Saturday, February 8, 2014

Porcelain Doll Pink

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blushes are oft-raved about but somewhat difficult to acquire outside of the States, so when I spotted Dollface on a local blog sale, I couldn't resist the opportunity to add another Tarte blush to my stash. I already have the neutral Exposed and was eyeing more coral offerings like Tipsy or Blissful to potentially purchase next, but took a chance on the pink Dollface, swayed by good reviews I'd read on various blogs and MakeupAlley.







l-r: e.l.f. Pink Passion, NARS Angelika, Laura Mercier Rose Desire, Tarte Dollface

Tarte Dollface is a light-to-medium, slightly cool pink that imparts a rosy flush. There is a slight sheen to the finish but it applies and appears mainly matte. e.l.f. Studio Blush in Pink Passion is brighter, lighter and more blue-toned. NARS Blush in Angelika is more red with silver sparkles. Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour in Rose Desire (from the Lingerie Eye & Cheek Palette) is extremely similar, I would say a near dupe, maybe just a touch more fuchsia and fractionally lighter.

I wish I could be more excited about Dollface, but I find my enthusiasm significantly dampened by the fact I have three other blushes in my collection that are nearly identical (Pink Passion, once on the cheeks, gives pretty much the same effect as Dollface, despite looking sufficiently different in the swatch). More problematic is the fact I find pink blushes generally harder to wear for my skin tone than peaches and softer corals. I always feel that they demand an absolutely flawless base to look good, otherwise the colour can emphasise any redness in the face and appear a bit patchy and not perfectly blended. Unintentionally overdoing it can result in a ruddy look suggestive of skin in distress rather than a sweet, "doll-like" flush.

I'm also not convinced by the "12 hour" wear claims. Maybe I'm just using it too lightly, but I don't find Dollface to last significantly longer than the majority of blushes I own. After 4-5 hours it's faded and by the end of the day (around the 10 hour mark), I can't detect much left on my cheeks. The texture of Tarte blushes is on the dry, hard side as opposed to more powdery and soft like Illamasqua or theBalm, though the pigment of Dollface is looser and much easier to pick up on my brush than Exposed, the surface of which has seemingly sealed, though that might just be the one I have.

A definite plus to the two Tarte blushes I've tried is once applied, they impart a kind of lit-from-within radiance to the complexion, which is generated free of any shimmer or dewiness. The shades are mainly matte but they remain brightening rather than dull and flat. The blushes also meld very naturally with the skin, as if the colour is coming from underneath, as opposed to sitting on top.

44 comments:

  1. I've wanted to try a Tarte blush for so long I wish they were more available in the UK, I can't believe how similar it is to pink passion though I'd be a bit peeved as well ;) this is the first review I've read with any negatives to these products :o x

    EmmiHearts

    ReplyDelete
  2. By the pictures it looks really similar to the laura mercier one, but it's beautiful anyway haha x

    ReplyDelete
  3. It is a beautiful shade - I don't think any blush would last 18 hours on me. I want to try a few Tarte Blushes, they have a lovely colour selection
    http://www.letstalkbeauty.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  4. It looks so so pretty! I am so jealous!
    http://whattaylorbuys.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  5. What an amazing shade. Really want to get my hand on some Tarte blushes.

    ReplyDelete
  6. recently bought one of the tart cream blushes and it so beautiful that I'm tempted to try this!
    lisaalways.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. What an amazing shade, I am in love with the formula of the Tarte blushes, and this seems like such a lovely pink shade.

    Kelly | secondhandspring

    ReplyDelete
  8. So pretty can't get enough of pink blushers at the minute x

    Catherines Loves

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love Tarte blushes but I find them quite hard too. I have to swirl my blush brush around to get the amount of product that I want and then lightly dust it on my cheeks to avoid over applying it.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Shame that you're not as impressed with this blush as you would have liked :( I personally love the tarte blushes and stand by the 12-hour wear time (it definitely fades throughout the day on me but only a touch) but I suppose it's different on everyone's skin, the climate, etc. It really does look lovely on your cheeks despite you finding pinks hard to wear on your skin coloring!!

    ♥Cassie
    thriftthick.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wow this blush looks so pretty! I love the subtle shades and it blends really nicely.. the packaging is adorable too.

    Great post

    Kimberley // Kimberley's Beauty Blog

    ReplyDelete
  12. The brightening finish sounds lovely! I abhor the mark-up involved in getting one of these off Tarazz or eBay so I'm giving them a miss until a good friend or I can get them in person. Dollface does look the nicest, though Angelika is very pretty in its own right. I think it was Estee' or Allison of amarixe who said that the texture of these Tarte blushes doesn't show up in finger swatches but on a brush they have no problems with pigmentation. The Amazonian clay formula seems unique, to say the least.

    ReplyDelete
  13. i have been wanting to try these blushes for ages, it's so pretty just a shame that you have so many similar ones xxx
    mollyox.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I really want to try out Tarte blushes.
    I've heard really amazing things about Dollface, but I'm not sure if I would actually get a colour like this. They will be finally available in the UK on QCV, but I'm still unsure if they will ship it to other European countries or not...
    Now, what I really want to try is Angelika. For some reason looks prettier than Tarte. I don't know...maybe I'm just babbling too much.
    Take care dear, have a nice day!*

    ReplyDelete
  15. Looks pretty. That Laura Mercier one you swatched also looks gorgeous.

