Tarte • LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain in Envy • Lipstick

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*TOP REVIEWER* Heechul on 2/13/2013 1:35:00 PM more reviews by Heechul

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

This is a full review of my experience with this, down to the complete flatness of the tube. I regularly do touchups at work or school due to this being easy to twist up and roll on.

YES, I finished an entire tube within under 6 months, so I probably am unsure of repurchasing because a) I liked it enough to finish, but b) wow! Only a few months?

I am attracted to products with menthol without drying my lips out. This formula doesn't parch me the way the luster and regular line makes my lips peel. However this is barely a "stain", to me it is a lightweight sheer satin lipstick. It is not completely matte.

Yes, I bought this because supposedly Max/Kat Dennings wore this on 2BG. However, the color is a plum, if you want it to look like Max's lips, wear a deep red lipliner underneath.


No this isn't moisturizing, not particularly drying.
Easy to put on, not a stain not long lasting.
Faded evenly enough!
The color wasn't my best friend so I won't buy this particular color again.

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*TOP REVIEWER* jessmarie09 on 9/30/2012 4:40:00 PM more reviews by jessmarie09

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Tan, Warm   Hair: Black, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

This product dries out my lips and has very poor staying power--the absolute opposite of what it claims to provide. For the price, I personally believe it is a waste of money. I hated it so much I threw it in the garbage. The claims regarding lip plumping properties are bogus.

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*TOP REVIEWER* SweetMoonbeams on 9/24/2012 5:59:00 PM more reviews by SweetMoonbeams

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Red, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

Let me preface this by saying that when I give reviews, I do not base the overall score on how the color looked on me. I can't wear certain shades. Simple as that. That doesn't mean that same shade wouldn't look smashing on someone else...Anyways,I digress...on to Tarte LipSurgence in Envy. In the tube, the shade looked like a deep brown-based plum. It even looked that way swatched on my arm. I ended up buying it and when I put it on, it just felt really...strange. It has a waxy texture, and almost feels silicon-y, which I don't know if that is an ingredient or not. This particular shade made any dry patches on my lips visible and didn't feel moisturizing at all on my lips. I actually feel it made them more dry. the tint also didn't wear off evenly on my lips. I had a darker ring around my lip line after a couple hours. The color was lovely, but I can't justify keeping something that was not even mediocre in quality and costs $24. Returned.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

chicveronique on 3/14/2012 10:49:00 AM more reviews by chicveronique

Age: Unknown   Skin: Other, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I received the color Lucky (a light, bright pink) in my Birchbox. The packaging is beautiful! Unfortunately, this dry, hard pencil sucks the moisture out of your lips. In a few minutes, it settles into the cracks of your lips. But hey, it's gone in about 30 minutes! Oh, and it has that cheap minty smell. I had such high hopes when I saw how pretty this pencil is, but ugh! It is awful.

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*TOP REVIEWER* priyaj on 1/9/2012 10:31:00 PM more reviews by priyaj

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Dark   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Black    

I freaking LOVE this. I have spent my whole life shunning lip color because I could never find a lip product that gave the right color or texture. This product is awesome! I have sort of dark, two-toned lips because I'm Indian and everything other than gloss just looks like crap on my lips. This color is SO nice on me and it moisturizes like no other! It has good staying power. I could wear this everyday - it's good for casual AND dressy occasions...what more could you ask for? I bought Envy and Hope and LOVE both. I could not believe that I found not one but two lip colors that I loved in one visit to Sephora. Also, the ingredients are great - so many natural oils plus Vitamin C and E, plus it's paraben-free! I wish I had found Tarte sooner!
P.S. I do recommend exfoliating your lips before putting this on if you have dry/flaky lips


EDIT: Still love the color Envy (so much!). But instead of buying Hope again, I'd definitely go with the Honey color from Revlon's kissable balm stain sticks. It's a much better color and texture on my lips. It's not matte and the price is right!

7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* Metraria on 12/29/2011 2:54:00 PM more reviews by Metraria

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

MY HG LIP COLOR!! This is the lip product I've been I've spent years looking for! The color is great, and so is the texture and finish. Not only is the mauve shade a great match for my natural lip color--the feel and appearance of the stain are also very natural. I can wear it without that "there's something on my lips" feeling. The texture certainly isn't sticky or waxy. And unlike matte lipsticks I've tried, the matte finish doesn't suck the moisture out of my lips. And the shape of the product makes it a sinch to apply. Yes, it's ridiculously overpriced. But it had the exact qualities I'd been search for, so I bought it anyway. In short, this is the first lip color that I may wear everyday, and not just at special occasions. Just be warned, this will definitely not work well with flaky lips.


