My search for the perfect foundation continues. But first, let me set the stage in case you’re a new reader:
- I have oily skin.
- I have a brown complexion with red undertones in some areas.
- I could have smaller pores.
So what does perfect mean to me? A foundation that doesn’t move around even after a long day on the job, keeps me looking matte and doesn’t oxidize. Well it turns out that these three things are a TALL order for your every day foundation. Not to mention I’m totally entitled and need a foundation with SPF to protect me from all the sun’s realness. Not much right? Wrong.
My search brought me to the Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage 12-Hour Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen. Now that name sounds like it covers alllll of my three bases, so I put it to the test. Here are my results:
1. CONSISTENCY: What “Clay” Foundation Feels Like.
The foundation is middle in consistency between watery and thick, however probably leans more on the #thick side (hi!).
2. LONGEVITY: Does Tarte Foundation Really Last 12 Hours?
This is where I was gravely disappointed. For the first day, it seemed to work fine. I tested it both with a primer underneath and without, however the primer didn’t seem to make that much of a difference. Note: This may have worked awesome for you and let me say that I am totally jelly of you for that, but I do have oily skin, so keep that in mind.
It lasted for about 2 hours before it started to move all around the place. I touch my face when I’m thinking or just taking a pause between projects. Why? No clue. But then I go to the restroom and I what look like little nicks on my face where my foundation moved. It literally sat on top of my skin and didn’t stick to anything. That said, it didn’t necessarily feel like I had a lot of makeup on so that’s a plus.
3. Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation QUALITY
I think the quality is definitely there! It really make my skin look great (I always set my foundation with the same powder), even if it lasted all of two hours. As far as ingredients goes, this one is fantastic when it comes to sunscreen. Both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are mineral sunscreens, which are much better than the other ingredients on the market that are complete with fillers such as: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate.
4. Full-Coverage Foundation COLOR SELECTION
There are 40 color options to choose from, which is a lot more than I can say for your run-of-the-mill drugstore options! I color matched as 44S Tan Sand, and I think it was actually a little bit dark for me, so I replaced it with 40H Tan Honey, which worked out much better. It also didn’t oxidize orange, but I did find that it settles in a bit darker than what you see out of the tube. That may have just been me. Otherwise, I would say err on the side of a lighter shade to find the perfect match.
5. Is Tarte Foundation VEGAN & CRUELTY-FREE?
Kind of!
Cruelty-Free? When asked if Tarte is cruelty-free, they say: tarte cosmetics is a cruelty-free cosmetics line. tarte makeup and skincare is never tested on animals.
Vegan? When asked if Tarte is vegan, their answer is: many of our products are vegan! At the bottom of every tarte product page in the tarte shop there is an ingredient listing where you can find the ingredients to the products you’re interested in. tarte cannot guarantee that any ingredients or products were produced in an allergen free environment.
With that said, this Amazonian Clay 12-hour foundation is vegan-friendly, and it is one of many makeup options that are in their “Vegan Friendly” collection: #notsponsored
OVERALL
I would recommend this foundation not at all for it’s longevity, but for the quality if you’re looking to smooth out your complexion for a couple hours. A dinner? A photo shoot? A short outing? Perfect. Anything longer than that just didn’t gel with me.
RATING: 6.5/10 because of it’s longevity, otherwise I think it would be a solid 8.5!
Would I recommend you buy it? I think it’s worth a shot to see if it works with your skin.
PRICE: $39 for 1.7 oz. I bought mine at Ulta.
QUESTION OF THE DAY
Do you use this foundation? How do you use it? What do you love about it? If it works for you–you’re so lucky!
Also, if you’re interested in reviewing certain products, let me know which and what you would like to see about them! These other reviews might give you some ideas.
Price. With 16 colors, this $38.99 
Buy or Let It Go. The verdict? Buy! I would tell you immediately if it wasn’t worth it and I personally think these shadows are worth $40. They’re silky, soft and come off smooth on the skin.
Vegan & Cruelty Free {VCF} 