Welcome to my favorite things to write about. Reviewing two popular makeup brands and see who comes out on top. Today the competitors are Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation vs BareMinerals pressed foundations for the makeup showdown.
Tarte Airbrush Foundation Amazonian Clay vs Bare Minerals Pressed Foundation
I hope everyone had a wonderful long holiday weekend! I know I did a ton of catching up for this upcoming week! I wanted to share my thoughts for my Products I’ve Been Digging Lately weekly post. Alright, first things first. Seriously beauty bloggers how do I get pictures of myself where I don’t look straight up scary when taking beauty makeup pictures? I even recruited Mark to have him take before and afters and it’s hard! Anyways getting right into it.
So I am a bareMinerals gal. My face is super sensitive it breaks out or is dry in some places and oily in others and BareMinerals is the only product that has never irritated my face. I started out with the loose minerals and it was okay but honestly, we all know how accident prone I am and the fact I have to travel between homes…..the loose was always one twist from becoming a disaster. So when they came out with pressed foundation I was like first in line to get it. No joke.
I have been very faithful to the pressed foundation. Even buying the ridiculous brush that goes with it. I will say though this brush is seriously the best thing I’ve ever used. It has a flat stubby end that picks up the perfect amount of product and for real makes your skin look airbrushed. I even bought it in the travel size. So I was as faithful as can be…….until you shatter a brand new compact. Then you cry. Then you get talked into the new Tarte airbrush foundation by the girl at Sephora.
So let me start things off by saying I was so hesitant to try the Tarte airbrush foundation. Do you want to know why? I honestly felt like I was taking a step back. I was past that screw top loose foundation and the potential disaster that ensues. So when I got the product and opened it up I immediately liked the design better. It has this column on the inside that keeps the product from spilling all out into the inside bowl area. When you open the lid you don’t have a war zone of powder that has found it’s way to the top.
Next thing I was put off again that I had to buy the special brush it came with. I was seriously getting deja vu. So not only do I have to buy the $36 foundation now you are telling me I have to buy the brush as well? I did it though because I wanted a fair review between the two. So here is the Airbuki Bamboo Powder Foundation Brush.
In all fairness, if I hadn’t already been familiar with the bareMinerals Precision Face Brush I probably would have liked the Tarte one but that wasn’t the case. Therefore, I was very turned off by the brush. It is a small surface area and picks up entirely too much product. Too much product = running out fast of said expensive product. I ended up using my bare minerals brush to apply it and liked it significantly better.
Both products have the effect that when you put it on and it hits your skin it almost warms up and after a minute it almost covers like a full liquid foundation but with an airbrushed light look. When it boils down to it with a side by side comparison they pretty much came out looking the same to me. The tarte color actually matched a little better to my skin down so therefore I am partial to that. It is $7 more expensive than the Bareminerals which the pressed foundation lasted me forever…….I have a feeling the Tarte will run out quicker due to the packaging and loose minerals. What will I buy next when they run out? I kind of like having both to tell you the truth. They both bring a little something different to the table. The Bareminerals is a little more matte and works better when my skin is oily. The tarte has a little bit more translucent/shimmer (I use that loosely because it’s not sparkly by any means just has a little more life to it). I like using it when my skin is dry because it tends to not aggravate the situation or make it look worse which the pressed foundation can do when my skin is flaky.
I am open to a few more options. I am thinking of trying the YSL Foundation, MUFE HD Invisible Cover Foundation, or the Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage 12 Hour Foundation.
Here is the side by side. Can you tell a difference between the two?? 
I will also tell you I use the bareMinerals bb primer cream every time I do my makeup (medium color for reference). Some morning I just use the bb cream and swipe some bronzer and roll out. It is seriously my new favorite find. It gives you a beautiful evened look, your makeup stays better and it has SPF 30. My only recommendation is to not put the cap on immediately after you pump the product out. It causes the pump to get clogged and then it’s a mess to get out. After I stopped doing that I’ve had no problems. I love this and my sister cannot stop raving about it! What do you think? Have you used these two products? Hope you are easing back into this work week! xoxoxo
Follow me on Bloglovin || Follow my looks along on Instagram || Get my latest blog posts daily to your email here || Pin along with me on Pinterest || Like Meet @ the Barre on Facebook || Check my latest tweet here 
I think I like the bare minerals a tiny bit better. But I am not a big fan of loose powder, either. Now, I just use CC cream & primer. I am putting that primer on my wish list, though, because it is tinted and $10 cheaper than my Smashbox.
I haven’t used either though I would lean toward the pressed powder too, less messy.
sooooo….. i can’t see a difference? maybe it’s just me and the fact that i barely wear makeup but i do wear SPF powder on top of my SPF SPF and that gives me a nice dewy look. at least i think it does but it probably does nothing LOL
-kathy
Vodka and Soda
I can see a color difference on the Tarte side – a little more coverage like you said. I have always used MAC pressed foundation/powder but after 10+ years perhaps it’s time for a change!!! Great review!
