Product Review -- Tarte Empowered Hybrid Gel Foundation

How many foundations does one person really need?

It's probably safe to say that the answer is considerably less the number currently sitting in my foundation drawer.

But that doesn't stop me from wanting to try every new formula that hits the market -- which is the only way to explain how the Tarte Empowered Hybrid Gel Foundation wound up in my collection. 

It wasn't that long ago that I tried the Rainforest of the Sea Water Foundation, another of Tarte's new foundation, and I liked that one so much that I figured it was definitely worth a shot to try the Empowered formula.

Unlike the Rainforest of the Sea Foundation, which comes in a bottle with a medicine dropper dispenser, the Empowered Foundation comes in a heavy glass jar with a gold metallic lid that features a purple chevron design along the edge.

Tarte Empowered Hybrid Gel Foundation

Tarte Empowered Hybrid Gel Foundation

The packaging is lovely, but personally, I'm not a fan of foundation in jars because I feel like it gets too messy -- and sticking your fingers inside isn't the most sanitary thing in the world either. I usually use a Q-tip to dig a little out.

The foundation has an oil-free formula that supposedly contains a blend of ingredients to help smooth, plump, and refine pores, so it actually helps brighten and moisturize the skin while blurring the look of fine lines and other texture issues. 

While the formula has a thick texture in the jar -- you can turn it upside down and nothing is going to drip out -- the consistency is actually pretty thin when you start to blend it into the skin. I can't comment on the other skin care claims that Tarte makes for the foundation (because you'd have to use it exclusively for a while to really be able to see anything like that, I imagine), I don't find it to be particularly moisturizing. It doesn't cling to dry patches, though, and doesn't settle in fine lines or wrinkles, so it does leave the skin looking relatively smooth.

Tarte Empowered Hybrid Gel Foundation

Tarte Empowered Hybrid Gel Foundation

Tarte describes it as a full coverage product, but for me, it seems more like a medium coverage -- I can still see some discolorations in my skin peeking through. 

It does have a good wear time on the skin -- I've gotten 10 hours out of it with any real fading or breaking down, though keep in mind that my skin is on the normal to dry side. 

In terms of finish, I would describe it as natural. It's not particularly dewy, but it isn't a flat matte either. 

I purchased the foundation in the lightest shade, fair-light-neutral, which I find is a tad bit too dark for my very fair skin. It works for me, though, if I pair it with the right powder and bronzer.

Tarte Empowered Hybrid Gel Foundation in fair-light-neutral

All in all, I like this foundation, but it doesn't really wow me -- I think it might be a better option if your skin is slightly oilier than mine. Personally, if I was choosing between this and the Rainforest of the Sea Foundation, I would go with the latter -- it just feels creamier and blends easier into the skin.

The foundation retails for $39 on the Tarte website and at Ulta.

Have you tried the Tarte Empowered Hybrid Gel Foundation? Are you a fan?