Yesterday was a really good one over here. The girls were at co-op and I had the greatest blend of pampering and productivity.
I knocked an oil change and tire issue off my to-do list, got a fantastic pedicure (it’s really all about the massage for me), found my new favorite vintage store in Greenville, and still had time to reset the house — including going through Kaitlyn’s room with a trash bag. We came back from Switzerland and hit the ground running, and yesterday was the first day I finally felt like I got my head put back on straight.
Let’s catch up, categorically. If you like this style, check out my other Currently posts — and please play along in the comments. Tell me something that’s current for you!
Currently (Late February 2026)
Currently Watching
The Winter Olympics!
I don’t know the schedule, rhyme, or reason, but I love that there is always some Olympic event to tune into — and almost all of them quickly suck us in. Household favorites include curling, snowboard racing, ice hockey, and the biathlon. There’s just something about watching people do hard, impressive things that makes you want to sit a little straighter on the couch.
It’s a sweet, easy read about a 17-year-old girl growing up in a rundown castle with her family in Old England. It reads a little young, but I’m enjoying it. I really think Hailey (14) would love it and plan to hand it off to her next.
Speaking of reading — have you ever been to a Goodwill bookstore? I stumbled across one yesterday and it was incredible. Wide selection, neatly organized, and books ranged from $3–$6. I stocked up for our home library and cannot wait to go back with the girls.
.
Currently Listening To
A lot of 90’s country when I’m solo and Broadway musical soundtracks with the girls.
Earlier this week Kaitlyn and I were driving home from her Clemson science class and absolutely rocked out to the Hairspray soundtrack. In our minds, our voices and dance moves were unmatched. Reality may have told a slightly different story.
Currently Eating
Protein and fiber — like every other 40+ health-oriented person, I feel like.
Since getting back in town, David and I decided to tighten up our habits a bit. For me that means:
Tracking to hit 100g of protein
Lifting heavier weights (I had been going through the motions more than pushing myself the past couple months)
Paying attention to fiber
Right now it feels motivating.
I love that this chia pudding has 9g of fiber. I’ve been adding 10g of protein powder when I make it, and paired with eggs, cottage cheese, and fruit, it has been a powerhouse breakfast lately.
I also discovered Ella’s Flats — a seed cracker with 4g of fiber and 7g of protein per 3 crackers. I love them for scooping cottage cheese or any dip. They aren’t quite as hard as Mary’s Gone Crackers, which I appreciate.
Four meals we’ve really enjoyed lately (please forgive the terrible winter lighting — though at least the days are stretching!):
Valentine’s dinner:Lemon dill salmon, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a shallot and spinach farro I totally winged — finished with lemon and parmesan and it turned out so good.
Sirloin tip roast (low and slow), sweet potatoes, and baby broccoli.
Make-your-own salad bar with grilled chicken. I love customizable meals when nieces are in town.
Slow cooker beef stew, minus the potatoes and served over rice. This is mine and Hailey’s favorite comfort winter meal right now.
.
Currently Drinking
Purity coffee (I keep the 2/3 decaf on auto ship), magnesium (also stays on auto ship), more water, lots of tea.
And Costco switched up their Spindrift multipacks and now offers two flavor options. Very exciting times in our scullery fridge.
.
Currently Planning
High school.
Can you believe it?
Since co-ops require February sign-ups, we’ve been researching options, attending open houses, and having a lot of conversations. It’s exciting… and tugging hard on my heartstrings at the same time.
Currently In the Market For
Vintage art and antique pieces for our home. I love the warmth and personality they’re bringing into our space.
I’m piecing together a “cozy corner” in our living room. The anchor piece is a vintage English leather chair from the 1800s that I found at Vintage Now Modern. Yesterday I discovered another spot that immediately became a favorite — Cottage Grove. I brought home a side table and a small vintage oil painting with the most enthralling colors. It’s tiny, but both girls noticed it instantly and gushed over it when they walked in.
Having girls is fun.
David did not quite give the same reaction.
I’m also in the market for a new spring wardrobe (if anyone would like to volunteer as my personal shopper) and garden seeds. Trying not to overcommit on that last one.
Currently Looking Forward To
Each day.
