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Tarte Create Your Own Beauty Box Review #2 – May 2017

Tarte Create Your Own Custom Kit May 2017

Tarte
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Tarte comes out with a create-your-own custom kit on occasion that allows you to pick your items and shades. It is a great opportunity to try Tarte or to stock up on your favorites. The most recent kit included 5 full-size makeup items, a brush, and a makeup bag all for $63.

Tarte Create Your Own Custom Kit May 2017

You were able to select one item each from different categories: bag, foundation, blush, lip product, eyeliner, mascara, and brush. Each category offered different formulas for that category (ex. Liquid, powder, cream foundation) as well as different shades to choose from. Not every Tarte product was offered as a choice, but you still had plenty to choose from. You can view this post to see all of the items that were offered. This box is no longer available for sale.

FYI – QVC is offering a 6 Piece full-size tarte box with a pick-your-shade foundation for $65.48.

My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

Tarte Create Your Own Custom Kit May 2017

The Box: Tarte Build Your Own Custom Beauty Kit

The Cost: $63 with free shipping

The Products: A pretty makeup bag, foundation, blush, lip product, eyeliner, mascara, and makeup brush of your choice, plus a free sample.

Check out more makeup and beauty boxes in the Beauty Subscription Box Directory!

Tarte Create Your Own Custom Kit May 2017

This box included a cute postcard.

Tarte Create Your Own Custom Kit May 2017

The card had a 15% off offer on the back.

Now, onto the items!

Tarte Create Your Own Custom Kit May 2017

Tarte Create Your Own Custom Kit May 2017

Purple Makeup Bag

This is such a great bag! Like all of Tarte’s products, it is so pretty. It has a light purple exterior that is easy to clean. The zipper is gold and isn’t cheaply made, so no stick zippers here. Nothing is worse than having to tear up your bag to get to your makeup. The inside is lined with gold foil that is easy to clean and also super glam. It is a great size and holds all of the essentials.

Tarte Create Your Own Custom Kit May 2017

Tarte Create Your Own Custom Kit May 2017

Empowered Hybrid Gel Foundation in Light-Medium Beige, 1 fl. oz.  - Value $39

Let me give you a head’s up about my skin. I’ve dealt with eczema and hyper-sensitive skin my whole life and finding foundation that works with my skin is tough. I typically use a BB cream to prevent exaggerating my skin issues (like flakiness or irritation). I’ve recently found a few true foundations that have worked (Yay!), and this is one of them.

The consistency of this foundation is a light, creamy gel. It applies smoothly with my fingers and buffs out to a velvety finish with a brush. I really like that it covers my redness without being cakey or heavy, and if needed can be layered for full coverage. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid, a big skincare trend right now, and leaves my dry skin feeling soft and comfortable. Plus, it lasts through the day without needing any touchups. Yay for beauty that can stand up to my schedule! This shade is made for “light to medium skin with pink undertones” and matches my skin very well. The one downside is the jar packaging, which means I’ll be extra careful to use clean fingers and tools when getting product out.

Tarte Create Your Own Custom Kit May 2017

Tarte Create Your Own Custom Kit May 2017

Colored Clay Bronzer Blush in Peach-Bronze, 0.31 oz - Value $24

Oh, this stuff is good! It makes me look sun-kissed, which is great considering I am not. I use this as both my blush and bronzer and it looks no natural. The powder applies easily and has a soft texture and a hint of shimmer. It isn’t so heavily pigmented that you have to use caution. It is made with colored clay which is supposed to color correct and perfect your skin texture. I don’t know if it really color corrects, but the point of this product for me is to make me look glowy so I’m happy. And, look at that compact. So cute!

Tarte Create Your Own Custom Kit May 2017

Tarte Create Your Own Custom Kit May 2017

Tarteist Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint in Homeslice, 0.20 fl. oz. - Value $20

When I ordered my kit, there were not many colors of the Quick Dry Matte Lip Paints left, so I took a chance on this orange nude shade. I have been wanting to try Tarte’s matte lip paint for a while because I have heard such great things. I’m not normally a fan of matte liquid lip colors because they tend to exaggerate the lines on my lips. This product was a pleasant surprise. The color looks really nice (not orange like the description says) and it applies smoothly and evenly with the doe foot applicator. It takes a few second to dry down and then it doesn’t move. The first time I tried it I ate some chili, kissed my hand, drank some wine, and it was still in place with no transfer. I think my finacé will be happy with not getting any lip color on him! It also didn’t dry out my lips and was relatively easy to remove with some eye makeup remover. I think if I’m going to use matte liquid lip color, I’ll stick with Tarte from now on.

Tarte Create Your Own Custom Kit May 2017

Tarte Create Your Own Custom Kit May 2017

Clay Pot Waterproof Shadow Liner in Bronze, 0.08 oz. - Value $21

This little pot of magic is now my go-to for eyeliner days. It is so pigmented! You can use it as a liner or shadow and even can use it on your waterline – it is waterproof. I like the bronze color because is is dark and rich without being as stark as black. It is easy to get the right amount onto your liner brush and it glides on opaque and smooth. I only need one pass! I can go all day with no smudging or fading and it does not irritate my eyes at all.

Tarte Create Your Own Custom Kit May 2017

Tarte Create Your Own Custom Kit May 2017

Lights, Camera, Lashes Double-Ended Lash Fibers & 4-in-1 Mascara - Value $21

I wanted to give this mascara a try because it seems that fiber mascaras are the closest you can get to fake lashes without having to go through the trauma of applying them. The process was simple enough: coat lashes with mascara, pat fibers on wet lashes, apply another coat of mascara. I think my lashes were slightly fuller and more dramatic than with normal mascara. The fibers get everywhere though. I had to do some clean up after applying, including rinsing my eyes out to get the fibers out from around my contacts. Later I noticed more fibers on my cheeks and lids. Maybe I need to practice more and get the fibers thoroughly coated in mascara before judging to seriously, but for now I would stick to using this for special occasion when I am willing to spend more time on my mascara.