I haven’t used a powder in what seems like forever! Great review and if I pick some up in the future will try one of these!
First off, girl you are gorgeous! Second, great review! I definitely can’t tell a huge difference between the two in the picture. It does look like the Tarte side is a bit darker maybe? I’ve been so loyal to BM for years, maybe it’s time to switch it up?
<3, Pamela
sequinsandseabreezes.blogspot.com
I’m kind of favoring the tarte side. Both look to be great products though. I have never tried either. All I ever use is bronzer concealer and a dust of oil free powder where needed. I kind of want to try the new maybelline BB cream with the salicylic acid to prevent breakouts. That is my biggest issue with foundation and face makeup. It always breaks me out! XO
Oh and Btw you look drop dead gorgeous in that pic!
If you remember, I did a whole review on the Tarte foundation and I love it. However, I’ve never used the bareMinerals pressed powder, and now I’m very intrigued. The original loose formula irritated my skin like no tomorrow, but maybe the pressed formula would be better. Either way, I’m going to add it to my Sephora wish list for now!
I’ve been using Dior Forever Foundation for the longest time now and hope they never discontinue it. I also have sensitive break out prone skin and Bare Minerals broke me out bad when it first came out years ago. Dior hasn’t at all and has the best coverage in my opinion. I do agree that the Tarte side looks a bit darker and better coverage. But honestly it looks the same at first glance!
I can see a color difference on the Tart side–looks like it’s a little warmer…but both have beautiful coverage and flawless finish. I’m a hardcore BM fan, so it’s hard for me not to be biased, but they both seem to work well for you!
Like some other people have already said, I see a slight difference. I like the Tarte on you better though. I used to use the BM loose powder foundation and stopped because I started to not like the way it felt and it also made my face look chalky. I use the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation and have been for 6-7 years now. I love it. I also use the NARS tinted moisturizer and love it too. I say keep both. :-) I hope that you had a nice weekend and that you are having a good day so far too! :-)
i like the tarte side better! so i just got re-matched for the bareskin and ugh i am now in between colors so nothing looks right on me. well the girl at ulta convinced me to get the smashbox bb cream instead. have you ever used it? i have yet to try it at home but ugh the stuff is $39 for ONE OUNCE! it will most likely be a return, let’s face it… haha
i love bare minerals, but maybe i need to try the tarte stuff, i can see a tiny difference in the sides in your picture. girl you are gorgeous, seriously, a beauty thingy on my blog would break most peoples computer screens lol!
This was an awesome review! I’m just starting to really like Bare Minerals, so I think I would be more likely to try that one. And I love the brush from the looks of it!
http://www.madeintheshadeblog.com
Love the side by side review! I’d actually like to try the tarte one now- hadn’t heard of it before!!
I have never heard of the tarte product but I actually want to try the bare minerals one for the reasons you gave – not loose, lasts long, full coverage (I dont see a difference – both sides look great!). Both products sound great tough!
I’ve never tried either of these products, but I have been wanting to try one for almost a year. I need to just go for it. I’m a full coverage girl, so I’ve always just skipped them. But lately I’ve been wanting to establish a lighter and more simple look :) I have the hardest time trying to get makeup pics! I’ll create a look, love it then when I try to capture it on camera it just does NOT happen. I get so mad. I don’t understand how the YouTubers can capture it so perfectly on video haha!
i think you look great in both! i love both products but I’m becoming more of a tarte girl!
Great review. I agree that that Tarte foundation offers more coverage. I don’t think you need it tho. You have beautiful skin!
~Ashley @ A Cute Angle
acutelifestyle.blogspot.com
This is a great review! I have been considering switching to a mineral makeup. I honestly can’t tell the difference between either but would want to try the Bare Minerals since I like the look of the compact and brush better.
I can see just a little difference between the two, mainly the color. The Tarte looks a little darker, which maybe matches just a little better. Both look like great coverage! I always feel like powders don’t give me enough coverage.
I like Tarte, I really do. Butttttt I had the Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage 12 Hour foundation, and while I thought I loved it….I like the MUFE Matte better. It has better staying power, and my skin can get a little oily sometimes and it wasn’t an issue at all for MUFE. The finish is obviously matte, which I never had before and liked. I use the beauty blender to apply. I love BM brushes! I use BM eye brushes daily.
I am a Bare Minerals girl too with the occasional cheat to save money and try a knock off. This looks pretty on both sides to me. I do hate the spill factor with BE though, even Cover Girl has a better design believe it or not.
Great review, I love how honest you are about EVERY facet of these products. The Tarte one looks like it has a bit more coverage. I’ve been looking for a new powder because I feel like BM just doesn’t match my skin tone all of the time.
The only thing that’s kept me from buying these two Tarte products is the price tag. YIKES!
Great review though! What a great idea to compare them side by side.