Cheesy answer, maybe — but I truly feel a deep sense of contentment in my day-to-day roles right now. Caring for my family, home, and animals fills my days completely. I crash into bed exhausted most nights, but it’s a deeply fulfilling kind of tired.
Currently on the Farm
Sigh.
Our “dominant hen” — aka our rooster — is deep in the throes of puberty and has become a little jerk. Earl is doing his job and protecting the hens, but he’s getting a bit mean about it. It’s wild because he was one of the chicks we handled the most and was always Hailey’s favorite.
I’m hoping he outgrows some of this feistiness, but for now I miss holding the hens.
On the bright side, we’re collecting eggs regularly (usually 6–7 per day). They’re so beautiful, and the thrill of collecting them hasn’t worn off yet.
David’s shed is fully built and he’s nearly finished with the sauna exterior. I’m chomping at the bit to reclaim his building skills because I’d love help adding fencing to the chicken area. His Honey-Do list has grown exponentially since we moved here.
What’s something that’s current for you right now?
I always love hearing.
If you enjoy these little glimpses into our everyday life — the meals, the books, the projects, the farm updates, and the honest in-between moments — I’d love for you to join my newsletter.
It’s where I share more personal notes, links I’m loving, things I’m learning, and the occasional behind-the-scenes peek that doesn’t always make it to the blog. I’ll pop into your inbox once a week on Monday— no spam, just real life.
Yesterday was a really good one over here. The girls were at co-op and I had the greatest blend of pampering and productivity.
I knocked an oil change and tire issue off my to-do list, got a fantastic pedicure (it’s really all about the massage for me), found my new favorite vintage store in Greenville, and still had time to reset the house — including going through Kaitlyn’s room with a trash bag. We came back from Switzerland and hit the ground running, and yesterday was the first day I finally felt like I got my head put back on straight.
Let’s catch up, categorically. If you like this style, check out my other Currently posts — and please play along in the comments. Tell me something that’s current for you!
Currently (Late February 2026)
Currently Watching
The Winter Olympics!
I don’t know the schedule, rhyme, or reason, but I love that there is always some Olympic event to tune into — and almost all of them quickly suck us in. Household favorites include curling, snowboard racing, ice hockey, and the biathlon. There’s just something about watching people do hard, impressive things that makes you want to sit a little straighter on the couch.
It’s a sweet, easy read about a 17-year-old girl growing up in a rundown castle with her family in Old England. It reads a little young, but I’m enjoying it. I really think Hailey (14) would love it and plan to hand it off to her next.
Speaking of reading — have you ever been to a Goodwill bookstore? I stumbled across one yesterday and it was incredible. Wide selection, neatly organized, and books ranged from $3–$6. I stocked up for our home library and cannot wait to go back with the girls.
.
Currently Listening To
A lot of 90’s country when I’m solo and Broadway musical soundtracks with the girls.
Earlier this week Kaitlyn and I were driving home from her Clemson science class and absolutely rocked out to the Hairspray soundtrack. In our minds, our voices and dance moves were unmatched. Reality may have told a slightly different story.
Currently Eating
Protein and fiber — like every other 40+ health-oriented person, I feel like.
Since getting back in town, David and I decided to tighten up our habits a bit. For me that means:
Tracking to hit 100g of protein
Lifting heavier weights (I had been going through the motions more than pushing myself the past couple months)
Paying attention to fiber
Right now it feels motivating.
I love that this chia pudding has 9g of fiber. I’ve been adding 10g of protein powder when I make it, and paired with eggs, cottage cheese, and fruit, it has been a powerhouse breakfast lately.
I also discovered Ella’s Flats — a seed cracker with 4g of fiber and 7g of protein per 3 crackers. I love them for scooping cottage cheese or any dip. They aren’t quite as hard as Mary’s Gone Crackers, which I appreciate.
Four meals we’ve really enjoyed lately (please forgive the terrible winter lighting — though at least the days are stretching!):
Valentine’s dinner:Lemon dill salmon, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a shallot and spinach farro I totally winged — finished with lemon and parmesan and it turned out so good.
Sirloin tip roast (low and slow), sweet potatoes, and baby broccoli.
Make-your-own salad bar with grilled chicken. I love customizable meals when nieces are in town.
