Back when Tarte’s Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20, was called Smooth Operator, it was my HG (Holy Grail), aka makeup junkie speak for the term, go to product.
I hadn’t even noticed Smooth Operator disappeared off the market, transforming into an Amazonian BB because I had moved onto simply powder foundation and concealer without a thought, seeing as how living by the beach made the climate mostly cold, and I was very much nocturnal. So needing an SPF in anything was non existent, and any makeup product junkie knows, that SPF and photos are a NO.
Now that the days grow hotter, and I am no longer living in the only place in Los Angeles that never gets hotter than 83 degrees a few times a year and is usually cloudy with a temperature of 68 degrees, I’ve come to scour the earth once again for a decent tinted moisturizer for our, what any Los Angeles native refers to as, fake winter, use.
These products that I want and have been testing are now known as BB’s and CC’s, aka over hyped tinted moisturizers, that can handle an active lifestyle, aka 2 miles of walking and 2 – 10 miles of bike riding 5 or more times a week. That is a lot to ask for. I know, but I demand it. If it is going on my face, and I will be perspiring, I expect my face NOT to break out or become irritated by the products I use.
Personally I highly dislike the heavy feeling of almost all SPF products, especially in the winter months and if I can get away with not using them, I so am. So, when I became reacquainted with Tarte’s BB I was initially afraid but later thrilled.
After talking with Tarte wondering where the heck my old TM with SPF went I was told, “Don’t worry, our smooth operator tinted moisturizer is still available, it’s just been repackaged and named: Amazonian clay BB tinted moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 sunscreen. It was always essentially a BB cream – but we just now started calling it one. It’s the same great formula.”
After many misses these last couple months like Dior http://ventwing.com/review/christian-dior-diorskin-nude-bb-creme, Laura Mercier http://ventwing.com/review/laura-mercier-tinted-moisturizer-nope, and Amazing Cosmetics Velvet Mineral Liquid I was very leery to go back to any tinted moisturizers, as I had just gotten my skin back to normal after the ruin that happened with the three above mentioned products.
For those of you new to makeup and skincare, Tinted Moisturizers are not enough hydration alone to keep your face in check, even with oily skin. If you rely only on a TM for moisture your face will become dehydrated, and you will suffer nasty consequences.
How I use this BB. I wash and dry my face then immediately apply my CeraVe lotion http://ventwing.com/review/cerave-moisturizing-lotion-and-the-import… with a couple drops of my Now Solutions Jojoba oil http://ventwing.com/article/jojoba-i, then after a few min to let that dry, I apply the Amazonian Clay BB and let it sit for a few min. Then apply concealer where needed but not tons just where it’s absolutely needed since I am active, and last I set it with loose powder. That is a lot of product right there but all of these products play well together and feel really light as if I am not wearing anything on my face. Right now I am using Dr. Hauschka’s loose powder, which after getting used to the smell, over the last year I’ve come to love.
At first application Tarte’s Amazonian Clay goes on very sheer and can make anyone skeptical, it absolutely made me wonder, but after it sets by 15 minutes or so, it settles and looks totally normal and natural. For more coverage one can apply Make Up For Ever’s foundation powder over it, and it will still look natural even after a 10 mile bike ride. Just blot the perspiration, NEVER smear or wipe.
There is big debate on if these TM SPF products are a good enough sun protection. Here is the deal, if you only go into the sun for a few hours at most per-day they are fine. It says right on the box of this specific TM to reapply every 2-3 hours or after excessive sweating if you are using it for SPF protection, the company treats it like an SPF that has a tint and extra soothing properties which make it way better, and more luxurious, than most thick sticky sun blocks.
What I love is that it is paraben free, doesn’t clog pores, works well for sensitive skin, is vegan, cruelty free, the SPF is a physical block being Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide so there is no Cancer or acne debate controversy about these specific SPF’s ingredients, and it doesn’t cause breakouts or have harsh perfumes.
At around $36 for 1.7 per oz it is up there in price, but it wont break the bank and hello, it’s made in the USA. When applied properly, it seriously looks like I am not wearing makeup. WIN! If it is in your budget and what you are looking for it’s a great buy.
What the product claims straight from the Sephora website:
“What it is:
A light-to-medium-coverage, oil-free tinted moisturizer.
What it does:
Tarte Smooth Operator SPF 20 Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer’s lightweight, water-based formula blends into your skin as easily as a moisturizer (and it’s formulated without oil, so it won’t clog your pores) while micro-treated mineral pigments diffuse the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving an even, natural finish. This dermatologist-tested formula is full of Skinvigorating ingredients such as chamomile, vitamins A, C, and E and sodium hyaluronate, which all work in perfect harmony to nourish, moisturize, protect, and revitalize all skin types while the SPF 20 protects your skin against the sun’s harmful rays. With a broad range of shades available, everyone can achieve a naturally flawless complexion with buildable coverage.
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Synthetic Fragrances
– Phthalates
What else you need to know:
This dermatologist-tested foundation contains Skinvigorating ingredients chamomile extract, which treats and heals dry skin; vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps prevent premature signs of aging; and vitamins A and E, antioxidants that fight free radical damage. It’s also formulated with mineral pigments known for their soothing and softening properties and sodium hyaluronate, for its moisture retention properties. It does not contain sodium laurel sulfate or petrolatum.”
In short. If you are looking for a Tinted Moisturizer that plays well with other makeup and skincare products, that has light coverage with a natural look, I would highly suggest you try Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer by Tarte.
Side note, I don’t ever mess with primers as every single one that I’ve ever come into contact with dehydrates, causes acne, ages the skin, or turns a face into a grease pot. I find that an adequate moisturizer works just fine, and at times makes the makeup wear off better with more grace, in the long run. Also, money saver by not using one. With the amount of product most women use on their face, why add another layer, it’s just asking for chemistry trouble.
As always purchase where you can return, just in case it doesn’t work for you. Right now Sephroa is doing their big gift with purchase in 4 options, I’ve already got mine. Love love love gifting time from companies. Have you gotten yours?
Happy November my lovelies.
