February 7, 2017

Tarte Brighter Days Highlighting Moisturizer Review & Swatches

This was provided to me by a brand for review and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post but all opinions are my own.

Tarte Brighter Days Highlighting Moisturizer ($32) is a new oil-free, hybrid moisturizer that launched with the Athleisure for Spring 2017 which acts to hydrate skin but also, contains light-reflecting pigments to highlight skin with a delicate glow.

I don’t like glow-y anything on my face. I’m obsessed with shimmer blushes and I’m always been a fan of sparkle but over the years I’ve realize that sparkle of any kind on my face makes it look fuller than it already is. But I’m always game to try some new highlighter in the hopes I’ll actually know how to use it and it’ll give me some gorgeous luminosity, the likes of which I’ve seen on Instagram but can never really duplicate without applying thousands of layers of highlighting powder on my face to achieve.

Tarte Brighter Days Highlighting Moisturizer seemed like the solution. I didn’t need a ton of know how because the highlighter was built right into my moisturizer. So, all I had to do was apply my moisturizer like I do everyday and tada! Instant glow!

Does it work?

Tarte Brighter Days Highlighting Moisturizer comes housed in a 1.69 oz tube that’s $32 in price. I’m generous with my moisturizer since I have drier skin so, I can see myself running through this very, very quickly if I use it daily. The price point versus the size concerned me a little bit due to this. Turns out, I don’t quite love it as a moisturizer anyway, so my concern isn’t a major deal.

Here’s the deal….

I heard a lot of reviews that states this was a glitter balm and I was actually very surprised because I didn’t experience the same. It contains absolutely no chunky glitter and merely gave my complexion a golden sheen but nothing too shimmer nor too dramatic especially once I applied my foundation on top of it. Although I will say that the general purpose of the formula is to be used alone, on bare skin, without foundation. I’m not really entirely sure about the entire, “sweet-resistant formula” that’s “perfect for the gym”. When I’m on the treadmill I don’t typically worry about wearing makeup. Although, I do like the idea of using this after a workout maybe. As a simple cleanse my face after a workout, hydrate, and glow type of thing. I can see myself using it on my face after cleansing and applying a little cheek stain and just going. It gives my skin a delicate glow without looking overly luminous or too glowy. I actually apply a really small amount so, that could be why I’m not experiencing the Edward Cullen sparkle everyone is ranting about. But this also defeats the purpose as I need considerably more moisture for my drier skin. But, as a day cream, it really isn’t half bad. Although, I wouldn’t say it was sweat-proof because I tested it during a workout and it made me look extra dewy.

The texture is apparently created with over 70% water and that’s testimony to the almost gel-like consistency that absorbs super fast. It did leave my hands a little sticky but thankfully not my face. It’s lightly hydrating and every so slightly dewy with a soft golden sheen. I think the glow is toned down considerably once you apply foundation, blush, etc….but as I said, I think they created it with the intention of using it without foundation.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I can picture myself using this after a workout. But not before, as I think it’s rather ridiculous to worry about “glowing” when you’re working up a sweat. But it’s a nice minimal makeup that looks good with cheek stain on top. So, if you want to toss it in your gym bag for after workout minimal makeup that might be a great idea or even for days you aren’t do a full face of makeup. The price point isn’t quite right though if you have plans to use it as a daily moisturizer as you might go through it mighty fast.

Tarte Brighter Days Highlighting Moisturizer is available now at Sephora.com.

Tried it?

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This was provided to me by a brand for review and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post but all opinions are my own.

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

  • Cheryl

    Have you ever tried the Marcelle BB cream in Golden Glow? I got it from Birchbox in a monthly subscription and it provides a lovely sheen to the skin, with just a hint of gold tint. I have a very neutral undertone, and it did not make me look jaundiced, just fresh and radiant. The finish looks much like the Tarte moisturizer, but with golden radiance instead of the white pearly shade. There is also a companion CC cream that looks about the same on the skin, but with SPF 30 or 35. I like it under a light foundation for a little extra oomph to the skin. More natural than most of the luminizers I have tried mixing with foundation…they go all Discoball on me.

  • Mel B

    Thanks for this review- been really curious but balked at the price. I’m really not into this concept of athleisure makeup and I LOVE tarte – have tons of their products but this line misses the mark to me. I love sweating and the gym and I don’t care how I look during a workout. Frankly if you aren’t a sweaty mess afterwards did you really work your heart hard enough?! (not you specifically Muse just the general “you”) … just my thoughts!

  • kel h

    i love shimmer and sparkle blushes! do you have some favs you’d recommend?