Slow cooker beef stew, minus the potatoes and served over rice. This is mine and Hailey’s favorite comfort winter meal right now.
.
Currently Drinking
Purity coffee (I keep the 2/3 decaf on auto ship), magnesium (also stays on auto ship), more water, lots of tea.
And Costco switched up their Spindrift multipacks and now offers two flavor options. Very exciting times in our scullery fridge.
.
Currently Planning
High school.
Can you believe it?
Since co-ops require February sign-ups, we’ve been researching options, attending open houses, and having a lot of conversations. It’s exciting… and tugging hard on my heartstrings at the same time.
Currently In the Market For
Vintage art and antique pieces for our home. I love the warmth and personality they’re bringing into our space.
I’m piecing together a “cozy corner” in our living room. The anchor piece is a vintage English leather chair from the 1800s that I found at Vintage Now Modern. Yesterday I discovered another spot that immediately became a favorite — Cottage Grove. I brought home a side table and a small vintage oil painting with the most enthralling colors. It’s tiny, but both girls noticed it instantly and gushed over it when they walked in.
Having girls is fun.
David did not quite give the same reaction.
I’m also in the market for a new spring wardrobe (if anyone would like to volunteer as my personal shopper) and garden seeds. Trying not to overcommit on that last one.
Currently Looking Forward To
Each day.
Cheesy answer, maybe — but I truly feel a deep sense of contentment in my day-to-day roles right now. Caring for my family, home, and animals fills my days completely. I crash into bed exhausted most nights, but it’s a deeply fulfilling kind of tired.
Currently on the Farm
Sigh.
Our “dominant hen” — aka our rooster — is deep in the throes of puberty and has become a little jerk. Earl is doing his job and protecting the hens, but he’s getting a bit mean about it. It’s wild because he was one of the chicks we handled the most and was always Hailey’s favorite.
I’m hoping he outgrows some of this feistiness, but for now I miss holding the hens.
On the bright side, we’re collecting eggs regularly (usually 6–7 per day). They’re so beautiful, and the thrill of collecting them hasn’t worn off yet.
David’s shed is fully built and he’s nearly finished with the sauna exterior. I’m chomping at the bit to reclaim his building skills because I’d love help adding fencing to the chicken area. His Honey-Do list has grown exponentially since we moved here.
What’s something that’s current for you right now?
I always love hearing.
If you enjoy these little glimpses into our everyday life — the meals, the books, the projects, the farm updates, and the honest in-between moments — I’d love for you to join my newsletter.
It’s where I share more personal notes, links I’m loving, things I’m learning, and the occasional behind-the-scenes peek that doesn’t always make it to the blog. I’ll pop into your inbox once a week on Monday— no spam, just real life.
Timely nuggets of information and ideas we want to share with you.
This is a fun website that takes you very, very deep into the ocean, and along the way shows you what sea creatures live at various depths. It’s charming and informative. https:// neal.fun/deep-sea/
Brush up on your American history with two of Ken Burns’ finest documentaries. His The Civil War series remains essential viewing for understanding our country today. His new series is The American Revolution and is equally compelling. Like his Civil War series, it explores a vast sweep of history that I had no memory of ever learning while vividly revealing the complexity of the actual ideas and events, and the people who shaped them. It is six episodes, 12 hours and airs on PBS.
Brave Pudding Co. is a New York-based women-run luxury footwear brand that makes indoor/outdoor socks/sneakers. They describe them as shoes, able to be worn outside as well as inside. Their debut collection will soon be followed by a spring/summer collection. The cashmere sock/shoes are made for women and men. The sock shoes are $180.00 a pair for both men’s and women’s versions. They also offer other low cashmere shoes for men and women.
MindTravel concert on the beach
The ‘Silent’ Piano Beach Concerts, Floating Meditations, and Guided Silent Walks are all done to founder’s Murray Hidary’s music that each participant hears through special headphones provided by the organization. The signature experience is the ‘Silent’ Piano Beach Concert. The concert is two hours, the locations are beautiful. Find your spot on the beach with your chair or blanket, something to drink, and your MindTravel headphones, and you’ll bliss out when the piano playing begins. It’s very casual, people come and go, leave early if it gets chilly, or stay perfectly still, absorbed in the music. It gets rave reviews. Each performance has a theme, our theme was love. It got a little schmaltzy I will admit, but overall, it’s an interesting, relaxing, and unique experience. Hidary goes where the beautiful beaches are and the weather is warm. His schedule is on the website. https://www.mindtravel.com/homepage
Timely nuggets of information and ideas we want to share with you.
