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Tarte's Tight & Bright Clay Multi-Mask aims to please those with multiple skin concerns by offering two separate mask formulas (you get 0.88 ounce of a hydrating gel and the same amount of an absorbent clay mask) you can customize as needed or use on their own. Before you open your pocketbook, there are problems to point out, not the least of which is the extremely tiny amount of each mask you get for $40; it's actually shocking.
Both formulas are packaged in a single jar with a plastic divider between them. Unfortunately, this type of packaging won't keep either mask's light- or air-sensitive ingredients stable once opened. See More Info for details.
Although both masks are fragrance-free (skin always loves that) and the gel mask contains some very good hydrating ingredients and the clay mask works well to absorb excess oil each has a significant disappointing aspect that doesn't make this product the answer to multi-masking or any type of masking.
The gel mask contains more shine (mica) then beneficial ingredients and the clay mask contains the skin damaging menthol derivative, menthone glycerin acetal. Its cooling effect on skin isn't as refreshing as it is irritating, and offers no benefit for oily skin or enlarged pores.
See our list of Best Face Masks for superior picks that make taking the time to use a mask time well spent!
- The gel mask contains some very good hydrating ingredients.
- Clay mask ably absorbs excess oil.
- Both masks rinse well and leave skin softer and smoother.
- Both masks are fragrance free.
- The gel mask contains more shine than beneficial ingredients.
- The clay mask contains an irritating menthol derivative.
- You get a very small amount of each product.
- Jar packaging compromises the effectiveness of the important ingredients for skin.
Jar Packaging: Beneficial anti-aging ingredients, which include all plant extracts, almost all vitamins, antioxidants, and other state-of-the-art ingredients, are unstable, which means they begin to break down in the presence of air. Once a jar is opened and lets air in, these important ingredients begin to deteriorate, becoming less and less effective. Routine exposure to daylight also is problematic for these ingredients.
Jar packaging is also unsanitary because you dip your fingers into the jar with each use, contaminating the product. This stresses the preservative system, leading to further deterioration of the beneficial ingredients.
Remember: The ingredients that provide the most benefit in addressing visible signs of aging must be in airtight or air-restrictive packaging to remain effective throughout usage. Buying products in this type of packaging means that the ingredients have the best chance of remaining effective—to the benefit of your skin!
References for this information:
Pharmacology Review, July 2013, pages 97–106
Dermatologic Therapy, May-June 2012, pages 252–259
Current Drug Delivery, November 2011, pages 640–660
Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry, May 2011, pages 4676–4683
Journal of Biophotonics, January 2010, pages 82–88
Guidelines of Stability Testing of Cosmetic Products, Colipa-CTFA, March 2004, pages 1–10
Tarte Cosmetics At-A-Glance
Tarte Cosmetics CEO and founder Maureen Kelly started Tarte in 1999, out of a desire to create a cosmetics line that would prove that glamour can be good for you. This comes in the form of products that highlight naturally-derived ingredients in their marketing campaigns, and occasionally taking swipes at the concept of synthetics in makeup.
This is ironic, as Tarte uses more than a few beneficial synthetically derived ingredients in their formulassilicones, synthetic fragrances, preservatives and on and on. However, well forgive them that as whats ultimately important is whether their products meet your needs, and to that we can say the brand excels in many areas at what they do.
However, a few products are a bit on the pricey side and there are a few iffy shades and textures to consider among their foundationsnoted in their respective reviews. A few caveats aside, most of Tarte's foundations, blush options, eye pencils and an ever-expanding range of innovative products demonstrate that color is what they do best.
For more information about Tarte Cosmetics visit www.tartecosmetics.com.
About the Experts
The Beautypedia team consists of skin care and makeup experts personally trained by the original Cosmetics Cop and best-selling beauty author, Paula Begoun. We’re fascinated by skin care and makeup products and thrilled when they meet or exceed our expectations, but we’re also disappointed when they fail to perform as claimed, are wildly overpriced, or contain ingredients scientific research has proven can hurt skin.
Our mission has always been to help you find the best products for your skin, no matter your budget or preferences. Beautypedia’s thorough and insightful reviews cut through the hype and provide reliable recommendations for all ages, skin types, and skin tones.
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