Review: Tarte Amazonian Clay Long-wear Blush

I've bought this for quite some time.  But because I have a few other blushes that I haven't hit the pan, I resisted from using this.  As we all should know, once you use a makeup product where there's any chance your skin's oil or skin cells may transfer itself to the product, it's best to use it up within a certain time frame.  There's an expiration date on all products!

I bought this blush at the 15% Sephora sale back in April 2011.  Back then, I intended to go to Sephora to pick up the colour Tipsy but in real life, Tipsy is too orange for my skin tone.  It made me look more yellow.  And from this test, I knew I had cool skin tone.  Well, I chose the colour Blissful instead.  It's a pretty popping pink colour so not a lot is needed when applying to the cheek bones.

Application:  After setting the foundation, I apply a hint of Blissful blush on my cheekbones very lightly.  Too much of this product can make me look like a clown.  =\

Packaging:  The blush came in a clear plastic box.  The case has a mirror and the pressed powder is magnetically attached to the case.  So if you tap the bottom of the case (making sure your other hand catches the pressed powder), you'll be able to remove the blush from the case.  I don't recommend tapping it too often or firmly because you could possibly shatter your pressed powder.

What it claims: "... For oily skin types, Amazonian clay minimizes oil in and around pores to balance skin and keep product in place.  Those with dry skin will benefit from the clay's nourishing and hydrating properties, which naturally restore skin's moisture.  Combination skin types can rely on its ability to zero in on skin concerns and deliver benefits to restore complexion harmony.  The result? Blush that wears better, longer, and truer!"

Thoughts / Results:
I have combination skin, so oily on the T-zone area.  But really, this blush wouldn't affect the area I apply it.  Besides the pigmented colour it gives me, I couldn't see what it physically can do to my skin.  I haven't tried any comparable colour from NARS blushes, but I have to say, the staying power of this blush is above average but not excellent.  And I'm speaking with the help of Urban Decay's All Nighter makeup setting spray, this product does last a few hours.  I find there are days it won't last until I get home, sometimes it does - faintly.
In terms of the packaging, I like the idea that the blush is magnetically attached to the case.  There's no need to use a knife to pry it from its case. 

Cost: $33 CAD @Sephora (with 15% discount, $28.05 CAD)

Product: Tarte Amazonian Clay Long-wear Blush
Rating: 4. 5 / 5

Pros:
- Excellent colour payoff
- A little goes a long way
- Great packaging with magnetic casing
- Lasting effects with the use of makeup setting products

Cons:
- Must use a light-hand to apply it, and it's too easy to apply too much

Haul: @Sephora - B. kamins, Dior, Tarte

Yesterday, I stopped by Sherway Gardens and Yorkdale Mall to go to Sephora and make good use of their 15% off sale.  =)  But oh dear, I def made some major damage to my wallet yesterday.  Then again I'll def stop spending for the next month or so.  I may be going to the next Shiseido warehouse sale and the Lisa's Cosmetics sale, but even if I go, I'll probably not spend anything on myself.  Anyways, back to what I spent on yesterday.

I originally wanted to pick up the Fusion Beauty Anti-Redness Primer but I tried it on my hands and it doesn't really neutralize the redness as well as the Makeup Forever one.  For some reason, I never thought of picking up a bottle of Makeup Forever Green Primer when I was Sherway Gardens.  So by the time I went to Yorkdale's Sephora, they didn't have any left.  =(  I might pick up a bottle the next time I go by a Sephora.

Anyways, I def did pick up the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Blissful.  This cost me $33 CAD but with additional 15% off, it came up to $28.05 CAD.  I chose Blissful over Tipsy because the colour is more settle and not too corally.  As much as I love coral, the colour just doesn't look too flattering on my skintone.  =(

Next I bought a Dior Addict Ultra Gloss in 256 Negligee Pink.  It's a pretty nude pink, very glossy and no shimmers.  I've never owned any Dior lip products so I thought I might as well splurge a little money on a Dior lip gloss.  It cost me $31 CAD but with additional 15% off, it came to $26.35 CAD.

Finally, I picked up a B. Kamins skincare set.  LOL I think I'm starting to love their products because of the Bamboo & Rice Facial Polisher.  The makeup artist @Yorkdale's Sephora recommended me this product because she saw me picking up a jar of Nurture Me by Ole Henrikson that is designed for rosacea cheeks - in other words, my broken capillaries.  She recommended I'd try out the B. Kamins because it's more of a complete set that will last me a month to try out and she gave me a small sample of the Nurture Me cream.  But I mainly got sold by the B. Kamins set because she put on the 'Soothing Skin Concentrate' on my hand and because it's teal-coloured, I immediately saw the difference it made.
Anyways, this skincare set cost me $65 CAD but with additional 15% off, it came up $55.25 CAD.

In additional, the cash gave me some samples - Dior One Essential and Lancome Genefique Youth Activating Concentrate.  She asked if I wanted to redeem a 500-point perk.  I had to decide between a Boscia skincare set and a Smashbox makeup set.  So I decided on the Smashbox one.  =)

All in all, like I said, my shopping trip has majorly damaged my wallet.  I'll have to build some self-control for the next month or so.

SO, reviews will def be coming soon.