This is a fun website that takes you very, very deep into the ocean, and along the way shows you what sea creatures live at various depths. It’s charming and informative. https:// neal.fun/deep-sea/
Brush up on your American history with two of Ken Burns’ finest documentaries. His The Civil War series remains essential viewing for understanding our country today. His new series is The American Revolution and is equally compelling. Like his Civil War series, it explores a vast sweep of history that I had no memory of ever learning while vividly revealing the complexity of the actual ideas and events, and the people who shaped them. It is six episodes, 12 hours and airs on PBS.
Brave Pudding Co. is a New York-based women-run luxury footwear brand that makes indoor/outdoor socks/sneakers. They describe them as shoes, able to be worn outside as well as inside. Their debut collection will soon be followed by a spring/summer collection. The cashmere sock/shoes are made for women and men. The sock shoes are $180.00 a pair for both men’s and women’s versions. They also offer other low cashmere shoes for men and women.
MindTravel concert on the beach
The ‘Silent’ Piano Beach Concerts, Floating Meditations, and Guided Silent Walks are all done to founder’s Murray Hidary’s music that each participant hears through special headphones provided by the organization. The signature experience is the ‘Silent’ Piano Beach Concert. The concert is two hours, the locations are beautiful. Find your spot on the beach with your chair or blanket, something to drink, and your MindTravel headphones, and you’ll bliss out when the piano playing begins. It’s very casual, people come and go, leave early if it gets chilly, or stay perfectly still, absorbed in the music. It gets rave reviews. Each performance has a theme, our theme was love. It got a little schmaltzy I will admit, but overall, it’s an interesting, relaxing, and unique experience. Hidary goes where the beautiful beaches are and the weather is warm. His schedule is on the website. https://www.mindtravel.com/homepage
Chasing that healthy, glowing look has pushed a lot of people to look past what they can get from over-the-counter skincare. Sure, sticking to a solid routine at home keeps your skin hydrated and helps with the basics, but some skin issues need a bit more muscle. These days, there’s a real shift happening.
Thanks to new technology, we can tackle problems that used to seem permanent or that once meant surgery was your only shot. Non-surgical treatments now give you a way to deal with aging, sun damage, or rough texture head-on. Instead of just working on the surface, these methods go deeper, prompting your own skin to kickstart its repair process. The results? You look refreshed, but still like yourself.
The Case for Choosing a Medical Aesthetic Clinic
But none of this matters if you skip the safety part. You want someone who knows what they’re doing, so heading to a real medical aesthetic clinic is non-negotiable. The pros there understand skin inside and out, and they use the right equipment in a controlled environment. Whether you’re thinking about powerful lasers or injectables, you need that level of expertise. It’s not just about looking better; it’s about making sure the treatment actually works and doesn’t come with unwanted surprises.
Personalized Treatment Plans Make All the Difference
Personalization is a huge deal, too. Everyone’s face is different, so why would a cookie-cutter plan make sense? At your first appointment, the experts take a close look at things like how elastic your skin is, your unique pigmentation, and even your bone structure. They use all that info to build a plan just for you. The goal is to enhance what you already have, not to chase some generic standard of beauty.
Tackling Sun Damage and Environmental Skin Concerns
A lot of people visit clinics for treatments like laser resurfacing or advanced light therapies, hoping to undo years of sun and environmental damage. These procedures can wipe out redness, brown spots, and fine lines, letting smoother, clearer skin come through. According to the National Cancer Institute, UV exposure causes cumulative skin damage that builds up over years – which is exactly why professional-grade treatment can make such a noticeable difference. Pollution and environmental stressors compound that damage even further.
Clinics have access to much stronger technology than you’ll find in a regular store, so results are faster and more dramatic. Research from the National Institutes of Health confirms that ablative and non-ablative laser resurfacing are safe and effective tools when performed by qualified professionals.
