Tarte Mermaid Kisses Color Splash Hydrating Lipstick Set Reviews, Photos, Swatches
Mermaid Kisses
Tarte Mermaid Kisses Color Splash Hydrating Lipstick Set ($23.00 for 0.14 oz.) contains four, miniature-sized lipsticks in new, limited edition shades. I liked the touch of each shade having a different colored tube, though the tubes themselves don’t indicate the actual color, so they are just aesthetically pleasing rather than functional.
The formula is supposed to be “long-wearing,” “full coverage,” and hydrating. While Margs was a bit disappointing, it was still quite pigmented and workable; the other shades were better overall: pigmennted, hydrating, and longer wearing.
Value
A full-sized Rainforest of the Sea Lipstick retails for $21.00 and contains 0.12 oz. of product or $175.00/oz. The set contains $24.50 worth of product, so there is a little more product than you’d get normally with the real value being in trying four shades for just a bit more than the cost of a single shade. All four shades are also exclusive to the set.
Ingredients
Mermaid Kisses
LELimited Edition. $23.00.
Margs
Margs is a muted, medium rosy brown with warm undertones and a lightly glossy, cream finish. The consistency was more emollient than other shades, which resulted in a more slippery feel on the lips as well as subtle streaking along the edges and some color that gathered in my lip lines. It wore well for four hours but wore down more from the center of my mouth. The formula was moisturizing, though.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Pat McGrath 1995 (P, $38.00) is darker, cooler, less glossy (90% similar).
- Tarte Candy (LE, $20.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Jaclyn Cosmetics Fussy (DC, $18.00) is more muted (95% similar).
- Chanel Rouge Angelique (174) (P, $45.00) is less glossy (95% similar).
- Tarte Siesta (P, $21.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Laura Mercier Cinnful (P, $25.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Estee Lauder Naked Desire (P, $32.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Parker (P, $7.00) is warmer, less glossy (95% similar).
- MAC Half 'n' Half (P, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Tarte Beach Bum (P, $22.00) is darker, less glossy (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$21.00/0.12 oz. - $175.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be “long-wearing,” “full coverage,” and hydrating. The consistency has an incredibly smooth, creamy feel to it and has enough substance and thickness to it that it adheres well to the lips and usually doesn’t pull into lip lines. I felt like the formula felt slightly more emollient initially and “dried” a bit to more of a satin-to-cream finish after a few minutes (but not a true dry down, as it wasn’t transfer-resistant!).
The majority of shades were very pigmented, easy to apply, comfortable to wear with light to moderate hydration over time, and lasted between four and seven hours on me. A few of the lightest and darkest shades weren’t as pigmented or were less flattering on the lips compared to more of the medium shades. There did not seem to be any added fragrance to it (smelled slightly waxy), and I didn’t notice any taste.
Browse all of our Tarte Color Splash Hydrating Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Octyldodecanol, Polyethylene, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina/Cire Microcrystalline, Kaolin, Hydrogenated Silica, Water, Isohexadecane, Silica, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Algae Extract, Gardenia Taitensis Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Shorea Stenoptera Seed Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables, Candelilla Cera/Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Cire De Scandelilla, Cera Carnauba/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire De Carnauba, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Tribehenin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Benzyl Benzoate, Tin Oxide, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77499), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Margs
LELimited Edition. $21.00.
Soaked
Soaked is a medium-dark, rosy plum with subtle, warm undertones and a cream finish. It was intensely pigmented with a lightweight, creamy consistency that applied evenly over the lips. The lipstick pulled slightly into my lip lines over time, though I did not feel it was noticeable from a normal viewing distance. It wore well for five hours and was moisturizing.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Coloured Raine Foxy Lady (P, $17.00) is darker, cooler (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Amazing Amal (P, $37.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Tarte Island Life (P, $21.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Plum Rose (DC, $37.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury First Dance (LE, $37.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Hourglass One Time (P, $34.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Revlon Naughty Plum (P, $8.49) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Nonsense (LE, $18.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Belle (LE, $10.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Beautiful Creature (DC, $40.00) is brighter, warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$21.00/0.12 oz. - $175.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be “long-wearing,” “full coverage,” and hydrating. The consistency has an incredibly smooth, creamy feel to it and has enough substance and thickness to it that it adheres well to the lips and usually doesn’t pull into lip lines. I felt like the formula felt slightly more emollient initially and “dried” a bit to more of a satin-to-cream finish after a few minutes (but not a true dry down, as it wasn’t transfer-resistant!).
