96% would buy this product again.
Christopher from CA
about 5 days, 6 hours ago
Please don't ever ever phase this out. I will just die! Would you buy this product again? Yes
Laura from NY
about 1 week, 5 days ago
Love this product! Evens out your skin tone and creates a gorgeous luminosity on your skin. If you have pretty good skin this might be all you need to look stunning. I have acne, some acne scars and large pores so I put a mineral foundation over it and I still see the luminosity peeking through giving me a sexy glow to my skin. An instant pick me up for dull looking skin. 5 starts all the way!
P.S. Tarte, I would give this 100 stars if you could include some SPF in there.... :) Would you buy this product again? Yes
ANGELA from IN
about 2 weeks ago
I got this in a kit I bought and absolutely love it!!! I have really oily skin, so at first I was a little nervous about trying it. I am so glad I did. I find myself using it by itself and I have noticed my skin at the end of the day isn't as oily as it use to be!!! I love everything I got in the kit, and I will be buying this product again!!! Would you buy this product again? Yes
Melissa from AZ
about 2 weeks, 2 days ago
I LOVE THIS!!!!!!! I wear it everyday. I mix it with the smooth operator and it gives me such a healthy glow. I went to ulta to try and find a sample because I wasn't sure if i would like it and i have never used an illuminating serum before. the manager told me I would not regret buying it and I do not regret it one bit if you want something to give you that healthy sun kissed glow you NEED this. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Tamara from MD
about 3 weeks, 1 day ago
If I was stranded on a desert island and could only have one product ... well, this would be it. I am in love with this product. I just turned 50 this week and thought my days of finding something that would make me go "oh my gosh" were over. This product really lives up to its name. I know the definition says 'skin brightener' but I would use the term skin refreshed. I applied this after my moisturizer and then applied the Amazonian Clay Foundation and my skin looks so clean, so fresh, so youthful. PLEASE don't ever stop making this product. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Heather from CO
about 3 weeks, 2 days ago
I loved mixing this with my Tarte Full Coverage 12-hr foundation, it looked so smooth and flawless! I love that it gives that natural look but not looking like you have nothing at all...I hope you get what I mean. Between thsi and the foundation it really helps with the reddness that is in my face. I hate my red cheeks and it really helps!
XOXO,
Heather Would you buy this product again? Yes
Hannah from VA
about 3 weeks, 4 days ago
I LOVE THIS!! Can't say enough. It makes my skin look almost perfect - I have a fairly good complexion to start with, and this makes my skin absolutely radiant. On days that I have a more splotchy look, I put this on and I'm no longer red! I use it like a foundation - but it hardly feels like one. Love love love! Would you buy this product again? Yes
Susie from CA
on 04/18/2012
I think this stuff is great. It gives a glow and not a glitter effect! It doesn't feel heavy either. Blends nicely on top of my powder foundation. I would buy this product again. Would you buy this product again? Yes
valerie from KY
on 04/03/2012
I am in love with this product....I add it to my foundation daily! It giver you a perfect healthy glow! Would you buy this product again? Yes
Kaitlyn from TX
on 03/31/2012
This stuff is amazing! It creates the most beautiful sheen on my cheekbones! It's lovely and dewy, but you can't really detect any shimmer particles. This doesn't move my foundation around when I apply it, and it works under or over foundation. It's also awesome for my sensitive skin. All of the other liquid or cream highlighters I have tried break me out with tiny bumps on my cheekbones, but this one doesn't! I LOVE Tarte! :D Would you buy this product again? Yes
melinda from NJ
on 03/29/2012
I love the way this product makes my skin look! Would you buy this product again? Yes
kelly from PA
on 03/23/2012
my favorite! Love this! Gives me just enough "radiance" without looking too much. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Blair from MO
on 03/21/2012
this is a great highlighter, no glitter, but gives you the perfect natural glow. over time the oils in the tube separate and it needs to be shaken up, which is why it lost a couple stars from me. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Christopher from CA
on 03/20/2012
plase dont phase this out. This is a lifechanger! Dont phase this out! If you do, people will die! Would you buy this product again? Yes
rebecca from CT
on 03/15/2012
Had to give it one star because it seperates and really grosses me out :( I would not buy again. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Vanessa from IL
on 03/11/2012
This illuminating serum is great! It gives my face an amazing finishing glow! Would you buy this product again? Yes
trina from CA
on 03/07/2012
I just bought this and the amazonian clay 12 hour foundation, and omg.. I am never using anything else again!
