December 6, 2010

Tarte The Royal Collection Review, Swatches, Photos

The Tarte Royal Collection is sold exclusively at Ulta and online at tartecosmetics.com. I’m so hyped to bring you my review today since Tarte is currently having 40% Off during their Friends and Family event so if you fall in love with the Royal Collection, as I did, you can score it at a great price.

Yay!

Let’s take a peek!


16 Full Size Tarte Eyeshadows and some fun extras packaged into a beautiful ruffle designed palette!

Part of the appeal of the palette is definitely the value considering you’re getting 16 full size shadows here! At first glance I was kinda a bit meh because you get a combination of matte and shimmer shades here. You know what a strong disdain of matte shadows I have right? But Tarte could make me a believer. This is the first time I paid any real attention to their matte shades and I must say I’m delighted. They are sooooo smooth and apply so easily. Like no matte I’ve ever tried in the past. Some of the shades are true gems and brighten up my eye area in such a delightful way! Who would think a dull, beige shade of matte shadow could do such wonders on my lid!? Loves it! There are a total of eight shades of matte in the palette and I honestly, easily used all of them in various looks without a hiccup during application!

The shimmer shades are just as lovely and offer a nice variety of color with some that really stand out. There’s a beige gold (I used it in my look before) that reminds me of my very favorite NARS Eyeshadow, Night Star and another shade that reminds of the gorgeous purple (used this also in one of my looks) from the Korres Sugar Plum Set.

The range of shades just really fit what I like right now. You get a few bolder shades but for the most part many softer ones that really brighten out the eye area and create a very pretty effect. They all apply easily, blend out beautifully, and have a nice color pay off.

Reverting back slightly, I did forget to mention the darling packaging which features a ruffle design on the front. It’s the traditional purple Tarte colors with hints of gold. The palette flips up and reveals the shadows with a full size mirror. Below is a stealthy little drawer that houses deluxe size samples of:

I’ve reviewed Lights, Camera, and Lashes Mascara recently. Please see the following post for the review and before and after shots of me wearing it.

The Lipgloss included is much like the glosses from the Crown Jewel Gift Set. It’s a tiny sample which has a subtle touch of pink shimmer to lips and a tasty formula.

I haven’t yet tried the Lash Enhancing Primer (I’m always a little wary of anything that contains Lash Enhancing Serum).


I’m sadly not a fan of Tarte Clean Slate as silicone primers make me itchy and tend to break me out however those who favor such a primer will like the heavier, richer base that mimics Smashbox Photofinish but has a thicker texture.

  • Anyone who likes both matte and shimmer shades.
  • Anyone wanting full size eyeshadows at a great price.
  • Anyone who loves Tarte!
  • Anyone seeking a more natural, green friendly makeup that’s free of parabens as well as other harsh ingredients.
  • Those who like softer, more subtle shades of color such as beiges, golds, coppers, etc…

  • Can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t love this!


I went into this review not expecting a lot. Perhaps I’ve seen one too many palettes lately and that’s why my excitement level wasn’t high but coming out of my review I am more than happy and pleased with the entire experience. I feel like I’ll reach for The Royal Collection daily and will possibly hit pan on a few of these shades. Tarte may have made me a matte believer because I can’t believe how fabulous the formula is on some of these shades. The colors are all so gorgeous and wearable.

Really liked this one and definitely feel it was worthy of a Muse Approval.

Get it.

It’ll probably surprise you!

Available now from Ulta and at tartecosmetics.com

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Laci

    You know, it’s a good thing I put this in my cart earlier today because it’s now OOS. One of my friends tried to buy the palette before I checked out and she couldn’t. Mine, however, went through just fine. 😀

    I caved once I saw the review. I have no Tarte shadows so I can (sorta) justify it. Plus I got this and the lip stain in Amused (so I wouldn’t have to pay shipping) for less than what this palette normally sells for.

    I’m so weak. LOL

    • the Muse

      SWEET laci! GOOD hauling girl! ;-D glad you got it. I think you’ll adore it. Check back with me when it arrives, curious what you think!