The majority of shades were very pigmented, easy to apply, comfortable to wear with light to moderate hydration over time, and lasted between four and seven hours on me. A few of the lightest and darkest shades weren’t as pigmented or were less flattering on the lips compared to more of the medium shades. There did not seem to be any added fragrance to it (smelled slightly waxy), and I didn’t notice any taste.
Browse all of our Tarte Color Splash Hydrating Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Octyldodecanol, Polyethylene, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina/Cire Microcrystalline, Kaolin, Hydrogenated Silica, Water, Isohexadecane, Silica, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Algae Extract, Gardenia Taitensis Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Shorea Stenoptera Seed Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables, Candelilla Cera/Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Cire De Candelilla, Cera Carnauba/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire De Carnauba, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Tribehenin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Benzyl Benzoate, Tin Oxide, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77499), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Soaked
LELimited Edition. $21.00.
Sandals
Sandals is a deep red with subtle, cool undertones and a satin sheen. It had nearly opaque pigmentation with a smooth, lightly creamy texture that glided across my lips easily and never dragged. The formula sat well on my lips and lasted for six hours. It also left behind a stain and was lightly hydrating over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Betty Boop Red (LE, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Dior Splendor (950) (LE, $38.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Imperial Red (DC, $37.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- YSL Rouge Audacieux (93) (P, $38.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Coloured Raine Cherry Blossom (P, $17.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Vendetta (P, $38.00) is lighter, less glossy (90% similar).
- Sephora After Hours (23) (P, $8.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Blood (LE, $7.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Pretty Vulgar Blood Flower (P, $24.00) is lighter, cooler, less glossy (90% similar).
- YSL London Sky (143) (P, $38.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$21.00/0.12 oz. - $175.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be “long-wearing,” “full coverage,” and hydrating. The consistency has an incredibly smooth, creamy feel to it and has enough substance and thickness to it that it adheres well to the lips and usually doesn’t pull into lip lines. I felt like the formula felt slightly more emollient initially and “dried” a bit to more of a satin-to-cream finish after a few minutes (but not a true dry down, as it wasn’t transfer-resistant!).
The majority of shades were very pigmented, easy to apply, comfortable to wear with light to moderate hydration over time, and lasted between four and seven hours on me. A few of the lightest and darkest shades weren’t as pigmented or were less flattering on the lips compared to more of the medium shades. There did not seem to be any added fragrance to it (smelled slightly waxy), and I didn’t notice any taste.
Browse all of our Tarte Color Splash Hydrating Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Octyldodecanol, Polyethylene, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina/Cire Microcrystalline, Kaolin, Hydrogenated Silica, Water, Isohexadecane, Silica, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Algae Extract, Gardenia Taitensis Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Shorea Stenoptera Seed Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables, Candelilla Cera/Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Cire De Candelilla, Cera Carnauba/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire De Carnauba, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Tribehenin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Benzyl Benzoate, Tin Oxide, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Mica, Red 6 (CI 15850), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Sandals
LELimited Edition. $21.00.
Jetset
Jetset is a deep, muted red with subtle, cool undertones and a natural sheen. The consistency was lightweight with moderate slip–it felt wetter as I applied it than some shades in the range but it did not slide around over time nor did it feather along my lip line. It had good pigmentation but I had trouble getting the color to adhere as evenly (or as opaquely) to the center of my lips, which has not been much of an issue with this formula in the past. This shade stayed on well for five hours, left a stain behind, and was hydrating.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NARS Eva (LE, $34.00) is darker, glossier (90% similar).
- ColourPop Wig (LE, $7.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Guerlain #94 (P, $33.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Chanel Rouge Vie (58) (P, $45.00) is lighter, more muted (90% similar).
- ColourPop Poison (P, $7.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Love Drunk (DC, $18.00) is less glossy (95% similar).
- Chanel Blast (146) (P, $45.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Perfect Score (LE, $19.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Chanel Rouge Noble (857) (LE, $45.00) is more shimmery, lighter, glossier (90% similar).