I do think that these two products should be used together.. For me, the foundation dries to a smooth powdery finish, but looks that much more amazing with the serum.. My skin really does glow when I use these together. I've also just used the serum, with the finishing powder when I'm not wanting foundation, and it also looks amazing.
My skin has cleared up tremendously since I've been using these products, and it's only been barely a week.
I'm amazed and grateful to have found this product.. thank you Tarte!
I just wish I knew which blush to buy now! I will be buying the finishing powder in bronze and blush.. I wish that Tarte made a sample palette of their blushes, or sold a few different colors together in try it sizes.. let us pick three colors we want to try for the same price as one big color or something like that.. think about it Tarte, it's genius! :) Would you buy this product again? Yes
Christina from KS
on 03/06/2012
I love this product :) At first when I put it on I was like hmmm I don't really see a difference. As it does blend well in the skin. But I finished the rest of my routine and went out. For the next few days of wearing it I kept asking what I had done different as my face looked so fresh and bright. I even had them ask me if I perhaps was pregnant because it was almost like I was glowing.
I love that it give a little bit extra without being over powering and all glittering like I put glitter on my face. It's a perfect touch for the summer or just something to throw on quick on the days you feel like not really put much on your face at all.. going natural for the day. I think it does the trick, however, if you are looking for something that looks like glitter I think you may be a bit disappointed in it, but if you want something that just makes your skin look glowing and naturally beautiful I say it is a perfect touch to add :) Would you buy this product again? Yes
Heather from CA
on 03/03/2012
I don't use this all the time, but when I do it gives me a nice light touch of shimmer and helps to give your skin a glow. It's not too shiny and its light. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Mary from WA
on 03/02/2012
Yowza! I received this as a sample with my last order, because I am a devoted Tartelette! I don't usually use primers, because the ingredients in other primers cause problems with my skin. This is a fantastic primer! It helped to brighten my skin and give it a nice luminous NOT sparkly glow. It's moisturizing, but NOT greasy, which is great because I have combination skin. It's out of stock right now (boo hoo!) but I will definitely be purchasing this when the supplies are replenished. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Ashley from FL
on 02/18/2012
I am absolutely in love! I suffer from rosacea and have been looking for something to calm the redness of my skin. I also have combination skin, and most neutralizing products make my skin much more oily. I tried this product because I heard a lot of great reviews, and instantly loved it! Not only did it help my cheeks look normal, but it helped control the oils on my skin, and it gives me a gorgeous glow under my foundation! I will definitely continue to use this product and I highly recommend it for anyone who is looking for a natural, healthy glow. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Lauren from CA
on 02/09/2012
This might be my absolute favorite Tarte product. Since I started wearing it, multiple acquaintances have said, "Wow, your skin looks great! What's your secret?" Now, to be clear, I do NOT have great skin! I am in my early 30s and have struggled since my teen years with acne. So to get compliments on my "glowing" skin was quite an adjustment for me, but with this product, my skin does have that "inner glow" that other reviewers have mentioned. It looks fresh, youthful, and bright.
//
However, this is not a full-coverage product. I would liken it to a tinted moisturizer, though I don't think it is explicitly a moisturizing product. Relatedly, I do think "illuminating serum" is a misnomer for this product -- it is like a light-coverage foundation that provides a glow. ("Serum" to me implies something, well, serum-y, and this is more like a light-weight moisturizing cream in terms of texture.)
//
I wear it underneath my foundation as a base layer (in place of primer). In the winter, I also use a moisturizer (Origins Zero Oil), so I am applying moisturizer, then the illuminating serum, then a foundation, then Tarte's Amazonian clay translucent finishing powder. Like another reviewer above, I also pair it with Korres Wild Rose Foundation, but I have not had any problem with either product "running." I give the illuminating serum a few minutes to absorb into the skin before I apply the Korres foundation on top of it.
