Product Review -- Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Water Foundation

Lately, there seems to be another new foundation on the market everyday.

Not that I'm complaining -- I love trying new face products so I'm always excited for new options.

Water-based fluid foundations seem to be a pretty big trend in recent years, and I've tried quite a few. They're not always the best match for my normal-to-dry skin, though, so I usually I save them only for warm weather when my skin tends to be more oily.

However, when I saw that Tarte was coming out with a version, I knew I'd have to give it a try because I usually have pretty good luck with Tarte foundations.

The Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Water Foundation is marketed as a lightweight fluid that "floats over the skin" and delivers full, hydrating coverage. The formula is also rich in antioxidants and contains SPF15, so it offers some skincare benefits as well.

Rainforest of the Sea comes in a glass bottle with a cool gold and purple metallic top that features a medicine dropper style dispenser that allows you to squeeze out just a few drops at a time. According to Tarte, just two to three drops is all you need for your entire face.

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Water Foundation

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Water Foundation

Because the formula is so thin, you must shake up the bottle well before applying it.

But while it is thin, I find that that Tarte's formula is much creamier than other fluid foundations that I've tried. It blends into the skin easily and doesn't cling to dry patches. I wouldn't necessarily call it very hydrating, but it doesn't dry out my skin the way other water-based foundations often do. In fact, I find it be very comfortable on the skin.

I don't really agree that it provides full coverage -- I'd classify it as medium, personally, but I find that it's extremely buildable so you can add another layer if you need extra coverage.

In terms of finish, I don't find the Rainforest of the Sea to be completely matte, nor would I say it's dewy. I would call it demi-matte -- it looks incredibly natural on the skin.

I purchased the foundation in the lightest shade, Fair, and I find that it's a good match for my pale skin.

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Water Foundation in Fair

Right now, the foundation is exclusive to QVC (until 12/31/15), and when you purchase it, it comes with a dual-ended brush. Like all of Tarte's brushes, its bristles are extremely soft. One end is a large, flat buffer style, while the other end is a smaller, angled brush that's ideal for applying the foundation under the eyes, around the nose, and other smaller areas of the face.

I think this foundation would be a nice option for most skin types -- I think only extremely dry skin would have a problem with it. Very oily skin would likely need to powder over it. With my normal-to-dry skin, I find that I don't need to set it with powder unless the weather is pretty warm.

You can purchase the foundation and brush for $35.48 (plus $3 s/h) at QVC.

Have you tried the Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Water Foundation? Are you a fan? What's your favorite new foundation that's come out recently?