Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Vol. 3 Eyeshadow Palette Review, Photos, Swatches
Rainforest of the Sea Vol. 3
Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Vol. 3 Eyeshadow Palette ($36.00 for 0.40 oz.) includes nine warm-toned, neutral eyeshadows with all but one being highly shimmery/metallic in finish. As the majority of shades were packed with shimmer, most of them appeared lighter in practice than they looked in their respective pans.
Of the three volumes released thus far, the formula in Vol. 3 is incredibly dense and contains rather chunky sparkle. It was harder to work with and would be better used with a slightly dampened brush, which helped to smooth and spread the eyeshadows, or else applied with fingertips, where the warmth of the fingertip seemed to help make the eyeshadows more maneuverable (which the brand recommended). Fingertips were good for spreading the product over the lid, but it seemed to waste a lot of product as it did not transfer as much product onto the lid as with a brush (it was stuck to the fingertip). With this type of denser formulation, I tend to use flat, synthetic brushes (like MAC 242), which I find does a better job of picking up and applying the formula than very soft brushes.
The formula was a lot less versatile, and the shade range was more limited here–the palette’s composition seemed lacking in contrast–and will be most suitable for someone who likes very shimmery, light neutrals and likes this type of dense formula.
Ingredients
Mica, octyldodecyl stearoyl stearate, talc, kaolin, dimethicone, zinc stearate, cetyl dimethicone, bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2, pentylene glycol, caprylyl glycol, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, sorbitan sesquiisostearate, sodium dehydroacetate, algae extract, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, gardenia tahitensis flower extract, tocopherol. (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), ultramarines (CI 77007), iron oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).
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.
Rainforest of the Sea Vol. 3
LELimited Edition. $36.00.
Escape
Escape is a light, golden beige with warm undertones and a sparkling, metallic finish. It had good color payoff with a firmer, denser consistency that was harder to spread and blend across the lid. The eyeshadow lasted for eight hours but had minor fallout over time.
Top Dupes
- MAC Warm Wash #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- KVD Beauty Galore (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- YSL Indie Jasper #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Sephora Satin Corset (281) (P, $9.00) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury The Rebel #1 (DC, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- MAC Just Gleaming (PiP, $20.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Anastasia Vermeer (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Hourglass Exposure #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Galactic Glow (LE, $25.00) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- MAC Vanilla Diamond (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
Ingredients
Mica, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Talc, Zinc Stearate, Kaolin, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Cetyl Dimethicone, Diisostearyl Malate, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Gardenia Taitensis Flower, Algae Extract, Tocopherol. May Contain (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Ultramarines (CI 77007).
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.
Escape
LELimited Edition.
Tiki
Tiki is a light beige with warm, yellow undertones and a satin finish. The texture was dense, smooth, and firm in the pan, but this shade was fairly easy to work with and had good pigmentation. It started to fade on me after eight hours of wear.
Top Dupes
- Tarte Just Malt Away (LE, ) is brighter (95% similar).
- Anastasia Lace (P, $12.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Makeup Atelier Natural Chestnut #3 (P, ) is darker (95% similar).
- NARS Lady Killer (DC, $25.00) is darker (95% similar).
- NARS Nassau (DC, $25.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Viseart Honoree (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Sephora Secret Boudoir (DC, $10.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- theBalm #24 (P, $6.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Tarte Simple Life (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Tarte Rock On (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
Ingredients
Mica, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Talc, Kaolin, Dimethicone, Zinc Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Dimethicone, Diisostearyl Malate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Gardenia Taitensis Flower, Algae Extract, Tocopherol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Ultramarines (CI 77007).
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.
Tiki
LELimited Edition.
Heat Wave
Heat Wave is a soft, light-medium peach with warm, orange undertones and a sparkling, metallic finish. It had medium pigmentation, which was buildable to semi-opaque coverage, though with a dampened brush, it was nearly opaque in a single layer. Applied dry, it had a tendency to appear thicker and somewhat patchy on, as it just did not adhere evenly (with or without primer–I actually find this type of formula sometimes applies better without primer!). The eyeshadow stayed on well for seven and a half hours.
Top Dupes
- Dominique Cosmetics Frappe (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar).
- MAC Sun Speck (LE, $17.00) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Unsupervised (LE, $4.50) is darker (95% similar).
- Too Faced Exotica (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- City Color Bubble Bath (P, $6.99) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- bareMinerals Custom Made (LE, ) is darker, less pigmented, cooler (95% similar).
