Monday, November 18, 2013

New from Tarte: Amazonian Butter Lipstick in Pink Peony

I'm on a roll with these new products, am I not? *feeling very cool and trendy, and automatically being right the opposite for using such adjectives* Up until recently, I haven't owned anything from Tarte, a quite universally loved brand with natural aspirations - I just didn't feel enough excitement to finally push the checkout button on my online wishlist. But, having spotted this adorable Amazonian Butter Lipstick in Pink Peony ($16 for 3.1 g/ 0.1 oz; it might look small in the tube but the size is on par with other lipsticks I own) when shopping the Sephora VIB sale, I didn't hesitate to plomp it in my basket this time.
"Inspired by the whimsical colors of the Amazon and infused with naturally derived ingredients from its lush vegetation, these Amazonian butter lipsticks add a splash of rich color and creamy shine for a perfect pout. Each skin-flattering shade is enriched with sustainably harvested cupuacu and murumuru butters to deliver intense moisture and help restore and soothe even mature lips" (from Sephora). Sounds dreamy, right? I mean - rich color and intense moisture? ...And murumuru? That's like my new favorite word, right next to zarzamora (that's Spanish for blackberry, folks).
Pink Peony, one of the most popular shades, described as 'blushing pink' (seriously, that tells me just about nothing), is a very warm red pink with tiny gold shimmers; you can see them in the macro shot below if you magnify the photo, but otherwise the shimmer isn't visible in the swatch or on the lips. Also, now that you're looking at that bullet close up - can you see that this lipstick is almost... speckled? Very strange. The smell is quite minty, similar to the Lip Surgence line.
However, other than the smell, the Amazonian Butter lipstick is completely different from the Lip Surgence crayons - it's more slippery and glossy, and (there goes the elephant in the room) - it has absolutely no color payoff or lasting power. In the arm and lip swatches, I've built up the color to about 6 layers just so that you could see something; and that something turns out to be a nondescript wash of peachy pink blah. While it feels moisturizing and tingly when it goes on, my thirsty thirsty lips absorb all the glossiness within an hour, and the color is probably gone before that, as it transfers on any cup or glass that dares to approach my mouth. I don't know, maybe mine is a dud - or rather, it sure is a dud, because even the bullet is wobbly and threatens to smush into the tube at any given time.
L-R: Tarte Amazonian Butter Lipstick in Pink Peony (5+ swipes), Revlon Lip Butter in Peach Parfait (3 swipes), Givenchy Le Rouge in 201 Rose Taffetas (1 swipe), YSL Pur in 152 Pink Grenadine (1 swipe)
But you know, I don't want to be overly dramatic - it's no lipstick tragedy. I suppose if you're looking for a comfortable, very sheer formula in heartwarmingly cute packaging, it should absolutely work for you; also, the price point seems very reasonable. I, however, will be returning mine; it's just not what I was looking for. Now, excuse me as I mentally prepare myself to shell out the deplorable $35 for another Guerlain Rouge Automatique...

Have you already tried these Amazonian Butter Lipsticks? What is your favorite product from Tarte?

17 comments:

  1. What a stunning shade and the packaging is so cute too. You've created a really lovely and subtle look with it :o). Xx

    http://makeupbycandlelight.blogspot.co.uk/

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  2. Hey Monika, ouch it looks so sheer in the swatch photo indeed! I do like how it looks on you, but if it's not even moisturizing, you might indeed be better off taking it back! Now, which Rouge Automatique will be your next? ;)

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    1. I did take it back - although it was sad to part with the adorable packaging! Umm... I'm thinking about Chamade, actually; or might buy a Burberry Lip Cover before that.

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    2. Chamade has been on my lust list for EVER!

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  3. aw, I should've known something that looks THIS cute would suck! WHY CAN'T WE HAVE NICE THINGS.

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    1. Oh, us poor beauty junkies, we have to put up with that awful packaging from Givenchy or Burberry... :P

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  4. EEEH. 6 layers?! That gives me a thought though: what a way to quickly finish a lipstick, because every time you apply, you need all those layers to show up? Or maybe just bypass it. Yeah. :(

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    1. Love the way your mind works, Belly - the fact that this can be used up quickly shall be a redeeming quality for this lipstick :D Naah, I just returned it.

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  5. I was SO CLOSE to ordering this. I'm sorry that it sucks but it looks pretty at least. *small pats on the back*

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  6. WOW that's just weird. You can't call something that sheer a lipstick!

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  7. Ugh so sheer. The packaging is cute though. Reminds me of Paul & joe packaging x

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  8. Wow, I was not expecting it to be so sheer!

    But that Givenchy. Holy smokes I need it.

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    1. Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition! And yes... you need the Givenchy! ;)

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  9. i love sheer lipsticks but this might be too sheer even for me. nonetheless a beautiful shade. the lipstick case reminds me of the Paul & Joe's.
    thanks for the review! :)

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  10. i had this on my list but i decided to take it out of my shopping cart. glad to see your review confirms my decision!

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  11. Eeps, that's sheerer than a tinted lip balm! Glad to know because I can scratch it off my list. The packaging is super cute. Too bad!

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  12. Thats so unfortunate. I wish it had more pigment since it otherwise sounds really nice. That YSL in Pink Grenadine looks gorgeous!

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