The tarte side does have slightly more coverage … Very cool.
Great comparison. Tarte does look a bit more covering, but the dang bM I have must be used to every last drop first ha.
I love, love LOVE your product reviews! Seriously- you do such a good job, especially explaining it so that this make-up disaster (hi… me!) can understand the pros/cons of each!
I use the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Full Coverage foundation and love it!! I’m an oily skin girl so I can’t use powder anything unfortunately. I have to say this foundation rocks especially because I don’t feel like it’s sliding off my face, and because let’s be real my day is longer than 12 hours and this stuff has staying power. I could probably stand to touch if up around hour 16 or something, but it still provides great coverage in my opinion.
xoxo,
Meghan
What perfect timing! I am looking for new makeup and I have been eyeing Tarte. I have very sensitive skin and a pretty weird complexion lol. I have never used a powder like this before and was always worried that it wouldn’t cover enough. I think I might splurge and get the Tart!
This is an awesome comparison review! I’ve wondered about both of these products after hearing quite a bit about them, but I always stick with liquid foundations. I like the sound of this Tarte powder though! Also, your picture turned out great! I tried to take a picture of my face zoomed in on my eye shadow for a post last week and it just was not happening! I don’t know how people do it!
Oh Man!!! I was really hoping you were going to review the bareskin foundation by bare minerals. I actually like the tarte but only because I like a little more coverage. Still hoping you do a bare skin review!
Besos!!!
It does look like the Tarte gave you a little bit more coverage. Great review I’ve never used either of these two products.
I have that Tarte foundation as well and do like it, but don’t know that I want to keep paying that much for it. However, if you buy it online from Tarte’s website, it is way more affordable with online coupons than in an Ulta or Sephora. I also refused to buy the recommended brush, so I just used a regular kabuki brush and thought it worked just fine.
“Seriously beauty bloggers how do I get pictures of myself where I don’t look straight up scary when taking beauty makeup pictures?” lmfao I’ve tried to take pics of mascara and shit before… yeah, it just looks like something out of a 5-year-olds nightmare!
I honestly can’t tell a difference in sides! I’ve never tried either of these. I’m definitely a liquid foundation kind of gal. Take your perfect skin and get the fuck out of here, bitch. ;P
I’ve seen so many people rave about that Tarte foundation and I’ve really been wanting to try it! Very interesting that you preferred it with the bareminerals brush than the one you’re supposed to use with it. Good to know – maybe if I do try it out I’ll hold off on the brush and try it with a brush I already have first.
Girl, I am with you on the beauty post photos! They are just interesting sometimes. But you look gorgeous, for sure! Thanks for the review — I haven’t tried either but just might have to look into one of these! xo!
I have to try the Tarte! I have tried Bare Minerals but it irritates my skin for some reason. I love the no-spill factor of the container too!
I can’t tell a difference with the picture. I have issues taking selfies for beauty reviews too! You look beautiful though.
I just recently started using the loose Bare Minerals foundation and I LOVE it…but it is messy. I am going to buy that pressed foundation next time I make a Sephora stop! I’ve never been a huge Tarte fan. Their products always seem appealing, but they don’t work great for me.
Amazing review! I use Tarte’s 12 hour amazon clay foundation and I decided not to by the brush and use my beauty blender or real techniques buffing brush instead. I love the formula of the tarte foundation but I think the color isn’t a perfect match for my skin and makes me look a tad orange (not good).
Both of these products look amazing on you! My vote is for the YSL foundation if you are looking for suggestions on what to try next! I’d love to hear what you think :)
xoxo, Jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com
Thanks for the review. I too have sensitive skin and love Bare Minerals! Lately I’ve been using MFE HD foundation, but I’m not completely sold on it.
I’ve been wanting to try this Tarte foundation, but was turned off from the “sparkly” look. It’s good to know the foundation isn’t actually sparkly! I’ll have to try it out next time I go to Sephora! : )
I’m a huuuuge fan of Bare Minerals so I’ll have to give the Tarte foundation a try! I can definitely tell a difference in your picture… looks like the Tarte provides more coverage which would be nice for long days/going out. Thanks for the review!!
okay so do you have a makeup tutorial? i was using the loose powder bare minerals but i’m finding every time i put it on it’s flaky in my Tzone and then it just looks whack. i dont knwo whats up with me! so i’m wondering if the pressed would be better. got any ideas? im really not wanting to go back to foundation.
You know if I wore foundation I’d consider one of these :) great review! Xo
Cheshirekatblog.com
I think the Tarte looks a bit darker.
After all this time…what is your final thought ?
I’ve been using Bare minerals for about 2/3 years now and I have learned to appreciate it once I’ve tried to go to other products. I prefere the loose minerals as opposed to the pressed because my skin tends to look dry after a long day and the pressed power only extensuates that. You have definitely convinced me to try tartes product! I’ll let you know how it works for me:)