- Buxom Champagne Buzz (P, $12.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Too Faced Sparkling Cider (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- NARS Virgin Gorda (P, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Seductive Beauty (Brighten) (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
Ingredients
Mica, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Talc, Zinc Stearate, Kaolin, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Cetyl Dimethicone, Diisostearyl Malate, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Gardenia Taitensis Flower, Algae Extract, Tocopherol. May Contain (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Ultramarines (CI 77007).
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.
Heat Wave
LELimited Edition.
Malibu
Malibu is a medium-dark bronze with warm undertones and a metallic finish. It had semi-opaque pigmentation that applied well to bare skin. The consistency was denser but soft enough not to be problematic in picking up the product onto a variety of brushes nor did it apply unevenly. This shade wore well for eight hours on me.
Top Dupes
- Dior Cosmopolite (P, $29.50) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- NARS Passion Play (LE, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Anastasia Streak (LE, $12.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Noir Fume #3 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- JD Glow Rose Goals (P, $7.50) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Too Faced Crisp Apple Strudel (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Anastasia Cinder (LE, $12.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Chanel Codes Subtils #2 (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- LORAC Misty Mauve (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Crushed Clove (PiP, $17.00) is lighter (80% similar).
Ingredients
Mica, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Talc, Zinc Stearate, Kaolin, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Cetyl Dimethicone, Diisostearyl Malate, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Gardenia Taitensis Flower, Algae Extract, Tocopherol. May Contain (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Ultramarines (CI 77007).
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.
Malibu
LELimited Edition.
Rays
Rays is a light-medium, golden peach with warm undertones and a pearly sheen with faint sparkle. It had intense color payoff that applied evenly to bare skin, though it was hard to spread the product across the lid. I could easily pack it on and diffuse just the edges, but it was best applied exactly where you wanted it and then repeated for a larger area. The texture was denser, smooth to the touch, and firmer in the pan. The color started to fade on me after seven and a half hours.
Top Dupes
- Sephora Latergram (DC, $10.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Dior Shimmer Copper (PiP, ) is more muted (95% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Deluxe Edition #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Warm (Winter 2016) Eyeshadow #1 (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- bareMinerals In the Buff (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop The Leo (P, $4.50) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Burberry Shell (003) (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, brighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Party Favors (P, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Comfort Zone #3 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Caramel Brown #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
Ingredients
Mica, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Talc, Zinc Stearate, Kaolin, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Cetyl Dimethicone, Diisostearyl Malate, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Gardenia Taitensis Flower, Algae Extract, Tocopherol. May Contain (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Ultramarines (CI 77007).
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.
Rays
LELimited Edition.
Compass
Compass is a bright, light-medium gold with strong, warm undertones and a metallic finish. The eyeshadow had a soft, denser texture that was still pliable and easier to use compared to other shades in the palette. It had great color coverage in a single layer, blended out nicely, and sat well on the lid. This shade lasted for eight hours on me.
Top Dupes
- KKW Beauty Armenian (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Tarte Candle (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- MAC Canter (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Force Behavior (LE, $6.00) is more muted, warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop CREAM (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Smashbox Fortune (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- MAC Oh So Gilty (P, $18.00) is less shimmery, darker, more muted (95% similar).
- Viseart Caramelise (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Too Faced Butter Pecan (PiP, $16.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Natasha Denona Halo (PiP, $29.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
Ingredients
Mica, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Talc, Zinc Stearate, Kaolin, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Cetyl Dimethicone, Diisostearyl Malate, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Gardenia Taitensis Flower, Algae Extract, Tocopherol. May Contain (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Ultramarines (CI 77007).
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.
Compass
LELimited Edition.
Jewel
Jewel is a bright, medium copper with strong, warm orange undertones and a sparkling, metallic finish. It was richly pigmented and had a creamy, dense texture that was a little thicker than other shades but adhered evenly to the lid. The trouble with this shade was between the more metallic finish and thickness, it seemed to emphasize my lid’s texture. It wore well for eight hours on me before creasing faintly.
Top Dupes
- Zoeva Pure Ganache (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Hammer Time (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Moira Top Notch (P, $8.50) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop Weekend (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Natasha Denona Cool Bronze (31M) (PiP, $29.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Tarina Tarantino Amber (DC, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Too Faced Showgirl (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Huda Beauty Smokey #6 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Gold Rush (LE, $25.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Known For (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
Ingredients
Mica, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Talc, Zinc Stearate, Kaolin, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Cetyl Dimethicone, Diisostearyl Malate, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Gardenia Taitensis Flower, Algae Extract, Tocopherol. May Contain (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Ultramarines (CI 77007).
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.