//
I have relatively pale skin (not the lightest, but usually the second-lightest foundation shade) with redness issues. I also tend to have combination skin (oily in the t-zone and dry elsewhere). When I wear this product and finish it with the Amazonian clay translucent powder, my skin stays simultaneously matte (i.e., not oily) and glowing all day long. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Amanda from TX
on 02/07/2012
This really is an amazing product. It gives me a soft, glowing luminescence. Adding a pea size amount to any of my tarte foundation routines is just enough to get that glowing look. I can sometimes be oily so I set it with the Amazonian Clay finishing powder. You can also apply it straight to highlight areas of your face. I agree that it must be shaken before use. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Kathleen from CA
on 02/02/2012
Oh my goodness! This Serum is seriously the best thing ever! I have very oily to combination skin that is acne prone and it's hard to find great products (not just make up but skin care) that don't break me out. This is awesome! I put it on in the morning after I cleansed my face and put a TINY bit of argan oil on. Then just enough of this serum on to cover my face with a thin layer.. I wait a few minutes and continue with my make up. And this bad boy is bullet proof! It keeps my oily skin tame, makes my winter dry cheeks moisturized and it makes my long wear foundation so much more flawless. Great job Tarte, I can't tell you guys enough how grateful I am that you all work so hard to make natural and green products! I will not be without this! :) Would you buy this product again? Yes
Jennifer from PA
on 01/30/2012
I love this, I mix it with the Amazonian Clay foundation to balance the color and for a bit more sheer coverage and it works so well! My skin has done a 360 since I started using the Amazonian Clay foundation and this it's amazing! On weekends I am now able to wear this alone if I am going low key, it's fantastic! Would you buy this product again? Yes
Lauralee from CA
on 01/28/2012
I love this product. I got it as a deluxe sample and I can't wait to buy the full sized version. I use the illuminating serum on days I do not want to wear makeup and still want to look pretty and glowy. It gives me a very dewy look. It also hydrates my skin all day. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because it tends to separate in the tube. I'm sure it's easier to shake up the big tube but the deluxe sample size is too small to do so. So the shine comes out before the lotion in a big goopy mess. That's my only complaint.
But if you are looking for a beautiful glowing complexion without makeup this product is for you! Quite wonderful! Would you buy this product again? Yes
Sarah from MA
on 01/27/2012
I'm obsessed - I bought it when it first came out and then again in a QVC set when the Amazonian Clay version came out. One tube lasts a long time, so you can tell how much I must use! I apply it with the Airbrush Foundation Brush after I mix it with tinted moisturizer or even just by itself (I always set it with a loose translucent powder, though). It's also great around the eye area on a low-maintenance day when you don't want/need undereye concealer - it brightens up the area very naturally. I also started using it when I was having a lot of acne problems and continue to use it now that those problems have cleared up - and it's proof that the Amazonian Clay works for both acne-prone and normal/combination skin! Thanks, tarte :) Would you buy this product again? Yes
Danielle from TX
on 01/22/2012
Have gotten compliments when I wear this. Sometimes I wear it by itself with nothing on top or under my makeup as a primer. Know that you may have to shake it because it might separate a little or at least you might get a lot of shimmer in one application if you don't shake it. But that's just when I was nearing the last 1/4 of what was left in the container.
I don't have to use much and it's lasted me a long time! Love this product! Would you buy this product again? Yes
Natasha from PA
on 01/21/2012
I use this in place of tinted moisturizer. I got a deluxe mini sample and I used that over two weeks while traveling. I loved this and I'm looking forward to my actual tinted moisturizer from another brand to run out so I can go out an purchase a full size of this! Would you buy this product again? Yes
pretty amazing stuff - I have a shiny forehead, crater-size pores on my cheeks, and oily eyelids that refuse to hold eyeshadow for more than a minute. after buffing this product on with a makeup sponge, I noticed that my skin looked smooth, even, balanced, and "lit-from-within!" AND my eyeshadow/eyeliner didn't smudge AT ALL Would you buy this product again? Yes
Rene from CA
on 01/13/2012
This wears amazingly well. It is the only primer I have used that improves my skin. You can wear it with any tarte or nontarte products and it still works. :D Would you buy this product again? Yes
Jaclyn from NJ
on 01/06/2012
I am very fair skinned so this proved to be a bit dark for me, especially after applying mineral powder in 04 over it, my face was a different darker shade than the rest of my neck. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE come out with a lighter for us vampire pale girls shade so I can still have beaming skin without a darker face than neck. Other than that overall great product Would you buy this product again? Yes
Elaine from FL
on 01/04/2012
This is probably going to last me a long time as I only use a little bit at a time. I find I have to shake it up because the product can separate out in the tube. My favorite way to use it is on my eyelids when I just want a natural look for my fair complexion. I've gotten compliments without anyone knowing I was putting this on my lids, a little on my cheeks & agent 12 smooth operator tinted moisturizer on my face. Others have said my complexion is glowing! Oh yes, a little true love cheek stain completes that natural look :) Would you buy this product again? Yes
Emmah from NJ
on 12/06/2011
Two words... AWE-SOME!!! Ahaha I love this stuff it makes my skin glow and it's sooo pretty on all skin tones! Would you buy this product again? Yes
Caroline from NC
on 11/28/2011
I love mixing this with the amazonian tinted moisturizer! It gives the perfect dewy finish, not greasy! I have oily skin and still find this combination keeps my skin looking awesome and flawless! LOVE this stuff! Would you buy this product again? Yes
Janie from CA
on 11/26/2011
This is def something you want to use on your lazy day! Even though this was a slippery little fellow who liked to rub off on my clothes, i still consider it a win. Would you buy this product again? Yes
heather from PA
on 11/23/2011
This sheer coverage product adds a great glow. I give it 4.5 stars only because I feel it is a little greasy feeling when applied. I find it works best when combined with another tinted moisturizer. It cuts on the shimmer and adds depth to other products which lack luster.
