Tarte Exposed Amazonian Clay Blush Review, Photos and Swatches!

Tarte Exposed Amazonian Clay Blush

The Tarte Amazonian Clay Blushes were all the rage since their early launch in 2011, and have earned a spot on many bloggers "favorites of 2011" beauty products lists. Infused with natural clay of the Amazon River and naturally baked by the sun, this nutrient-rich blush benefits all skin types and is long-lasting (supposedly 12 hours).

They are available in several shades (12 on the Sephora website, with four of them being new shades) from nude, light pink, bright pink, coral, etc. I own Exposed, which is the most natural shade of the bunch and one of those no-brainer products you know you can rely on for every day.

Exposed is a soft, neutral brownie-pink with a slight rosy undertone, that never looks orange. Although it looks matte in the pan, it does have a few shimmers, but are barely visible on the skin. Many compare it to MAC Blushbaby, Nars Douceur or Nars Madly; I own Madly and Blushbaby, and although I find them similar, they are actually quite different. Madly is a warm peachy-bronze with a hint of pink & shimmer. It's warmer & shimmery, and almost looks orange when compared to Exposed. Blushbaby and Exposed are more comparable. What differs on my cheeks is that Blushbaby looks slightly deeper and is more rosy (red) whereas Exposed is softer and less ruddy.

The blendability is fantastic. The texture is soft and sheer, that when applied, it gives such a soft and blended appearance on my face. It never looks muddy. Don't let the sheer texture fool you, it does pack a good amount of pigment, but because of the sheer texture, you aren't going to look like a clown if you take your brush directly to your cheek.

Containing ingredients beneficial for the skin: Vitamin A, C & E,  Amazonian Clay and beeswax.

Formulated withOUT: Mineral oil, Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, GMOs & Triclosan. All are ingredients that

Suitable for everyone - In Oily skin types, Amazonian clay minimizes oil in and around pores to balance skin and keep product in place. Those with Dry skin will benefit from the clay's nourishing and hydrating properties, which naturally restore skin's moisture. Combination skin types can rely on its ability to zero in on skin concerns and deliver benefits to restore complexion harmony. The result? Blush that wears better, longer, and truer!

I can't really confirm these claims because I haven't worn it every day for long enough to notice, and my skin type is just about as normal as it can get. I don't have any dryness, and only a little shine mid-day in my t-zone.

Tarte Exposed Amazonian Clay Blush

As far as the "12-hour wear" claim goes, it's still there 12 hours later, but not completely. Given the weather lately (cold and dry), I would expect it to last that long, but by hour 8, it has faded on me quite a bit. Even though it falls short, I honestly can't say I own a blush that lasts over 12 hours on my face - unless I pack it on and let it mellow throughout the day. I still think the wear time is very good and better than several others.

I'm not too interested in any of the other shades (for the most part), so I think I'll be content for a while with Exposed.

Do you own any Tarte Amazonian Clay Blushes? What do you think of them?