The Smart Move: Preventive Skincare Before Problems Start
It’s not just about fixing what’s already there, either. More and more, people are thinking ahead. Starting treatments earlier to slow down premature skin aging before it even shows up. By keeping up with professional maintenance, you can preserve your skin’s structure and put off bigger interventions down the road. Pairing that with smart habits around seasonal skincare and protecting skin health from the inside out gives you the best long-term results.
Medical-Grade Aftercare: The Missing Piece Most People Skip
What really makes this approach stand out is how clinics blend in specialized aftercare. The pros can recommend medical-grade products, like stronger retinols or growth factors, to keep boosting your results at home. This combination of expert treatments and smart home care sets up a kind of feedback loop – your skin just keeps getting stronger and more resilient. It’s a whole different level from anything you’d find on a drugstore shelf.
Aging With Intention: The Bigger Picture
In the end, teaming up with a medical aesthetic clinic isn’t just about chasing perfection in the mirror. It’s about choosing science and skill — and that choice shows in your confidence, not just your skin. When you trust the process and the professionals, aging becomes something you handle with intention and style, not something you just put up with. For anyone serious about women’s health and beauty or building real healthy habits that stick, professional skin care is one of the smartest places to start.
Wallpaper doesn’t have to be an expensive undertaking! That’s why we’ve curated the ultimate Amazon wallpaper guide – we’re making your home updates easier, one step at a time.
If you’re looking for Tarte cosmetics reviews, you’re at the right place. I’ve tried a LOT of Tarte makeup (almost everything they sell), and I’m sharing my favorites. While I’ve switched to non-toxic makeup brands as of late, I loved tarte for a long time, and for long-wearing makeup, it’s hard to beat, since it’s definitely a cleaner option than some long-wearing formulas. I’ll also add anything that I try and don’t love and why I didn’t, in case that’s helpful when you’re shopping too. I’ll try to keep this updated as I try more, but if you have questions about anything specific, feel free to leave, and I’ll share my experience if I’ve tried it.
And you can always use promo code TERILYN15 for 15% off at Tarte.com. I don’t think it stacks with their other promos, but it’s certainly worth a try.
You can also watch this Tarte review video on my YouTube channel to see how the products look when applied. It’s also embedded below, but I find YouTube easier since I often watch videos in bits and pieces rather than all at once.
My Favorite Tarte Makeup
Tarte is a cruelty-free beauty brand known for its high-performance makeup and skincare products made with naturally derived ingredients, like Amazonian clay and maracuja oil. It’s most well known products are probably the Shape Tape Concealer and Tartelette eyeshadow palettes.
This is their original concealer, which garnered a cult following. It’s designed for oily skin, but I have dry skin, so I prefer the Creamy version (linked below). Read my review of Shape Tape concealer here.
This Shape Tape Radiant Concealer is another variation of the Shape Tape concealers above, but with just a touch of radiance. This is my go-to concealer, especially for the under-eye area.
If you struggle with dark circles or with concealer settling in fine lines, this is a GREAT concealer. It’s tackier than most concealers, so you do have to take your time blending, but it gives a beautiful, full-coverage finish that doesn’t settle into lines. I tend to use this when I’m doing a full face of makeup for a night out or for important photos, and I use the Radiant concealer for my everyday makeup.
I absolutely love this foundation. It gives the most beautiful finish. It’s not shiny and definitely not matte, but it gives a lovely glow, true to its name. If you struggle with dull skin, this is the best Tarte foundation for dry skin. It’s what I’m wearing in the photo below, which is not edited and does not have a filter.
This blush comes in so many shades that are gorgeous (I’ve tried tons of them). They’re very pigmented but blend effortlessly for a natural look. I highly recommend it!
This product tingles just a bit when you apply it for the plumping effect. I’m not sure if it actually plumps, but it gives beautiful color. It’s a bit easier to blend than the Glowlight linked above.
Turn on your JavaScript to view content
Breezy Cream Bronzer (discontinued)
I had never used a cream bronzer before this and now I’m not sure I’ll ever go back to a powder! When I’m using bronzer, I typically want it in very specific locations for a bit of contouring (around my hairline, under my cheekbones and under jawline) and it’s so much easier to be precise with a cream bronzer. I absolutely LOVE this product. It’s perfect matte, but hydrating and blends very easily. I’m wearing it in the photo above.
