Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush - Exposed, photos, swatches, review

I think this blush may be one of my favourite blushes ever.  We're talking one of the much lusted after Amazonian Clay Blushes from Tarte in the shade Exposed.  I bought four of these regular sized blushes in New York last year and two other sets I bought had mini ones, so I'm sorted for Tarte for life (until the next time I go over and I'll have to buy them all again as back ups).

This unassuming blush looks almost boring in the pan but there was something about it that made me go in for a swatch in Sephora, my special place.  I've lots of coral, peach and pink blushes, but nothing quite like this one, so I needed to dive in and start investigating.

It's a dusty pink shade with reddish brown undertones and has an earthiness about it. I knew right away it was going to be the perfect everyday slap it on without too much though blush.  I've been using it with my Real Techniques blush brush which is perfect for something as soft as these blushes.  It picks up less product so minimal chance of doing the whole clown face look.  So not Spring 2013.

Exposed is a shade that can be applied sheer to give a little flush of colour to the cheeks and is easily buildable to give a bit more colour but still looks natural.  Some days I like to contour my cheekbones using it and apply a brighter shade on my cheeks.  There aren't a lot of blushes you can do that with so it gets bonus points for being multifunctional!

It lasts a good 7-8 hours before it starts to fade away, so less than it's 12 hour claim.  I'm kind of wary when it comes to products with long wear claims like this, especially foundations as they can dry out the skin.  If a product gets me through my work day, then I'm happy.

I think it's nice to have something neutral in one's blush collection.  I don't always want a lot of brightness and colour on my visage and so a shade like Exposed is absolutely perfect for giving warmth and colour to my deathly pallor during these cold winter months!

If you can get your paws on this shade, then grab it with both hands.  Love it!