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She Who Dances With Fire

When my sister was fifteen, we were on a camping trip where we all gave each other Indian names in a vain attempt to sound far, far cooler than we were.  I was She Who Sleeps in the Van because I'm no fool and when it comes down to a choice between sleeping in a cold, wet tent with three other people or a dry, new minivan alone, I'm going to choose the minivan every time.  My sister, on the other hand, got her name by accidentally lighting her hair on fire when she squirted kerosene on a dying fire to "make it bigger."  Luckily, the only result of her teenager stupidity was a few inches of burnt hair because she immediately stopped, dropped and rolled, but she'll forever be known in our family as She Who Walks With Fire (Firewalker, for short).  I hadn't thought about that story in a long time, but when I walked into ULTA and got a glimpse of their new Chrome Paint Shadow Pots, I immediately remembered it after seeing the shade Fire Dancer.  You guys, it's stunning.  Like, make you gasp out loud stunning.  It's this gorgeous metallic deep red that shimmers and glimmers for hours.  And it's so easy to put on.  You don't even need a brush - in fact, it's easier and blends better just using your finger.  I love the way it makes my eyes look greener and how totally unique it is.  The other two shades are also gorgeous - Park Ave Princess is a bronze and Pot of Gold is well, gold - but if you can only buy one, definitely go for Fire Dance because I didn't have anything in my stash like it.  (Although if you are going to buy two, go for Pot of Gold as your second choice because the two of them together are amazing).  Tarte needs to come out with a whole range of shades in this formula because I NEED a purple and a blue and a grey to grace my life with their makeup goodness.  Anyone at Tarte listening?  Make is happen!        

Make Believe In Yourself

I'm not really one for "festival" makeup.  I mean, I was at one point, but now I'm sort of over that whole look (although I still love it on other people).  I know I sound wayyyyy old right now, but like, you would have to tie me and torture me to get me to go to Coachella (unless I had some crazy big, fancy house there - in that case, I'm driving!)  But I am in LOVE with most of the shades from Tarte's new Make Believe in Yourself collection, and especially with the Tarteist PRO Glitter Liner in Rose Gold.  I've totally bought into the Rose Gold trend that's been so popular lately, but this liner has really been my favorite of the options so far.  I'm normally terrible with liquid liner, but for some reason, I'm able to draw an almost perfect line with this one (and it's very flattering for green eyes).  I don't use the glitter side of it as often, but when I do layer the two, it's soooo pretty.  Perfect for a night out.  I'm so tempted to get the other two shades (Silver and White Gold) on Tarte's website, but even on sale at half off ($12), I'd still have to pay shipping and it just gets expensive (considering I still have ten things in my Sephora cart that I didn't buy during the VIB sale too...)  Rose Gold is a limited-edition shade and sold out in most of the stores I've been lately (I lucked into one at just the right moment) so if you spot one, don't let it out of your sight until your credit card has been swiped. #TheMoreYouKnow  

Let's Play Make Believe

You guys, I barely ever buy makeup without seeing it first.  I know that sounds crazy, but I can count on one hand the number of times I've done it.  I like to "see" the products in person first and test drive them because I've found that no matter how great something looks online, in person it can be God awful.  But I'm breaking my own rule for Tarte's Make Believe In Yourself: Eye & Cheek Palette.  Look at it!  I mean, seriously.  LOOK AT IT!  It's an eleven shade palette of unicorn-inspired shades that includes the middle color, a strobing cheek and eye highlighter.  I could not be more into metallics right now and I've basically stalked Instagram to see swatches of this one and people have not disappointed. They're stunning.  And the reviews online have been super glowing too, so that makes me want it even more (social media at its finest!)  The only thing that's annoying is that it won't be available in stores until April (mid April, I think) but I'm so obsessed with it that I'm going to order it from Tarte.com (it's also available on Ulta.com and the previously linked Sephora's website, but Tarte does free shipping with a $40 purchase, so ding ding ding!)  I keep trying to convince myself to wait until Ulta has their next 20% off prestige coupon, but what if it's not there yet or sold out or the coupon expires before I can use it for that specific palette?  I would seriously be so mad at myself for not buying it because with my luck, at that point it would be sold out (it's limited-edition, of course).  So to the internet I shall go to order makeup, for the first time in forever (crazy, I know, but when you live in a big city like Los Angeles, there's really no need since I can just go buy it in any one of the many stores around).  Instagram, you are my kryptonite for makeup swatches!    

Pick Up A Little Tartelette

No matter how many neutral shadow palettes I have, I always crave more.  MORE MORE MORE!  So of course I got super excited when I just did my wekly (daily?) check of Sephora's website and stumbled upon Tarte's new Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette.  It has twelve matte shadows ranging from a light cream to a dark black, so you can create daytime looks and a good smokey eye (my true test in a palette).  I also really love that all of the shades are brand new.  It's super annoying when you spend good money on a palette, only to get it home and realize you already had a bunch of the shades.  (But do I ever return the palette then?  No, no I do not.  I just stew at home for a little while and then pretend I needed backups to make myself feel better.  I'm aware I have a problem).  Right now, you have to be a VIB or VIB Rouge member to buy it, but I'm sure it'll be available to everyone soon, so if you're not, just tuck that money away and get ready.  Neutral palettes for everyone! 

