To get pumped up for summer, we’re all turning to our favorite summer jams and packing up our beach bags.  We’ve asked around the office and we’ve put together a playlist of our favorite summer songs.

I Love It – Icona Pop

Closer – Teegan and Sarah

Scream and Shout – Will.i.am ft. Brittany Spears

Get Lucky – Daft Punk ft. Pharrell

Come On – Ke$ha Kesha

Summer Jam – Jake Owen ft. Florida Georgia Line

California Gurls — Katy Perry

Rosalita –Bruce Springsteen

Starships – Niki Minaj

So load up your iPod, toss you sunglasses and sunscreen in a bag and enjoy Memorial Day weekend! Share the good times with us on Instagram and Twitter! @tartecosmetics

Hey tartelettes! I’m sure some of you are going to sunny Palm Springs, California this weekend for Coachella. We’ve heard from so many tartelettes on the east that are excited to escape the dreary weather we’re experiencing and head down to the sun! Likewise, we’ve heard from so many west coast tartelettes that are planning the ultimate road trip to experience what looks like one of the most epic lineups- EVER! Phoenix, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Major Lazer, La Roux, and Nicky Romero are just some of the many artists set to perform during the outdoor festival. Here is our guide for our tartelettes heading to Coachella this weekend and next.

The ultimate Coachella must have is the prime, shine, and define kit. Not only, is it perfectly travel sized, but also it perfectly prepares you for the amazing festival ahead! The poreless 12-hour primer will minimize pores while making sure your makeup stays put throughout the entire day without extra touch-ups. Sweating will be no problem, because this primer will transform your make-up to become sweat and budge proof. No more runny makeup! What else? The skin-brightening Amazonian clay BB illuminating moisturizer provides an all-over ethereal glow for a perfect indie vibe complexion. The perfect finish for a festival weekend is the gifted mascara, which will define your eyes with sky high lashes. At the same time, this smart mascara will moisturize your lashes (thanks to Amazionian clay) in the scorching desert heat.

Stella McCartney oversized round sunglasses in spotty tortoise are perfect chic shades to protect your sensitive eyes from the California sun.

Let’s be honest. It wouldn’t be Coachella without an amazing pair of distressed, denim shorts. These rag and bone distressed denim cut offs are perfect to pair with an edgy top and ankle boots.

If you want to be up to date on the printed pant trend without succumbing to the hot California heat, try these rag and bone printed moto cut offs.

Speaking of ankle boots…. A pair of brown suede booties is the ultimate pairing to denim cut offs.

It’s really important to stay hydrated in the hot desert sun! Carry around a bobble water bottle with a built in filter.

Use maracuja oil post concert to help skin recover from the heat!

These ash wedge sneakers are a bold statement. What better excuse to wear playful sneakers than a music festival?

If you’re particularly adventurous in your style, using hair accessories like a printed headwrap or a whimsical flower headwrap will be sure to amp up the indie look. We’re obsessed with all the headwraps we’ve been seeing at Urban Outfitters as of late.

Crochet was HUGE at least year’s Coachella. A crochet top is the perfect way to balance bohemian and indie chic.

Try a matte LipSurgence in a bold shade such as lively for “look at me” lips.

Last, but certainly not least, every tartelette going to Coachella this weekend should make sure to remember to bring a towel, so you can relax and sit down with some friends to enjoy the amazing California weather while people watching! Enjoy tartelettes!

The 22 year-old New Zealander may not be a household name, but if you caught the Gotye bug this summer, you’ve definitely heard her sing — yes, she’s the other voice on ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’. But aside from recording tracks with moody, male indie singers, she’s also an accomplished solo musician. She began songwriting at the age of 10 and her first single was release in 2010, before she could legally drink –at least in the US.

We’ve been playing her debut album Vows on repeat for months now — check out the video for ‘Good Intent’ below — and we love her quirky, avant-garde style in fashion and music. Plus, this is one girl who really knows how to rock a bold lip!

Who’s your girl crush?

So tie your laces, stretch it out, and crank the volume…..it’s time to get your butt in gear!

1.) A-Trak feat. CyHi Da Prynce – “Ray-Ban”

“If I don’t have amazing music at the gym, my legs turn into cinder blocks and this song makes me move.” -Jenna, creative marketing manager

2.) ACDC- “Shook Me All Night Long”

“I listen to this song when I work out because I love rock and it gets me pumping” -Nuria, production coordinator

3.) Gwen Stefani- “Hollaback Girl”

“I listen to this right before I start running hard on the treadmill. I swear by it…actually that whole album is great for the gym” – Koryn, community manager

4.) Afrojack- “bang duck”

“The beat just gets me up and moving” – Heather,  executive director; operation and product development

5.) Green Day- “Brain Stew”

“I love this song because the guitar in the beginning sounds really bad a**, makes me work out hard” – Jen, contributing editor; tarte blog

Animal Kingdom, “Strange Attractor”

Three man band Animal Kingdom took a while to grow on me but after I heard this song I was  hooked. This track is currently on repeat in my car — I’m obsessed with the song’s  unique, mellow sound.