- Bite Beauty Red Velvet (DC, $24.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$21.00/0.12 oz. - $175.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to be “long-wearing,” “full coverage,” and hydrating. The consistency has an incredibly smooth, creamy feel to it and has enough substance and thickness to it that it adheres well to the lips and usually doesn’t pull into lip lines. I felt like the formula felt slightly more emollient initially and “dried” a bit to more of a satin-to-cream finish after a few minutes (but not a true dry down, as it wasn’t transfer-resistant!).
The majority of shades were very pigmented, easy to apply, comfortable to wear with light to moderate hydration over time, and lasted between four and seven hours on me. A few of the lightest and darkest shades weren’t as pigmented or were less flattering on the lips compared to more of the medium shades. There did not seem to be any added fragrance to it (smelled slightly waxy), and I didn’t notice any taste.
Browse all of our Tarte Color Splash Hydrating Lipstick swatches.
Ingredients
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Octyldodecanol, Polyethylene, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina/Cire Microcrystalline, Kaolin, Hydrogenated Silica, Water, Isohexadecane, Silica, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Algae Extract, Gardenia Taitensis Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Shorea Stenoptera Seed Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables, Candelilla Cera/Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Cire De Candelilla, Cera Carnauba/Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cire De Carnauba, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Tribehenin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Benzyl Benzoate, Tin Oxide, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Mica, Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Iron Oxides (CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
Wow! These are stunning! I would wear all for them except for soaked. I may pick this up!
What blush are you wearing?
MAKE-UP LOOK
ON FACE:
Guerlain Lingerie de Peau Foundation
Laura Mercier Loose Translucent Powder
Laura Mercier L’Amore Exotique Quad
ON EYES:
Becca Apres Ski Pa
Funny; after answering a few weeks ago that I no longer care for mini lipstick sets because I already have way too many lipsticks, I am almost definitely going to buy this one. I have wanted to try the formula but have been unable to commit to a color. I’ve had my eye on Miami Vice, which is so close to Sandals; I really like the look of Soaked, which is the kind of color I wear all the time, and I’m sure I can find a use for the other 2. Margs might work for my daughter if it’s not too brown. Nice job, Tarte!
I have this and the Urban Decay mini set in my cosmetics bag. Kind of the perfect combo of shades for anything!
Btw, thanks for all of your hard work getting through all of the holiday releases! I’m sure you’re inundated with product, Just wanted to let you know you’re work is really appreciated!
Agree; I also appreciate your work! I rely heavily on your swatches and reviews. ?
Mermaid Kisses..lol. The lipsticks look so-so…and the packaging is meh. For bowling ball colors…those would rock…not so sure about lipstick cases though.
It is kind of odd, and not really sea-like, if that was what they were going for, but the tops stick out in a sea of black, when you look down on a lot of them. They’re way easy to spot.
Oh man, while Margs isn’t my fave, I’m pretty into the set as a whole. I might get this one this week 😛
Another beautiful set of lipsticks, but I already have dupes for all of them. So I have to pass.
These all look gorgeous! Very tempting for me to buy! Hard to tell if these are more of a thick, but short bullet? Minis that are narrow are a pain to apply as my lips are on the fuller side.
They are fairly narrow like most minis.
Cute packaging, nice colors (and new ones too), and price is right! Tarte knows how to aim for the wallet with this one.
Adorable set. But I wish they included just permanent shades. I get frustrated with these mini sets in all LE shades that you can’t repurchase or recommend to anyone bc they can’t get just that shade. Like the new UD little vices set. I’m still going to buy it but I think it should’ve been just permanent shades too.
Dislike the packaging, love the colors. Soaked is my favorite.
I feel like there is a big disconnect between the packaging theme and the lipstick colors. Clear, light and bright packaging with muted and slightly deep lipsticks.
I just don’t know about that.
Had my eye on this from the getgo. Thanks for the original review. Like this formula and scored 4 already. Miami Vice, unfortunately, but Sandals can always live in the pocketbook. Kind of a no-brainer for me, but will wait for the sale. The Vice minis are decent, too.
This is a really pretty set. Tempting.
These are fabulous shades, probably wouldn’t wear the first one, but Sandals and Jetset are just divine. I love your eye look too Christine.