**UPDATE on June 9 2012** Well, I actually do wear this most days! And I still haven't had to repurchase, so I guess there's a decent amount of product in there.


Unlike a lot of the folks on this site, I generally dislike wearing makeup. (Shocking, I know!) I like to get out the door as quickly as possible, and I feel like makeup takes too much time to apply and remove. But this lipstain is just sooo quick and easy to apply, and the color makes such a big difference in how I look. I can't believe that I'm actually willing to put this on in the morning and reapply throughout the day!


What makes it so great is that it takes very little time or effort to apply. This product is basically an oversized crayon, with a wide conical tip. I can use the side of the cone to fill in my lips with a few swipes, and then quickly neaten up the outline with the tip.


While the lipstain isn't 110% matte, the finish is exactly the same as Chapstick. Quite a few people have mentioned that I'm lucky to have such nicely pigmented lips, not realizing that the color isn't natural. And, as I mentioned previously, it feels completely natural when I wear it, not heavy or waxy or like it's sucking moisture out of my skin.


There are only a couple of issues with product, and they're really just what you'd expect for a near-matte lip color. This stain accentuate flakes. If you only have one or two flakes, you can easily use your finger to wipe off any excess product sticking to them. But if your lips are flaky overall, you'd do better with a shinier, more emollient lip color. It's also not great for cold, dry weather. In weather like that, this product can make my lips stick together a bit, meaning that I have to keep licking my lips slightly when I talk. So when it's cold and dry, I switch to a creamy lipstick that isn't as matte. (Still working on finding my HG for that.)


Anyway, this is an excellent product! It's perfect and I love it.

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

lksandrock on 12/14/2011 7:38:00 PM more reviews by lksandrock

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

First of all, I love the packaging of this product. It is an absolute breeze to apply on the go. I am very pleased with the color output,and it lasts quite a long time (unlike traditional lip stains, which always flake off EVEN if I exfoliate).

The sole reason for the 4 stars is the fact that it is not as moisturizing as the non-matte pencils. I feel that the 6000% moisture claim is not the case with the matte shades. Oh well, a little MUFE gloss on top and I'm good to go!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

BonChicBonGenre on 11/12/2011 12:24:00 PM more reviews by BonChicBonGenre

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

***HG.*** Asian NC30 and this is a MLBB for me, which surprised the SA because she thought it would be too dark. But the end result is a slightly darker version of my lip color, evened out and more polished looking. Ever since I got it I have been wearing it everyday with everything. I apply it straight to my dry lips first by lining and then by filling in. It goes on slick and has a minty smell and feel, but then it seems to freeze and dry, a similar effect that the Revlon ColorStay lipsticks have, but you can still move it around a little bit so it is less drying. And then it wears for a few hours, which I think it impressive. An hour later and it is still there. Two hours later and just a bit has worn off. Three hours later and there is still pigment - I could touch up if I felt like but don't have to. You get the picture. I'm going to look into other colors and see if I have a few more color options.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

zeezmom on 11/7/2011 1:32:00 PM more reviews by zeezmom

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I am a new fan of Two Broke Girls and have been obsessed with whatever perfect brown-plum matte lip color that Kat Dennings has been wearing. I decided to give Googling her lip color a shot and sure enough, I found out that I'm not the only one who was interested in knowing. I quickly learned that this lip color is the one. First thing this morning, I was at Sephora to purchase it. I'm really into matte lip color lately. I really like how truly non-drying this. I wouldn't go so far as to call it moisturizing on it's own, but it definitely doesn't contribute to drying like most matte formulas. On the other hand, it is not as long lasting as most matte formulas. Nonetheless, the color is really great and build-able and the color can be altered depending on how much you choose to apply or which lip liner you choose - going a more plummy route or a brown/red route.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

AdreeC on 11/1/2011 10:40:00 AM more reviews by AdreeC

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I bought this because I read the Kat Dennings wears this shade in 2 Broke Girls, and since I have the same coloring as she does I thought it would look nice. And I was right. The color is this really pretty mauve-y plum color. It goes on really smooth and has a subtle mint feel/taste to it. I have very pale skin (NC15-NC20) and this really darkens them up without making me look dead. I will definitely repurchase and look at some other choices as well.