Walk The Moon, “Anna Sun”

Walk the Moon is an indie-rock band based in Cincinnati, OH. and while I love the whole album, this song is just plain awesome. Haven’t downloaded it yet> Then I feel bad for your iPod. If you really loved your iPod, you would add it.

The Black Keys , “Gold On The Ceiling”

If you keep up with my playlists,  you already know I love the Black Keys, and you should too because, very simply,  they rock. The guitar sound is incendiary (I totally stole that line from Almost Famous) but really, they just straight up rock.

The Shins , “Simple Song”

I first heard the Shins on the Garden State soundtrack — it was love at first listen. This innovative band continues to release fresh, uplifting music that just makes you feel good, kinda like puppies or red, white, and blue ice pops.

Sleigh Bells, “Rill Rill”
Based in Brooklyn, dynamic duo Derek Edward Miller and Alexis Krauss have awesome chemistry and an artsy, kick a** sound. Download this track…..like now!

1. Justin Timberlake, “Cry Me A River”

2. Carly Simon, “You’re So Vain”

3. Beyonce, “Single Ladies”

4. Billy Idol, “Dancing With Myself”

5. J. Geils Band, “Love Stinks”

1. Cage the Elephant, “Aberdeen”

From Bowling Green, Kentucky; these southern boys have made a name for themselves through high energy live performances and amazing lyrics —  making them a huge hit in the U.S. and U.K.

2. The Wombats, “Jump into The Fog”

While they have a completely different sound than The Beatles, the two bands share the same home, Liverpool, and man, do they know how to rock. The Wombats have that awesome British feel to them that we all know and love. Want to indulge in some musical Anglophilia?  Just plug in the headphones and turn it up.

3. M83, “Midnight City”

M83 is the brainchild of French musician Anthony Gonzalez. With a unique sound, M83 never disappoints. This is my go-to workout song when I’m feeling lazy and blah..it really gets my blood pumping!

4. Imperial Teen,“Runaway”

Having provided the soundtrack to the infamous and iconic scene of four teen beauties — the original mean girls — walking down their high school hallway in 1999’s twisted comedy Jawbreaker, Imperial Teen may be a throwback, but well worth a second glance. I’m thrilled that they are making such a strong impact. Check ‘em out!

5. The Naked and Famous, “Girls like you”

Who doesn’t love an import from Down Under?? The Naked and Famous is a New Zealand indie rock band from Auckland. Do yourself a favor and download them now. These guys are an incendiary force to be reckoned with.

who: Kim Schifino, drummer and vocalist for the dance punk duo Matt and Kim.

claim to fame: Known for their do-it-yourself additude toward music and the fact that they’re almost always on tour, the band’s tunes have also been featured on TV shows like Community, Entourage, Skins and Chuck, along with a handful of commercials and films.

her gift list:

Photo Credit: Bethany Smith

1. LipSurgence™ lip tints: “I have chapped lips year-round so I always need to keep them covered.  I always have a lipstick or chapstick in hand and you should too — incase I lose mine and need to borrow yours!”

2. Eco-chic greeting cards and gift tags from Paper Playne: “Similar to downloading a song, you download a file and you can print out your own Holiday stationary so you can enjoy the designs over and over agan. Here’s a free download for the gift tags.”

3. Clarisonic: “I sweat my @#& off on stage. I use this after every performance to give my skin the ultimate cleaning. Maybe I will get one for Matt? Haha.”

4. Matt and Kim Sidewalks: ”I listen to Sidewalks all the time.  You should too!”

 5. Bumble and bumble curl conscious reactivating mist: “For my sister, who has curly/wavy hair like me. We both love it!”

6. Restoration Hardware Luxury Plush Throw: ”I have three of these.  One for the couch, one for our bed, and one for the tour bus!  If you buy three of something then you know it’s good!”

7. LEGO Architecture Empire State Building: “I may have already picked this up for someone who I’m with all the time!  SHHH Don’t tell him!”

8. tarte aqua-gel eyeliners: ”I have these in every color.”

For more info on Kim, visit mattandkimmusic.com. And stay tuned for more unique gift guides as we feature the holiday picks of one of our friends or family members each day, all week long!

