REVIEW: Tarte The Miracle of Maracuja 8-pc Skin Smart Collection - Pics & Swatches [PIC HEAVY!!]

I purchased this set from QVC during their "Today's Special Value" (TSV) the day they were featuring this set and presenting the new Maracuja Oil line of products.  Because it was a TSV, I was able to purchase it for $59.96 + shipping.  It is now retailing on the QVC site for $65.92.  That is still an incredible deal for this 8-piece set!  If you were to purchase all eight items on their own, it would come to a total of $207.00!

This set contains 8-FULL SIZE products plus I received two deluxe samples as well! Most of the items in this set aren't available outside of QVC except for the lip gloss and concealer.  *Yet another reason I love shopping with QVC - very early access to new products and great deals! The packing on this set is so beautiful and top-notch, which you know you usually get with Tarte.

The Maracuja Oil interested me because I adore Tarte products and since I was getting low on my Josie Maran Argan Oil, I thought this set was the perfect opportunity to try it! Let's take a look at what was included... all swatches are on my NC20 skin. :)  

Maracuja Air Blush in Amused - w/flash

Maracuja Air Blush in Amused - NO flash

L: blended, R: heavy swatch

Maracuja Air Blush in Amused - Retail $25.00 (this isn't available for individual sale yet): The pigmentation on this is incredible. The texture is so creamy and smooth that I was concerned it wouldn't last all day.  I usually set cream blush with a powder on top but to test this blush properly, I skipped that step.  This blush lasted a solid 8 hours before I saw subtle fading. Wow! Not bad for a cream blush on it's own, huh?

  

Maracuja Creaseless Waterproof Concealer

Shade: Light

Light shade blended

Maracuja Creaseless Waterproof Concealer in Light - Retail $24.00:  This is the only customizable option for the set.  The shade range is limited though: Fair, Light, Medium, Tan or Deep.  I'm NC20 and the Light shade works perfectly and matches me exactly.  The consistency of this is incredibly thick.  It gives 100% full coverage and is perfect for concealing under eye circles.  It didn't crease on me at all and leaves a dewy finish - not dry looking at all!  You'll need to really blend it well on your hand or between two fingers to emulsify it enough to blend under the eye.  Additionally, I mixed MAC Strobe Cream with it and applied it to my face as foundation.  It's so thick and pigmented that you could use this as an under eye concealer, spot concealer and foundation (similar to Cover FX).  You know I love a dual purpose product!  :)

Pure Maracuja Oil w/dropper

Pure Maracuja Oil w/dropper - Retail $46.00US (this isn't available for individual sale yet): I haven't been able to use this long enough for a full review but my initial thoughts are that it absorbs into the skin very quickly and doesn't leave an oily residue or any "filmy" feeling.  It absorbs quickly, too, and gives your skin a very healthy, natural glow without looking shiny or greasy.  I really like this product a lot so far!

Envoke the Smoke Eye Shadow Quad

Top - Bottom: Pink Cloud, Silver Mist, Purple Fog, Dark Ash

L to R: Pink Cloud, Silver Mist, Purple Fog, Dark Ash w/flash

NO flash

NO flash

w/flash

Envoke the Smoke Eye Shadow Quad (featuring Pink Cloud, Silver Mist, Purple Fog, Dark Ash) - Retail $25.00US (this isn't available for individual sale yet): Pink Cloud is described as "matte" but it isn't and does have some shimmer to it.  You can barely see the swatch on my hand because the pink is very sheer.  This is a great eyeshadow quad and the packaging is quite sturdy and strong.  It feels sturdier than the Benefit boxed blushes, if that's possible!  The colors might be a bit outside most people's comfort range but you can blend these out so you get a sheerer application.  The eyeshadows are very pigmented and potent so a little goes a long way.  These lasted all day and night with no creasing, movement or fading!  I'm impressed with this quad.

