The Friday Forum - November 15 - and Tarte Amazonian Butter Lipstick

The only disappointment from my Sephora sale orders was Tarte's Amazonian Butter Lipstick ($16). I ordered Pink Peony, which must have been popular. It's the only sold-out shade. Here's the scoop on Amazonian Butter Lipstick.

A moisturizing, creamy lipstick infused with sustainably pressed Amazonian butters, Amazonian Butter Lipstick was inspired by the whimsical colors of the Amazon and infused with naturally derived ingredients from its lush vegetation. Amazonian Butter Lipsticks add a splash of rich color and creamy shine for a perfect pout. Each skin-flattering shade is enriched with sustainably harvested cupuacu and murumuru butters, shea butter, and mineral pigments to deliver intense moisture, help restore and soothe even mature lips, and provide good-for-you color.

I love Tarte, the lipstick sounded great, and the color I selected looked luscious. I was surprised when I saw that the lipstick bullet was presented in a cardboard tube. I didn't see that specifically disclosed within the listing. Worse, however, was that I saw the lipstick bullet had rammed into the top of the tube. Odd, I thought. How did that happen? It happened because the bullet was broken off at the base. Did it happen in shipping? Did it happen at the manufacturing facility? Who knows? What I do know is that I will have to return it.

You can see in the photo at the top of this feature that the color bullet was tilted at an angle when it arrived. That should have been my first clue that all was not well, but I found out why it tilted when I started to roll it up. I rolled it slightly, and the bullet fell out entirely. What a disappointment!

Knowing that Sephora could not sell it after I returned it, I went ahead and swatched it - just in case you are enticed to purchase one from Tarte - or later when Sephora restocks it. The color is a very sheer warm pink. I took my swatch photo below in full, morning sun.

The sheer shade is gorgeous. I'd buy it again, but since it's sold out at Sephora, I will have to return it for a refund.

It's time for the Friday Forum. I love this part of our week. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers will have moved on.

I hope you have a great weekend!

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

Tarte Gifts from The Lipstick Tree Achiote Color Collection Giveaway Contest

Tarte's Gifts from The Lipstick Tree Achiote Color Collection ($42) is an achiote-infused blush and lip tint trio that provides divine color. I have one to give away.

Get a healthy dose of color with this blush and lip trio infused with pigments and ingredients derived from the Amazon. Tarte’s most recent finding from its rain forest travels is achiote, a secret among Brazil’s beautiful women, known for the honeysuckle shade produced from the seeds of the fruit it bears. With natural pigments derived from this “lipstick tree,” the warm, shimmering golden pink shade is universally flattering.

This set contains the following beauties.

• 0.10 oz LipSurgence Natural Lip Luster in Achiote (shimmering golden pink)
• 0.2 oz Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Achiote
• 0.12 oz Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss in Achiote 

I'm sure you know that Tarte cosmetics contain no bad actors. This set is formulated without parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and gluten - only with ingredients that are good for your skin.

How can you enter to win this giveaway contest (technically a sweepstakes)? Just leave a comment on this feature (not in another BTiB post). After you comment here, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com (the contest address, not my "personal" e-mail) and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing an e-mail address you care about on a blog, so feel free to follow this step (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment). Please make sure I have your e-mail. If I can't notify you, you can't win - even if your number is drawn. I can't believe the number of winners I haven't been able to find in the past.

You can earn extra entries. Follow this blog (through an e-mail subscription, GFC, or though one of the many readers - see sidebar at right) to earn a second entry. If you are a follower, it would help me tally entries if you tell me in your comment how you follow. You don't have to follow to enter. I want everyone to have a chance, but I also want to reward my followers. I must be able to track this entry.

You can earn a third entry by tweeting this contest. You must include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) and the contest title in your tweet. Remember, tweet the contest title - if you don't, that entry won't count. I will tweet the contest early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

You will automatically earn a fourth entry if you have commented here during the last two weeks. I will know if you have.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, August 10, at midnight. I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday. The winner will have 48 hours to reply to my message and provide a shipping address. After 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your e-mail - and look in your spam folder - when the contest ends.

This contest is open to anyone anywhere. Here are the terms. If the product is lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it.

The winner must be able to provide me with a "mailable address," meaning the U.S. Post Office recognizes it or its street, province, and other "elements" the way the winner provides them. I've had some trouble with both U.S. and international addresses lately.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck! Please remember that I am now moderating comments. It could be awhile before yours appears.

Good luck!

Photo courtesy of Tarte

Tarte Femme Naturale Refillable Natural Eye Palette Giveaway Contest

Tarte Cosmetics introduced a superstar refillable eye palette, Femme Naturale, and I'm giving one away. I cannot believe I still had a brand new one - in addition to my own - which I discovered while treasure hunting (aka cleaning) in my house. I am adept at stashing things away for later. In this case, much later, but still a treasure.

You'll show the world your softer side with this subdued refillable natural eye palette. The reusable purple case is accented with a fabric flower appliqué and filled with 10 mineral-based eye shadows, a double-ended brush and a double-ended eyeliner. The magnetic base allows you to pop out the recyclable eyeshadow pans. Then you can refill them with new Tarte shadows to reuse the palette and reduce environmental waste. It also comes with directions that illustrate some of Tarte's favorite looks.

The shades in Femme Naturale are naturals for everyone - soft, pretty, and laden with Tarte's skinvigorating ingredients. Here's the list. Top row (left to right): shimmering buff, soft sand, golden peach, shimmering sage, and soft sienna. Bottom row (left to right): golden tan, soft petal pink, golden plum, shimmering cocoa, golden navy. The double-ended eyeliner is golden bronze and shimmering auburn.

