Update: I’ve left this post here simply as a memorial to what was my absolute favorite powder foundation – ever. For anyone who is looking for a somewhat similar product, try Tarte’s Shape Tape Powder Foundation. It does not have the exact silky feel that the old formula had, but it has performed well for me and is what I continue to use for daily makeup. It has buildable coverage as well.
To give you a little background on why I’m writing this review, I’ve been hunting for a new foundation for quite some time. Years ago (and I mean more than 10), I was a fan of Bare Minerals products. They were new-ish, trendy, all over television, and their line was unique at the time. After a couple of years of drilling their loose mineral foundation into my skin via a kabuki brush, I developed an allergy to the extremely cheap (for the manufacturer), and rather questionable filler that is prevalent in Bare Minerals (and many other mineral lines), bismuth oxychloride. After a series of events of nasty hives and awful itching and pain, I thought I’d be done with mineral makeup forever, as it was next to impossible to find it without the bismuth oxychloride. Again, this was over 10 years ago.
Over the years, I’ve played with lots of different foundations. I used a liquid brand from Origins for a number of years and later began trying some newer mineral powder foundations as a number of brands began ditching the bismuth oxychloride for higher quality, non-toxic ingredients. I’ve been using a great powder foundation from Osmosis for the last few years, but since I no longer carry their skin care line in my studio, I wanted to find a new option.
To qualify as my definition of a great powder foundation, I have quite a list of qualifications:
- Not overly dewy; my skin is naturally oily, so any excess shine or glow is not desirable
- While not being overly dewy, it also can’t dry out the surface of my skin or make the skin surface look papery and dehydrated
- Can’t settle into fine lines
- Doesn’t appear to sit “on top” of the skin, but instead blends beautifully to the texture of skin
- Comes in an array of colors suitable to seasonal changes in skin tone
- Must provide buildable coverage that I can use to accomplish full coverage on days I want it
- Staying power – must still look great after 8+ hours of wear
- Can’t contain bismuth oxychloride
On a recent visit to a local beauty retailer, I dug through probably 10 different varieties of mineral powder foundations. Some had the dreaded bismuth oxychloride along with way too much shine, others had really poor color selections (how could anyone think 6 shades is enough for the variety of skin tones that exist), and yet others just didn’t blend well or have a high-quality feel.
Then, I discovered Tarte’s Confidence Creamy Powder Foundation. I was rather leery of the term “creamy” in the name. It gave me the impression this would be some sticky, thick pancake makeup. This turned out not to be the case. Instead, I found a gorgeous foundation powder with the most gloriously silky feel. It is soft, velvety, and so luxurious feeling. I color matched myself, and decided I’d give it a try.
The following morning, I ripped open the box, unpacked my new little compact, and started to apply with my favorite kabuki brush. It was a grand morning. This stuff went on so beautifully. I needed very little product to get a great level of coverage; it literally took just a minute to get my foundation applied. I picked up a small concealer brush and gave a quick touch up to my under eye and moved on with the rest of my “face”. My blush went on beautifully over this foundation, and I found blending a breeze. I had no insane alien-esque glow like I know many mineral lines provide. Don’t get me wrong, some glow is a beautiful, but looking like you’re radiating a layer of Vaseline is not.
Despite being thrilled with the application, I still had to be won over by the product in regard to how to would wear throughout the day. Well, I’m happy to report, it wears beautifully. I’m almost positive that I have less shine after hours of wearing this product than I did with my previous mineral powder foundation. It must having something to do with the clay in the powder, but whatever it is – I’m impressed. As another bonus, it doesn’t have that wear-off effect where you feel like you lost 75% of your coverage by the end of the work day.
Tarte’s Confidence Creamy Powder Foundation is also called Double Duty Beauty Confidence Creamy Powder if you’re shopping at Ulta. Ulta claims this product is only available at their locations, however, it appears that is the case only in regard to name. So, Double Duty Beauty at Ulta, Confidence Creamy Powder Foundation elsewhere. Don’t let Ulta confuse you. 🙂
If you’re looking for a fantastic new foundation, I give this my highest recommendation. If you have extremely dry skin and really need the enhanced moisture that thick creams and liquids deliver, you may not find this powder foundation (or any powder foundation) to provide quite enough moisture. However, if you do not have extreme moisture needs, definitely try this gem of a cosmetic. As a side note, this product can also be applied wet if you need a bit more creamy texture!
If you’re looking for a fantastic new foundation, I give this my highest recommendation.
