Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation Review: Why I’ll Never Trust Beauty Influencers Again

Tarte’s Amazonian Clay Foundation promises long-lasting wear, making it an appealing option for those with oily and acne-prone skin. With the main ingredient being clay, known for its oil-absorbing properties, one would expect a reliable solution for all-day coverage. However, my personal experience with this foundation left much to be desired, as it failed to live up to its claims.

All About My Skin

As someone with oily and acne-prone skin, finding a foundation that stays put throughout the day is a constant struggle. I have tried several foundations that have worked well for my skin type, including IT Cosmetics CC Cream, Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation, and Rimmel Cosmetics Stay Matte Foundation.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation vs. My Skin

I ordered the Fair-Light Beige shade for the Tarte foundation, intending to use it during times without self-tanner. However, the color match was way too light, revealing a discrepancy in Tarte’s color descriptions. For those seeking an accurate match, I recommend going two shades darker. Despite my cool indoor environment, the foundation settled into my fine lines and pores, leaving me dissatisfied with the overall appearance.

Application Time

During application, I noticed the foundation emphasized my fine lines and texture, even after doubling the application of primer. Despite its lightweight feel, the foundation did not provide the desired coverage for my acne spots and hyperpigmentation. Its lack of buildable coverage disappointed me further.

The Wear Test

Throughout the wear test, the foundation’s watery consistency led to patchiness on my cheeks, and after a short time, my face became visibly oily. Within two hours, significant portions of my chin, T-zone, and forehead lost their matte finish, and oil started to peek through. My skin became excessively oily, causing the foundation to slide off, leading me to remove it after six hours of wear.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Minimal fragrance
• Free from harmful chemicals such as parabens, mineral oil, SLS, SLES, phthalates, triclosan
• Vegan and cruelty-free, appealing to ethical consumers
• Attractive and adorable packaging
• Enjoyable texture and feel upon application

Cons:

• Lack of SPF, necessitating additional sun protection
• Tarte’s formula change with the new packaging may have affected performance
• Challenging color matching, leading to potential shade mismatch
• Unsuitable for oily skin, as it may exacerbate oiliness and appear patchy

Alternative Foundations to Consider:

High-End: Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Although on the pricier side, the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation offers impeccable coverage and buildability. Its matte finish eliminates the need for setting powder, and it maintains its integrity throughout the day without separation concerns. The packaging may be a drawback due to the inconvenience of pouring the product out.

Mid-Range: It Cosmetics CC Cream

While technically a CC cream, It Cosmetics CC Cream impresses with its remarkable full coverage. The pump packaging is practical, and its long-lasting properties make it a dependable choice. It does not cake or exacerbate oiliness, making it a great option for those seeking a natural-looking finish.

Affordable: Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation

The Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation is an affordable matte foundation with a mousse-like consistency, packaged in a convenient squeeze bottle. Priced under $10, it offers a wide range of shades to choose from. While it may settle into lines or pores, pairing it with a good primer can help reduce texture appearance. Its impressive full coverage makes it highly recommended for those in search of a budget-friendly option.

Conclusion:

Tarte’s foundation boasts several positive attributes, including its lack of strong scent, cruelty-free status, and appealing texture. However, drawbacks such as the absence of SPF, formula changes, and poor color matching may deter potential users. For those seeking alternatives, the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation stands as a high-end, full-coverage choice with long-lasting wear. The It Cosmetics CC Cream offers impressive coverage and practical pump packaging. Meanwhile, the budget-friendly Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation provides excellent coverage and easy portability, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.