Tarte Gifts From The Lipstick Tree Set: Swatches & Review

So Tarte has a brand new set out called Gifts From The Lipstick Tree. The set is based around the achiote tree, which is commonly called "the lipstick tree" since the seeds from its fruits are used to produce natural pigments. For $42, you get three full-sized products: a Lipsurgence Natural Lip Luster, a Maracuja Divine Shine Lipgloss and an Amazonian Clay 12-Hour blush. All three products come in the shade Achiote, a beautiful pink with gold shimmer, and are mineral and paraben free. The color is very feminine and sweet and would flatter a wide variety of skintones.

The lip luster has a non-sticky, moisturizing texture and very nice color payoff. These aren't designed to be opaque, more like a tint, but you still get considerable pigmentation with this. Application feels incredibly smooth and glossy.

The lipgloss is more sheer than the lip luster but has the same lovely shimmer. The texture is on the sticky side but nothing extreme. It's a click applicator, but not the kind you twist (which I despise). Instead, you push a button on the bottom of the tube. Simple enough! This has a subtle minty taste and scent to it that feels nice and soothing on the lips. I don't find the scent overpowering at all, but if you are very sensitive to fragrances you might want to do a sniff test to make sure it won't bother you. You could easily wear this alone or layer it over the lip luster.

Unlike the luster and the gloss, the blush is completely matte. Although it is a matte, it doesn't feel chalky or go on patchy at all. The color payoff is very rich and the texture feels super smooth and blendable. This is a very finely milled powder that is a pleasure to work with. Tarte Amazonian Clay blushes are some of my favorites. They have great wear and go on like a dream.

I absolutely love this trio! The set is an amazing value. Considering that buying the products individually (which at this point you can't even do) would set you back $70, you're getting a lot of bang for your buck here. The blush alone retails for $25, so $42 is a total steal!


All three products perform very well and I love that they are full sizes, not minis or travel sizes. The overall feel is very fresh, feminine and pretty--perfect for warmer weather! I think the blush may be my favorite but I honestly like them all a lot and can see myself using them regularly. I highly recommend checking out this set next time you're on the prowl at your favorite cosmetics haunt. You get three fabulous products for an equally fabulous price!