Would you buy this product again? Yes
Kyra from TX
on 11/02/2011
I wanted to love this product, but I don't care for how greasy it is. It does give a lovely shimmer, but the product separates in the tube and can leak out gloopily. Also, I experienced separation of my makeup on my face when I used this, so I've gone back to the powder highlighter, even though I have dry skin and was hoping this would work for me. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Susan from MI
on 10/20/2011
I initially found it difficult to figure out what to do with this product. It really seems more like a tinted moisturizer. It actually blends better with my skintone (more pink) than the Tarte TM color choices. I have combo skin and in the summer, this did make my T-zone a bit oily, but overall, I was impressed that I could use it together with a powder like Smashbox Halo and have decent coverage. I think using this product together with a foundation might be a bit much unless you have very dry skin. I prefer a more matte look on my face so the jury is out on the repurchase. But, if you want a dewy look and don't need full coverage, this is a good choice. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Karin from FL
on 10/14/2011
I love to mix this in with my foundation. It gives my skin a pretty, dewy finish. On days I don't want to wear foundation, I mix a bit in with my moisturizer. It makes my skin look a little brighter! Would you buy this product again? Yes
Michele from WI
on 10/13/2011
I really like this product. I mix a little with my Amazonian Clay foundation for a nice radiant glow all over. Sometimes I'll put a little on my cheeckbones for a highlight. Doesn't make my face oily or breakout. Very subtle...not glittery at all. Just a slight shimmer to give a dewy look. Would you buy this product again? Yes
KRISTA from AZ
on 10/11/2011
This product is amazing! I am a recent convert to Tarte and love it. I had tried all of the high end department store brands, then all of the fancy "mineral" brands and was still having breakouts and dull greasy skin by the end of the day. One day I went in to Ulta at the end of my rope and the employee there gave me a Tarte makeover and Ive been cured ever since. I love this stuff!! My skin is so much healthier. I have super sensitive skin and eyes and I have had no problem with any of the Tarte products. This Smooth Operator Serum is one of the best, you can feel it working, it is invigorating. It really does make your skin illuminating. It has also helped minimize the red spots left over from my previous acne which is pretty much gone now thanks to Tarte. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Aida from AL
on 10/04/2011
I love this product! I've been using it every day since I bought it a couple of weeks ago. My complexion looks wonderful. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Melissa from OH
on 09/21/2011
Skin looks healthier, instant and long term results!!! I would recommend this product to any woman, including those with sensitive skin!!! Would you buy this product again? Yes
Lisa from CO
on 08/26/2011
I have been using this product for 2 weeks now and it's actually improving my skin - I love it! Would you buy this product again? Yes
Jennifer from MN
on 08/18/2011
Gorgeous on its own! Gives my skin a lit-from-within glow. You can also top it off with powder for a more polished, work-friendly look that lasts and lasts. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Teasha from PA
on 08/18/2011
I jumped the gun on my initial review of this product. I should have waited until I was using it for a while. At first I liked it, but then I thought it gave me a pimple. I was done after the pimple, gave it to my mom. She was so in love with it that she gave me some of mine in a small sample holding container. I used it again, and I love it. I actually ordered another one since I do not have the heart to take my first back. I rarely buy the same product twice, besides tarte for some reason. I have not found anything even remotely close to this product. There are other liquid shimmer products, but they are high on the shimmer. Some make you look like a glitter bomb blew up all over your face. This one never ever does that. It is soft and very very natural looking on the skin. The best if you do not think you like shimmer or have not found a shimmer you love. I am Agent 00-Agent 00 mixed with Agent 04 in the summer time. I have tried using it as a foundation. Not so much on me. If you wear Agent 04 to the tan foundation colors, you could wear this all over as a foundation. Deeper toned African American skin to ultra fair English/Irish skin might not love it as an all over. It will fit every one else because it goes on pretty sheer, but also has enough coverage that it covers redness. I personally use it as a highlighter on the tip of my nose, cheek bones, tip of chin, brow bone. On days my skin is dull and ruddy, it is great mixed into my foundation. Great tarte product. My reason for docking a star, wish it came in two more color options. One for deep skin tones and one for ultra fair skin tones. Would love a light light gold and a deep coppery color. I would say this is a mix of those tones, almost a light bronze finish similar to PAP. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Deborah from FL
on 08/18/2011
This gives a nice glow with just the right amount of shimmer. I found because I have oily skin a very small amount works best for me. Another great product from Tarte. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Anne from WI
on 08/16/2011
I use this as a highlighter on my upper cheeks, gives a nice glow. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Jennifer from NJ
on 08/15/2011
This is a great product, for sure. It minimizes the look of pores, and adds an illumination to the skin without the use of glitter, sparkles or shimmer. I have dry/older skin, and have found that I really need to moisturize my skin in the dry areas, before applying most of the amazonian clay cosmetics, as they seem to be a little drying on my already dry skin. Of course, I'd rather have this, than something that clogs my pores and makes me break out!
