fabulous Tarte set: the Tarte Amazonian Adventure Color Collection in Taupe. I told you about it in September. I was slow in trying it out. I had to have it, but once it was secured, I relaxed. I'll admit I do that now and then. It's not because I get blasé about makeup. I just have so much I want to wear and try, and I save treats for myself.

The Amazonian Adventure Color Collection ($48) is a six-piece set, inspired by Tarte creator Maureen Kelly's journey to the Amazon Rain Forest. The set is designed to give you everything you need to discover the skin-balancing benefits of Tarte's blend of Amazonian clay.

I have worn my first piece from the set, purchased from QVC, and it's love. The Perfect Rose is a warm pink cheek stain - sheer, pretty, and, as you would expect from Tarte, good for your skin!

My arm photo at right shows how sheer and pretty the color is. It's a warm pink, one that many of us can wear. There's no "cool baby-doll" in this shade. My photo was taken in full sun, and I applied the Cheek Stain directly from the container with a few back-and-forth swipes. It looks beautiful on my cheeks - the perfect everyday shade! The color is so natural, the flush appears to be mine, not courtesy of makeup.

The set doesn't appear to be available anymore at QVC. However, I learned today from Tarte that The Perfect Rose is exclusive to QVC and will be available again there in November. If you can't wait, Amazon lists it at this link for $25, and I also found new ones on eBay.

Photo at top courtesy of QVC

Tarte Maureen's Favorites Exclusive Value Set at Sephora

Here's a deal! Sephora has an exclusive, limited-edition value set called Maureen's Favorites ($39). The set features best sellers and new products (featured in new, limited-edition shades!), all hand-picked by Tarte creator Maureen Kelly exclusively for Sephora's Beauty Insiders! Anyone can become a Beauty Insider - just by signing up. If you haven't already become a Beauty Insider, where have you been?

Maureen's Favorites includes her personal favorites, like Lights, Camera, Lashes! the natural mascara that Tarte says is clinically proven to increase the appearance of lash volume by 424%; Lock & Roll 12-Hour Eyeshadow in a brand new shade, Deep Amethyst; Tarte's best-selling and award-winning Natural Cheek Stain in a new, limited-edition shade called Exclusive; the best-selling Park Ave Princess Mineral Powder Bronzer; and Maureen's newest favorite: the highly anticipated LipSurgence Natural Lip Stain, which Tarte says is clinically proven to increase lips' moisture content by 6000%, in a new, limited-edition, peachy-pink nude shade called Peaceful. All of the pieces in this collection of Maureen's picks perfectly complement each other for an overall "eco-enchanting look" suitable for all skin tones.

The darling purple makeup bag that comes with the set has a removable/reusable flower pin. The pin is actually kind of cute. I think it would look great pinned to my straw sun hat!

I took these arm photos after I fell while cutting down a volunteer maple tree that was infringing on the space occupied by my Japanese Maple Butterfly. I don't like to cut down trees, so I guess the wound I now have down my left arm was nature's revenge. I may have to take leg photos until the cut heals! My arm photo space is now severely limited.

Closest to my wrist above is the Peaceful Natural Lip Stain. It's a fabulous nude shade, perfect for pairing with your smokey eye look - or for a nice daytime look. Right under Peaceful is Exclusive Natural Cheek Stain, the wonder-product I could (and do) wear in just about every color available. You can see that Exclusive is very light. It adds a golden sheen that will be perfect for everyone. Too bad it's a mini. I can see myself wearing it out!

I didn't get an arm photo of Park Ave Princess Mineral Powder Bronzer. Here is Sephora's photo of this whisper-light bronzing powder that's fragrance-free. Park Ave Princess is a highly pearled light yellow-gold that coordinates beautifully with the Exclusive Cheek Stain.

Three items, a touch of gold - until you get to the natural, creaseless Lock & Roll with mineral pigments. I'm not sure the Deep Amethyst eye color works for me (although it sure makes my blue eyes blue!). I would rather wear it as a lip color. Plum will be a big color for fall (quoting Tim Quinn, Giorgio Armani's Celebrity Face Designer and makeup guru). Given the purity of Tarte's ingredients (I've studied the list), I'm fairly sure I'll be able to wear it on my lips.