Jewel
LELimited Edition.
Treasure
Treasure is a bright white with neutral-to-warm undertones and a metallic sheen. The texture was drier, firmer, and dense to the point where I had to jab and push at the surface to get the product onto my brushes. It had medium, buildable pigmentation that applied somewhat unevenly. I would use this with a dampened brush to improve coverage and application. This shade started to fade noticeably on me after seven and a half hours of wear.
Top Dupes
- MAC Smoky Black Friday #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Chanel Tisse Jazz #2 (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- KVD Beauty Skulls (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- LORAC White Diamond (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- MAC 2x Dare #1 (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar).
- LORAC Black Tie Attire #1 (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- MAC White Frost (P, $17.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- MAC Luna Llena (LE, $17.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Burberry Optic White (000) (P, $29.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Viseart Yves (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
Ingredients
Mica, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Talc, Zinc Stearate, Kaolin, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Cetyl Dimethicone, Diisostearyl Malate, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Gardenia Taitensis Flower, Algae Extract, Tocopherol. May Contain (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Ultramarines (CI 77007).
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.
Thanks for this. I’ll definitely buy it, but I’ll wait a couple months until it inevitably goes on sale!
No problem!
Thanks for the review, but a big yawn for me.
Happy to help!
I just don’t know what to make of this one…a bunch of lid wash and highlight shades? Idk? It does have several shades that I really love, but not the whole tamale. Undecided.
I think they could have varied it up more!
I love denser formula’s, but there’s no contrast here. I could never get a look out of this palette. It would have to be a lid palette, with a different one for crease work.
It’s a skip for me!
Yeah, I’m not surprised – it really is lacking contrast!
I’m all warm neutrals almost all the time and even I’m benumbed at this point, ha. I think this one is not for me — I do frosted shadows so rarely, and have almost all I need of warm neutrals a few times over. The only exception being something like Heat Wave in this set or Lumbre in UD Naked Heat, and I can fill that need with a Colourpop option no doubt. A year or so ago I would have been tempted.
Haha! 🙂 There are better ones out there, and I think in an easier-to-use formulation, too.
zzzzzzzz not for me. The colors look hella boring and have been duped a thousand times over. And since these are neutrals, should be buttery smooth, not dense and hard to apply. Vol 1 & 2 were so much better in quality. I’ll stick to the Make Believe palette, more my style
Oh yeah, this palette is dupe city!
These are exactly the kinds of shades I wear for simple looks in the hottest days of summer, when everything wants to crease and melt off oily skin. Also, with my pale skin, this would pair well with the first ROTS palette I own and give me more versatility.
Do you think you’ll get this one, Rachel?
I’m seriously considering it. It would be a good palette for me, though I realize there’s not enough contrast for most people’s needs.
It feels very summary to me. I used it for the first time today. I’m not a fan of the lack of contrast (but I don’t pull in other colors from outside the palette) but I’m a huge, huge fan of the texture and finish so because of that, it’s still a win for me.
Thank you for your take on it, Agona. I’m glad you like the texture.
Christine, I’m surprised that this got a B+ rating given all the negatives you mention in your review. At least 4 of the colours in this palette look pretty much the same – certainly not varied enough to get excited about!
I thought it was going to be closer to a B, but the way the ratings worked out, it ended up being what it was.
Oh my – what an average palette this is! So many of the shades are too similar to each other and all of them live in the various and copious palettes we own. You couldn’t really use this by itself, you would need to even out the look with some stronger contrasting shades and mattes or satin finishes.
Gorgeous eye look Christine.
Thank you, Genevieve!
It’s a nice enough palette but a teeny bit boring for me. I like Compass and Jewel best.
They are shades we have seen a lot lately!
It’s a pretty enough palette, and I think it would make a nice gift for someone who doesn’t have a ton of makeup. For me, personally, it’s not interesting or exciting enough to even consider buying.
I stopped trying to understand why Tarte releases so many palettes with the exact same shades a long time ago… This one looks particularly boring, with no deep shade to create contrast and a lot of frost. Definite pass!
I think overall its a little to warm for me.
I really love the shades in here! And I’m probably being a total crazy person, but does anybody else wish this palette was a rectangle/square? It sounds so stupid, but they just fit so much better in my drawers! LOL! I know, probably just being picky! 🙂
I have Volumes 1 and 2, as well as the Make Believe palette, so of course I have to get this one. Can’t leave one of the “family” behind lol! In all seriousness, I think I’ll enjoy using them in various combinations with each other. This one, I feel, will fill in some gaps particularly with the Make Believe palette.