How can you enter to win this giveaway contest (technically a sweepstakes)? Just leave a comment on this feature (not in another BTiB post). After you comment here, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com (the contest address, not my "personal" e-mail) and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing an e-mail address you care about on a blog, so feel free to follow this step (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment). Please make sure I have your e-mail. If I can't notify you, you can't win - even if your number is drawn. I can't believe the number of winners I haven't been able to find in the past.

You can earn extra entries. Follow this blog (through an e-mail subscription, GFC, or though one of the many readers - see sidebar at right) to earn a second entry. If you are a follower, it would help me tally entries if you tell me in your comment how you follow. You don't have to follow to enter. I want everyone to have a chance, but I also want to reward my followers. I must be able to track this entry.

You can earn a third entry by tweeting this contest. You must include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) and the contest title in your tweet. Remember, tweet the contest title - if you don't, that entry won't count. I will tweet the contest early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

You will automatically earn a fourth entry if you have commented here during the last two weeks. I will know if you have.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, June 22, at midnight. I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday. The winner will have 48 hours to reply to my message and provide a shipping address. After 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your e-mail - and look in your spam folder - when the contest ends.

This contest is open to anyone anywhere. Here are the terms. If the product is lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it.

The winner must be able to provide me with a "mailable address," meaning the U.S. Post Office recognizes it or its street, province, and other "elements" the way the winner provides them. I've had some trouble with both U.S. and international addresses lately.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck! Please remember that I am now moderating comments. It could be awhile before yours appears.

Photo courtesy of Tarte

Aqualillies for Tarte Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder Giveaway Contest

Want to make waves in your beauty routine this summer? Dive into Tarte's limited-edition Amazonian Clay Finishing Face Powder ($29), inspired by the Aqualillies, America’s most glamorous synchronized swimming group. I have one to give away.

This soft, perfecting formula minimizes the appearance of pores, diffuses imperfections, and balances the skin for a natural, flawless finish. It's translucent and silky - a finishing powder that will keep your makeup in place without ever appearing chalky. Although it looks white int he pot, it will look like your skin when applied. It mattifies the skin by removing excess surface oil - a nice quality for summer. This powder can even be used alone as a treatment to reap all the benefits of Amazonian clay. Top your tan (faux, I hope) with it.

In case you don't know, Amazonian clay is a nutrient-rich clay extracted from the banks of the Amazon River, where the nutrients are at their highest concentration. As nature’s most perfect ingredient, this multitasking and total skin balancing clay has been known to remove surface oil and mattify skin, nourish all skin types, and give skin an overall smooth and even appearance. Tarte sustainably harvests this ingredient through cooperative partnerships in Brazil.

The Amazon river flows for 4,000 miles. As it flows, it collects highly nutritious plant and fruit matter. The clay gathers in the river’s basin, and the sun naturally bakes the clay, locking in the plant and fruit nutrients. Then it is shaved down to a finely milled powder and infused into Tarte products with other high-performance natural ingredients.

How can you enter to win this giveaway contest (technically a sweepstakes)? Just leave a comment on this feature (not in another BTiB post). After you comment here, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com (the contest address, not my "personal" e-mail) and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing an e-mail address you care about on a blog, so feel free to follow this step (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment). Please make sure I have your e-mail. If I can't notify you, you can't win - even if your number is drawn. I can't believe the number of winners I haven't been able to find in the past. Today's contest winner did not provide any contact information, so I had to go to the next draw.

You can earn extra entries. Follow this blog (through an e-mail subscription, GFC, or though one of the many Google readers - see sidebar at right) to earn a second entry. If you are a follower, it would help me tally entries if you tell me in your comment how you follow. You don't have to follow to enter. I want everyone to have a chance, but I also want to reward my followers. I must be able to track this entry.

You can earn a third entry by tweeting this contest. You must include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) and the contest title in your tweet. Remember, tweet the contest title - if you don't, that entry won't count. I will tweet the contest early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

You can earn a fourth entry if you have posted a comment here in the last two weeks. Don't worry about telling me. I'll know.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, June 1, 2013, at midnight. The next morning, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday morning. The winner will have 48 hours to reply to my message and provide a shipping address. After 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your e-mail - and look in your spam folder - when the contest ends.

This contest is open to anyone anywhere. Here are the terms. I will carefully pack and ship the prize (as I always do). I cannot insure the prize for overseas shipment - it's amazingly expensive to do so because of the way I have to send insured mail. If it's lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it with another prize just like it. I'll do my best on this end; let's see if your mail service does right by you on the other end if we have an overseas winner.

The winner must be able to provide me with a "mailable address," meaning the U.S. Post Office recognizes it or its street, province, and other "elements" the way the winner provides them. I've had some trouble with both U.S. and international addresses.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck!

Photo courtesy of Tarte

Tarte's Summer Essentials Plus a Memorial Day Sale

Rain or shine, Tarte will transform you into a glowing bronze goddess this Memorial Day weekend. Their new Rainforest Glow Maracuja Waterproof Body Bronzer ($34) and Park Ave Princess Bronze & Glow Matte Bronzer and Cheek Tint ($32) will help you achieve that perfect sun kissed look from head-to-toe. Traveling? Tarte's Prime, Shine, and Define To-Go-Kit ($12) has all of the pocket-sized essentials you'll need to look flawless on the fly.

