tarte Smooth Operator and Provocateur review
March 15th, 2010 in beauty & fashion, green monday, reviews by Christy Kane
When Maureen Kelly founder of tarte cosmetics started her business and cosmetic line (from her tiny apartment) in 1999 she was doing all of us a favor! Producing a line not only created with the best ingredients, but also packaged in total finery. Seriously, think about Lights, Camera, Lashes!mascara or their trademark pseudo snakeskin; what could be better! The wht review team seems to agree tarte is a top quality, colorful line as evidenced by our past reviews of the eyeQuatic Summer Essentials Set and the Holiday 2009 Collection.
But it’s not all striking packages and shimmery makeup at tarte; did you know that tarte is also an eco-conscious company worthy of a Green Monday review? Maureen launched tarte when she “became frustrated when (she) couldn’t find healthy, nourishing cosmetics. Everything…was full of unhealthy, synthetic formulas.” To make matters worse, when Maureen located a green makeup line, the packaging was so blah, she didn’t want to buy it, “let alone take it out of my purse in public!”
You will have no such problems with any offering from tarte. All products are not only “98% free of parabens, petro-chemicals, phthalates, sulfates and synthetic fragrances,” they are packaged in chic, runway-inspired cases and compacts. To make things even better, the packaging components are made from recyclable or post-consumer recycled material and can often be re-used to help reduce environmental waste.
That reality is what made trying tarte’s Smooth Operator tinted moisturizer even more exciting for me. It is a subtly tinted moisturizer that packs a whopping spf 20 to protect your skin and is free of parabens, mineral oil, petrolatum, and other yucky stuff. Instead this fabulous tinted moisturizer contains chamomile extract (a wonder for facial skin with its anti-inflammatory effects), vitamins A, C, and E (to protect from free radicals while reducing signs of aging) as well as orange, lemon, Ginseng root…. are you getting all of this? Suffice to say, your skin will thank you for using this makeup.
As for its coverage, it is subtle; giving skin a sheer glow. As someone who never wears foundation that works for me. For some, one layer will suffice, but the formula is easily layered for heavier coverage if needed (mimicking the look, but not the feel of your typical foundation). It goes on smooth, blends incredibly well, and stays put throughout the day.
Offered it in a wide array of colors, you’re sure to find your match. Tarte has recently updated their color selection and the packaging of Smooth Operator, but the natural formula remains. And you really only need a tiny amount to cover your entire face. My tube has lasted a good six weeks and I think I can get a couple more out of it before I need a new one.
If you need more coverage, or prefer a powder, look no further than tarte’s Provocateur Pressed Mineral Powder
with spf 8. Also free from all the nasty chemicals we do not want on our faces, this powder offers full coverage that will leave your skin velvety smooth. The fine powder is chock full of healthy, vitamin rich ingredients, and has been known to be a favorite of many a fine lady, including none other than Miss Carrie Underwood! How smooth does her skin look.. bet she’s rocking tarte!
Join me in the comments where I’ll be adding my 5 star love. As always, that’s where you will find the we heart this review team’s thoughts and experiences on Smooth Operator and Provocateur Pressed Mineral Powder. And hey, wht community, have you tried either? What do you think?
Bonus: Check out tarte’s Smooth Operator in action – click to our Lost inspired beauty post, How To Get a Natural Look where our model is wearing one layer of Smooth Operator without powder.
Get Smooth Operatorat Sephora!
Get Provocateur Pressed Mineral Powder at Sephora!
Christy is an artist who hails from New Orleans, who’s specialty is fine art dolls and photography. Her work can be seen on her website and in her etsy store. She’s currently working on her second short film, and second book. Besides dolls she also loves dogs, tea parties, cupcakes, and metal.
Disclosure: This review includes products that were provided by the manufacturer/PR firm for our consideration. It also contains an affiliate link, a link that gives us a small commission if you purchase the item. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.


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