Tarte Create Your Own Custom Kit May 2017

Tarte Create Your Own Custom Kit May 2017

Tarte Create Your Own Custom Kit May 2017

Double-Ended Camouflage Brush - Value $30

This dual-ended brush is perfect for concealer or for those places that need a bit more coverage. It feels luxurious and the bristles and sponge are soft. I like to store my brushes in a cup at my vanity, but because I don’t want to mess up either end, this will have to be stored in a drawer. All of Tarte’s brushes are pretty and great quality, and this one is no exception.

Tarte Create Your Own Custom Kit May 2017

Swatches of the foundation, bronzer, eyeliner, and lip color.

Tarte Create Your Own Custom Kit May 2017

My full look using all of the products from this box. I felt so great when I put all of this makeup on. I love that it looked natural and sophisticated and allowed me to play up my eyes without much effort.

Tarte Create Your Own Custom Kit May 2017

A closer look at my lashes with the fibers. They looked pretty full and fluttery.

Tarte Create Your Own Custom Kit May 2017

A sample of the Rainforest of the Sea Water Foundation in 4 different lighter shades.

Verdict: Tarte’s build-your-own custom kit is so great! I got to try products I have never tried before and I got to pick my shades. Everything is full-size, cruelty-free, and made without synthetic fragrances and parabens. The value of the products in this kit is $155, plus the value of the makeup bag and a great size sample. Considering the cost was only $63 with free shipping, I think it is a fantastic value. I’ll be looking forward to this kit next time!

What do you think of the this Tarte Build-Your-Own Custom Kit? What products did you pick?

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Tiffany Waldorf
Tiffany Waldorf
Tiffany found out about subscription boxes from a friend who followed MSA. The curiosity started with mystery beauty boxes and grew into an addiction from there. Beauty, clothes, home...she loves the sight of a subscription box in the mail.

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18 comments

Jen

I only recently discovered beauty boxes and this site! I wish I had known about this Tarte deal! How often do they do this??

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Beth L

Yes very gorgeous look. So many new faces. Nice to meet ya… ❤

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Khaleesi

Amazing job with your make up 😍

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theresa

I also suffer from eczema and dry patches on my face and I also picked the same foundation. It feels so great and like you said, applies smoothly on the red and dry patches. I LOVE this foundation! I do have to say that a little goes a long way and I’ve found using my beauty blender to blend it out makes it look super natural yet with decent coverage. Definitely a new fave!

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Tiffany

I’ll have to try using my beauty blender for this foundation now! I think it would be perfect for extra dry days when I like to mix a little extra moisturizer in with my foundation.

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Bonnie

You are right about Tarteist Matte Lip Color. It is by far my favorite of this type of product. And that shade is awesome!

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Juliya

I think this box is definitely a win! You are very pretty.
I got the same mascara, but have’t got a chance to try it yet. I will be extra careful with those fibers 🙂

Thank you for the review!

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annie

I got that same gel foundation, and while I love the coverage and formulation, Holy cow, the packaging of it in a jar, is a hot mess! Taking off the white cover was a disaster. It had foundation underneath, I dropped it. It got everywhere. Wish it was put into a bottle with a pump, like the Rain Forest of the Sea one, which I also have, and love.

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Tiffany

I agree, pump packaging is much better than jar packaging. They have a specific tool for this foundation that has a spatula and sponge, so maybe they were trying to cater to people who like jars. That formula is great though!

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Lenya

We created very similar boxes! I chose the same bronzer and brush, and also got a lip paint (the limited edition color in “Festival”), the only difference is I chose the original Lights, Camera, Lashes! and the powder foundation. Loved this box!

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Vanessa

Wow! Your makeup looks great and I am very happy for a second review! I love this deal and have to grab it every time. Thanks, MSA, for giving us the heads-up on this deal and also doing two reviews.

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Alex

I have many of the same skin concerns that you do so I will be trying this foundation. I might get try everything you did because you are absolutely gorgeous! Great review. I also love the brush. Tarte does make great brushes. I really do like most of their products but I’m too scared to try that mascara (or maybe I’m just too lazy) 😉

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Julie B.

I’m so glad MSA got a second box, the more to see Tarte’s variety! Both the gel foundation and bronzer blush were my second choices to what I got, and I would have been happy with those. I got the same eyeliner in cobalt blue and I love it, the size is a bit small though. Nice choice on the lip color too.

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Jessica

Great review, Tiffany! I picked items more similar to the ones in Haley’s review. It’s great to learn more about tarte’s other offerings. And your makeup looks lovely. 🙂

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Christine

I also could not stand all the fibers in the mascara. Initially I thought the fiber end had dried out. Then I figured it out and got fibers everywhere during and they continued to flake off during the day onto my face.

The mascara side is fine though and I *loved* everything else in my box. I hope they bring back this deal again soon.

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Carolina

Such a pretty look! Kicking myself for not getting that blush – the compact is so cute! I did get the gel foundation though and love it! Can’t wait till this deal returns!

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Melissa

So much FOMO over not getting this deal! I’d spent a lot on beauty around that time and couldn’t justify dropping another $60 but I’ve regretted it every time I see anything tarte. You got a lot of the items I had in my cart (including the gel foundation, which I’ve been wanting to try as I also have quite eczematic skin) and I’m happy they worked out so well for you!! 🙂 Great Review!

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Christi

Your makeup looks great. Very pretty. Now I want that lip shade and am tempted to try the mascara even though I wear contacts as well.

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