It will take seconds to score a waterproof faux glow with Rainforest Glow Maracuja Waterproof Body Bronzer. If you don't have time to wait for a self-tanner to work, Rainforest Glow will give you instant color without commitment - my preference anyhow. It's also a great product for filling in a patchy tan or rejuvenating a fading one. Ultra-hydrating maracuja restores the skin's natural luster, so even after you wash it off with soap and water, your skin will still feel supremely soft and look radiant. This streak-free, quick-drying, and non-transferable formula is the cat's meow for when you want a fast, natural-looking tan.

Park Ave Princess Bronze & Glow Matte Bronzer and Cheek Tint, which I really want, is the new liquid version of Tarte's iconic Park Ave Princess powder bronzer. With this innovative two-in-one complexion enhancer, you'll achieve the perfect balance of sun-kissed bronze and a healthy flush. Plus, nature's pure miracle, maracuja, instantly absorbs into the skin, delivering a high dose of essential fatty acids and vitamin C to hydrate the skin while imparting a beautiful pop of sheer color. By fusing two products into one, Tarte has reduced packaging for an eco-friendly option.

The Prime, Shine, and Define To-Go-Kit, shown at the top of this feature, is a three-piece of deluxe travel-sized essentials - just what you need for getting flawless on the fly. Perfect and brighten your complexion and dramatize your eyes with Clean Slate Poreless 12-hour Perfecting Primer, Amazonian Clay BB Illuminating Moisturizer, and Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara - the three products in this kit. This convenient, travel-friendly kit will cover your beauty basics as you prime, shine, and define yourself.

It gets better. Over Memorial Day weekend, Tarte will be offering a 15% discount off everything at the company's e-commerce site - plus free shipping. Just use the code MDAY between May 23 and May 27. See Tarte's Web site for details.

Photos courtesy of Tarte

Aqualillies for Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Eye and Cheek Palette Giveaway Contest

The centerpiece of Tarte's magnificent Aqualillies Collection for Summer 2013, inspired by and named after the talented and glamorous Aqualillies synchronized water ballet team, is the Aqualillies for Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Eye and Cheek Palette ($38) - now sold out at Tarte, but still available at Sephora. It looked pretty when I first saw it in Tarte's press release. It's even prettier in person. This palette is a stunner - one of the best-ever from Tarte (I think).


Here's a link to my feature. You can see swatches of this palette in all its deliciousness. I knew this palette would be a knockout, so I bought an extra to give away when I bought mine. That helped me increase my total order to receive the tote gift with purchase (which I really wanted for its color).

Check out my feature, or admire the contents in this list.

• Amazonian Clay Shimmering Powder in Champagne
• Amazonian Clay Mineral Powder Bronzer in Park Ave Princess
• Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Captivating
• Amazonian Clay Eyeshadows in Hammock, Bikini, Barefoot, Parasol, Sun Deck, and Poolside

Remember, when you use Tarte cosmetics, you will be using makeup that is free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, tricolsan, sodium lauryl sulfate, and synthetic fragrances - no hormone distruptors. Tarte is cruelty-free too.

How can you enter to win this giveaway contest (technically a sweepstakes)? Just leave a comment on this feature (not in another BTiB post). After you comment here, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com (the contest address, not my "personal" e-mail) and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing an e-mail address you care about on a blog, so feel free to follow this step (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment). Please make sure I have your e-mail. If I can't notify you, you can't win - even if your number is drawn. I can't believe the number of winners I haven't been able to find in the past.

You can earn extra entries. Follow this blog (through an e-mail subscription, GFC, or though one of the many Google readers - see sidebar at right) to earn a second entry. If you are a follower, it would help me tally entries if you tell me in your comment how you follow. You don't have to follow to enter. I want everyone to have a chance, but I also want to reward my followers. I must be able to track this entry.

You can earn a third entry by tweeting this contest. You must include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) and the contest title in your tweet. Remember, tweet the contest title - if you don't, that entry won't count. I will tweet the contest early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

You can earn a fourth entry if you have posted a comment here in the last two weeks. Don't worry about telling me. I'll know.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, May 11, 2013, at midnight. The next morning, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday morning. The winner will have 48 hours to reply to my message and provide a shipping address. After 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your e-mail - and look in your spam folder - when the contest ends.

This contest is open to anyone anywhere. Here are the terms. I will carefully pack and ship the prize (as I always do). I cannot insure the prize for overseas shipment - it's amazingly expensive to do so because of the way I have to send insured mail. If it's lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it with another prize just like it. I'll do my best on this end; let's see if your mail service does right by you on the other end if we have an overseas winner.

The winner must be able to provide me with a "mailable address," meaning the U.S. Post Office recognizes it or its street, province, and other "elements" the way the winner provides them. I've had some trouble with both U.S. and international addresses.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck!

Photos courtesy of Tarte

Tarte Aqualillies Collection Amazonian Clay Waterproof Eye and Cheek Palette

The centerpiece of Tarte's magnificent Aqualillies Collection for Summer 2013, inspired by and named after the talented and glamorous Aqualillies synchronized water ballet team, is the Aqualillies for Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Eye and Cheek Palette ($38). It looked pretty on Tarte's Web site. It's even prettier in person. This palette is a stunner.

Make a splash this summer with Tarte and the Aqualillies! This limited-edition waterproof palette, includes six new eye shadows, a bronzer, a highlighter, and a limited-edition Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush. All of the show-stopping shades are tucked inside a darling mirrored compact decorated with the turquoise, gold, and coral theme.