    Emily | PENNY RUGBURN 

    ReplyDelete
  16. totally agree with you with the lasting power of these blushes. I have a few of the Tarte ones and I don't find them last on my cheeks much longer than any other blushes. This shade looks very pretty on you. I usually go for more coral shades as they show up better on my NC 30 skin.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Sounds amazing my dear! Pam from Jade in the Palace blog also says that the formulation is just amazing and is worth the price! I totally would love to have Glisten, Dazzle or Blissful!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I purchased Exposed and have yet to try it, but I have high hopes for it. I find NARS blushes incredibly long wearing and MAC blushes are quite good as well. I'm definitely curious to know if these Tarte blushes will beat my NARS blushes.
    xx
    Celina | The Celution | Bloglovin’

    ReplyDelete
  19. Aww, I'm sorry you ended up with two nearly identical blushes. Good thing is they both are good quality and you won't be out of good pink blush in a while.
    I totally agree the new tarte blushes don't last for 12 hrs. Not even close! I actually have the old version of tarte blush and it does stay on for a long time, though. I like the brand in general but they seem to claim with insane numbers (like 2000% more moisture or something ;o)

    ReplyDelete
  20. It looks so pretty! What a shame that it doesn't last too long though.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I really like 1 Tarte blush that I have.. But I have to agree with you that it could be hard and dry, reminds me of the Bourjois blushes.. as much as I love pink blushes, I usually gravitate towards warmer shades of pink.. I always think the colder shades of pink don't really suit asian complexion in general.. but this one looks nice on you despite of the sheerness! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  22. I have been reading about these blushes FOREVER, but it's so refreshing to read a slightly-less-positive review about one (just because it makes me feel like I'm not missing out because they're so hard to buy!). Definitely quite a generic-looking shade, and it's a shame it doesn't live up to the 12-hour claims xx

    ReplyDelete
  23. It's a shame you were disappointed with the shade of this blush. I think it's so pretty and I can't wait for Tarte to come to the UK - hopefully these will be included! I'm guilty of buying multiple blushes in the same kinds of shades, so the similarity wouldn't bother me haha (:

    www.madeleineslittleblog.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  24. This is a gorgeous color! I need to add more tarte blushes to my collection! Right now I have flushed and I love it

    shadowlinergirl.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Cute shade, I see what you mean about having a few similar shades! Really want to get my hands on some Tarte goodies!

    www.walking-in-heels.blogspot.com

    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  26. It's so pretty, but like you, I probably have something similar already! I still want to try the tarte blushes though :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. I have this shade as part of the Off the Cuff Cheek Palette and I agree with everything you said in this post. It's a nice shade, but not something outstanding. Also, having heard so many things about Tarte Amazonian Clay Blushes, I expected it to last a full day (even if not 12 hours). The bronzer (park ave princess) however lasts all day as compared to the blushes which is a surprise. After receiving the NARS One Night Stand I finally understood why you told me you prefer the NARS blushes over Tarte. I do still love the Tarte blushes a lot though, but definitely not matching up to par with NARS. :P

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha I'm glad you agree :) Yeah, I still love NARS blushes the best, followed by probably Benefit. I wonder how the quality of the NARS blushes in the One Night Stand palette compare to the full size individual ones - I'm assuming the same quality but I've heard differently about the eyeshadows.

      Delete
    2. I'm probably the last person to own any Benefit blushes ugh lol. But one day! Maybe sometime soon hahahah ;) Yeah I've also heard that the qualities are different from the regular sized but I wouldn't know as I don't any originals. But I'll definitely let you know if I do :)

      Delete
  28. This color is stunning! Honestly, this post is seriously making me consider getting the Laura Mericer color, though....

    xo, Rebecca

    wednesdaypress.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. A tarte blush is definitely on my wishlist, although I had a look at some of the shades online the other day and none of them really excite me. Maybe it's the world trying to tell me I already own way to many blushes and I don't need any more ;)

    Jennie xo | sailorjennie.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. Dude... thanks for saying exactly what I've been thinking all along! That the hyped Tarte blushes are just... regular. Haha. Besides, I think your NARS Angelika is a much prettier version of that type of pink :)

    Quinn
    www.Desgettier.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I blogsaled this one also. It didn't do much for my skin some how and I didn't think it was all that special. Send it back into the ring! Circle of life!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I always thought that it was pretty hard to believe that a blush would wear for 12 hr but I have always wanted Exposed :)

    Where did you purchase these blushes doll?

    x
    Phoebe
    Eat. Live. Love. Repeat.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I purchased Exposed in Sephora while on holiday in New York in September 2012 and I bought Dollface from an Australian blog sale, namely this one:

      https://sites.google.com/site/muablogsalebroken/

      Natural Beauty still available at $19 (excl. shipping).

      Delete
  33. I've been looking on your blog for a FAQ and I can't find one, so sorry for posting here, but what kind of camera do you have?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lol no worries, I was thinking of doing a FAQ but it would literally consist of one question: what camera do you use? :p It's a Nikon D7000 :)

      Delete
  34. It'd be great if the staying power is really 12hours. Thank you for reviewing!

    ××
    http://felishmichelle.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I'm dying to try out Tarte cosmetics. Unfortunately they aren't available in Ireland yet so I may have to wait a while. This looks so pretty on, I love this kind of pink, my most similar shade to this would be MAC Well Dressed which is another cool pink. I'm hoping Tarte come to Ireland soon!

    Emma x

    ReplyDelete
  36. Such a pretty shade! Thanks for the swatch & review :)

    ReplyDelete
  37. I just got this blush as a gift, I never would have bought it myself, but I ended up liking it. The color is a perfect 'natural' shade for my skin, so I wear it to work most of the time! I don't understand the hype behind these though, I'm not a fan of the texture at all. It's hard to blend for me, even with my favorite brush. womp

    ReplyDelete
  38. This looks so pretty on you, I love the effect it gives, must try some Tarte blushes myself. ;)

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...