Tarte Pretty Paintbox Collector's Makeup Case Review

I picked up the new Tarte Pretty Paintbox Collector's Makeup Case ($59) at the Sephora VIB Rouge event on Saturday and it was the one thing I really wanted more than anything else at the sale. Apparently, everyone else felt the same way because I arrived ten minutes into the sale and grabbed for the last one at the same time as another customer. A sales guy went into the back and grabbed about five more and said that was all they had left! 

Since I've only had this for two days, I can't really do a thorough review, but I wanted to get a first impression post up because a lot of people have been asking me what the quality is like. So let's take a look! 

The Pretty Paintbox looks like a large book and is actually fabric-covered vs. plastic. The design on the front and back is very 1960's (and kind of Pucci-like) and there's gold-colored trim around the edges. I really like the packaging and think it's a beautiful eye-catching design. It's definitely on the bulkier side, though...at least a couple of inches thick.
It does have a very strong magnetic closure so if you do travel with it, I don't think it would open up in your suitcase.

Inside are 24 limited-edition eyeshadows, as well as a blush, highlighter, two bronzers, Tartiest Lash Paint Mascara, Rainforest of the Sea So Fine Micro-liner, and Tartiest Glossy Lip Paint in Obvi.

There's a little door that separates the powder products from the rest and on the front, it says "imagine, create, inspire". On the inside, there's a mirror, which is nice to have, but you can't see yourself in it unless you pick up the palette and hold it at a certain angle. That's really the only con about the packaging...other than that, it's a beautiful palette.

I was pretty impressed with the shade selection of eyeshadows in this palette. They included a lot of neutral shades, as well as some blue, burgundy, and purple colors. The finishes range from matte to satin to shimmer, which is also great to have on hand. 

Each row across seems to contain coordinating shades, which is really nice and makes things easy if you don't feel like matching shades within the whole palette. For example, I used the fourth row down from the top yesterday and the shades went so well together! I used Hearts and Crafts as my transition/crease shade, Selfie Portrait all over my lid, One Too Manet in my outer corner, and Fresco as a highlight. 

The bad news is, these shadows are not very pigmented. I hate to even say anything bad about a Tarte product because I absolutely love the brand as a whole, but I don't want to mislead you guys either. The swatches below are built up quite a bit and are swatched over primer. There are some decently pigmented shades in this palette, but there are a lot that either don't show up or are dry and patchy. I also found that they apply better with a brush than they do when swatching with a finger.

I should note that this palette was made in China, while the regular core Tarte eyeshadow palettes (the Tartelette palettes for example) are made in the USA. They must have used a different factory to make this one which could explain why the quality isn't really the same as other Tarte palettes that I own. The formulas were very hit or miss, unfortunately. That's not to say that all palettes made in China are low quality...I own several that are amazing. But in this case, the quality is definitely not the same as their other palettes. 

Rows 1 and 2

Rows 3 and 4

Rows 5 and 6

Aside from the eyeshadows though, the rest of the palette is pretty awesome!

The Amazonian Clay blush, bronzer and highlighter formula is soft, buttery and nicely pigmented...it feels nothing like the eyeshadows and the shades are beautiful! I like that they give you a warmer bronzer and a cooler one that you can use for contouring.

The Tartiest Glossy Lip Paint is a full-coverage gloss that doesn't feel sticky, and the color Obvi is the perfect pinky nude. 

I was also super impressed with the waterproof Rainforest of the Sea Micro-Liner...it's a super-fine felt tip pen that you can get into the base of your lashes easily for a really thin line, or build it up for a thicker line. The staying power is ridiculous too- I swatched it on my hand the day I bought it and it stayed put through hand washings for the rest of the day without fading at all. I finally removed it by scrubbing at it with makeup remover in the shower the next morning. 

Finally, I tried the Tartiest Lash Paint mascara several months ago and I do really like the formula, so having that in this set is a plus for me. 

Left to Right: Tartiest Glossy Lip Paint in Obvi, Blush in Moment, Highlighter in Authenic, and two Bronzers, Unique and Provocative. 

Overall, I like the right side of the palette a lot...the face products, lip gloss, mascara and liner are all winners. But the eyeshadows were a bit disappointing...especially since they take up most of the palette!

I'm debating on whether or not to return it and just pick up the liner and gloss by themselves.

Have you tried the Pretty Paintbox yet? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

The Tarte Pretty Paintbox Collector's Makeup Case is available now at Sephora.com for VIB Rouge members and will launch shortly for everyone.

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