Tarte Amazonian Butter Lipstick Review, Photos, Swatches
Tarte Pink Peony Amazonian Butter Lipstick
Tarte Amazonian Butter Lipstick ($16.00 for 0.10 oz.) launched recently as a “moisturizing, creamy lipstick.” They’re supposed to “add a splash of rich color and creamy shine” while delivering “intense moisture.” I’ve been testing two shades over the past couple of weeks, and it’s a decent to good formula, but it didn’t knock it out of the park for me. It really wasn’t that hydrating for me; no more than the average lipstick–just lightly hydrating–and the color and shine disappear after two hours of wear or less. If you eat or drink, good luck getting any wear out of these at all; the product just vanishes!
The texture on the lips isn’t gritty, but it’s not quite smooth… almost waxy in some ways. These were best applied on naturally healthy lips, as the consistency/texture tended to accentuate any imperfections on the lips–definitely exfoliate prior to using these. The color is buildable from sheer to semi-opaque color coverage. If a color is going to be one of those super hydrating, buttery balm-like formulas that wears away quickly, it at least needs to be ultra hydrating to make up for it, and I felt like these just stayed middle-of-the-road on all accounts. The lipsticks are packaged in cardboard containers, which may be a deal-breaker for some. They have a light mint scent, but I didn’t notice a mint taste. These looked a lot better when initially applied than they actually are in reality, unfortunately!
Pink Peony Amazonian Butter Lipstick ($16.00 for 0.10 oz.) is described as a “blushing pink.” It’s a light-medium, warm-toned pink–almost a coral-pink–with a luminous sheen. It was buildable from semi-sheer to semi-opaque color with some translucency. It lasted just under two hours on me. Givenchy Rose Taffetas (201) (P, $36.00) is pinker. Marc Jacobs Beauty Have We Met? (108) (P, $30.00) is similar. Urban Decay Fiend (P, $22.00) is darker. Urban Decay Naked (P, $22.00) is lighter. Chanel Liaison (P, $34.00) is more matte. NYX Blush (P, $4.00) is lighter. MAC Flamingo (LE, $15.00) is lighter. See comparison swatches.
Tulip Amazonian Butter Lipstick ($16.00 for 0.10 oz.) is described as a “mauve rose.” It’s a medium, warm-toned, rosy pink with a luminous sheen. It had semi-sheer to semi-opaque, buildable, color. It lasted almost two hours on me. Too Faced Coral Fire (P, $21.00) is warmer, less pink. Urban Decay Streak (P, $22.00) is slightly warmer. Urban Decay Fiend (P, $22.00) is similar. Urban Decay Rush (P, $22.00) is more mauve. Givenchy Rose Dressing (202) (P, $36.00) is brighter. MAC Grande Dame (P, $22.00) is similar. MAC Elegant Accent (P, $22.00) is pinker. Chanel Genial (LE, $34.00) is brighter. See comparison swatches.
Pink Peony
PPermanent. $16.00.
Tulip
PPermanent. $16.00.
Tarte Pink Peony Amazonian Butter Lipstick
Tarte Pink Peony Amazonian Butter Lipstick
Tarte Pink Peony Amazonian Butter Lipstick
Tarte Pink Peony Amazonian Butter Lipstick
Tarte Pink Peony Amazonian Butter Lipstick
Tarte Pink Peony Amazonian Butter Lipstick
Tarte Tulip Amazonian Butter Lipstick
Tarte Tulip Amazonian Butter Lipstick
Tarte Tulip Amazonian Butter Lipstick
Tarte Tulip Amazonian Butter Lipstick
Tarte Tulip Amazonian Butter Lipstick
Tarte Tulip Amazonian Butter Lipstick
Tarte Tulip Amazonian Butter Lipstick
it’s sad that these don’t look so great because the packaging is so pretty!
The packaging definitely catches the eye!
That’s a real shame about the formula–these look so pretty on your lips!
I know 🙁 I kept re-testing them in hopes each test was a fluke, lol!
They’re gorgeous, but I have high maintenance lips, so I might have to pass.
I picked this up in Angelic Nude recently and I wasn’t very impressed either. It definitely emphasizes any dryness or imperfections on my lips, which was such a downer. And I agree, it isn’t particularly moisturizing. I personally think Tarte’s Lipsurgences are better, though I don’t know if it’s fair to compare a lip tint to a lip butter. I was mainly interested in the lip butters for their adorable packaging and because it’s slightly more cost effective than the Lipsurgence.
You would think that the Lip Butter would be more moisturizing, though, since “butter” makes me think “super moisturizing” (which is how these are marketed) and typically tints/stains are more drying!
I definitely agree with you, Christine. Haha I actually wrote the exact same thing but deleted that sentence because I felt like my comment was way too long.