Each nutrient-rich formula inside this palette is infused with Amazonian clay, which is harvested from the banks of the Amazon River and naturally baked by the sun. Amazonian clay universally benefits all skin types for a fade-free, flawless finish that lasts up to 12 hours - in shades ranging from soft to vivid to suit a wide variety of skin tones and moods.

The shades in the palette are all fabulous.

• Six new eye shadows: Hammock (chocolate brown), Bikini (golden peach), Barefoot (golden nude), Parasol (champagne rose), Sundeck (light brown) and Poolside (turquoise)
• A gorgeous shimmering highlighter in Champagne 
• A limited edition Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in Captivating (warm peach)

Add your favorite mascara, and you will be ready for a day at the beach or the office. These are great colors.

I swatched all the shades in full, glorious, late-morning sun. I used a sponge-tipped applicator to apply them all relatively heavily - except for the larger swatch of Captivating intended to show you how it might look on your cheeks.

The photo directly above shows the Champagne highlighter at the top of my arm, Park Ave Princess (the bronzer) below, and Captivating below the bronzer. All were applied heavily. I applied a larger swatch of Captivating at the bottom in the photo.

I swatched all the eye colors in clockwise order, starting with the Poolside blue/turquoise shade at the top of my arm and ending with the brown eyeliner at the bottom. Poolside is glorious. There's no other way to describe it. Sundeck is the matte tan shade under the exquisite Poolside. All of the eye shadow shades except Sundeck offer a subtle shimmer - my kind of eye shadows. Parasol is an icy pink that doesn't look terribly pink. It's really a perfect, natural pink.

Barefoot looks golden in the compact, and it is. However, it's icy gold. Bikini, on the other hand, is a golden gold. Both of them appeal to me - a lot. The pretty brown Hammock eyeliner is perfect complement to all of the other shades.

Remember, when you use Tarte cosmetics, you will be using makeup that is free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, tricolsan, sodium lauryl sulfate, and synthetic fragrances - no hormone distruptors. Tarte is cruelty-free too.

You can find this fabulous eye and cheek palette - and the rest of the Aqualillies Collection at Tarte's Web site, where shipping is free with a $40 purchase. Although this palette is currently sold out, I checked with Tarte yesterday, and additional stock is on the way. It is also available at Sephora.

P.S. See my star magnolia blooming in the background above? Finally! Unfortunately, I think it was frozen early this morning.

Top photos courtesy of Tarte; other photos by Best things in Beauty

Tarte Aqualillies Collection Glamazon Pure Performance 12-hour Lipstick for Summer 2013

This summer, make a splash with Tarte’s limited-edition shade of Glamazon Pure Performance 12-hour Lipstick in Timeless ($26), inspired by America’s most glamorous water ballet group, the Aqualillies. This long-wearing Amazonian clay infused lipstick nourishes and balances lip moisture as it delivers a pure splash of color in the Aqualillies' signature lip shade: vibrant coral. Mine was sent to me gratis by Tarte. Now I need to plan a trip to the beach.

A unique blend of emollient-rich butters (mango, avocado, and shea) is encapsulated in this proprietary natural formula to achieve a rich, bold statement lip that lasts for 12 hours, applies smoothly, and won’t fade away. Always hydrating and never drying, this high-cushion lipstick keeps lips moisturized all day long, minimizes the appearance of fine lines, and stops feathering in its tracks to give lips a perfect, plumped-up appearance. The long-wear Glamazon Pure Performance 12-hour Lipsticks are stylishly and consciously enclosed in a sustainably harvested bamboo bullet case to keep moisturizing properties on lock-down.

Thanks to the natural power of Amazonian clay, this fade-free color stays in place all day so there’s no need to continuously reapply or worry about smudging and budging. Amazonian clay also restores the lips’ natural moisture content with nourishing and hydrating properties to not only adorn lips but to treat them to skin wellness.

All of the Aqualillies Collection items come in the themed packaging, characterized by coral and turquoise. I love the look!

The same design - evocative of bodies in harmonized motion - is carried into the wooden cap of the lipstick tube for a beautiful presentation. The base of Timeless reminds you that its your Aqualillies Collection lipstick.

Now look at the glorious color. I took my swatch photos in full, afternoon sun. Timeless is bright, opaque coral. It's an impressive color. It also has amazing lasting power.

If you want a lipstick that will look sunny and take you to a day at the pool or the beach, Tarte's Timeless fills the bill. It's a perfect shade for a team that performs in the water. I took many swatch photos, and it was easy to select two. There wasn't a bad shot of Timeless.

You can find this fabulous collection (make sure to look at the eye and cheek palette) at Tarte's Web site, where shipping is free with a $40 purchase. The collection will be available at all of Tarte's retailers in April.

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

Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner in Splash from the Aqualillies Collection for Summer 2013

Everything about Tarte's new Aqualillies Collection for Summer 2013 has captured my fancy - from the design of the products to their color - and the promotional theme and shots. You can see it all at Tarte's Web site.

Yesterday, I received the Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner in Splash ($24) and did a little happy dance (the liner was sent gratis by Tarte). I love this collection, and Splash was "on my list."

The Aqualillies Collection was inspired by the Aqualillies, America's hottest water ballet entertainment company. You can learn more about them at their own Web site. While they don't compete as synchronized swimmers, as I had originally thought, they do take their performances on the road, mesmerizing audiences with their modern strength and vintage beauty. These true Tartelettes, fearlessly powerful, healthy, real women, are the perfect muses for this high-performance, splash-proof Tarte collaboration.