Lock & Roll 12-Hour Eyeshadow has a rollerball applicator for the "loose shadow," which glides easily over the cream shadow (brush applicator) to lock in the color. The loose shadow shade is shown at the top in the photo to the right, with the intense cream below. They are gorgeous colors - together or alone. One nice feature is that they are absolutely budge-proof. I tried to wipe them off my arm with a tissue after I took the photo. That was a no-go. I had to scrub with soap and water! I know that the shades are going to be gorgeous on most of you. I'll see what I think this fall when I wear deeper shades of clothing. However, now that I've seen the performance of this shadow, I want Sandstone...and maybe Rosegold too.

This is a good value set. It's advertised as a $103 value (two of the five makeup items are full-sized). Regardless of what it's really worth, you get a lot of goodies for $39. These are colors that are going to take you from summer into fall. That makes them winners to me!

Set and Park Ave Princess photos courtesy of Sephora

Tarte TEN Natural Cheek Stain

I'm a big fan of Tarte's Natural Cheek Stains. When I read that Sephora would offer the limited-edition TEN ($30), inspired by eco-friendly celebrity makeup artist Tina Turnbow (who also created the fabulous Flower Child), I was ready to order - and did the day it became available.

TEN celebrates Tarte's 10-year anniversary with the company's iconic product - the one that started it all a decade ago: TEN Limited Edition Natural Cheek Stain.

This best seller is all new in a limited-edition sleek, gold-studded tube in Tarte's signature dark purple (it's just a little gaudy). The stain itself is a shimmering bright pink shade that should invigorate all complexions. Powered by Tarte's signature T5 Super Fruit Complex, this nutrient-rich Natural Cheek Stain fights free radical damage while treating skin with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

I took a photo of TEN, contrasted by True Love, another pink-toned Tarte Natural Cheek Stain, to show you the color and to give you another shade for comparison. As you can see on my arm photo, TEN (at top), is a true baby pink. True Love, also pink, is described by Tarte as sheer watermelon. That fits!

Tarte is a company you can love. The Tarte T5 Super Fruit Complex is a proprietary blend of the five most active superfruits: goji, açaí, maracuja, acerola, and pomegranate. The first blend of its kind, the T5 Super Fruit Complex is loaded with naturally occurring, antioxidant-rich nutrients and vitamins that have been known to deliver refining, anti-aging, and skin-restorative benefits with each application. It contains a natural fragrance and is free from preservatives, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and mineral oil.

In keeping with Tarte's eco-friendly efforts, they've partnered with Sambazon, creators of the Sustainable Açaí Project—an initiative to promote positive change in the Amazon Rain forest through forest conservation, improved living conditions, and educational opportunities through the sustainable management of the Açaí Palm tree. Açaí is an antioxidant-rich super fruit that helps fight free radicals, promotes cell regeneration, has known anti-inflammatory and skin softening properties, and combats premature signs of aging. They are taking care of the world, while they take care of our skin and make us look good.

You can purchase TEN at Sephora, which carries a large selection of other Natural Cheek Stains too. You can also find Natural Cheek Stains at Tarte's own Web site.

Photo courtesy of Sephora

Tarte 10-Year Anniversary Introductions

Tarte turns 10 years old this year! To celebrate the milestone, Tarte is introducing some nice new products. They are available at Sephora. I think they are going to be blockbusters. Take a look!

TEN Natural Cheek Stain ($30) is a limited-edition, natural cheek stain inspired by eco-friendly celebrity makeup artist Tina Turnbow. It was designed to celebrate Tarte's 10-year anniversary with the company's iconic product - the one that started it all a decade ago: TEN Limited Edition Natural Cheek Stain.

This best seller is all new in a limited-edition sleek, gold-studded tube in Tarte's signature dark purple. The stain itself is a shimmering bright pink shade said to invigorate all complexions. "Powered by Tarte's signature T5 Super Fruit Complex, this nutrient-rich natural cheek stain fights free radical damage while treating skin with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. From anniversaries to birthdays to the everyday, Tarte always gives you something to celebrate with High-Performance Natural formulas that keep your complexion rejuvenated and fresh, inside and out." My TEN is on its way! I'm so excited I couldn't wait for its arrival to tell you about it.The TEN Limited Edition Collector's Palette ($44) is a refillable and reusable, gold-studded palette that contains 10 full-sized eyeshadows, a double-ended eye liner, a full-sized eyeshadow brush, and a deluxe sample of Lights, Camera, Lashes! Clinically-Proven Natural Mascara.