While the rest of you are enjoying a sun-soaked  Friday happy hour, I will be on a 2 hour mini road-trip to spend the weekend with my boyfriend’s parents. However, they live at the beach   My weekend getaway calls for the perfect playlist compiled of the newest hits & peppered with my favorites from all genres. It needs to be perfect for the drive, perfect for the beach & perfect for sitting on the deck while sipping a cocktail. So here are my faves! I hope you enjoy and let me know what I missed.

1. Hold Yuh–Gyptian
2. OMG (ft. will.i.am)– Usher
3. Miami, Miami– Rogue Wave
4. Alejandro– Lady GaGa
5. All Night–Damian Marley
6. All The Things That I Have Done–The Killers
7. I’m On The Rock–Mavado ft. Jay Z
8. Bulletproof– La Roux
9. Sweet Honey– Slightly Stoopid
10. Summertime–Kenny Chesney
11. Turn The Lights Down Low– Bob Marley & Lauryn Hill
12. Mandolin Moon–Sister Hazel
13. Chicken Fried– Zac Brown Band
14. Break Your Heart– Taio Cruz ft. Ludacris
15. Three Little Birds– Bob Marley

xo,

Kristin

~I’m sitting in the office listening to Alexis play an awesome mix CD and its making me want to make a new CD of my favorites. I can’t just yet though because I’;m waiting for Coldplay’s new album to come out. I hear its absolutely amazing – you can all check out some sample tracks on the Coldplay website and let me know what you think!-maria

~Does anyone besides me (and my boyfriend) want to see that new Food Network reality show, The Next Food Network Star? I need a new show to be addicted to and this seems like a good choice. I’ll happily watch anything involving food. Hope everyone had a good Memorial Day weekend!-alexis

5/27/05

~So a few years ago I stumbled on this band Rilo Kiley and got kinda into this song of theirs called Science v. Romance. It’s a bit weird, but the music is really lovely. Anyway, now they have a whole hipster-scene thing that I’m not so into, but I still think it’s really funny/awesome that the lead singer is the same girl who played Hannah in Troop Beverly Hills, a true 80s classic. (And the guitarist was Pinsky on Salute Your Shorts!) Just a random musing for today.-alexis

5/26/05

~Ok, I’ve found the perfect quick getaway! It’s a beautiful spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. I’m so there on my next girls trip!-telly

~FREEDOM!!!!!!! That’s the word that describes my weekend. Larry is going to New Orleans with his friend for a bachelor party; I have the apartment to myself!!! Some shopping, some culture, and some spa treatments will entertain me this weekend. I can’t wait! I just hope he behaves himself.-nicole

5/25/05

~I’m so excited about taking cooking and baking classes with Erica! We’re going to take intro to cooking and cake decorating classes. It’s educational, it’s fun and they serve wine – lets see if we can actually make it through the class without passing out!-maria

~I’m so looking forward to the long weekend!! I plan on playing tennis, rafting, and having a good America barbeque in our backyard…let’s hope the weather holds up!-leonie

5/24/05

~I can’t believe it but I actually LIKED Star Wars III! John literally had to drag me there on Saturday (I had visions of long lines and obnoxious Star Wars junkies in my head) and I have to admit that I really enjoyed it. For all you girly girls out there…it ain’t that bad!-heather

5/23/05

~I’m officially a GRADUATE! I can’t believe it, no more school.. I’m on the path to being an adult with coffee and my new Kate Spade Planner in hand. Now I just have to get through the ten Graduation parties I have this weekend!-erica

~Just got back from London last night-I had such a great time!! Honestly, the trip was even better than I expected..I got to see 2 friends who live over there, which was so nice. However, I am totally bummed to come back to our hacked forum!! Luckily Telly fixed it, but all our old posts are gone. I think I’m taking it the hardest-Erica is making fun of me. Oh well, onto bigger and better posts.-alexis

5/19/05

~Jeans…jeans…jeans…that’s all I can say! I desperately needed to get some new jeans for my new job here at tarte because coming from Wall Street, you couldn’t wear them to work so I didn’t have that many. After searching and searching I hit the jackpot at the Saks and Neimans outlet. My best bargain was a pair of Diesel’s for $42!! I also got a pair of Paper, Denim & Clothand a pair of Smiths. Now I just need a good tailor.-nicole

5/18/05

~I had the best weekend I’ve had in so long! A friend was visiting so we came into Manhattan to show her around and to be honest it was really the first time I spent time visiting all the different neighborhoods since moving here. We went everywhere–even Times Square! The best part–Terrance bought me a Marc Jacobs bag!! I’m thrilled…he’s the best!-leonie