Update: They sell cream bronzer only in the Park Avenue Princess Cream Cheek Duo. I own the Duo and like it, but I still wish the cream bronzer was sold individually.
Like the cream bronzer, I’m not sure I’ll ever return to powder highlighters. It’s much easier to apply with precision with this cream stick. I love this for highlighting my browbone, the inner eye, and above my cheekbones. I’m wearing it in the photo above.
This quickly became a must-have in my makeup routine. I have NEVER liked powder, but I love this. It sets my makeup without drying out my skin and gives a flawless finish. I use it every single day.
I was shocked by how easily these colors blend! They are pigmented but not so much that they make a too-intense mess on my face. This is a great neutral palette and if you prefer cool tones, you’ll love this.
I didn’t expect to get as much use out of this as I do, but it’s a very natural-looking palette that can still be layered for a more intense look. (I use the darker colors for liner.) Three of my friends have it as well, and we all have very different skin tones, and they like it, too! I keep a second one in Boone since I like it so much.
This is an excellent option if you don’t want to mess around with powder eyeshadow but want just a little definition. I use this when I’m in a rush since it’s easy to swipe the shadow on my lid and add a little liner to my top lash. It comes in many colors, so you can choose whichever best compliments your eyes.
I LOVE how this mascara looks. I love a bold lash, and this provided both volume and length with a super black pigmented finish. This one smudged on me. (I can only wear tubing mascaras, as explained in this post.)
This provides more length and separation than the Maneater, but it also smudged on me. I have had good luck with the waterproof version, however. I wore it in the 2019 Boston Marathon and it didn’t budge.
This is the mascara I’ve used daily for 5+ years after I learned that Tarte has a tubing mascara. I’ve tried several tubing mascaras over the years, and while they give great length and never smudge, they don’t provide significant volume. This gives the most volume of any tubing mascara I’ve ever tried, especially when paired with the Tarte lash primer. I wish it looked more like the Maneater Mascara (very thick and bold!) but that’s simply a limitation of tubing formulas. If you struggle with mascara that smudges, you’ll love this Tartelette mascara too! (Yes, it’s better than Thrive and Hourglass!)
I’ve used this for years and love it! It helps make your lashes look longer and thicker, and I actually find it’s easier to apply my mascara after I’ve put this on first.
I have so many of these because they are so good. I keep one in my purse at all times, in my office and it’s one of my go-to gifts for friends since they almost always have a little gift set with multiple shades. It’s easy to apply without a mirror and has a shiny finish, but not sticky like a gloss.
This is like a balm and a lipstick had a baby. It has coverage and staying power like a lipstick, but it feels hydrating like a balm. If you like a lipstick but find it too dry, you’ll love it.
If you’re looking for Tarte cosmetics reviews, you’re at the right place. I’ve tried a LOT of Tarte makeup (almost everything they sell), and I’m sharing my favorites. While I’ve switched to non-toxic makeup brands as of late, I loved tarte for a long time, and for long-wearing makeup, it’s hard to beat, since it’s definitely a cleaner option than some long-wearing formulas. I’ll also add anything that I try and don’t love and why I didn’t, in case that’s helpful when you’re shopping too. I’ll try to keep this updated as I try more, but if you have questions about anything specific, feel free to leave, and I’ll share my experience if I’ve tried it.
And you can always use promo code TERILYN15 for 15% off at Tarte.com. I don’t think it stacks with their other promos, but it’s certainly worth a try.
You can also watch this Tarte review video on my YouTube channel to see how the products look when applied. It’s also embedded below, but I find YouTube easier since I often watch videos in bits and pieces rather than all at once.
My Favorite Tarte Makeup
Tarte is a cruelty-free beauty brand known for its high-performance makeup and skincare products made with naturally derived ingredients, like Amazonian clay and maracuja oil. It’s most well known products are probably the Shape Tape Concealer and Tartelette eyeshadow palettes.
This is their original concealer, which garnered a cult following. It’s designed for oily skin, but I have dry skin, so I prefer the Creamy version (linked below). Read my review of Shape Tape concealer here.
