The new foundation from Tarte has been raved about by everyone and their dog, and it led me to wonder, is it actually worth it? When I was having a treat yo’self moment at Ulta, one of the things that I received as a gift with purchase was a deluxe sample of the Tarte Babassu Fouondcealer. Of course, I was ecstatic to try it, and have worn it pretty much every day since then.

So what’s the deal?

First things first, what the hell is a babassu? It’s a kind of palm oil, is the correct answer. Palm oil is controversial because it is very environmentally unfriendly. Babassu is a more eco-conscious alternative, but because it is a palm oil, it has all the benefits in terms of consistency. As for health benefits, the only things I could find were all on some woo-woo websites talking about anti-inflammatory properties and moisturizing. Nothing too crazy, but it does not seem like a well-researched ingredient. Besides the babassu, it also has hyaluronic acid (a favorite of me, and everyone else), and also SPF 20.

Tarrte offers 30 shades, and I was surprised that one of the 5 that was available as a sample fit me perfectly. In these pictures, I’m wearing .

As for being a “foundcealer” or foundation + concealer, I don’t think it’s what you’d expect. It’s medium coverage, and I didn’t have much luck building it. If you have major acne, this won’t cover it. I can see redness and freckles poking through, so I don’t think it conceals much. I don’t mean to badmouth this though. I really do like it. On days when I’m feeling like I have great skin, this is awesome, but if discoloration is something that you’re conscious of, I wouldn’t go for this one.

Wear time with this is also fairly good. Did I fall asleep in my makeup? Yes I did. And did it still look great the next day? Yes it did. I have no complaints about this.

For application, Tarte recommends fingers for light coverage, a sponge for medium, and a brush for full. I have never gotten this to full coverage, but I think that the best way to apply it for me is using a foundation brush. I use a dense NYX foundation buffer and it looks great, but again, medium coverage at most.

In general, I really like this. I would go purchase the full size. I might purchase the full size. Maybe it’s too early to decide, but this might be my wedding foundation….seriously. It retails for $38, available at stores and online now.

Have you tried the Tarte Foundcealer?