This illuminating serum is fabulous if you want a quick out the door face, just apply all over to even out and illuminate your face! Your skin will be nice and smooth, for sure! Wonderful packaging great product!!!! Would you buy this product again? Yes
Stefanie from NJ
on 08/12/2011
I love this product it is so amazing. I'm using it as my tinted moisturizer and I put it on and I am done. It makes my face look even and leaves it with a gorgeous glow. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Nicole from WI
on 08/10/2011
This doesn't work on me as an all-over face product because I find it just a bit too shimmery for my tastes, but it works great as a highlighter/illuminator. I like to apply it as a last step after foundation and powder to my cheekbones, browbones, and nose and it adds a healthy subtle glow to my skin. The formula is easy to blend and looks very natural over foundation. Would you buy this product again? Yes
HANADI from IL
on 07/26/2011
I've been using it for a while. Im pleased with the product. I wear it alone with mascara, concealer and blissful cheekstain. I've also worn it under foundation, I prefer it under tinted moisturizer and before primer, thats when it looks the best. Would you buy this product again? Yes
I tried a sample of this from my local distributor. At first, I loved it, but than my forhead became more shiney and greasy looking than usual. It is a tough thing for oily prone skinned people to use, but at the same time, I love the overall idea of it and may give it another shot in the future. (I may try using a powder over it in the oily areas. It has nice, light coverage and does give you a subtle glow. Not a lot of coverage though, so if you have acne scared like me, it may not be enough. I do recommend it mroe for days when you are looking to have lighter, more natural coverage or take a make-up hiatus. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Margaret from NE
on 07/17/2011
I was pretty skeptical about the supposed benefits of all these new Tarte products with Amazonian Clay. But since I was looking for a serum to brighten my skin and my curiousity got the better of me, I gave this product a try. I was delighted to find out that it really does do what it promises. And that's not even mentioning the fact that you only have to use very little of this product to reap all the benefits. Because you only have to use a little of it, the bottle lasts a very long time, so it ends up being a good value. It's the perfect way to get a beautiful glow on days you don't wear makeup: I apply it very sparingly to my T-zone and chin (any more in those areas and they look too shiny) and then more liberally to my cheeks and eyelids for a beautiful shimmery glow that looks natural and is ideal for summer. When I wear makeup, this serum is the perfect brightening primer. The only not-so-great thing about this product is that it is sort of a tan/bronze color, so I have to be careful and take time to blend it very thoroughly so it doesn't look too unnatural on my super fair skin.
I was especially skeptical about the product description's claim that this product is equally beneficial for both dry skin and oily skin. But I have combination skin that is oily in the t-zone but dry on my cheeks, and I must say, that claim really is true. This serum helps keep my oily spots less shiny and helps lock in moisture on my dry spots. This product is SO worth the price, and I would recommend it to anybody.