This Shape Tape Radiant Concealer is another variation of the Shape Tape concealers above, but with just a touch of radiance. This is my go-to concealer, especially for the under-eye area.
If you struggle with dark circles or with concealer settling in fine lines, this is a GREAT concealer. It’s tackier than most concealers, so you do have to take your time blending, but it gives a beautiful, full-coverage finish that doesn’t settle into lines. I tend to use this when I’m doing a full face of makeup for a night out or for important photos, and I use the Radiant concealer for my everyday makeup.
I absolutely love this foundation. It gives the most beautiful finish. It’s not shiny and definitely not matte, but it gives a lovely glow, true to its name. If you struggle with dull skin, this is the best Tarte foundation for dry skin. It’s what I’m wearing in the photo below, which is not edited and does not have a filter.
This blush comes in so many shades that are gorgeous (I’ve tried tons of them). They’re very pigmented but blend effortlessly for a natural look. I highly recommend it!
This product tingles just a bit when you apply it for the plumping effect. I’m not sure if it actually plumps, but it gives beautiful color. It’s a bit easier to blend than the Glowlight linked above.
Turn on your JavaScript to view content
Breezy Cream Bronzer (discontinued)
I had never used a cream bronzer before this and now I’m not sure I’ll ever go back to a powder! When I’m using bronzer, I typically want it in very specific locations for a bit of contouring (around my hairline, under my cheekbones and under jawline) and it’s so much easier to be precise with a cream bronzer. I absolutely LOVE this product. It’s perfect matte, but hydrating and blends very easily. I’m wearing it in the photo above.
Update: They sell cream bronzer only in the Park Avenue Princess Cream Cheek Duo. I own the Duo and like it, but I still wish the cream bronzer was sold individually.
Like the cream bronzer, I’m not sure I’ll ever return to powder highlighters. It’s much easier to apply with precision with this cream stick. I love this for highlighting my browbone, the inner eye, and above my cheekbones. I’m wearing it in the photo above.
This quickly became a must-have in my makeup routine. I have NEVER liked powder, but I love this. It sets my makeup without drying out my skin and gives a flawless finish. I use it every single day.
I was shocked by how easily these colors blend! They are pigmented but not so much that they make a too-intense mess on my face. This is a great neutral palette and if you prefer cool tones, you’ll love this.
I didn’t expect to get as much use out of this as I do, but it’s a very natural-looking palette that can still be layered for a more intense look. (I use the darker colors for liner.) Three of my friends have it as well, and we all have very different skin tones, and they like it, too! I keep a second one in Boone since I like it so much.
This is an excellent option if you don’t want to mess around with powder eyeshadow but want just a little definition. I use this when I’m in a rush since it’s easy to swipe the shadow on my lid and add a little liner to my top lash. It comes in many colors, so you can choose whichever best compliments your eyes.
I LOVE how this mascara looks. I love a bold lash, and this provided both volume and length with a super black pigmented finish. This one smudged on me. (I can only wear tubing mascaras, as explained in this post.)
This provides more length and separation than the Maneater, but it also smudged on me. I have had good luck with the waterproof version, however. I wore it in the 2019 Boston Marathon and it didn’t budge.
This is the mascara I’ve used daily for 5+ years after I learned that Tarte has a tubing mascara. I’ve tried several tubing mascaras over the years, and while they give great length and never smudge, they don’t provide significant volume. This gives the most volume of any tubing mascara I’ve ever tried, especially when paired with the Tarte lash primer. I wish it looked more like the Maneater Mascara (very thick and bold!) but that’s simply a limitation of tubing formulas. If you struggle with mascara that smudges, you’ll love this Tartelette mascara too! (Yes, it’s better than Thrive and Hourglass!)
I’ve used this for years and love it! It helps make your lashes look longer and thicker, and I actually find it’s easier to apply my mascara after I’ve put this on first.
I have so many of these because they are so good. I keep one in my purse at all times, in my office and it’s one of my go-to gifts for friends since they almost always have a little gift set with multiple shades. It’s easy to apply without a mirror and has a shiny finish, but not sticky like a gloss.
This is like a balm and a lipstick had a baby. It has coverage and staying power like a lipstick, but it feels hydrating like a balm. If you like a lipstick but find it too dry, you’ll love it.