Maureen Kelly, founder and CEO of tarte, first spotted the Aqualillies during their high-energy performance on an episode of Glee (I remember that!). In that instant, she knew Tarte, with its high-performance natural ingredients and powerful formulas, had to partner with these gorgeous athletes.

Splash, a limited-edition version of tarte’s signature Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner will stay on your eyes when you take a dip in the water. Guaranteed! I swatched it yesterday, and it was still on my arm this morning - after washing it off with soap and water. I'll take the heavy-duty remover to it soon, but I've enjoyed looking at it.

Splash offers a glamorous poolside, waterproof eye look with a dreamy teal color in a cream liner that will hold up against rain, sweat, tears - and even swimming! It comes with its own dual-ended liner brush.

The custom-designed angle of the limited-edition, double-ended bamboo liner brush allows for the most precise line possible for a sleek or bold splash of color. Whether you’re captivating audiences with a poolside performance, or powering through your busy day, the unique fusion of technologies results in an intense, yet smooth and plush cream teal line that will stay in place and last in the water as long as you do.

I was losing my light yesterday when I took these swatch photos. That seems to be the story of my photography this week. The product photos above a just a tad dark.

I used Tarte's fancy liner brush and drew a T, which seemed perfectly appropriate. It was cold and windy, but Splash brightened my mood with its shimmering aqua color. It made me think of summer.

You have to admit: this color is magnificent. Not only is it a perfect shade for a poolside theme, it's a color that will make your eyes pop, no matter what their color. The combination of the shimmer that glistens in the sunlight and the color is stunning.

I am thrilled to have Splash. I can't wait to wear it outside the house. Application is a piece of cake using the liner brush that comes with it. I can easily apply the thin line I love. I think Tarte has a hit on its hands for summer with the entire collection.

In concert with the Aqualillies Collection - and because the design is so pretty - Tarte is offering beautiful coordinating accessories (in very limited quantities) with online Aqualillies Collection purchases. Make sure to check out the makeup bag, tote, and shower cap at this link. I'm going off to place an order before they sell out, which should be very quickly. I want that tote! I'd love the have the makeup bag too, but I can't order that much.

You can find this fabulous collection (make sure to look at the eye and cheek palette) at Tarte's Web site, where shipping is free with a $40 purchase. The collection will be available at all of Tarte's retailers in April.

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

Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tint Trio

Somewhere along the way, I purchased a trio of Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tints. I decided that today would be a good time to show them to you since a set of five is this week's giveaway contest.

Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tint ($24) is a hybrid between a stain, a gloss, and a rich balm. LipSurgence Lip Tint delivers nondrying, sheer color while keeping the lips hydrated and refreshed. This award-winning tint is goof-proof - it goes on like a lip gloss, stays on like a stain, and hydrates like a dreamy balm.

The proprietary formula effectively increases the skin’s water content for a plumped appearance and a refreshing hint of mint. The result?  Naturally fuller, rich lips without any irritation or stinging. The easy-to-use twist-up container eliminates the need for sharpeners.

There was a momentary break in today's cloud cover, and I was ready. The Lip Tints were in my pocket, and my only challenge was to keep the tubes from blowing around in the wind. Success! The photo above shows Charmed, Enchanted, and Joy from left to right.

I was able to snap a few swatch photos before the clouds ruined my sun spots. I applied the lip tints straight from their handy, colored tubes.

Charmed is shown at the top or my arm. It's a pretty pink with enough color to show on my lips. The rose Enchanted is my favorite. It's one of those "my lips but better" shades.

Joy is orange. Tarte calls it peach. Normally, it wouldn't catch my eye, but today I tried applying it over Enchanted, and the result was a color better than either of them alone! Joy deepens the rose, adding a touch of warmth. I had one of those "wow" moments!

These lovely LipSurgence Lip Tints feel great on my lips. The hydrating feel lasts. It's not a momentary flash - what I find with some lip colors marketed as hydrating. The minty taste is light and goes away quickly. That's why I'm OK with it, even though I'm not fond of flavor in my lip products. As I'm sure you know, Tarte products are cruelty-free and contain no nasty stuff to ingest. I think my next purchase will be Moody, a deep berry shade.

You can find Tarte's LipSurgence Lip Tints at Tarte, Sephora, and Ulta. Each retailer seems to have a different set of shades. These three are available at Tarte, although I don't see the trio special anymore.

Remember that little star magnolia bud I showed you last week? It's still struggling to open, but the snow and cold weather have keep it safely protected. Nature will not be denied, and I noticed today that it's starting to open. I snapped a photo under cloud cover. It closes this feature below. Why? Because makeup reminds me of nature's beauty.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Tarte Aqualillies Collection for Summer 2013

Tarte's new, limited-edition Aqualillies Collection for Summer 2013 was inspired by America's most glamorous synchronized swimming group, the Aqualillies. I think that's really cool. In my high school and college days, I practiced synchronized swimming - over and over and over again, holding my breath as I executed the hardest and longest moves with my team. I love the recognition Tarte is giving the sport.

The seven splash-proof products in the collection appear to be right on trend - from aquas to pinks and peach-corals. Just click on the photo above to enlarge it and get a better look. You can get a sneak peek of the collection today at Tarte.com (watch the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ATLAKrwRDU&feature=youtu.be). Otherwise, you'll have to wait until April to see it at Tarte retailers.

