BEAUTY: Sephora Birthday Gift 2017

"It's the most wonderful tiiiiime of the year..." No, not Christmas, you fool - free Sephora birthday gift time! This year, Sephora Beauty Insiders (you just have to sign up!) choose from two options: a blush and liquid lipstick set from Tarte or a moisturizer - errr, "creme sorbet" - and serum set from Caudalie.

I chose the makeup set. Duh. What it includes:

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Paaarty {0.05 oz}

Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint in Birthday Suit {0.034 fl oz}

Some festive fine print.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Paaarty (L) and Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint in Birthday Suit (R)

As is typical of the free Sephora birthday gift, these items come in very neutral shades that almost anyone with any skin tone would probably be able to use. Even though they are simple rather than wild shades, I do find both of these items very pretty and I'll definitely be using them.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Paaarty

Of all makeup items to receive in a mini size, blush is probably the best because a full size blush lasts approximately 12,000 years according to my experience. Seriously, though - it just never runs out! Even though this one is smaller, I'm sure I could use it daily for quite some time.

I'm very picky about blush colors, and I was pleased to see Paaarty is right up my alley - my alley being anything this isn't too pink. It has a matte finish, with not a hint of sheen or glitter. 

The shade is a dusty rose with a hint of orange. It's about as close to neutral undertones as it gets; at first I was positive I saw a cool toned rose, but then couldn't deny the inherent bronze-ness.

The formula is butter soft and picks up nicely in both the swatch AND on a blush brush. You know how some powder makeup looks amazing when you run your finger through it, but ends up weak when you apply it with a brush? This doesn't do that.

Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint in Birthday Suit

This little tube is adorable! It's the perfect size to slip in your pocket or bag, but it also feels like I'll get a decent amount of use out of it, too. It has an ever so slightly angled doe foot applicator, which works nice to apply this mousse-like formula. It is opaque in one coat.

As far as I can sniff, there is no discernible scent and the packaging is plastic with gold accents.

The shade - oh, the shade! For me, this is a perfect cool toned nude lip color. The perfect nude varies person to person, but I'm always hunting for almost purple-y pink-browns, and this shade delivers on that spotlessly. Even if this isn't your nude, it could still be a great neutral option for you.

I found this extremely comfortable to wear, despite the matte dry down. It almost felt like a regular lipstick, but resisted transfer during a kiss test. It didn't stand up to eating like I would've liked, though nothing besides Rimmel Provocalips ever has for me, but it stays put nicely otherwise.

Swatch of Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Paaarty (top) & Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint in Birthday Suit

I'm a Tartelette, apparently.

The Verdict: This is a great set for travel or everyday use, and if you have the opportunity to pop into a Sephora this year, I'd definitely recommend picking them up for free. You deserve it, birthday girl. 

Will you be getting this free birthday gift from Sephora? What is your perfect nude lip color? Are you more of a matte or glittery blush person?