Tarte comes out with a create-your-own custom kit on occasion that allows you to pick your items and shades. It is a great opportunity to try Tarte or to stock up on your favorites. The most recent kit included 5 full-size makeup items, a brush, and a makeup bag all for $63.
You were able to select one item each from different categories: bag, foundation, blush, lip product, eyeliner, mascara, and brush. Each category offered different formulas for that category (ex. Liquid, powder, cream foundation) as well as different shades to choose from. Not every Tarte product was offered as a choice, but you still had plenty to choose from. You can view this post to see all of the items that were offered. This box is no longer available for sale.
FYI – QVC is offering a 6 Piece full-size tarte box with a pick-your-shade foundation for $65.48.
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
The Box: Tarte Build Your Own Custom Beauty Kit
The Cost: $63 with free shipping
The Products: A pretty makeup bag, foundation, blush, lip product, eyeliner, mascara, and makeup brush of your choice, plus a free sample.
Check out more makeup and beauty boxes in the Beauty Subscription Box Directory!
This box included a cute postcard.
The card had a 15% off offer on the back.
Now, onto the items!
Purple Makeup Bag
This is such a great bag! Like all of Tarte’s products, it is so pretty. It has a light purple exterior that is easy to clean. The zipper is gold and isn’t cheaply made, so no stick zippers here. Nothing is worse than having to tear up your bag to get to your makeup. The inside is lined with gold foil that is easy to clean and also super glam. It is a great size and holds all of the essentials.
Empowered Hybrid Gel Foundation in Light-Medium Beige, 1 fl. oz. - Value $39
Let me give you a head’s up about my skin. I’ve dealt with eczema and hyper-sensitive skin my whole life and finding foundation that works with my skin is tough. I typically use a BB cream to prevent exaggerating my skin issues (like flakiness or irritation). I’ve recently found a few true foundations that have worked (Yay!), and this is one of them.
The consistency of this foundation is a light, creamy gel. It applies smoothly with my fingers and buffs out to a velvety finish with a brush. I really like that it covers my redness without being cakey or heavy, and if needed can be layered for full coverage. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid, a big skincare trend right now, and leaves my dry skin feeling soft and comfortable. Plus, it lasts through the day without needing any touchups. Yay for beauty that can stand up to my schedule! This shade is made for “light to medium skin with pink undertones” and matches my skin very well. The one downside is the jar packaging, which means I’ll be extra careful to use clean fingers and tools when getting product out.
Colored Clay Bronzer Blush in Peach-Bronze, 0.31 oz - Value $24
Oh, this stuff is good! It makes me look sun-kissed, which is great considering I am not. I use this as both my blush and bronzer and it looks no natural. The powder applies easily and has a soft texture and a hint of shimmer. It isn’t so heavily pigmented that you have to use caution. It is made with colored clay which is supposed to color correct and perfect your skin texture. I don’t know if it really color corrects, but the point of this product for me is to make me look glowy so I’m happy. And, look at that compact. So cute!
Tarteist Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint in Homeslice, 0.20 fl. oz. - Value $20
When I ordered my kit, there were not many colors of the Quick Dry Matte Lip Paints left, so I took a chance on this orange nude shade. I have been wanting to try Tarte’s matte lip paint for a while because I have heard such great things. I’m not normally a fan of matte liquid lip colors because they tend to exaggerate the lines on my lips. This product was a pleasant surprise. The color looks really nice (not orange like the description says) and it applies smoothly and evenly with the doe foot applicator. It takes a few second to dry down and then it doesn’t move. The first time I tried it I ate some chili, kissed my hand, drank some wine, and it was still in place with no transfer. I think my finacé will be happy with not getting any lip color on him! It also didn’t dry out my lips and was relatively easy to remove with some eye makeup remover. I think if I’m going to use matte liquid lip color, I’ll stick with Tarte from now on.
Clay Pot Waterproof Shadow Liner in Bronze, 0.08 oz. - Value $21
This little pot of magic is now my go-to for eyeliner days. It is so pigmented! You can use it as a liner or shadow and even can use it on your waterline – it is waterproof. I like the bronze color because is is dark and rich without being as stark as black. It is easy to get the right amount onto your liner brush and it glides on opaque and smooth. I only need one pass! I can go all day with no smudging or fading and it does not irritate my eyes at all.
Lights, Camera, Lashes Double-Ended Lash Fibers & 4-in-1 Mascara - Value $21
I wanted to give this mascara a try because it seems that fiber mascaras are the closest you can get to fake lashes without having to go through the trauma of applying them. The process was simple enough: coat lashes with mascara, pat fibers on wet lashes, apply another coat of mascara. I think my lashes were slightly fuller and more dramatic than with normal mascara. The fibers get everywhere though. I had to do some clean up after applying, including rinsing my eyes out to get the fibers out from around my contacts. Later I noticed more fibers on my cheeks and lids. Maybe I need to practice more and get the fibers thoroughly coated in mascara before judging to seriously, but for now I would stick to using this for special occasion when I am willing to spend more time on my mascara.
Double-Ended Camouflage Brush - Value $30
This dual-ended brush is perfect for concealer or for those places that need a bit more coverage. It feels luxurious and the bristles and sponge are soft. I like to store my brushes in a cup at my vanity, but because I don’t want to mess up either end, this will have to be stored in a drawer. All of Tarte’s brushes are pretty and great quality, and this one is no exception.
Swatches of the foundation, bronzer, eyeliner, and lip color.
My full look using all of the products from this box. I felt so great when I put all of this makeup on. I love that it looked natural and sophisticated and allowed me to play up my eyes without much effort.
A closer look at my lashes with the fibers. They looked pretty full and fluttery.
A sample of the Rainforest of the Sea Water Foundation in 4 different lighter shades.
Verdict: Tarte’s build-your-own custom kit is so great! I got to try products I have never tried before and I got to pick my shades. Everything is full-size, cruelty-free, and made without synthetic fragrances and parabens. The value of the products in this kit is $155, plus the value of the makeup bag and a great size sample. Considering the cost was only $63 with free shipping, I think it is a fantastic value. I’ll be looking forward to this kit next time!
What do you think of the this Tarte Build-Your-Own Custom Kit? What products did you pick?
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