Airblush Brush

Airblush Brush - Retail $29.00 (this isn't available for individual sale yet): This is a nice duo-fibre brush that gives the skin a natural look.  It blends the concealer really nicely and applies foundation fantastically. It's a multi-purpose brush that can be used to apply the blush as well.  It does shed a bit initially (boo!) and I'm hoping one more wash will do the trick.  Aside from that annoying little thing, this is a solid brush and I'm happy to add it to my duo fibre collection. 

Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara in Black

Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara in Black - Retail $19.00US: This is a great mascara and one of my new faves!  It's very black so it gives the lashes a lot of color.  I like that this mascara is buildable and you can apply several coats without it looking clumpy.  It flaked ever so slightly after initial application but once it set, I had to use my MAC Cleanse Off Oil to take it off gently.  Where have I been without this mascara?  It rivals my fave L'oreal Voluminous!

Cashmere Waterproof Eyeliner in Black Magic

Cashmere Waterproof Eyeliner in Black Magic  L-R: one swipe, heavily drawn & blended

Cashmere Waterproof Eyeliner in Black Magic - Retail $18.00US (this isn't available for individual sale yet): This is more of a soft gray/black... grack if you will.  LOL  This is everything they claim it is: waterproof and long wearing.  It didn't budge after an entire day and night of wear.  My left eye tends to water (weirdsie eye!) a lot and this eyeliner wasn't affected AT ALL.  This definitely gives the Urban Decay 24/7 liners a run for their money.  It's a new favorite for me and I'm excited to see what other colors they come out with.  This is perfect for brides!

Maracuja Divine shine Lip Gloss in Peaceful

For a full size product, this is ALL you get in the tube. :(

Maracuja Divine shine Lip Gloss in Peaceful w/flash

 Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss in Peaceful - Retail $21.00US: This lip gloss has a strong peppermint scent and taste.  I personally don't mind that, but for those who cringe at even a hint of flavor or scent you might want to avoid this.  This was my least favorite item of the set because of several reasons: The packaging is huge (and oh so perty!!!) but it's deceiving... the container is only half full!  If I had bought this on it's own, it'd go right back and I wouldn't purchase it for that hefty price tag.  Additionally, I spent a solid couple minutes clicking the trigger to get the product started.  I almost thought that I got a broken/defective one!  Seriously, I lost count of how many times I pushed the button after I counted to 50.  This color is exclusive to QVC right now and it's honestly nothing special.  It's very dupable -- it's a nude pink with a hint of glitter; goes on easily and you only get that sticky "lip gloss" feel for the first 15 - 20 mins. or so before it melts into your lips and feels really hydrating.  If they filled the tube, I'd try this in another color.

Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Waterproof Shadow Primer

Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Waterproof Shadow Primer

Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Waterproof Shadow Primer Deluxe Sample - Retail $22.00US:  This was inside the box with the set.  I love getting little surprises like this!!  It works well and has now replaced my Too Faced Shadow Insurance.  Seriously!  I recommend this for people with oily lids, like myself.  As you can see by the swatch, it has a very chalky pink color to it so keep that in mind if you want to try this.  While I love it for me, I don't think this is universal for everyone because of the opaque-ish pink color to it.

L-R: small swatch of product, blended - NO flash

L-R: small swatch of product, blended - w/flash

Sneak Peek - Brazilliance Skin Rejuvenation Maracuja Self Tanner -Retail $?? (this isn't available for individual sale yet, so I'm not sure of the price): This was inside the box with the set.  I love getting little surprises like this!! Because it's only a deluxe size sample, there isn't enough there for your entire body.  I haven't tried it yet fully but I'm going to give it a go on my face.  As you can see from the swatches, it gives a true brown-based tan and is not orangey.  The initial drop appears very dark, almost black, but the end result is a nice, real looking tan.  Once applied, it will develop fully after 8 hours. It looks glittery in the picture but it doesn't look like that in person!

Here's a look I did using this set. Click HERE for the blog post and additional photos!

Have you tried the Miracle of Maracuja Oil yet?

Have a beautiful day!
Betty xx