Photo courtesy of Tarte

Tarte LipSurgence Five-Piece Collector's Set Giveaway Contest

Offered as a limited-edition LipSurgence Collector's Set featuring five of Tarte's bestselling and award-winning tints in all three formulas (sheer, matte, and shimmer), Tarte's Baby It's Bold Outside was a holiday special. Each emotive shade (including two of Maureen's favorites plus three new colors) glides on lips for natural color that delivers a surge of moisture on a cellular level for a plumped-up appearance and a refreshing burst of flavor with each application. Wear each alone or layer it to create a customized one-of-a-kind look that's uniquely yours.

Here's what's inside.

• Two full-sized LipSurgence lip tints (the original formula, for a natural flush): in Elite (sheer melon) and Enchanted (sheer rose)
• Two LipSurgence Lip Lusters (for a high dose of glossy color and shine): in Sweet (shimmering peachy pink) and Escape (shimmering pink)
• One LipSurgence Matte Lip Tint (for a rich matte finish): in Exposed (nude) 

As Tarte fans know, all Tarte's LipSurgence products offer Skinvigorating benefits. Vitamin C is an antioxidant free-radical fighter that helps prevent premature signs of aging, while brightening the skin. Vitamin E is an anti-inflammatory emollient that helps protect against free radical damage. Peppermint oil is a natural fragrance that cools and soothes inflamed or irritated lips. Jojoba seed oil is a natural soothing extract that leaves lips soft, supple, and smooth.

There's no need for sharpener. These are twist-up tints.

How can you enter to win this giveaway contest (technically a sweepstakes)? Just leave a comment on this feature (not in another BTiB post). After you comment here, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com (the contest address, not my "personal" e-mail) and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing an e-mail address you care about on a blog, so feel free to follow this step (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment). Please make sure I have your e-mail. If I can't notify you, you can't win - even if your number is drawn. I can't believe the number of winners I haven't been able to find in the past.

You can earn extra entries. Follow this blog (through an e-mail subscription, GFC, or though one of the many Google readers - see sidebar at right) to earn a second entry. If you are a follower, it would help me tally entries if you tell me in your comment how you follow. You don't have to follow to enter. I want everyone to have a chance, but I also want to reward my followers. I must be able to track this entry.

You can earn a third entry by tweeting this contest. You must include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) and the contest title in your tweet. Remember, tweet the contest title - if you don't, that entry won't count. I will tweet the contest early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be tomorrow, Saturday, March 30, 2013, at midnight. The next morning, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday morning. The winner will have 48 hours to reply to my message and provide a shipping address. After 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your e-mail - and look in your spam folder - when the contest ends.

This contest is open to anyone anywhere. Here are the terms. I will carefully pack and ship the prize (as I always do). I cannot insure the prize for overseas shipment - it's amazingly expensive to do so because of the way I have to send insured mail. If it's lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it with another prize just like it. I'll do my best on this end; let's see if your mail service does right by you on the other end if we have an overseas winner.

The winner must be able to provide me with a "mailable address," meaning the U.S. Post Office recognizes it or its street, province, and other "elements" the way the winner provides them. I've had some trouble with both U.S. and international addresses lately.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck!

Photo courtesy of Sephora

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush Set Giveaway Contest

Tarte's Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush is a long-wearing, solar-baked blush that was designed to last up to 12 hours. I have this holiday set ($35, retail value of $60) of four nicely sized blushes to give away.

Infused with natural clay harvested from the banks of the Amazon River and naturally baked by the sun, this nutrient-rich blush benefits all skin types for a fade-free flawless finish for an amazing 12 hours. Inspired by Tarte's bestselling shades of cheek stains and lip tints, the colors range from soft to vivid to suit a wide variety of skin tones. For oily skin types, Amazonian clay minimizes oil in and around pores to balance skin and keep product in place. Those with dry skin will benefit from the clay's nourishing and hydrating properties, which naturally restore the skin's moisture. Combination skin types can rely on its ability to zero in on skin concerns and deliver benefits to restore complexion harmony. The result? Blush that wears better, longer, and truer. Oh and the colors are gorgeous.

The shades in this set?

• Angelic (shimmering champagne)
• Fantastic (soft fuchsia)
• Magic (pink coral)
• Stellar (shimmering nude)

You know, I'm sure, that Tarte uses only good-for-you ingredients and none of that nasty stuff we all want to avoid. The ingredients include:

• Vitamins A and E: Act as anti-inflammatory emollients and protect against free radical damage;
• Vitamin C: Fights free radical damage and prevents oxidative stress and premature signs of aging while brightening skin; and
• Amazonian 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.

There are no parabens, synthetic fragrances, sulfates, petrochemicals - things that certainly aren't good for us.

How can you enter to win this giveaway contest (technically a sweepstakes)?  Just leave a comment on this feature (not in another BTiB post). After you comment here, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com (the contest address, not my "personal" e-mail) and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing an e-mail address you care about on a blog, so feel free to follow this step (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment). Please make sure I have your e-mail. If I can't notify you, you can't win - even if your number is drawn. I can't believe the number of winners I haven't been able to find in the past.

You can earn extra entries. Follow this blog (through an e-mail subscription, GFC, or though one of the many Google readers - see sidebar at right) to earn a second entry. If you are a follower, it would help me tally entries if you tell me in your comment how you follow. You don't have to follow to enter. I want everyone to have a chance, but I also want to reward my followers. I must be able to track this entry.

