Can we have a moment for Tarte’s new mermaid-inspired collection…

Okay, so when it comes to beauty brands, I always get so excited for what Tarte and Too Faced come out with, since they tend to release such fun, totally out-of-the-box collections.

Last year it was unicorns, this year it’s all about mermaids (okay, and unicorns too, they don’t seem to be going anywhere soon).  This huge collection contains an eyeshadow palette, brushes, serums, repackaged favourites like their Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara, and so much more.

Since I love any festival-inspired collection, I was so excited to get my hands on a few items and channel my inner Ariel.  First up is my favourite item from the collection, the brushes.  The Minutes to Mermaid Brush Set (C$54) contains five brushes, complete with mermaid tail handles and plush hot pink bristles.  The brushes include a large powder brush, a cheek brush, a highlighter stippling brush, a domed eyeshadow brush, and a pencil brush.  I am obsessed with the handles on these as they are teal to purple ombre and are just so luxe to look at (plus there’s little mermaid tails on the end!!).

I couldn’t wait to try these and have to say that the selection of brushes they included is awesome, at first I was a little sceptical about the choice in the brushes, especially the highlighter stippling brush, but after using it, I’m loving how it is applying my liquid highlighters. The only thing this is missing is a good crease brush, but all in all, if there is one thing you need to pick up from the collection, it’s these.

Along the same lines as the brushes, they also have the limited-edition Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler & Deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara. This duo, which retails for C$25, has the same mermaid-inspired packaging as the brushes (you obviously need this to complete the set), as well as a travel size of their fabulous Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara. I really like this set, especially at that price, but I will note that I’m used to having holes in the handle of my eyelash curlers, so the fact that this one doesn’t have it makes it a little tricky to hold (especially on my left eye as I’m right handed). Aside from that, the eyelash curler really lets you get to the base of the lashes and leaves them nice and curled.

Speaking of the Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara (C$30), they have released their cult-worthy mascara in a stunning green glitter packaging. I love this mascara already, so I was super pumped to see it’s under the sea makeover (although this one is not waterproof, might I add). If you’ve never tried this mascara before, now is the time to pick it up, since the casing is so beautiful and really sparkles.

If you want to give your lashes a major boost (and some mermaid flair), then pick up the Mermaid lashes (C$18), which are synthetic lashes layered with multicoloured fringe for a mystical look.  These are cute, but definitely not for everyday use since there is colour in them. Save them for a fun vacation with the girls or a festival, if you’re hitting one up.

Lastly for the eyes, the piece de resistance of the collection, the Be a Mermaid & Make Waves eyeshadow palette is a seashell-shaped iridescent palette that opens up to 14 matte and metallic shadows. This palette is incredibly summer appropriate since it contains lots of golds, pinks, and blues. Although this does have some beautiful shadows in it (especially those metallics and glitters), I do have to say that I wish there was more selection in here. For example, there’s no matte browns for a crease, and there’s no true brow highlight (although Nude Beach is stunning as an inner-corner highlight). This palette is perfect for lid colours, but if you are looking for a well-rounded palette, then I would look at other options (their Tartelette in Bloom palette is amazing).

For some flawless mermaid skin, take a look at their Mermaid Skin Hyaluronic H2O Serum (C$55), which is a water-light hydration serum that deliver moisture to parched skin.  Apply this before your moisturizer for a blast of hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and marine plant extract that will help plump skin for a dewy look.

If you’re looking for a little shimmer, then take a look at the Mer-Mist Shimmer Spray (C$29), which is a shimmer spray that adds a little bit of glimmer to the skin. This is not a setting spray, but instead is perfect for the chest, arms, legs, as well as hair (I wouldn’t necessarily spray it on your face as it does you some shine).  I was really impressed with how this made my skin look and will definitely be packing it for some hot vacations I have coming up. Best of all, it has a yummy light coconut scent to transport you directly to the beach.

Finally, for those mermaid waves, you’ll definitely want to pick up their Mermaid Waves Salt Spray (C$27), which is a hair-texturizing spray that is loaded with sea salt for easy, mermaid waves.  Get that “I just got back from the beach” look by spraying this in damp hair and then braiding it (for all you straight-haired gals, like me), or just let those curls air dry if you have them already.  Pair this with the Mer-Mist Shimmer Spray for the ultimate mermaid look.

If you need more mermaid goodness, then Tarte also has gems, primers, glitters, and more to get you fully into and under the sea vibe. If you can’t tell already, I’m completely obsessed with this collection.  Everything is just so cutely packaged, and as always, the quality is top notch.  If you want to pick up a few items, and not break the bank, then definitely the brushes, the eyelash curler set, and the limited-edition repackaged mascara are must haves!

Are you planning on picking up any items from Tarte’s mermaid collection?

Products provided by PR, all opinions are my own.

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