FGW’s: Tarte’s Clean Slate Primer

A primer is like eye shadow base to me, not something you have to own, but once you add it to your cosmetics routine you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

I haven’t tried everything Tarte has to offer, but I am totally committed to their cheek stains so I jumped on the chance to try their Clean Slate face primer. In a market where many face primers are goopy, smelly, or heavy, Tarte really stands out. The silicone based (one feature I recommend from any primer) primer is loaded with all kinds of natural ingredients like avocado oil , safflower seed oil, and Echinacea, rosemary, and hibiscus extracts. You might expect an oily feel with this list of ingredients, but it’s quite the opposite.

The pea sized amount they recommend is surprisingly adequate; it covers everywhere I need it to. Thanks to the friendly ingredients it can even be used around the eyes, and while I wasn’t amazed with it as an eye shadow base I was very happy with the way it smoothed the small smile lines under my eyes. Unlike previous brands that were smoothing but were too tinted for my fair skin, Clean Slate applies perfectly clear, a definite bonus in my book since it can be used by absolutely anyone. Clean Slate offers a light feeling and silky smooth coverage, once it’s on you’d never know it was there. When you’ve already used a treatment serum, eye cream and a moisturizer, and still have foundation, concealer and cheek color to apply, an incredibly light primer is a must.

At $27 Clean Slate runs just a smidge under par for most primers. You may think that sounds like a lot for a primer, but since such a tiny amount goes so far this will last you quite a while. If you follow the directions then it isn’t outside the realm of possibility to only purchase this twice a year, or even less. As we enter the summer months when makeup tends to run, and as age starts to leave a few personality lines that we may not appreciate as much as we’re “supposed” to, products like Tarte’s Clean Slate really start to earn their keep. Two enthusiastic thumbs up from me!!!

GOOD GRACIOUS, we almost forgot to mention!

To celebrate Earth Day, Tarte Cosmetics is offering 20% off of all purchases at their website.  To receive the 20% off discount, enter the Code: EARTH08 at checkout.  This offer is good until May 2, 2008.