You can earn a third entry by tweeting this contest. You must include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) and the contest title in your tweet. Remember, tweet the contest title - if you don't, that entry won't count. I will tweet the contest early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, March 16, 2013, at midnight. The next morning, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday morning. The winner will have 48 hours to reply to my message and provide a shipping address. After 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your e-mail - and look in your spam folder - when the contest ends.

This contest is open to anyone anywhere. Here are the terms. I will carefully pack and ship the prize (as I always do). I cannot insure the prize for overseas shipment - it's amazingly expensive to do so because of the way I have to send insured mail. If it's lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it with another prize just like it. I'll do my best on this end; let's see if your mail service does right by you on the other end if we have an overseas winner.

The winner must be able to provide me with a "mailable address," meaning the U.S. Post Office recognizes it or its street, province, and other "elements" the way the winner provides them. I've had some trouble with both U.S. and international addresses lately.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck!

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

Tarte Baby It's Bold Outside Giveaway Contest Plus Bonus Gift

Tarte's Baby It's Bold Outside Set ($39 for a $144 value) was another very popular holiday set offered by Tart.  With the same snazzy purple and gold packaging as last week's contest gift, this set for the eyes is hot.

I'm sorry the sun picked up the clear plastic window of the box. I assure you, it's not clouded or wavy. I looked for a better photo at Tarte and Sephora online, but didn't find one because the set sold out so quickly.

Baby It's Bold Outside includes five full-sized SmolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liners in these colors.

• Ash Violet
• Rainforest Black
• Champagne
• Gunmetal
• Gold

It also includes a SmolderEYES sharpener and a full-sized skinny SmolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner in Onyx. You may never need an eyeliner again.

You know Tarte is a good-for-you line, formulated without parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, and synthetic fragrances. It's perfect for application near your eyes.

Like last week's giveaway set, Baby It's Bold Outside was snapped up in a hurry. Fortunately, I ordered one to give away over the holidays, but then somehow forgot about it. My memory loss then, your gain now. I am giving one of these extraordinary, seasonless sets away.

How can you enter to win this giveaway contest (technically a sweepstakes)?  Just leave a comment on this feature (not in another BTiB post). After you comment here, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com (the contest address, not my "personal" e-mail) and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing an e-mail address you care about on a blog, so feel free to follow this step (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment). Please make sure I have your e-mail. If I can't notify you, you can't win - even if your number is drawn. I can't believe the number of winners I haven't been able to find in the past.

You can earn extra entries. Follow this blog (through an e-mail subscription, GFC, or though one of the many Google readers - see sidebar at right) to earn a second entry. If you are a follower, it would help me tally entries if you tell me in your comment how you follow. You don't have to follow to enter. I want everyone to have a chance, but I also want to reward my followers. I must be able to track this entry.

You can earn a third entry by tweeting this contest. You must include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) and the contest title in your tweet. Remember, tweet the contest title - if you don't, that entry won't count. I will tweet the contest early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, March 2, 2013, at midnight. The next morning, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday morning. The winner will have 48 hours to reply to my message and provide a shipping address. After 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your e-mail - and look in your spam folder - when the contest ends.

This contest is open to anyone anywhere. Here are the terms. I will carefully pack and ship the prize (as I always do). I cannot insure the prize for overseas shipment - it's amazingly expensive to do so because of the way I have to send insured mail. If it's lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it with another prize just like it. I'll do my best on this end; let's see if your mail service does right by you on the other end if we have an overseas winner.

The winner must be able to provide me with a "mailable address," meaning the U.S. Post Office recognizes it or its street, province, and other "elements" the way the winner provides them. I've had some trouble with both U.S. and international addresses lately.

Now for the bonus. The winner of this contest will receive the gift samples that come in the Beauty Event bag from Neiman Marcus - with conditions. There are fragrance samples among the contents. I cannot send them outside the United States (I'm not supposed to send them here either). If the winner lives in the U.S., I will include a complete set. If the winner does not live in the U.S., I will have to remove the fragrance samples. Shippers, particularly the United Kingdom's Royal Mail, have been confiscating and destroying fragrances they discover in parcels. There are newly enacted and enforced regulations that are driving everyone who loves perfume into a frenzy.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck!

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

Tarte Carried Away With Tarte Collection Giveaway Contest

"Baby, it's bold outside," proclaims the box housing the Holiday 2012 limited-edition Carried Away With Tarte "Carried Away With Tarte" Collector Set and Adventurer Bag. The snazzy purple and gold bag is filled with Tarte's good-for-you goodies.

This striking collection of Tarte favorites for eyes, lips, and cheeks is a makeup wardrobe in a bag. The all-inclusive set features six eye shadow quads (that's shadows) for a show-stopping palette of bold, high-payoff shades in both shimmering and matte formulas. The deluxe-sized Maracuja Glosses will perk up any pout with a mix of neutral and stunning shades, ranging from pale petal pink to deep crimson. The kit also includes an Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in Shimmering Rose, a complementary domed brush to brighten complexions, a finishing powder to balance the skin, and a dramatic Lights, Camera, Lashes! mascara for a voluptuous, attention-getting last.

This fabulous $54 value set was snapped up in a hurry. Fortunately, I ordered one to give away over the holidays, but then somehow forgot about it. My memory loss then, your gain now. I am giving one of these extraordinary, seasonless sets away.

