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| Foundation with Brush |
As a Californian, specifically during the Summer months, I hunt for foundations light enough to blend quickly, but still have the ability to mask my imperfections so I don't have to rely on a concealer. It would be ideal if it was a one step process too. In other words, I don't need to use liquid foundation and a setting powder.
This Summer season I was introduced to Tarte's Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation. The following are excerpts from the product description on the Tarte website, "A 12-hour full coverage, weightless powder foundation...delivers flawless, natural looking coverage that lasts...waterproof." What? I just have to put on a powder and it will look natural, cover-up my ugly spots and stay on most of my waking day? Sold! I also chose to partner it with Tarte's recommended tool - Airbuki Bamboo Powder Foundation Brush.
Price:
The foundation is $36 USD for 0.247 ounces. The brush, which is sold separately, is $26 USD. I purchased both at my local Sephora last month.
Packaging:
The foundation comes in a round, twist off container. The top is made to look like bamboo and it is imprinted with Tarte's leaf design that I've seen on other Amazonian Clay facial products. Once opened (reference picture below), the base opening for the powder is covered with a spring-like, mesh netting. It's meant to be a sifter so that minimal product comes out. The interior top is designed to be a "stopper" for the powder to prevent more product from spilling out when closed. This design is absolutely genius! I have to carefully open up my other loose powders because a fair amount go through the sifter and there is always some degree of fallout over me or my counter.
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| Foundation Interior |
The brush is essentially a synthetic kabuki brush. The handle is made from sustainably harvested bamboo and lined with a gold-like bottom rim. The circumference of the brush also fits perfectly in the mesh sifter. I must give them kudos for their play on words on the product name. Airbuki, like kabuki, but will give you an "airbrushed" finish. Very clever Tarte!
Use and Performance:
The instructions direct you to place the brush on top of the mesh sifter and gently press down to release the powder. I only pump one or two times before I feel I have enough powder on the brush. I start blending on one cheek and work it through one side of the face. I then repeat on the other side of the face. I really enjoyed using the Airbuki brush. It is very soft, but the bristles are still compact enough for you to easily buff and blend.
Coverage-wise, I wouldn't consider this full coverage. My freckles and brown spots were still noticeable after application, but it did even out my skin tone. For reference, my color is medium-tan sand and it was a perfect match for me. Tarte describes it for "medium to tan skin with yellow undertones."
I usually start with foundation for my makeup routine. By the time I finished applying my makeup, my t-zone was extremely oil. I do have an oily t-zone, but this was far from normal. I also noticed that my face became cakey and the powder appeared to highlight my pores. I blotted my t-zone and reapplied the powder in that area, but got the same result about 15 minutes later. WTH? Luckily, I didn't have to go anywhere that day so, I just washed it off.
I didn't give up on this relationship yet because, when trying out a new foundation, I start my review with no primer, then the next few days I try it with different primers to see if there are different results. When adding a primer, I didn't look like a cakey, t-zone grease ball after applying my makeup, but it sure wasn't long after - maybe an hour or so. By the evening, the foundation either melted off or pooled into greasy patches around my face. This occurred even with occasional blotting throughout the day. I didn't reapply the powder after blotting for fear of it caking even more.
Overall Impression:
Alas, this was my Summer foundation fling. It ended before it could even get off the ground. I so wanted this to work because I love the philosophy of Tarte and I have a couple of holy grails from this line. Sadly, for me, it didn't live up to it's product description and performed quite the opposite. *sob*
To be fair, I like the Airbuki brush. It buffed and blended the powder well. I suspect it would be great for other mineral foundation products. If you already have a similar brush in your arsenal, there really is no need to buy this, but if you're on the lookout for something different, this is worth a try.
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