Lip Surgence Lip Glosses

I'm a HUGE fan of Tarte lipsticks and lipglosses.  It seems like every time they release a new formula I love it even more than the one before.  The somewhat new launch of the LipSurgence Lip Glosses is no different - they are wonderful!  First of all, they are not sticky at all and give the perfect amount of color.  I was stunned to discover they actually have some staying power, as well (wasn't re-applying a second time before I even left the house like so many other glosses).  The applicator is slightly curved so it's amazing for applying the gloss (especially on-the-go when you have no mirror in sight).  Comes in 10 gorgeous shades (some shimmery, some not, but all are super shiny which is beautiful!)  They have become my go-to lip gloss and while it's torturous to try and choose a fave shade, I guess I would choose between Envy and Exposed.  Definitely worth a check-out - you will not be disappointed.  Retails for $19.00.

Note:  A sample of this product was sent to me by a PR representative working with Tarte.

Stock Up On Tarte

Who's ready to grab some of the goodies they've been coveting lately from Tarte?  From now until August 4th, you can get 30% off your order at tarte.com by using the code FANDF at checkout.  You'll even get free shipping on orders of $40 or more.  (And let's face it, you're going to spend $40!)  I'm dying to pick up the new Rainforest After Dark palette so this might make me finally pull the trigger.  Take advantage before the offer ends! 

A Prime Example

I love what primers do, but I usually find myself forgetting to put one on in the morning and I'm not even sure why.  It's not the extra step because even I'm not that lazy.  But for some reason, Tarte's new Colored Clay CC Primer has totally made me remember to use it every day and I'm so happy it does because it's awesome.  It's the only primer I've ever tried in a stick form, so maybe that's the difference, but it's just so damn easy.  I swipe it across my forehead, down each cheek, over my nose, and then on my chin, blend, and move on with the rest of my makeup.  Super simple.  I like how easy it blends into my skin and the way the different shades in it all do different things - it brightens your skin, evens your skin tone, helps blur away imperfections, and neutralizes redness.  All good things!  Plus, the fact that it comes in stick form makes it really easy to tote around or travel with, and I love the way it keeps my other makeup looking fresh all day.  Definitely a new must-have!

Note:  A sample of this product was sent to me by a PR representative working with Tarte

Blushing Bride

Tarte's latest cheek stain is so lovely it deserves it's own post!  I'm actually a huge fan of cream cheek color - I, personally, find it easier to use than powder blush and think it gives a more natural-looking glow (well, that is, if you don't overdo it and assuming you've chosen the best shade for your skintone - yeah, yeah, me and my rules...)  Anyway, Tarte's newest shade - Blushing Bride - is a delightful light pink which would work on just about everyone.  I have very pale skin and it gives me a healthy flush (every time I say "healthy flush" it sounds like a disease or a properly-working toilet).  The formula is nice and creamy so it goes on smooth and blends easily (FYI - the first sign of a bad cheek cream is if you have to tug and pull at your delicate facial skin).  The stain also has a really nice fruity scent to it which I adore.  This one's a definite keeper!

Note:  A sample of this product was sent to me by a PR representative working with Tarte.  

Tarte Holiday 2013!

I am seriously overwhelmed by all of the great holiday offerings this year!  And while I'm going to do my "best of" stocking stuffers post (to come), I can't just focus on the top ten faves (really, it's not fair to all the other great items screaming 'pick me! pick me!')  Tarte has some great offerings this season so it's only fair I give a few of my tops a moment in the spotlight!

pure delights 8-piece Lip Surgence Set is ridiculous in the best way possible!  I love, love, love this set for the holidays - the colors are so beautiful and the formula is my absolute fave for lip color (so creamy it's shocking it's in a pencil form).  Comes with four matte and four glossy tints -and it's nearly impossible to choose a fave.  Trust me, this is a definite must-have and must-give. 

Gorgeous Getaways Portable Palette Set made me shriek with delight!  First of all, the packaging is adorable - I love that it's like a little makeup/jewelry box you could use even when the cosmetics are gone!  But packaging aside, this is one amazing set and would make anyone so excited to unwrap for the holidays.  Four unique palettes which all pop into the cutest little gold case and three lovely lipglosses.  I especially love the price - you get a ton of stuff for $48.00.

Off the Cuff is a blush palette so beautiful that it's currently sold out at Sephora and seemingly impossible to find anywear (doh!)  I know, I know, I'm evil for including here when you can't even get it right now, but it's soooooo pretty that if it does come back into stock you're going to want to jump and purchase right away!  Comes with 4 stunning blush colors and one bronzer - all perfect for any skintones.

Note:  Samples of the above were sent to me by a PR representative working with Tarte.

We All Win

If you're in the market for any Tarte products (their Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation, perhaps?) for today only, you can get 20% off any order at tartecosmetics.com by using the code WEWON at checkout.  (They're celebrating winning Best Eye Cream in the QVC Customer Choice Beauty Awards).  Act quickly and stock up!