How can you enter to win this giveaway contest (technically a sweepstakes)?  Just leave a comment on this feature (not in another BTiB post). After you comment here, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com (the contest address, not my "personal" e-mail) and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing an e-mail address you care about on a blog, so feel free to follow this step (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment). Please make sure I have your e-mail. If I can't notify you, you can't win - even if your number is drawn. I can't believe the number of winners I haven't been able to find in the past.

You can earn extra entries. Follow this blog (through an e-mail subscription, GFC, or though one of the many Google readers - see sidebar at right) to earn a second entry. If you are a follower, it would help me tally entries if you tell me in your comment how you follow. You don't have to follow to enter. I want everyone to have a chance, but I also want to reward my followers. I must be able to track this entry.

You can earn a third entry by tweeting this contest. You must include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) and the contest title in your tweet. Remember, tweet the contest title - if you don't, that entry won't count. I will tweet the contest early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, February 23, 2013, at midnight. The next morning, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday morning. The winner will have 48 hours to reply to my message and provide a shipping address. After 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your e-mail - and look in your spam folder - when the contest ends.

This contest is open to anyone anywhere. Here are the terms. I will carefully pack and ship the prize (as I always do). I cannot insure the prize for overseas shipment - it's amazingly expensive to do so because of the way I have to send insured mail. If it's lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it with another prize just like it. I'll do my best on this end; let's see if your mail service does right by you on the other end if we have an overseas winner.

The winner must be able to provide me with a "mailable address," meaning the U.S. Post Office recognizes it or its street, province, and other "elements" the way the winner provides them. I've had some trouble with both U.S. and international addresses lately.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck!

Photo courtesy of Sephora

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 QVC Exclusive - Journey to Natural Beauty Six-Piece Collection for Spring 2013

I was the lucky recipient of a fabulous Tarte Journal to Naural Beauty Six-Piece Collection ($59.94) that will go on sale officially at QVC on Tuesday, February 5. Actually, I discovered that you can order it now. It's an amazing value, with $165 worth of products for roughly $60.I love it - everything about it except that the foundation is not my shade. See below because one of you lucky readers could win the medium shade.

You can start your journey to natural beauty with this collection of essentials infused with the best-kept secrets of the Amazon. This hand-selected set comes with a chic, travel-friendly bag, making it the perfect accessory to face any adventure. Actually, when I saw the bag, I though Missoni. It's much nicer than your average makeup bag because it's large - and the designer pattern is very cool.

What's in the collection? All the items are shown above and described below.

A new Brow Architect Shaper, Liner & Definer is a three-in-one brow perfector that shapes and defines the brows with ease. First, you use the concealer to hide strays and shape the brow with this underscoring concealer. Then fill in the brows where needed with the universal wedge-ended pencil. For the perfect finish, use the comb to make your brows stay the way you want them. There are three shade options: fair-light, medium-tan, and deep. This item retails for $25.

The new Lights, Camera, Flashes Statement Mascara is housed in a flashy gold case. This mascara will take your lashes to the extreme. It's clinically proven to increase lash volume by 725% for a black, intensified look. The mascara retails for $23.

I am totally smitten with the Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush ($32). It does an amazing job of airbrushing your foundation - any foundation. I love the handle, but the real power is in the bristles.

The Amazonian Clay 12- hour Full Coverage Foundation ($38) will help you achieve better, longer, and truer wear thanks to Tarte's Skintuitive Amazonian Clay. With a weightless texture that is buildable and blendable, anyone can attain skin that looks healthy and natural. There are five shade options, from fair to deep. I am sure I'd be fair, but I was sent the medium shade. You can see a swatch photo below.

The blush and lipstick are covet-worthy. Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush ($26) imparts a natural-looking flush when you dust Tarte's award-winning Amazonian clay on the apples of your cheeks. This nutrient-rich and skin-nourishing blush restores the skin's harmony for a flawless finish that lasts all day. This new warm pink shade, Fearless, is stunning.

I took swatch photos in full sun. In the photo above, I applied Fearless heavily at the top of my arm with a sponge-tipped applicator and heavily below with a kabuki brush. The rose pink is a bit sparkly and very pretty.

The Amazonian Butter Lipstick ($24) will drench your lips in moisture. Infused with nutrient-rich cupuccu and murumuru butter, this cream lip color will soften your lips beautifully. The new shade in the collection is Plummy Rose.

I love it! It has sheer color and shine and offers my lips a moist, comfy feeling. It doesn't get better than that.

Here is a swatch photo of Plummy Rose with the medium foundation below. As you can see, medium is too dark for my skin tone, although it's not extremely dark.

I don't want this fabulous Amazonian Clay 12-hour Full Coverage Foundation to go waste. I haven't checked with Tarte to get permission; I didn't expect to find them over the weekend when I had this idea. I will check with them tomorrow. I wish to give away the foundation to someone who will give it a good home and good face. If you are interested in having it and think the shade will work for you, please send me an e-mail to bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com. After a few days, I will use random.org to draw a winner and notify her. I will not be announcing the winner on the site. If Tarte is uncomfortable with my idea, I will amend this offer tomorrow.

As for the rest of the set, it's mine! I wouldn't even think of letting it go. It's love.

You can order your Journey to Natural Beauty Six-Piece Collection from QVC. You will see where you can select your skin tone, and QVC will send you the right shades. The blush and lipstick will be the same as you see above in all sets. Tune in to QVC on Tuesday, February 5, from midnight-1:00 am, 10:00-11:00 am, 3:00-4:00 pm, or 7:00-8:00 pm, all ET, to see the set featured.

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