Would you buy this product again? Yes
Lauren from OH
on 07/13/2011
LOVE LOVE LOVE! I use this everyday under my mineral makeup. A little goes a long way! perfection! Would you buy this product again? Yes
Sarah from NY
on 07/11/2011
I was skeptical about this product and avoided using a sample i had because it looked pretty shimmery in the tube and I worried it would make my skin look oily. I finally tried it last week and regret waiting so long! It did a better job masking dark circles under my eyes and visible pores on my nose than any concealer or foundation I've tried so far. Also, it really does "illuminate" my face without making it oily, shiny, or sparkly. I'm in love with this stuff and will definitely be buying more when my sample runs out! Would you buy this product again? Yes
Tammy from CT
on 07/04/2011
Makes my skin look great, and I haven't noticed any break outs ( my skin is sensitive to new products). I love love love this product. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Karen from OH
on 07/03/2011
With foundation or alone.....this product is awesome...give's you a little glow and helps your skin look highlighted and dewey....I will be back for more Would you buy this product again? Yes
diane from NY
on 07/02/2011
I used this serum both as a primer and also mixed with the amazonian clay foundation in my hand before applying ony my face and was pleased with the results both ways. As a primer, it helped even out my skin tone and my foundation stood on longer. When I mixed it with the foundation, my skin had a really nice luminosity to it. I was "glowing" and a patient even complimented my complexion at work. Would you buy this product again? Yes
jenny from NV
on 06/11/2011
adds a glow great!! Would you buy this product again? Yes
Shiyi from MA
on 06/01/2011
Great product that makes your skin glow! I tend to have oily skin with occasional breakouts, and this stuff is amazing -- it calms and balances my skin tone, and makes my skin look great throughout the day. The only suggestion I would have in applying it is that if you only want light coverage, it might be easier to apply if your skin isn't completely dry -- I usually put it on right after my toner. I have medium skin with yellow undertones and the product blends well. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Rebeca from TX
on 05/28/2011
I liked this product because it is a great base for foundation or for powder alone. It leaves a small hint of shimmer and was I was expecting a little bit more. It does smooth out the surface and prepares it for the other products. I have used it together with the smooth operator and I found it help stay on for a longer period of time. Where I live is hot and humid and this help my foundation stay on and I felt my skin smoother and used less product. My skin did not break out like and that's a plus. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Celina from WA
on 05/12/2011
I really wanted to like this, but was disappointed.
- Although the product looks dark coming out of the tube, the color disappears (leaving subtle shimmer) when smoothed onto the skin. The serum does not even out skintone or provide any coverage. Contrary to what other reviewers have said, this serum is nothing like the Smooth Operator Tinted Moisturizer.
- When applied to clean skin and worn alone, my face looked oily. Pores on my nose and dry patches were emphasized.
- I tried using this in 2 different ways with my makeup: 1) When used directly on the skin, prior to liquid foundation, any "glow" effects were masked by the makeup. 2) When mixed in with my foundation, my face appeared oily and washed out.
I have medium skin and perhaps this product is more effective for lighter skin tones. Would you buy this product again? Yes
nichole from OH
on 05/09/2011
I absolutely LOVE this product! It is the perfect substitute for foundation during the day. It gives your skin a completely natural looking glow especially in the sun. I have oily skin and this product leaves me oil free all day! It's amazing! It is also very lightweight. This product is def worth the price and it lasts a long time, you only need a very small amount. I can easily say this is the best product I have ever purchased! Would you buy this product again? Yes
Erika from TX
on 05/05/2011
I bought this because I was curious to see just what exactly this product would do. I've read many reviews that describe this as being "shimmery" and "brightening", yet when I tried it on in Ulta, it literally looked like I had nothing on my skin. I couldn't tell a difference between my bare skin and skin with the serum. But, when I received an email from Tarte.com about a 30% off sale, I decided I would buy it and try it out for a few days, anyway. After all, I love all of the other (many) Tarte products I have in my makeup case. I thought to myself, I should give this one a chance. After anxiously waiting over the weekend, my package arrived with all of my new Tarte goodies. I mean, with 30% off, I couldn't help but to stock up on the super soft vitamin lip gloss... and try a few more new products! I decided to forego my regular moisturizer and ReCreate primer coat, but instead used the serum alone - just to see what would happen. Surely after a few minutes of application my skin looked brighter. So far so good. Then I applied Smooth Operator in 06 "veil" (also a new purchase and first-time try), and dusted Smashbox Halo powder over my T-zone. (I do have provocateur powder in Light, but I prefer to use it without smooth op because it gives such awesome coverage and I don't want to waste it over other makeup.) I have to say, my skin looked fabulous! The color matches my skin perfectly and takes out any tones of red (which I have a lot of around my nose and on my forehead). It was about 5 hours later that I noticed an oily sheen (typical for me, but I was surprised because I had no moisturizer or primer on, so I expected this sooner). I dusted some (also new) micronized clay finishing powder over my face, and voila! The shine was gone. My skin looked like I had just applied a fresh coat of makeup, no cakeiness, and completely natural looking. I was really impressed. Today I'll try the serum with my regular moisturizer and the primer, and I'll use the clay finishing powder instead of Halo, as well, to see if that helps or hinders my oily skin. Tomorrow, maybe just the serum and finishing powder, to see how it looks as a natural look? As for now, I'm pleased with the product and would recommend it as a wonderful addition to daily routine under makeup. Would you buy this product again? Yes
marilyn from FL
on 05/04/2011
I love this product. of course it does not cover like a foundation but it gives you a glow.
