April 6, 2012

Tarte Clean Slate Flawless 12-HR Brightening Primer Review & Swatches

Tarte Clean Slate Flawless 12-HR Brightening Primer is one of two new facial primers that the brand has introduced with their Summer 2012 Collection.

This one I’d recommend for the drier skin folks out there as it leaves out nasty silicones and has a smooth, hydrating feel and finish.

Let’s take a peek!

Tarte Clean Slate Flawless 12-HR Brightening Primer is a silccone-free, waterproof primer that contains natural antioxidants, Vitamins A, C & E, and fruit and plant derived extracts to fight free radical damage and prevent premature signs of aging while brightening skin. It also includes BerryBright, a skin-brightening active, which delivers natural arbutin from bearberry which inhibits the skin pigmentation process for an even, luminous complexion. The lightweight texture promises to be an ideal base under foundation to wake-up your makeup but can also be worn alone as a treatment to counteract dullness.

Arbutin is a common ingredient used in many Asian whitening skincare products. Its does work to whiten and brighten but it’s some thing you have to use daily and religiously to see the best results. One application of Tarte Clean Slate Brightening Primer didn’t ease my dull skin as much as I’d like but it does have a smooth, moisturizing formula that applies easily on my dry skin and hydrates it gently while prepping it for makeup.

The formula has a light, fresh lemon-y scent that reminds me of something else, perhaps Korres Primer? But my nose can’t pinpoint it at the moment. I think it should prove fine for those sensitive to fragrance in their skin products as it seems very light and subtle to me.

The shade of the primer is a light off white but it seems to have a certain pink reflection to it. This doesn’t translate well in swatch photos or once applied on your face but if you stare long enough at it, you’ll see the pinkness in the mix.

I find the texture refreshingly light and easy to wear. It adheres very well to skin and creates a soft, even layer for foundation to sit atop. It probably won’t work particularly well at filling pores or finer lines due to the hydrating formula but it will allow your face to look fresher thanks to the moisture it provides, there isn’t anything better for fine lines than more moisture.

Wear time on your foundation will vary…I find mattifying primers, which I don’t particularly like because of my drier skin, have the best benefits in terms of how long foundation will last where as hydrating ones, like this one, keep foundation fresher for longer preventing it from oxidizing too quickly or changing color on your skin.

A 1 oz tube is $30 which isn’t too pricey considering many primers in the same range are a bit more expensive at the same size. For example, Urban Decay is $31, Korres $33, and Smashbox $42, all of which are 1 oz in size.

Overall, this provides added moisture to drier skin types or can be used as a lightweight moisturizer for oily or combination skins. It preps for base products well allowing an easier application and glide across skin. I haven’t noticed brightening as of yet but perhaps with more uses I’ll see the effects. It doesn’t prolong foundation wear but it does allow foundation to remain fresher for a longer period of time which sometimes, is even better than longer wear particularly if you have issues with your base products going gray, muddy, or dull.

It’s available now at tartecosmetics.com as well as Sephora.com and should be launching in stores shortly.

Do you plan on purchasing?

Already have?

What do you love about it?

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

  • Charisse

    I’m such a sucker for brightening primers, will have to try this one. Which is your fav Muse?

    • the Muse

      right not loving revlon photoready charisse ;-D been using it daily.

  • catazure

    Today was my first use of it and I am not in love. It reminds me a lot of the Korres primer (another I am not crazy about); doesn’t reduce lines and doesn’t do anything for pores.
    Today was a pleasant, sunny 80 degree North Florida day so I didn’t sweat or I imagine things would have looked worse than shiny by day’s end. I have a slightly oily T-zone, normal-to-dry cheeks and eye area but my color is bright so I don’t need to treat for dullness.
    Wish I’d had your review to read before I bought, Muse.

    • the Muse

      hey catazure, it does indeed remind of the korres one. This is def not for you if you’re looking to mattify your skin hun, you should have went with the other formulation, this is best for drier skin ;-D

      • catazure

        Taking your advice – I ordered the other one and am sending back this one:)

        • the Muse

          good idea, better for oily/combo skin chica but if you already have clean slate be aware, they seem to be exactly the same formula

  • Joanne

    I might look into this. I have really dry skin and I never use primer because I don’t want to layer too much stuff on my face. Thanks!

    How did you find this versus the MAC Prime + Prep Skin Smoother?

    • the Muse

      very different joanne, this is creamy versus the mac which is a serum-like consistency.

  • Majick

    I would try this, I really like the Tarte foundation from the Qs TSV.

  • CupK8

    Perfect timing, Muse! I was just looking at the new primers yesterday and debating which one I wanted to try. I need moisture in mah life, so this is probably the one for me. 🙂

  • Courtney

    great info! I’ve been reading around a lot about different primers. We’d love for you to join our beauty community

  • Suzie

    I have been really curious about both of the new Tarte primers, I have the Clean Slate one that has been out for awhile and I like it, but I kind of have the urge to try a non-silicone primer when that runs out. Not sure though, since I do have some pore issues. Silicone primers prob make more sense to me, and the other one that just came out might be better a better choice… I might try this one anyway though, it sounds lovely!

  • Becky

    I also have dry skin and am in the market for a hydrating primer? Between this one and the Korres, which would you recommend for your skin type? Which is better at blurring lines? Thanks! Awesome review, as usual =)

  • Karla

    Ulta has these in a sample size set for $9.99
    It has both new face primers as well as the new eye primer, I
    Picked it up last night , its a great way to try them
    But not be out a ton of $, so far I love all three !