Tarte Flush Cheek Stain - Tarte Blush Review and Swatches

Tarte Flush Cheek Stain Review - Tarte Flush Cheek Stain Swatches | Tarte Blush Review

Tarte Flush Cheek Stain Review - Mini Blush 

Back in October, my sister bought the Sephora in the Glow Kit (review here) and offered me the Tarte Flush blush to review (sisterly love and sharing right there!).  Tarte has a great reputation and in recent months, their products have become favorites and have gotten great reviews. While I was excited to wear this best-seller Tarte Cheek Stain, I was disappointed in the actual product.  I've had this mini blush since last year and have put off the review in order to keep trying the product, but alas, my impressions are the same as the first time around.

The Tarte gel stick is wet and glossy to achieve a brightening effect

Miranda's Notes:

Pros: The color of this blush is a lovely mix between a red and pink - think summer berries or barely ripe cherries. The color should suit all skin tones as it really does give a flush look (see below swatch).  The gel consistency of the blush is also perfect for achieving the glowing, dewy skin look without being greasy or watery.  Tarte blushes do have a slight scent that I actually enjoy and while Tarte Flush is citrus-y, the smell disappears soon after application. I did do my research a bit before writing this review, and have noticed several girls with sensitive skin who had reactions to the product so I recommend swatching first on your hand.  The blush did not break out my skin or irritate it so the actual natural ingredients were great for my skin.

Cons: Hmm, notice how short my pros were? Aside from the color, everything else is a headache.  I wish I could take the flush color and bright look of the blush and transfer it to a powder or another gel blush.  Tarte Flush Cheek Stain does not last long at all - approximately an hour or so before it fades completely - and it actually fades in patches so that's another big no-no.  The biggest issue I had with this blush (as I am sure I'll have with all other gel stick Tarte blushes) is the difficult application. The blush applies like a lipstick and is difficult to blend in so I end up with two doll-like circles on my cheek.  I actually had to research tips to apply (as a beauty blogger nonetheless haha!) because I kept thinking I was not putting it on correctly.  Tarte recommends that you apply the Cheek Stain over a powdered, finished cheek - so after you apply foundation and setting powder.  This did help a bit but longevity was still short and the blush still rubbed all over my face.  If you also do contouring or highlighting, I'm assuming you'll have even more problems with this cheek stain.  In conclusion, the Tarte Flush Cheek Stain is difficult to blend in evenly, does not stay on for more than an hour, and has little color pay off.

Grade: 2.5/5

Despite the dark tube color, Tarte Flush comes off as a pinkish red (swatch taken in light to show the wet shine); also notice how difficult it is to build up the color because streaks form 

Benefits of Tarte blush - the pomegranate extract gives the lemon-like fresh scent 

Reader's Recommendations: Have you had more success with these blushes or have you had the same experience? The Tarte colors are beautiful but would love to know if I can do anything to improve application.