Tarte Lights, Camera Lashes! Mascara Review

If you haven't tried anything from Tarte, I urge you to change that as soon as possible. I have yet to be truly disappointed with anything I've tried! Tarte is a great brand, focusing on natural ingredients free of  parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, and synthetic fragrance. I always recommend this brand to people with sensitive skin, since one is most likely to NOT have a reaction with Tarte's more natural ingredients. Today's review is focusing on a popular mascara from Tarte, called Lights, Camera, Lashes!

Image from Sephora.

Tarte's claims:

• Lengthening
• Curling
• Volumizing
• "Conditioning mascara infused w/ olive esters to condition, treat, and protect lashes."
• "Clinically proven to increase the appearance of lash volume."

I have never owned a full size of this mascara, but I am on my second of two sample sizes. My most recent sample was from a Tarte set called "The Stand Outs-Limited Edition Best Sellers Kit," which contains a full size Amazonian Clay Waterproof Gel Liner in Bronze (love and highly recommend!), full size double-ended eyeliner brush (my absolute favorite for applying gel liner), full size Lipsurgence Lip Luster in Pouty (lovely color and very moisturizing!), and a sample size of Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara ALL for $24! You can still purchase this set on Tarte's website.

I find this mascara to be a very good everyday "natural-looking mascara." While it does give length, curl, and volume, it doesn't do any of those to the extreme. Don't get me wrong, I love the look of this mascara, but it's not the one I'd choose for an extreme dramatic look. It wears fairly wear throughout the day, though I do experience minor flaking and minor smudging on my brow bone (but only if it's hot or if I get sweaty). This is NOT a waterproof mascara by all means, but that's part of the reason why I like it. While I'm not sure if its condition properties are actually doing anything, I don't lose many lashes when I remove this mascara. In fact, this mascara is very easy to remove, which is probably why my lashes tolerate this mascara nicely. I enjoy this mascara most on days when I'm not wearing make up for very long, or I want a very natural looking face. Since it's so easy to remove, I don't have to bust out my hardcore make up removers! The wand is very standard as mascara wands come; nothing special, but it applies the mascara nicely. The only thing I don't like is that there's always too much product on the wand's tip, and I always have to wipe the excess product off. Otherwise, the wand builds length and volume well. This is a mascara with a wet formula, so be careful to let your lashes try a bit before blinking. Once the tube is open for a few weeks, it's not so wet anymore and it works even better! Both mini samples I've owned last a decent amount of time (the deluxe one lasted about 3-4 months, the mini sample I'm using now has been going for about 2 months). The color of the mascara is black, and only comes in black. There is a waterproof version of this mascara, called Lights, Camera, Splashes, but I have yet to try it.

Pros:

• Decent length, volume, and curl. 
• I lose less lashes when I use this mascara.
• It's easy to remove.
• Looks natural, but still lush.

Cons:

• It's not waterproof, so you may experience smudging if the weather is warm.
• It's not a mascara for "extreme" lashes.
• I do experience minor flaking, more so towards the end of the mascara's life.
• The tip of the wand has too much product, so wipe off first before using.
• It starts out as a wet formula, so make sure to let the mascara dry.

The sample size version.

The wand.

Beauty in the Breakdown:

• Brand: Tarte
• Product: A 4-in-1 clinically proven mascara. Not waterproof.
• Shade: Black
• Price: $19 for full size, mini versions available in kits.
• Where to get: Sephora, Ulta, Tarte's website
• Package Quality (out of 5 stars): ***** (I only have the sample, but no complaints.) 
• Overall Rating (out of 5 stars): **** (Very good)
• Recommend: Yes
• Repurchase: I would consider repurchasing, though I do not like buying mascaras at this price point. I'd be happy to get another in a Tarte kit!
• Side Note: Cruelty-free, more natural product
• Grade: B

Here's the mascara featured in many looks:

Maybelline Color Tattoo Review

Eye open, from Maybelline Color Tattoo Review.

Eye closed, from Maybelline Color Tattoo Review.

NYX In the Woods Eyeshadow Trio Review

Eye open, from NYX In the Woods Eyeshadow Trio Review.

Eye closed, from NYX In the Woods Eyeshadow Trio Review.

Valentine's Day Look: Simple & Girly

Eye open, from Valentine's Day Look: Simple & Girly.

Eye closed, from Valentine's Day Look: Simple & Girly.

Disclosure: This product was purchased by me for review purposes. I was not paid or compensated in any way. All opinions are my own.