my skin looks amazing after applying. it feels light,not cakey. It's awesome Would you buy this product again? Yes
Michele from CA
on 04/25/2011
I usually only use tarte's tinted sunscreen (in place of foundation), but for days that I want a more "finished" look, using smooth operator with it is perfect! I don't feel suffocated or too made up, and yet I look very polished. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Sarah from TX
on 04/15/2011
I wear this blended with the tinted moisturizer for a little bit more color and coverage and I love the effect. It has a faint tint to it, so it can also be worn alone for a nice subtle effect. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Donna from AR
on 04/13/2011
I had no idea this product would make such a differance!! It is amazing!! I'll use it from now on, knowing my complexion is so much prettier and skin is so much healthier. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Lauren from WA
on 04/10/2011
LOVELOVELOVELOVELOVE! Great glow, great finish. Worth the money! Would you buy this product again? Yes
Janice from KY
on 04/09/2011
Goes on smooth...Love this!!! Would you buy this product again? Yes
Teasha from PA
on 04/01/2011
This makes your skin look so soft and smooth. I like to mix the tiniest bit in with my amazonian clay foundation, just gives a lit from withing appearance...a lovely glow to the skin. I cannot wait until summer nights. This looks great on the body too, but beware of white clothes. I am very breakout prone and I did get a pimple after using this, but may have been hormonal. Normally if a product makes me break out, it is one the first day and five to ten the second day. I only had the one. I love it as a highlighter over foundation too. This is not a good match to mineral foundations but looks great with liquid. If you are getting older and your skin no longer has that glow of youth, try this. Do not fear the shimmer, it is ever so slight and it just looks youthful and pretty...very natural which is one of my reasons for loving tarte. I personally will not buy this again, I prefer a powder on my face. Plus powder is easier to apply to the neck chest and arms. I did pass this on to my fifties plus mother. She is not very receptive to new beauty products, but I insisted she try it...she loves it and uses it every day now. She will buy it when she is out. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Jennifer from TN
on 04/01/2011
I love, love, love my illuminating serum!!! I look illuminated from within, no sparkles, no glitter!! I love that I can wear this with or without foundation and still look very pulled together!!!! It only takes a very small amount and I always shake mine before I open it just to make sure the product is mixed ... I shake everything before I open it, lol, I used to work in the medical field, creature of habit I guess, lol! Anyway, ladies u will absolutely LOVE this!! Try it!!! Would you buy this product again? Yes
Michelle from CA
on 03/22/2011
I really want to award this product more stars since it performed beautifully in the begining. My disappointment began about a month after using it when it became very seperated - now when I open the top oil looking serum comes out 1st, followed by the separated lotion. Before it separated I fell in love with this product - 5 stars - it is the highlighter I've only dreamed about. It's not shiny in an odd way but rather leaves a dewy glow and blends in so effortlessly. Summer was going to be all about sunscreen, concealer, and this product but now it doesn't absorb they way it did before and it's a hassle to use it. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Nicole from CA
on 03/21/2011
I love this product because it is so versatile... I use it alone if I want just a little glow. Most of the time I mix it with my smooth operator. I also just picked up the tarte amazonian clay full coverage foundation on QVC and I'm looking forward to mixing it with that as well. Thanks again for an amazing product!!! Would you buy this product again? Yes
Kathryn from OR
on 03/17/2011
I love this product, one of my best recent purchases from Sephora. It's moisturizing, it makes the facial skin feel soft and supple and perfect. I love the fact that this stuff doesn't cause any irritation or breakouts on the skin whatsoever, leaves it feeling amazing, and offers extremely subtle glow while making the skin look smooth... No glitter, nothing sparkly.. Very gentle and subtle, my skin eats it up! Would you buy this product again? Yes
Kecia from GA
on 03/17/2011
I love this! I wear this alone and my skin is beautiful. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Michelle from TX
on 03/14/2011
I got a sample of this from my local Sephora. This product is incredible. It has made my makeup last all day and is not at all greasy. Very few products live up to their billing; this is one of them.
