Recently QVC had a set of 3 different shades of the new Aqua-Gel Hydrating Lip Tints from Tarte. These new Lip Tints are made with 50% water to hydrate thirsty lips while supposedly depositing a wash of long-lasting color. The colors seemed nice and wearable and I am always a sucker for something hydrating. If it’s long-lasting as well, I’m sold! So, clearly, I was curious about another new product from Tarte and I had to try them out!
The set came with 3 different colors, none of which seemed like a crazy, un-wearable shade. There is Splendid, described as a nude pink; Desired, described as a crimson red; and Graceful, described as a berry pink. The colors are all pretty, however, Splendid and Graceful are very, very subtle in my opinion. They barely look like you have added anything to your lips, which is not really what I was hoping for. Desired has more color to it, but not enough to make me consider it a crimson red. It is more of a natural deep flush to me. If the colors were more to my liking, it would have been great because they are pretty long lasting. They are kind of combination of a stain and a tint. They do not last all day, but certainly they leave a hint of tint for a number of hours.
(Please pardon the blurry images!)
Bare Lips
Tarte Aqua-Gel Lip Tint
in Splendid
Tarte Aqua-Gel Lip Tint
in Splendid
Tarte Aqua-Gel Hydrating Lip Tint
in Splendid
Tarte Aqua-Gel Lip Tint
in Desired
Tarte Aqua-Gel Lip Tint
in Desired
Tarte Aqua-Gel Lip Tint
in Desired
Tarte Aqua-Gel Lip Tint
in Graceful
Tarte Aqua-Gel Lip Tint
in Graceful
Tarte Aqua-Gel Lip Tint
in Graceful
Sadly, even creating better shades would not make me want to buy these again. Such a surprise because Tarte usually makes such amazing products! The formula is just awful. When you initially apply the Aqua Pops, it does feel like you have almost rubbed water over your lips. It is quite a nice feeling – a bit cooling and it feels as though your lips will be quite hydrated. However, this feeling quickly disappears and the lips are left feeling drier than when you started. Not something I think anyone looks for in a lip product!
Overall, I was really disappointed by the Tarte Aqua-Gel Hydrating Lip Tints. They may have initially been gel-like, but they were far from hydrating and though they seem like they will stay for quite some time, the colors are SO natural, I feel like I should not have bothered wearing anything at all. The verdict? It pains me to say it, but I would pass on these unless the formula is seriously revamped.
Should this not dissuade you, the Tarte Aqua Pops Pigmented Lip Hydrator Trio is available on QVC.com for $41.75 + $4.97 Shipping. Not cheap either!
Keep trying Tarte! We all know you can do better!
For more information on Tarte Cosmetics, read my post here.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Tarte Cosmetics in any way, nor have I been compensated for this review.
