When you hear the word “tartelette” do you think of tiny, tasty tarts?
Because I do.
And I don’t just think of one of them. I think of dozens of them in different flavors, but I don’t think that’s terribly unusual. I mean, who’s going to eat just one tart, right? CRAZY PEOPLE, that’s who. I would eat five or six of them and just rapid fire toss them into my mouth without even taking a breath, because that’s how I roll…
The term, “Tartelette,” as I’m unsuccessfully trying to use it here, is actually the name of a new all-matte 12-pan neutral eyeshadow palette from Tarte.
It’s also what Tarte calls their fans. So no, a Tartelette is not a tiny tart (or is it?); nor is it a backup singer for a band, even though that totally sounds like a legit thing (“And now, give a warm welcome to Karen and the Tartelettes, YAAAY!!”).
I wore the Tartelette palette a lot over the holidays because the colors, being neutral and matte, are perfect for family time, and I could wear them around my parents without having to answer questions like, “Why are you dressed like you’re going to the disco?”
Also highly recommended for watching Shark Tank with your in-laws (OMG! You haven’t lived until you’ve sat through four hours of Shark Tank with your in-laws.), going back for thirds at dinner, and going to brunch with your nieces and nephews — you know, just the regular, everyday family stuff that doesn’t require false lashes and red lips. 🙂
The Tarte Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Palette ($44)
- Limited edition and part of Tarte’s spring 2014 Anniversary Collection
- $44 for 12 all-new shades (0.053-oz. pans) of moderately pigmented neutral matte eyeshadow in warm cream Free Spirit, light neutral brown Force of Nature, warm brown Dreamer, dark grayish brown Multi-Tasker, cool pale pink Caregiver, mauve Natural Beauty, medium plum Best Friend, dark plum Bombshell, cool ivory Super Mom, warm light brown Wanderer, cool taupe Power Player and grayish black Fashionista.
- According to Tarte, the colors celebrate real women and were “inspired by real tartelettes just like you.”
- All of the shadows contain Amazonian clay, one of Tarte’s favorite ingredients, which is supposed to help these shadows last a good, long while. And they do! When I wear them with primer, they last from 6-8 hours for me.
- The elegant, easy-to-blend formula applies smoothly and doesn’t emphasize my fine lines. Unfortunately, these colors are almost too easy to blend, if that makes any sense. Over-blending is a real issue for me with this palette, and I have to force myself to pull back, lest the colors begin to get muddled. This one’s ideal for neutral eye looks involving just one or two shades.
- Expect some moderate fallout, so you might want to do your eyes first, and then clean up.
- I wouldn’t call this a revolutionary matte palette, but it’s a pretty good one if you like cruelty-free makeup and simple eye looks with one or two shadows at a time (versus complex looks with four or five shadows and elaborate gradients).
- Perfect for vacations, Sunday brunches and straight-up lazy days.
PRICE: $44
AVAILABILITY: Limited edition and available now online and at Tarte counters
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
tugce says
actually a tartelette is a tiny tart.
Karen says
Well I’ll be… I thought the actual tiny tart was spelled tartlette, without the ‘e’, but it looks like it’s spelled both ways sometimes.
Learn something new every day! And now I’m even MORE hungry for a tiny tart.
Sherry says
Love love Tarte eyeshadows and matte ones just totally rock! I do NOT need another palette but hey this just yells my name :O). Happy New Year and love your blog!
fancie says
This palette actually looks really nice! I like the colors and the quality seems pretty nice too. I hope more companies jump on the matte palette bandwagon. It’s refreshing to see a palette that isn’t loaded with shimmer
Lori P says
I have this palette and absolutely LOVE it. It’s so easy to use for day looks when I am at the office (work). I’m still trying to think how I can deepen some of the looks for the occasional night out,
Agata says
I actually really like this palette. I have been loving wearing mattes recently. Do I need it? Probably not. And when I rea “tartelette” I definitely think of tiny tarts as well, filled with strawberries and blueberries 🙂
Phyrra says
This looks like the perfect palette for neutral lovers. I know what you mean by the dangers of overblending and then having to build the color back up. Not fun!
kwmechelle says
So happy you reviewed this! Your rating seems to be on par with the reviews of others. I’m still looking for an all matte palette. Think I’m gonna wait to see if any other brands jump on the all matte bandwagon. I’m looking for quality in terms of killa pigmented. 🙂
Divya says
This seems more cool toned than I thought it would be! I am yet to properly try Tarte eyeshadows!
LindaLibraLoca says
I think Tartelettes totally sounds like background singers.
And parents: They never stop asking these questions, do they? My father was the same all Christmas…
Poo@beautyandmakeupmatters says
This seems to be a great for neutral eye shadow lovers with so many brown tones eye shadows in the palette.. 🙂
I am yet to start with tarte eye shadows but would love give them a shot! 🙂
Kiss & Make-up says
I quite like the look of this!
Marina(Makeup4all) says
This palette looks great! And here is to an amazing 2015!x
Lindsey says
Here lately I’ve liked everything that Tarte has released! Everything seems so natural.
Erin says
Too bad about the fall out. Next time I’m in Sephora, I’ll have to swatch some of the warmer shades.
Beth (GlossGalore) says
Oooh Karen you’re killing me with all this Tarte prettiness! This palette is gorgeous, I love these shades! xx
Rachel R. says
I am usually not a lover of mattes, neutral mattes even less so, but I got this on from Tarte during the sneak peek. I love it and have ended up using it a lot more than I thought I would. Now I need to get the Tartelette blush.
Iris says
Those are some nice colours. I have three palettes I haven’t used or barely used (two Hello Kitty ones and a Cargo one) but I’m tempted to get this. 🙂
Caz says
I would rather see a bit of shimmer in at least a few of the colours…matte eyeshadows are rather flat & blah on me. Beautiful colours though!
Ankita@corallista says
I like the warm colors in the top row!
Fashion Illustrations by MC says
those colors are just stunning!
http://fashionillustrationsbymc.altervista.org/
Alyssa Melanie says
This palette looks perfect for me! I am not a fan of blending since it’s too much work for me, so I will have no problem with over blending, lol! The colors all look beautiful, too. Must remember to order this one.
Thanks for the great review and photos! Happy New Year, Karen! <3
Trude says
Looks like a really lovely replacement for when I use up my Too Faced matte palette! 🙂
Lorraine says
Hey Karen! You said this palette wasn’t revolutionary, so what ones are that you would recommend? I own almost no matte shadows so I’m looking for a go-to palette of matte colors to get started.
I had decided on this one but your review made me re-think that so now I’m thinking maybe the new version in bloom even though there’s 3 shimmers or maybe the lorac matte palette..idk, can you help a girl out with your picks?