Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation: Full Coverage, But It’s Weighty

Reformulated Tarte Foundation: What’s new about this best selling makeup?

I’ve been hearing a lot about the relaunch of Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation. So, what’s new? For starters, they have removed the scant SPF 15 coverage offered in the original version (which is still available for purchase, just in fewer shades). They’ve also expanded the shade range from 33 to a whopping 46! Choosing yours might now be easier, because the makeup shades are visible through new clear packaging. Some reviewers have also noted that the latest formulation is more blendable. And Tarte still boasts that this product, like its predecessor, is super lightweight and even longer lasting.

I’m always looking for a foundation that feels light while still providing high coverage all day. Needless to say, I was super excited to test the new Tarte’s new Amazonian Clay 16-Hour Full Coverage Foundation.

Promises vs. Performance: Is it true that Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation “glides on like silk, wears like iron”? 

What’s in a name? A lot of great claims. The brand website says that Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation provides “featherlight full coverage” that won’t cake or crease for a full 16 hours of wear. It should glide on easily but be a heavy lifter, erasing pores, fine lines, and wrinkles, and providing an airbrushed, soft matte finish. Tarte says it is suitable for normal, oily, and combination skin types (dry skin users beware). This foundation also has some beneficial ingredients. These include Amazonian clay for smooth, even, and hydrated skin, as well as the antioxidant vitamin E to fight inflammation. It also contains mineral pigments, which soothe and soften skin. Oh, and it is free of many ingredients such as parabens, gluten, mineral oil, and SLS. Sounds amazing, right?

I couldn’t wait to test these claims. First, I smoothed Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer onto the right side of my face (this way, I’d be able to find out if priming affects how this makeup performs). I dabbed the thick clay foundation onto my face and used both Tarte The Buffer Brush and the Double Duty Quickie Blending Sponge to work the product in. Given the claims, I was honestly surprised by how difficult I found it to spread and blend this product. It felt heavy, and it clung to my dry spots. In fact, the finish of the primed side of my face looked even rougher than that of the bare side. Though, I will say the combination of the primer and foundation did blur the pores on my cheek.

But how did it wear? It did really good for the first seven hours. After about eight hours, it went downhill very fast . My texture, pores, and fine lines were noticeably exaggerated. I had also lost coverage around my mouth, but the coverage on the rest of my fave wore pretty even. But for my skin, and especially for the price, I think other foundations perform better, feel lighter, and last longer. 

Quick Rating Rundown

This Product

(3.3)

:Tarte Amazonian Clay 16 Hour Foundation

Price: $39.00

1.4 oz

Value

(4.3)

Application

(2)

Coverage

(4)

Texture

(2.5)

Longevity

(2.5)

Shade Range

(4.5)

Extra Benefits

(4)

Industry Standard

(4.6)

:Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Price: $48.00

1.0 oz

Value

(3.9)

Application

(4.8)

Coverage

(5)

Texture

(4)

Longevity

(4.8)

Shade Range

(5)

Extra Benefits

(3.5)

MILABU PICKS

(4.5+)

:12 Best Foundations You Need To Try

Price: $15 – $70

various sizes

Value

(4.5+)

Application

(4.5+)

Coverage

(4.5+)

Texture

(4.5+)

Longevity

(4.5+)

Shade Range

(4.5+)

Extra Benefits

(4.5+)

^{Our Rating Criteria}

How It Compares: If not Tarte foundation, which full coverage base is best?

Despite its promises, Tarte Amazonian Clay 16-Hour Full Coverage Foundation has big competition. To me, this cosmetic did not feel as silky and smooth as expected. It was difficult to blend and made my skin’s texture more visible. I give it props for being true full coverage, but that only lasted for half the time advertised. Hot, humid, sweaty days are not a good match for this foundation. Maybe it would be a good winter foundation?

However, there is a makeup base in the same price range that I always recommend because of its performance. That is Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Foundation (rated ***** 4.6). Double Wear continues to prove itself as the industry standard among its competitors: it just won’t let you down. It’s comfortable, easy to blend, and budge proof: three things I can’t say about Tarte’s clay foundation.

Milabu Beauty Method: How I applied this makeup.

I tried two methods of application with this product: sponge and brush. I recommend prepping your skin with a good moisturizer or hydrating primer beforehand (especially if you have drier skin). Good luck!

For brush application I used Tarte’s own The Buffer Brush ($34).

1. Dispense a nickel size amount of foundation to the back of your hand and swirl it with your finger to warm it up.
2. Dot the makeup onto your face, working one section at a time.
3. Use the makeup brush (or any dense foundation brush) into the product across your face to blend.

For sponge application I used Double Duty Beauty Quickie Blending Sponge ($16) by Tarte.

1. Dampen the sponge with water and squeeze to remove excess.
2. Dot the foundation onto your face, in one section at a time.
3. Dab and swirl the sponge onto the product to really blend it into your skin. You will notice your pores disappearing as you make this effort!