Incidentally, I picked up the Tarte TSV (on an early promotional) and combined the Amazonian clay illuminating serum with the Amazonian clay full coverage foundation with the TSV (laying the serum first and then the foundation). Yesterday was a rather warm one down here in the South Texas hinterland. I put this on at noon and by 11PM I still had great looking makeup. Prior to wearing this product in conjunction with the TSV foundation, I had been wearing it with my mineral makeup foundation and experienced no adverse effects. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Angie from AZ
on 03/03/2011
I love how "smooth operator" lightly illuminates my face without an artificial glittery appearance and especially how it does not clog my pores! And it absorbs nicely without feeling greasy or heavy! Would you buy this product again? Yes
Kathryn from NJ
on 02/21/2011
this product is wonderful i use it under my foundation and it makes my skin look so much better even after removing my makeup Would you buy this product again? Yes
dana from AL
on 02/20/2011
Oh My! What a great product. I often have patchy combination skin and have tried many products to banish the dull dry skin that winter brings. This product is moisturizing and illuminating. I layer it under and over the tinted moisturizer and it is so great. Thank you tarte for such a great product. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Estelle from WA
on 02/18/2011
As a professional makeup artist and model,I am always looking for a natural glow from within,,,,and this PRODUCT IS IT!!!! so amazing under foundation and truly makes u glow. As well it hydrates your skin and makes it feel smoothier. I would HIGHLY HIGHLY suggest this product and every photoshoot from here on out with be with this luminizer. This with the Smooth Operator foundation is a perfect match to perfect skin! Would you buy this product again? Yes
marianne from PA
on 02/16/2011
I am 54 and have good skin.
I apply this before or my favorite liquid foundation OR after my foundation and apply on the high points of the face, it gives me a glowy healthy look without that fake ultra shimmery look most luminizers have.
For me, this is best used applied after foundation in my opinion to enhance cheekbones and lighten up the whole face, it shows up more...underneath it's a nice gentle lit from within look, very mild look under makeup.
I am light skinned this is a nice beigy-neutral.
Perfection! it is light as air once on skin and dries fast, trust me I own the highest end products in luminizers but now reach for this...and one other I like...but have tried them all.
I do not sue these as foundations - some do...but if you want a healthy no overkill glow try it.
Now if you want to look like a disco ball it is not for you.
Thanks Tarte for zero glitter!
M.
Would you buy this product again? Yes
Sarah from WA
on 02/15/2011
I'm not in love with this product but I do like it. I have very fair skin and rosacea. I have trouble finding a light colored foundation that covers redness and isn't too dark. I currently have Korres wild rose foundation in the lightest shade (still too dark) for normal days and Clinique redness solutions foundation for the really red days. I use this illuminator with my foundation (mixed in or over). It helps to lighten the color to make it more closely match my actual skin tone. It really brightens my face. I haven't noticed any drying or added moisture for that fact. It just kind of keeps it balanced (like it says it's supposed to). I haven't had any bad reactions to it and there is really nothing wrong with it. It just didn't really WOW me. It's a small bottle for a lot of money, but you don't need much so it should last (like most all Tarte's products). It's pretty light which cuts down the thickness of the Clinique foundation but can make the Korres foundation a bit too runny. I like that it goes on smoothly. I would buy it again. I haven't been using it long enough to notice long term benefits. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Karen from OH
on 02/13/2011
i first must say that I have been a loyal tarte shopper for some years now for all of my cosmetics except for eyeliner (urban decay has awesome colors that stay put) I was really excited by this product, i already use the smooth operator, this had gold on it and it mentioned the am... clay, thought it would be the smooth operator just better. Well I should have known by the fact that there were no shade selections that it would literally look like i am rubbing clay on my face/ shimmering brown/orange. I am sure it looks nice on ppl that do not use agent 00 in the smooth operator. I am still working/playing with it to achieve the results i want. But i was definitely disappointed. Would you buy this product again? Yes
Dana from CA
on 02/05/2011
my newest favorite :) i'm using this as a tinted moisturizer. it gives just the right amount of glow without too much shimmer. love it. Would you buy this product again? Yes
MARINA from VA
on 01/26/2011
it makes my skin look perfect and nude w/o any makeup on - and it looks great on top of all of my different moisturizers Would you buy this product again? Yes
sara from NY
on 01/16/2011
this is such a nice illuminator. it doesn't have glitter in it which I love because glitter just doesn't look natural. it just makes your face look like its glowing naturally from within. I mix a little with my tinted moisturizer and it looks gorgeous. Would you buy this product again? Yes
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