I've been wearing matte lipsticks almost exclusively for the past year or so, and while my pout has looked very trendy, it has felt completely terrible. No matter how nourishing the formula, mattes tend to suck every last drop of moisture out of my lips, leaving them scaly and cracked. And, because I'm incredibly stubborn, I haven't stopped wearing matte textures because I refuse to sacrifice that intense color in favor of something more hydrating (and sheer).
Though it's been months since I've willingly switched over to a cream formula, Tarte's new Color Splash Lipstick [1] ($21) has me hooked. Just a mere glance at the tube was enough, to be honest: the bullets are housed in a blue marbleized tube reminiscent of a Caribbean shoreline.
This launch is part of the brand's "Rainforest of the Sea" range, so it contains a smoothing blend of algae and marine flower extracts for an extra burst in hydration. Every single lipstick is intensely creamy and seriously pigmented, and glides on as easily as a balm. Even better, it's pretty durable, meaning you can get through several cups of coffee without needing to reapply.
It's available in 24 shades, consisting primarily of neutrals (in a wide range of tones for varying complexions) with a few punchy pops of color thrown in. I'm particularly fond of Beach Babe, a light pinky beige that reads as the perfect nude for my porcelain skin, as well as Popsicle, a vibrant pink. I'll definitely be tucking a tube into my purse for my next tropical vacation, as it'll look gorgeous surrounded by sand on Instagram.
The collection is available now on TarteCosmetics.com [2], so read on to see which hues you need in your stash, then shop your favorites.
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Yachting
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Yachting [6] ($21)
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in 5 O'Clock
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in 5 O'Clock [7] ($21)
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Beach Babe
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Beach Babe [8] ($21)
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Berry Mojito
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Berry Mojito [9] ($21)
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Boardwalk
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Boardwalk [10] ($21)
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Daiquiri
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Daiquiri [11] ($21)
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Escape
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Escape [12] ($21)
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Island Life
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Island Life [13] ($21)
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Popsicle
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Popsicle [14] ($21)
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Rum Punch
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Rum Punch [15] ($21)
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Siesta
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Siesta [16] ($21)
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Skinny Dip
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Surf's Up
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Surf's Up [17] ($21)
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Vacay
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Vacay [18] ($21)
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Salt Lyfe
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Salt Lyfe [19] ($21)
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Shades
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Shades [20] ($21)
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Set Sail
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Set Sail [21] ($21)
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Cruisin'
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Cruisin' [22] ($21)
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Colada
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Colada [23] ($21)
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Beach Waves
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Beach Waves [24] ($21)
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in High Dive
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in High Dive [25] ($21)
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Miami Vice
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Miami Vice [26] ($21)
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Pink Lemonade
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Pink Lemonade [27] ($21)
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Sunkissed
Tarte Color Splash Lipstick in Sunkissed [28] ($21)