Summer means warm weather, water and lots of sunscreen, even though I’m basically speaking from past experience right now because it’s still so rainy and cold here in Wisconsin that I can barely remember when warm weather feels like…
And as much as I LOVE a day filled with fun in the sun, there’s no denying that it can be rough on my skin. Even slathered in sunscreen, my complexion still pays a price for all of those products, that water and that sweat (it’s not glam, but that’s the reality).
Tarte thought of everything with the incredibly comprehensive Rainforest of the Sea collection, from your base makeup to highlighting to eyeshadow and, yes, even skin care. Loaded with antioxidants and marine-based ingredients, these two hydrating skin helpers here will keep your skin hydrated no matter how much fun you have in your bikini this summer.
The cornerstone of the Tarte Rainforest of the Sea skin care family is the Deep Dive Cleansing Gel ($25 for 5 fl. oz. bottle). Touted as hypoallergenic, it’s designed to be gentle enough to be used in the morning to freshen up your complexion before applying your makeup, and then again at the end of the day to remove your makeup.
Now, even though Deep Dive Cleansing Gel is, indeed, incredibly gentle, and it doesn’t strip and irritate my sensitive skin, it also doesn’t remove all of my makeup all by itself.
That isn’t necessarily a problem for me because I usually remove my eye makeup and as much of my cheek and lip products with a few swipes of micellar water, but if you like a one-and-done approach to cleansing, Deep Dive Cleansing Gel may not be heavy duty enough for you.
“Dive into a rich, lavender oil-infused lather with tarte’s skinvigorating™ daily brightening cleanser. The gentle makeup remover is great for all skin types, and removes excess oil, impurities, and all traces of waterproof makeup. Powered by tarte’s exclusive Rainforest of the Sea™ complex, this vegan friendly formula is fragrance free and sulfate free, and it helps balance and soothe as it cleanses, without disrupting skin’s natural moisture, which can cause acne and other skin concerns. It softens and hydrates without clogging pores, while vitamin C works to enliven and brighten through each luxurious application.”
The other item here, Tarte Drink of H2O Hydrating Boost ($39 for a 1.7 oz. jar), is an interesting concept that reminds me of French skin care (I’m thinking, more specifically, of La Roche Posay’s Cicaplast). It’s an incredibly refreshing hydrating moisturizer that has a cooling effect when applied and a perfectly pleasant lemony scent that isn’t overpowering (it dissipates almost as soon as the gel is absorbed).
“Treat yourself to a tall drink of H2O with this skin-quenching water gel. Powered by hyaluronic acid and tarte’s exclusive Rainforest of the Sea™ antioxidant complex, this cooling gel moisturizer helps restore skin’s natural hydration, while replenishing electrolytes for skin that’s fortified, refreshed and healthier-looking. The lightweight moisturizer sinks into skin, leaving no oily or greasy feel behind, while powerful marine antioxidants help skin defend itself from everyday aggressors. Vegan friendly and hypoallergenic, it also has powerful anti-aging and skin-balancing properties to help boost the appearance of firmness, tone and vitality over time – so all you have to do is ‘drink up!'”
I have very dry skin, and this feels ridiculously refreshing. I mean, I literally had an “ahhh” moment at one point the first time I tried it.
More importantly, the formula helps keeps dry patches and flakes at bay, and because the absorbed product leaves a slightly tacky texture on the skin, it’s also a great primer — particularly when paired with Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Water Foundation.
I always love it when a brand makes skin care easy to test for a longer duration than a “one use” packet — sample sizes are totally the way to go. (This is probably why I always find myself lost in Sephora’s “mini” section just before the checkout counters, but that’s a story for another day.)
If these products piqued your interest, Tarte has put together a sample kit (for only $10!) available at Sephora that includes both the Deep Dive Cleansing Gel and Drink of H2O Hydrating Boost, as well as a generous sample size of their Marine Boosting Mist (not shown).
What do you think of Tarte’s skin care products? Have you tried either of these?
Cathy says
I tried that kit. I agree, I would only use the cleansing gel in the morning as its not strong enough to get my makeup off. I don’t think I’m going to bother buying a full size. I don’t think it’s worth the price. And I can’t figure out the spray- it’s not moisturizering to me at all. I’ve been just using it as a primer and I’ll use the little spray bottle for something else when I travel- probably a hair product of some sort :). My favorite is the moisturizer- I would consider buying that again.
Jessica Revitte says
I haven’t had the opportunity to try the spray, but I totally agree about the moisturizer! It reminds me a bit of French skin care and it feels great.
Jessica
Joyce says
I haven’t tried Tarte’s Rainforest line yet, but I’m most interested in the Marine Boosting Mist because summer is coming and I need to hoard as many mists as I can! =) They’re so refreshing and are especially handy when it’s humid outside.
Jessica Revitte says
I haven’t gotten to try that which is why the mini kit available at Sephora is so appealing! I love it when brands make skin care easy to trial before purchasing a full size. 🙂
Jessica
Joyce says
True! I also like saving the trial-size bottles and refilling them so I can take them with me on trips. =D
Fancie says
I was already curious to try this mini set but I’m thinking I’m gonna go ahead and buy it lol. The moisturizer formula sounds like it may work well for my dry skin and I’m curious to see how I like the cleansing gel. I do wish it really removed makeup but I won’t knock it until I try it
Jessica Revitte says
Give it a shot. My makeup was like “uh, no girl” and wanted me to pre-cleanse; however, I tend to try to do that anyway so for me it wasn’t a huge setback.
Jessica
Chris25 says
The Hydrating Boost sounds like it would be great to use in the summer.
LindaLibraLoca says
The only Tarte skincare item I have ever heard about before was the Tarte Maracuja Oil, which I have been meaning to try for a while now. My skin isn’t particularly dry, and in the summer month feel it gets more oily, so I guess I am not the target group for these products.
Jessica Revitte says
These are definitely more dry skin friendly; however, the cleanser may be your cuppa tea. 🙂
Jessica
Erin says
I’ll have to check into the hydrating cream.
Kiss & Make-up says
I’d like to see the full ingredient lists. Since the cleanser has lavender oil I already know it’s not for me though.
Regina (mybeautymusings) says
The cleansing gel sounds right up my alley! Can’t wait to check it out. 🙂