~My parents just returned from their native Scotland after a two week trip and they brought me some great goodies! I love these English tea biscuits called McVitie’s Chocolate Digestives and they brought me three packages!! Yeah! (not so yeah for the diet). They also brought me a tea towel (so Scottish!) with our family tartan on it. So exciting!-heather

5/17/05

~I must say, I’m really into the Yankees right now and no, I’m not one of those fans that hates them when they lose and then jumps on the bandwagon when they win. My favorite thing to do when its nice out is go to a game, which I haven’t been able to do at all this year sigh Hopefully I can have one weekend without some type of party or family function and get one game in before September!-maria

5/16/05

~I am SUCH a dork! I love spring cleaning so much (too bad I can’t clean on a regular basis!) that I found myself reorganizing my sock drawer at 10:00 last night! However, I think what got me through is my new music obsession that I listened to ALL DAY and night which is so good I literally put the CD on repeat. Her name is Corinne West and her voice is amazing…Definitely worth checking out.-lallie

~OK, everyone has to go to the beauty buzz forum on our bulletin board and check out gossipgirl’s fun polls. I am such a nerd that I nearly wrote an essay on my favorite products (tarte & non-tarte). But we wanna hear from you guys too-check it out and post your faves.-alexis

5/13/05

~Happy Friday the 13th! I am so glad it’s Friday. I can’t wait to spend this whole weekend making home improvements. We’re pretty much spending the whole weekend shopping for finishing touches, but on Sunday we’re gonna go to the Brooklyn Museum to check out the Basquiat exhibit. He’s one of my favorite artists so I can’t wait. I’m hoping we can pick up some kind of frame-worthy print.-alexis

5/12/05

~I got two great pieces of news recently!! I am so excited! The first, my mom is coming here in two months-TO LIVE in the US! I am so happy that I can see her more often. The second, my sister-in-law just announced that she’s pregnant! She and my brother just got married six months ago! I can’t wait to see their baby.-leonie

~I’m going to Michigan this weekend! Are there any Midwesterners out there? It’ll be so nice to get out of the City and see some green grass, trees and fresh air! We’re also planning to do lots of shopping out there. They have amazing outlets. I can’t wait! I also can’t wait for Larry’s mom’s food!!-nicole

5/11/05

~I had a wonderful weekend at home in North Carolina. A group of amazing people were visiting, one of whom happened to be Wavy Gravy, a political activist for peace. Such an amazing person who has devoted his entire life to helping others… Most people know him from the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream aptly named Wavy Gravy. Unfortunately, the flavor was sent their graveyard because the Brazil nuts in it are too expensive. However, it’s currently in a list to be removed from the graveyard. Please VOTE to bring this flavor back as all the royalty money from Wavy’s name goes to his summer camp for underprivileged kids. It’s for a good cause!!-lallie

5/10/05

~My best friend has to go on a work trip to London next week and she’s allowed to bring a guest so I get to be her plus one!! I’m so excited. I love London, so I won’t even mind wandering around by myself while she’s out doing work things. We get to stay at a schmancy hotel and it’s basically just a long weekend trip…I can’t wait! The only thing I’ll be missing is my boyfriend. I wish he could come.-alexis

~ I’m so excited for this Saturday. My best friend’s sister is getting married and I get to go! I love going to weddings…I think in my next life I’ll be a wedding planner. I definitely would have talked my friend out of buying her maid of honor dress – she spent $3,000 on it!!! Can’t imagine what her actual wedding gown would cost – yikes!-maria

5/5/05

~We finally bought furniture!!!! I’m so excited! A dining room table, four chairs, a coffee table and an end table! Soon my apartment will look like a real apartment. I can actually have people over and they can eat at the table like normal human beings. I can’t wait to cook!-nicole

5/4/05

~Monday was so exciting! As most of you know we were on QVC and sold out in 8 minutes – incredible! Alexis and I were so nervous, but Maureen was awesome. It was a long day though, we didn’t get back to NY until 2 am – luckily my very wonderful boyfriend drove down here to pick me up and bring me home.-maria

5/2/05

~So my big move is coming up this Friday and I was in packing hell all weekend. You wouldn’t think one studio apartment could hold all this junk, but after 5 years (and one boyfriend with a LOT of clothes, video games & DVDs)…I guess anything is possible. I’m guessing I’ll be exhausted and cranky for the next 2 weeks or so. Should be a good time for everyone who works with me!-alexis

~I had the best weekend I think I’ve ever had. My yoga training started on Friday night and went all weekend. As intense as it was I was still so into it. So much information and now I have homework assignments! I love it so much though and feel so mentally relaxed…let’s hope I stay this way!-lallie