Here's what Sephora's has to say about it (more or less).

With all the effervescence and sparkle of flowing champagne, TEN Limited-Edition Collector's Palette celebrates Tarte's milestone: a decade of High-Performance Natural beauty. Overflowing with 10 limited-edition shadows; a limited-edition, double-ended eye liner; and a full-sized eyeshadow brush, this palette is a true collector's item filled with endless looks from soft to smoky and from earthy to jewel-toned. Before being treated with soothing vitamins, these pigmented and luxurious shadows are softly milled from natural mineral pigments for rich color payoff and silky application. The double-ended eye liner in deep black and plum complements any look and is infused with antioxidant-rich and free-radical-fighting carnauba wax, shea butter, and cocoa seed butter. Tarte even includes a free deluxe sample of their best-selling Lights, Camera, Lashes! Clinically-Proven Natural Mascara, so you can achieve a 424% increase in the volume of your lashes [ed: that may be a slight exaggeration]! Housed in a refillable palette studded to embody a little bubbly, this masterpiece is the perfect way to celebrate the last decade and toast to the next TEN. Cheers!

I'm sure you know that Tarte's wonderful cosmetics are formulated without the following ingredients we are all trying to avoid.

• Parabens
• Sulfates
• Synthetic Fragrances
• Synthetic Dyes
• Petrochemicals
• Phthalates

I love that about Tarte! That's why I keep buying. There's little I can resist. My latest purchases (along with the new items above) are value sets that include pre-launches and best sellers: Maureen's Favorites Exclusive Value Set ($39) and Radiant and Rested Luminous Complexion Collection ($42). Check them out! The first includes a darling little Deluxe Natural Cheek Stain in a new shade: Exclusive (a warm earthy nude). The latter includes a small Natural Cheek Stain in Glisten. I am a total pushover for cheek stains, and little ones I can pop into my makeup bag are the cat's meow. I'll tell you about them after I've had a chance to sample.

Congratulations to Tarte! May the next 10 years be even more exciting than the first 10!

Photos courtesy of Sephora

Tarte Flower Child Natural Cheek Stain

One of my snowstorm online orders arrived - finally! I was in serious delivery withdrawal. When I arrived home from New York at 3:00 am this morning, my Tarte order was on my doorstep. I had ordered a few things, and the new Flower Child Cheek Stain ($30) was one of my purchases. It was love at first sight!

This cheek stain is a limited edition by Tina Turnbow, a celebrity makeup artist who collaborated with Tarte on their Spring 2010 collection. The shade is described as a deep golden rose. It's actually a gorgeous rose - not "deep" really. I have very fair skin, and it's a charming color on my cheeks.

Here's how Tarte describes it.

Get an early start on the summer of love with this natural cheek stain infused with tarte’s t5 super fruit complex. Inspired by the natural glow of fresh-faced flower children of the Haight-Ashbury era, this rosy pink shade is in perfect harmony with all skin tones for an instantly warmed complexion that outwardly reflects your inner peace.

You know, I'm sure, that Tarte's Cheek Stains are made with a proprietary blend of the five most active superfruits: goji, acai, maracuja, acerola, and pomegranate. The first blend of its kind, the t5 super fruit complex is loaded with naturally occurring, antioxidant-rich nutrients and vitamins that have been known to deliver refining, anti-aging, and skin-restorative benefits with each application. Besides that, they are enormously pretty, adding a natural glow to your complexion.

I've become quite the Cheek Stain lover and was thrilled to see the Flower Child shade online. Now I'm thrilled to have it in my makeup collection! You can apply it with a foundation brush or by using the roll-up container to apply it directly to your skin and blending with your fingertips. Either way, you will have a gorgeous flush that looks like your own.

You can order Flower Child from Tarte's Web site or from Sephora.

Photo courtesy of Tarte