March 7, 2011

Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Shadow Primer Review, Swatches, Photos

I’m quite happy with Urban Decay Primer Potion, it’s my HG after all (holy grail)! But I was interested in trying Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Shadow Primer for one specific reason, brightening! The formula reminds me of Laura Mercier Eye Base Essentials and I was thinking of it not only as a primer for my shadows but also a base that would brighten up my lid area a la Benefit Lemon Aid.

Mind you, I’m a lover and firm believer in Lemon Aid but I don’t cheating on it to check out what works best and better.

Let’s explore Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Shadow Primer and see what the low down is!


A shadow primer that allows your eyeshadow to adhere and stay in place all day without creasing or fading!

I was right, this is indeed pigmented enough to act as a brightener of sorts. This is a pale pink that will flatter fair skin however will come across a tad chalky on anyone else. My own medium skin didn’t quite take to the shade as well as I would have liked. It luckily didn’t come across too chalky on me but it brightens a bit TOO much so it looks a little unnatural unless I top it with shadow. So my idea of using it in place of Benefit on days I want to forgo eyeshadow isn’t a good idea.

Formula is a tad strange as the Amazonian Clay is supposed to balance skin whether you are dry or oily but I felt like it was a bit too drying for my already dry lids. However, those with oily lids will easily love how it mattifies for them. The texture feels thick and creamy but applies with a dry, powdery finish.

Shadow wear isn’t extended too much in my experience with the product and I noticed some creasing around the 5th hour of wear. This isn’t too bad for an eyeshadow primer however with Urban Decay Primer Potion I can get through the day and well into the night without my shadow showing any bad wear time.


A select group of people who fall into the oily lid, fair skin zone will adore this however those with medium, olive, tan, or darker skin that have drier lids probably won’t see any benefits to rave about and may find it doesn’t even work so well for them.

  • Those with fair skin looking to conceal and cover up redness on their lids or blue/green veins (the shade will suit those with fair skin beautifully and act as not only a way to brighten their eyes but also as a good base).
  • Anyone with oily lids (this mattifies well).
  • Anyone looking for a primer that lacks harmful ingredients such as parabens.

  • Those with medium, tan, olive, or darker skin tones (this comes across a tad unnatural and even chalky on tones that aren’t fair).
  • Those with dry lids or normal lids (if your eyelids are normal or they are a bit dry sadly this will apply with a dry, powdery finish that feels off on lids).


I really wanted to love this but sadly my tone and dry lids prevent it from actually working. I think it’ll prove a solid base for eyeshadow if your lids are oily and work fabulous as a brightener as well on those with fairer tones however anyone else might not see these benefits and will notice it looks a tad unnatural and even chalky and drying.

Great idea but only for a select group of women (or men) who have the issue and skin tone I described.

Available exclusively from QVC.

Anyone else try this?

Thoughts?

Do share!

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

  • kharanya

    Aww was hoping you’d have a good review to me. I bought their regular primer, but ended up giving it to my Mom since I had another open at the time. Guess I’ll just wait and buy another instead of this one. Unfortunately I fall into light olive, with reg/dry lids.

    Thanks for the headsup! Oh btw, I don’t suppose you got some sneaky sneaky info as to when the next Tarte F&F sale will be, eh Muse? 😛 I’m dying to hit them up for a ton of stuff.

    Oh btw, if you didn’t know, Korres has some cosmetics & Bath& Body stuff at 50% off on Hautelook.com.

    • the Muse

      might come across TOO white kharanya on your skin tone, sorry babe! I wish it worked for me too :-/ my pleasure! Not yet…but I promise to give you the good word when I do know ;-D!!!! I noticed! eep! I was good and stayed far away yesterday as they also had stila ;D!

  • Andrea

    It sounds like i’m the right person for this product, so I’m going to give it a try. Thanks!