Summer Skin Essentials + Tarte Clean Slate Primer Trio & Maracuja Oil

Summer is here and if you are an all-year-long makeup addict like myself, then you know it's the hardest season to apply makeup in. Let's face it, it's beginning to get hot as hell out and by midday your makeup will be melting off your face. This doesn't mean you have to revert to not wearing anything throughout the summer though. There are products that can help you achieve a long-lasting face during these hot months.

A while back I had been wanting to try out the Clean Slate line and Maracuja Oil by Tarte but wasn't so sure about investing so much in each product. I picked up this trial-sized primer trio and mini-sized oil at my local Ulta. Included in the trio set is the Poreless Perfecting Primer, Flawless Brightening Primer and 360° Creaseless Smoothing Eye Primer. 

THE BREAK DOWN..

Tarte Clean Slate Poreless Primer / Tarte Clean Slate Flawless Brightening Primer / Tarte Clean Slate 360° Creaseless Eye Primer

Tarte Clean Slate Poreless Perfecting Primer (.25 oz trial size) is a waterproof matte base that minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines while helping keep your makeup in place for up to 12 hours. It contains natural-fruit and plant-derived extracts that deliver anti-aging properties and skin-restorative benefits. It also contains avocado oil which is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, D, E and protein. (Full size: 1.0 oz $30)

I like to apply the poreless primer before my foundation routine. The main ingredient is cyclopentasiloxane meaning it is a thick silicon-based primer, so it fills in any pores and lines that I have and leaves my skin feeling smooth all while giving my foundation a flawless finish. It also doesn't leave you feeling greasy at all. I switch back and forth between this primer and the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. I'll apply the Smashbox primer on an everyday basis and use the Tarte primer for days where I really want a flawless long-lasting look. 

Tarte Clean Slate Flawless Brightening Primer (.25 oz trial size) is a waterproof hydrating base that not only keeps your makeup in place for up to 12 hours but also acts as a quick fix for tired, dull-looking skin. Contains Vitamins A and E which are natural preservatives that act as anti-inflammatory emollients that fight damaged skin and prevent premature aging. (Full size: 1.0 oz $30)

I haven't used up this sample yet mainly because I've been really enjoying the poreless primer. The consistency of this primer is much different in that the main ingredient is water. It feels more like a lotion when you apply it to the face. I prefer a silicon-based primer over a water-based one, that's just my preference. I haven't used it long enough to support the claim that it is a fix for tired looking skin but it does make my makeup last all day. 

Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless Smoothing Eye Primer (.09 oz trial size) is a waterproof eye primer that allows for 12-hour creaseless wear as well as true color payoff for your shadows. You can use it to prime under the eye also, hence the 360° claim. Enriched with Vitamin E, it acts as an anti-inflammatory emollient that rejuvenates the skin around the eyes while natural mineral pigments soothe the skin to banish dark circles. (Full size: .39 oz $19)

This isn't an eye primer I reach for often because it has a very watery consistency. Whenever I do go to use it, I have to squeeze out the watery liquid first before getting the actual product out. Because of the texture you do have to allow it to dry on the eyelid before applying shadows. I don't think it makes my shadows last as long as the Urban Decay Primer Potion does and I do prefer the consistency of the UD primer more. It has been my holy grail primer for a while now.

Best of all, Tarte products are formulated without parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, synthetic fragrances and triclosan. (All ingredients known to be carcinogenics or harmful for your skin and organs)

All primers come in a convenient squeeze tub package with a twist off cap which is nice since it's more sanitary than some primers that have wands. If I had to pick just one full sized item of the trio it would be the poreless primer. After finishing up the sample size I went out and bought the full size. A face primer is an essential when wearing makeup in the summer. No one wants to spend all that time applying products to just have it wear off with the summer heat. 

Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil (.23 oz trial size) is a hydrating treatment oil known for its anti-aging and healing properties for firmer, brighter, and smoother looking skin, that won't cause breakouts. Containing Vitamin C and fatty acids, it repairs and rebuilds skin by reducing redness, irritation and inflammation. (Full size: 1.7 oz $46)

This maracuja oil is pretty pricey at $46 for 1.7 oz but a little goes a long way. The bottle includes a dropper; with one pump it will pick up the right amount of oil you need; 2-3 drops is suffice for an application. The maracuja oil works well for all skin types. For those with drier skin, like myself, it helps hydrate the skin by restoring natural oils back into it. If you have oily skin you might be saying, why would I add more oil to my face? Truth is, the maracuja oil will help balance the natural oils in your skin.

I like to use the maracuja oil as part of my night-time skin care routine when my skin is at its worse. This oil comes in handy in the winter and summer months for me where my skin tends to feel a bit on the drier side. It helps repair my skin by keeping it hydrated as well as reduce the redness I get from my rosacea which tends to flare up the most during those months.

Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil

Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil - dropper

Before investing in full size products try looking for sample value sets like this. You should still be able to find this set at your local Ulta or Sephora and it is very affordable at only $9. Overall, I'm very impressed with the Clean Slate Poreless Perfecting Primer and the Pure Maracuja Oil. They are both products that I would buy in full size and continue to repurchase over time.

WHAT ARE YOUR SUMMER BEAUTY ESSENTIALS?