My favorite time to visit Sephora is definitely right around my birthday. I’m in that "treat yoself" mood, and there are free goodies. Yes, free. Give Sephora your email address, and get a free present. Simple as that. Last year’s Marc Jacobs eyeliner and lipstick were really great, and I didn't think they'd top it this year. To be honest, I'm not sure if they did...but they definitely picked something trendy.

Presenting the 2017 Sephora birthday gift from Tarte.

I was so excited to see that Tarte was the sponsor of this year’s gift. I feel like they're having an identity crisis, but it's undeniable that they make a quality product. It's also at a genuinely midrange price point, and one of the most popular lines that Sephora carries.

I was so excited to try out the teeny little samples inside.

First is the Tarteist Lip Paint in Birthday Suit. I was kind of on the fence about these when they came out...so I didn't buy any. Part of this may have had to do with the frankly cringey names...Yaaaaas and Manbun aren't really my thing. This is a pigmented, moussey liquid lipstick. They are essentially identical in consistency to the NYX Matte Lip Creams if you're looking for dupe. I think my favorite thing is the flat paddle applicator, at a slight angle. As for the color, on the website and in the tube, it looks like a creamy dreamy true nude. False. It's brown. Dark brown. I like that look, and feel like I can pull it off, but its important to know in advance. It doesn't feel like it sets...but it also doesn't budge. It leaves a true-to-color stain in its place. It stayed through eating, drinking, business meetings…everything.

The other item in the little package is the Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in Paaaarty. At first, it looked to be the exact same color as the lipstick. But remember how I said that it wasn't true to color? Yeah. This is actually a nicely flattering pink shade. Quelle surprise! If you haven't used the Amazonian clay line, you should test out one of their blushes. It's really subtle, but very long wearing.

Between these two items, I feel like Sephora has really outdone itself as far as birthday gifts go. It’s also worth noting that if makeup isn’t your thing, there’s an option to get a sample from Caudalie as your gift. I think the better bang for your buck will probably be found with Tarte, and color products are more exciting, but I did appreciate the choice.

Pick up your Sephora birthday within two weeks on either side of your birthday, online or in store!