Ohh I love the packaging!! So so pretty!!
I actually like the fun and girly packaging, but if it lasts for 2 hours with NO food or drinks, well then it is really not for me! They do look great on you when they’re first applied though!
Nooo staying power, and on me, that definitely says something!
Ohh! I love these!
Wow, that’s disappointing! The packaging is so cute; it’s a shame the quality is so mediocre.
I know! I was super sad about it.
I really wish the packaging weren’t so amazing — I wouldn’t give these a second look if it weren’t for those stunning tubes.
I am so sad to read your review. I have been coveting these lipsticks because I think the packaging is adorable, but sadly I will not be purchasing.
What are your thoughts about Tarte’s formulas lately? I used to be really into Tarte about five years ago and then stopped because the quality was just NOT good. After they got into the Amazonian clay products, I saw people going crazy for their blushes, eyeliners, I am still not ready to take the plunge because I really dont remember being impressed with anything aside from their mascaras and some Lipsurgences.
Hi Cassandra,
I don’t have that much experience with Tarte, before or now – some things are nice, but in general, some of the claims are bit too much – like their blushes are very nice, but they’re not as long-wearing as they’re touted!
The blushes are really good, great colors and good application. I don’t think they last up to 10 hours though, but that’s ok because I don’t need my blush to last 10 hours lol. Their lip tints and matte lipsticks are really good too.
Too bad the formula wasn’t more impressive as all of the colors I have seen seem like perfect “My Lips But Better” shades for me. I will be passing on these.
I was really disappointed – I thought these might be a big hit, but no dice!
What a shame that you weren’t in love with these lipsticks…. the colors are gorgeous, the kind of colors I always gravitate towards. And I love Tarte, so that’s disappointing too! But as always, I totally appreciate your honest review!
– Michelle
No prob, Michelle!
Ooooh I could see this becoming my new everyday lipstick! Super pretty, but not too OTT for day time wear.
Ouch! I’ll stay with the blushes with tarte!
🙁 I love the cases.
Am I the only one who finds the packaging to be cheap? I actually don’t like it.
I suspect that if I saw one in person, I wouldn’t like it (cardboard tubes? Really?). But the picture is just SO pretty that it’s easy to imagine it’s not made of super-cheap materials.
I actually felt them in person and thats exactly what they are, cardboard tubes. No weight to them, nothing special. Not good in my opinion. True, the picture on them is pretty but thats about it. LOL
I like the colors and the price but the wear is just too disappointing. I can’t do touch ups too often at work so this just wouldn’t be ideal
Boy, am I glad I read your review! I saw the photo and fell in love. I had no idea that the adorable print packaging/tube is cardboard. That’s OK for a product for a few dollars but not for $16. And I’m disappointed that it is neither a true balm or a regular lipstick. So disappointed, but you saved me a trip to the store!
I’m right there with you, Allison! I know that more balm-like products often don’t wear as long as regular lipsticks, but this just… didn’t perform well either way!
I picked these up in Tulip and Plummy Rose last week at Sephora. I personally love them. They’re a no fuss, just swipe and go lipstick for me. I didn’t expect them to last very long on the lips though being that they are lip butters.
It’s too bad the formula is less than stellar, because these are some gorgeous colors!
Lovely shade and amazing packaging!!!
I feel like eating it.
Gorgeous shade , awesome packaging.
Perfect swatches (Y)
Both colours are something I would definitely wear frequently… in fact have a number of the dupes so not a necessary purchase. I was more interested on your take of the formula and it doesn’t sound appealing. As soon as I read ‘almost waxy’, I knew exactly what you meant. Texture plays a significant part in my lipstick choices.
I thought these were going to be a huge hit, maybe a little like Revlon’s Lip Butters, but no luck!
The packaging is so cute, but these shades really don’t excite me that much.
You make these look so amazing! I was excited and then I read the “naturally healthy lips” and exfoliating before due to these accentuating dry patches, an ongoing issue for me. I’d totally shell out for these, were it not for that huge drawback. 🙁
It’s wayyy too much prep work for something that’s supposed to help your lips be lovely and smooth and hydrated, lol!
Bummer! I usually love Tarte. The packaging is so pretty, and the price is right. I’m glad I read your review though or else I probably would have picked up a shade or two! I’d rather spend twice as much on something that’s truly to die for.
I really like the packaging, and I think the colors are really pretty. I know they only received a C+, but I think I might still like them. I’m still kind of new to lipsticks anyway, so I don’t mind less-than-awesome formulas since I’m still learning about them. I will have to keep these in mind!
You might want to try Revlon Lip Butters instead 🙂
I feel like Tarte’s recent products are a bit mediocre lately. 🙁