One last word: There’s a trendy concept going around to create duo skin care and makeup products. In the end, let your makeup be your makeup and your skin care be your skin care. Although this brand as well as many others do market their products as being chock full of antioxidants, peptides, etc. – those ingredients often do not perform well for the skin when tied up in a makeup formula. So, although Tarte does promote this as also being an anti-aging cosmetic, I would count more on the cosmetic function than the skin care function for this and any other makeup.
If you’d like to see this fabulous find in action, check out Tarte’s video below.
I had to share about my most recent fabulous find because I am asked every week what my favorite foundation happens to be. Well, for now – this is it. So long as the formulation stays the same, I don’t see switching any time soon!
I’d love to know your favorite cosmetics (gives me ideas on what to try), and if you pick up the Tarte product, I’d love to know you like it – feel free to leave a comment below!
This was my favorite too, but I can’t find it anywhere anymore. Do you have a recommendation for a replacement that compares to tarte creamy powder foundation?
Allison, it’s a sad day when we can’t get this foundation! I, too, have been unable to get it recently and am trying to get an answer from Tarte as to if/when it will be back! I am trying to find something very similar, and so far, I just can’t match it! BOO!
I am also so devastated they have discontinued it! please let us know if you find a replacement!
Renee, I know!!! It sounds crazy too be so disrupted by the loss of a favorite foundation – but I loved this one so much that I probably would never have looked for another! I am STILL trying to find the perfect replacement. I have played around with several high end brands and just am disappointed by them all. Oddly, the one thing I have actually had some success with is Physician’s formula mineral wear powder foundation. It’s cheaper of course, not so velvety and isn’t as perfect in the coverage department, but it works surprisingly well for a drugstore brand and I was able to get a decent color match. They are limited in colors, but oddly had one that worked for me. Tried IT cosmetics as well – not a fan. The search continues. Please let me know if you find one you love!
Late comer here, but I too am upset. This was my favorite foundation. I have combination skin and use acne meds. This was the only foundation that would leave my skin flawless! And correct no one at tarte knows what happened or if and when they will bring it back.
Monse, it’s super frustrating, right!? I am still looking for the perfect replacement – no luck yet on finding one I love as much. I have yet to try the Amazonian clay airbrush foundation as it looks to be a loose formula, and I usually find those to be too shimmery (I notice there are definitely some light-reflecting ingredients in it), and I prefer a more matte finish. I have actually tried Physician’s formula Mineral Wear powder foundation, and I must say that although it definitely doesn’t have the same coverage as the Tarte and isn’t as velvety, for the price point, it isn’t bad. They don’t have the same color offerings, a little limited in that department, but it performs surprisingly well for a drugstore brand and better than many high end brands. Good luck on your hunt, and if you find something similar, please come back and let me know!!!
I know I am so disappointed that I can’t find this anymore. Have you heard if they discontinue this item or if they will make it again. After trying a few powders at Ulta I settled for Clinique. But I am not happy about it. It is no comparison
Mary, I haven’t heard anything. 🙁
No mention of it on their site at all anymore, and I have sent a professional inquiry in and they simply state that if it comes back, it will not be in the immediate future. I can’t imagine the product wasn’t a good seller, it performed far better than iT cosmetics that seems to be selling like crazy. Such a bummer!!! If you find something you end up loving, please let me know!
I am so sad!! I can’t find it anywhere! It was the absolute best!
Kayla, yes – truly sad!!! I am STILL working on finding a perfect replacement! Ugh!
Did you find a suitable replacement? The new tarte powder foundation doesn’t compare to DD
Hi Kim, sadly, not yet. I am currently trying the Tarte Amazonian Clay “Full Coverage” Foundation. It is a loose foundation rather than pressed, but I was willing to try it out of sheer desperation. Though I do like it better than the old original Bare Minerals formula of loose mineral foundation, it in NO way compares to the Tarte Confidence Creamy powder. It does go on nicely for a mineral powder – not too shiny – but it has nowhere near the ease of good coverage the Confidence Creamy powder had. I really do not understand why Tarte discontinued that powder! I understand if it wasn’t selling, but I can’t comprehend that it wasn’t! So many of my clients are just sick they can’t find it any longer, and this blog posts and replies furthers my belief they made a mistake on that decision. Sure wish they’d bring it back. In the meantime – my search continues. 🙁
For mineral makeup I use the Jane Iredale line of products. Purepressed is their powder foundation but I don’t know if it will be up to your standards. I use it because it actually does improve skin texture too. You should give it a try!
Hi Hannah, thank you for reminding me of Iredale. I used her line extensively years ago and have completely forgotten to check back on some of her new formulas!