  • Sarah

    This looks like a great palette, even though I sometimes find Tarte’s shadows a little sheer for my liking. I have to give them credit for the generous size of each shadow though!

    • the Muse

      sarah I didn’t think these were sheer at all, just right actually ;-D but of course not mac’s pigmentation status ;D

  • LolaAM

    I’m mad I bought this during their Cyber Monday special and only got 15% off due to it being LE. If only I had waited a week. 🙁

  • Soo

    what makes you wary of products with lash enhancing serum?
    your review makes me want this palette a lot more than I did before but I probably won’t be buying it any time soon. 🙁

    • the Muse

      hi soo! I’ve heard lots of negative effects with lash enhancing serums that kinda make me a bit scared to try one ;-D rather be safe than sorry we only have one set of eyes eh 🙂

  • electronicfly

    I wanted to get it (along with the three mini cheek stain with ring set) but it’s out of stock T.T The cheek stain too T.T

  • Jeannine

    I have really grown to like Tarte products (I find their Lights, Camera, Lashes absolutely fantastic), but their packaging bugs me. The frill isn’t as bad as the mini lock, though!

  • Jane

    i ordered this today when I saw ur post on the tarte friends and family sale. I induled in this and two of the lip stains one matte and one glossy and then some pressies for some firends. Thanks for posting this you confirmed that I had made a good choice.

    • the Muse

      fantastic jane! so happy you scored it. It’s GORGEOUS! the matte shades are simply amazing! that’s saying something considering I hate mattes with a passion ;D

      • Jane

        I hate mac’s mattes and the only mattes that work for me seem to be mineral matte shades, also urban decay’s mattes are okay to work with as long as you have the time.

  • Deb

    OMG, I so need this. I didn’t know I needed it until I read your review, but now NEED. I am SO sad, because Tarte is out of stock and I want a discount. Boo!

  • Mary the Muse Militant

    Wow, that purple shade is fabulous on you.
    The palette looks like a great mix of colours. Dark and light along with matte and shimmer options.
    Glad to hear you these matte shades garnered your approval !!
    Thelipgloss is a gorgeous shade.
    Unfortunately Tarte isn’t available in England – Boo !
    Heard good things about Tarte so hope they come here soon.

    • the Muse

      mary you are too kind thanks ;-D WOW yes they did that’s really saying something as I hate mates ;-D aw sorry 🙁 I hope it comes soon!? cross my fingers and toes ;D!

  • Alli

    I;m totally bummin’ bc it is out of stock on the tarte website and I’m guessing that it won’t be back in stock before the freinds and family discount is over on the 13th!!… what is a girl to do?

  • Larie

    I bought the Tarte Jewelry box this year, so I passed on this one. I like the jewelry box, though I find Tarte’s shadows a little hard to blend – have you ever noticed this? Otherwise, they’re pretty lovely shadows.

    • the Muse

      not really hard to blend larie but hard to apply different shades. I always end up muddy if I go with too many shades. The formula is super silky and smooth and they apply dreamy like and blend out fine but go with three or more colors and you’re pretty much ending up with a mess or at least I am ;D!

  • BeautyMaven

    LOVE THE PURPLE!! Do they list what color that is, perhaps?? I have entirely too many palettes, haha, but this is a REALLY good comprehensive one with the drawer and all. Aww– can a girl have too many palettes?! Haha!

    • the Muse

      hi beautymaven haven’t a clue what it is hun!? Tarte doesn’t give the shades names sadly 🙁 The palette is called “the royal collection” if that helps. I don’t think Tarte sells these shades as individual shades. Hope it helps!

      Never as far as I am concerned!

      • BeautyMaven

        You know, I understand palettes with new colors so people with buy them, blah blah– but I have a fabulous old Stila palette (Fall Fantasy, 2007~ came with a quartz stone or something, lol) that I NEVER want to use because there’s a color in there I love but was exclusive to the palette! One of these days I’ll bring it in to Sephora and find a look-a-like..

        • the Muse

          mmm can relate beautymaven! Drives me mad ;-D But I don’t mind so much anymore, too much to get through so I prob won’t hit pan on the exclusives hehe!