It really does smell of vanilla! So nice! When I received my Amazonian Clay 12-hour Highlighter from Tarte, I was so overwhelmed with emotions. I purchased a sample, which looks even cuter than the full size.
The mini looks exactly the same as it’s bigger sister.
Tarte Highlighter
Shade: Exposed
Where to buy: official Tarte site.
So, when I finally had a chance to get my hands onto this round compact with the highlighter, I couldn't control my emotions anymore. I was so anxiously waiting for opening it.
The first thing that immediately disappointed me was the presence of those chunky glistening bits to the formula. I hoped that it was only on the surface, but no.
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Highlighter
Later I knew that those bits were okay for this highlighter. But I don’t like such effects.
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Highlighter
I like the natural and delicate glow of highlighters, but I can’t stand when the shimmer is too obvious and detectable on the skin.
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Highlighter
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Highlighter
To be fair, I have to say that those bits aren’t like those ones from a hair lacquer. Here they are mostly delicate.
The second thing that also put me off was the color of the product. It seemed to be too yellow for me.
I wish it was more neutral- or at least cool-toned. That way it would suit me much better. I looked through the promo shots and really expected it to be so.
This nasty shade, along with those glistening shimmers makes my complexion look sort of ill or something. The product doesn’t even out my complexion or makes it look photoshopped, on the contrary it accentuates all my skin relief.
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Highlighter
Of course I was very pleased to feel that vanilla aroma of the product. For the first time I used to open the compact just to sniff it. 
:)
I was also surprised to find an inner liner in a mini. So pleasant. But I eventually threw it away, because it always used to fall out.
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Highlighter
The pigmentation is fairly good and the product is easy to apply.
However, I can’t make out any significant pros of this product.
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Highlighter
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Highlighter
Usually Tarte retails really quality cosmetics, I have a lot of faves from them. But here, this highlighter is a failure.
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Highlighter
Hence, I can’t recommend it for purchasing. Even though I must admit that maybe there are some people who can crave for such effects, which the shade Exposed offers.
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Highlighter
I think that more tanned or swarthy gals may find a use of this product.
For reference, I always buy the second or the third shade of BB creams or foundations for me. That means that I have medium skin tone.
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Highlighter
That’s why this highlighter just lies somewhere about my vanity and I can hardly ever use it to highlight the inner corners of my eyes.
By the way, maybe it can work fabulous as a shimmer body powder. Well, I’ll probably try to use it like this.