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smellsgood on 6/26/2011 8:13:00 AM more reviews by smellsgood

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

Wow so usually im with the majority opinion on products but this time im not I do not like this at all...im 24 and this makes my lips appear 80. I typically love mattes and im not sure if its the color or the formula but holy oldness! It does appear better if I do a not so shiny clear gloss over but for the price I shouldn't have to. I much prefer nyx matte lip creams. Gorgeous, beautiful color selection and way cheaper.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

RicheleBarbie on 6/5/2011 12:48:00 AM more reviews by RicheleBarbie

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Im on the fence about this.

I love
- the color pay off
- minty feel
- not messy
- lasting color

i hate
- seems to make my lips peel
- packaging
- overpriced

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pc91 on 5/16/2011 10:00:00 AM more reviews by pc91

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Dry, Dark   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

i am an nc44 person, i loooovvvee tis color on my skin. it looks very natural and feels lighter then chapstick on my lips. i recommend this product to girls who are tan to dark

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

jrsmith43 on 5/13/2011 9:09:00 PM more reviews by jrsmith43

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

Never before have I paid $24 for a lip product, but... THIS IS IT! "Envy" is a rosy/tan, gossamer light stain that stays put, wears evenly and makes your teeth look pearly white--the absolute perfect neutral for this fair-skinned, blue-eyed blonde. Next on my list is "Pouty," a juicy pink which was sold out at Ulta--I realize it's a different formula but am dying to try it!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

marcellewood on 5/12/2011 12:31:00 PM more reviews by marcellewood

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

This is my first Tarte lip stain purchase and I love it! I'm very fair so dark colors can make me look old and overdone but this does a great job of staining with just enough pigment without looking like a lipstick. I do stick a smear of clear gloss over it to give it some shine but the stain stays put for hours and I like that! I like the pencil - it's fun and retro and doesn't feel stuffy pulling that out my bag on the train to do a touch-up. I think this could be a great base for a lip-stick for lippie wearers. Pricey but I think it's worth it! Will try a few more colors out!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

NyreeA on 4/15/2011 8:43:00 PM more reviews by NyreeA

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Tan   Hair: Brown, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I really like this lip stain. I purchased mine from a popular cosmetic store in a 3 pack kit. It was a good deal because the kit had a special price and then I used an additional 20% off coupon so it was worth it. The color is a neutral on me but a little better. I like it for my minimal makeup look as I normally prefer super duper glossy glosses. This Envy stick is easy to apply and makes for a great "keep in your pocket" lip touch up.

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jany177 on 4/15/2011 8:26:00 PM more reviews by jany177

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

This is my fourth Tarte lip color, and it's a keeper. Somehow, though, it's a bit darker on me than when I tried my sister's on a year ago. Back then it came off as a dusty pigmented rose, and the one I just bought appears a deeper berry color. Not sure if my mind is playing tricks on me, or if some batches turn out a hair darker than others, the way some nail polishes do. Either way, it's still lovely. I will say that this one feels much more moisturizing than my sister's, which she bought a year ago. Maybe Tarte listened to the customer complaints about the drying effect. I have been wearing this for hours and have not felt any drying/clumping at all. Does not stay on for hours, but then I did notice that Tarte no longer calls this a stain. It's now listed as a tint. Much more accurate. Love the taste, the smell, the color, and the ease of application.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

gerlx1974 on 3/26/2011 5:47:00 PM more reviews by gerlx1974

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

Tarte Lipsurgence in Exposed - my new HG lip treatment/stain - while you do have to touch up after eating/drinking, good staying power otherwise, and this is such a gorgeous nude-pink colour, would look good on pretty much everyone!

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reggielover on 3/26/2011 3:40:00 PM more reviews by reggielover

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Combination   Hair: Red   Eyes: Blue    

I have been looking at these for awhile. Finally bought one,(Hope), and then another, (Envy). Really like them! I am in my 50's. Have full lips. Guess my only good feature. But, you know how you start to get those little lines around your mouth? With this product I don't need a primer. It doesn't stray. At this point in my life, this is working better for me than my beloved Px lipsticks. Definitely will buy another color or two. Give them a try.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* syeung2 on 3/21/2011 11:20:00 AM more reviews by syeung2

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Product - Tarte calls this "mauve berry". On me it's a rich mauve, and more pigmented than I expected. And definitely matte - feels glossy but actually wears matte. Somewhat moisturizing and wears like a tinted balm. Stains slightly. Slight minty scent.


Packaging - Twist-up crayon pencil with silvertone cap. Plastic casing reflects the shade inside. Be careful not to nick the pointy tip of the product with the lid when you put the lid back on :)


Overall - Really liking the product but not the pricetag ($24 each).

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