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United States · Founded 1999
Tarte Cosmetics was born in 1999 out of founder Maureen Kelly's frustration with makeup that was either full of unhealthy chemicals or lacked glamorous packaging. Starting in a one-bedroom New York City apartment, she pioneered the 'high-performance naturals' movement. Today, Tarte is globally celebrated for blending naturally-derived ingredients like Amazonian clay, maracuja oil, and marine extracts with vibrant, long-lasting pigments. Committed to cruelty-free formulations, Tarte delivers healthy, eco-chic beauty solutions that never compromise on coverage, color, or wear time.
Best For
- Long-lasting wear
- Acne-prone and sensitive skin
- Everyday glam
- Clean beauty advocates
Popular Tarte Products
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tarte a cruelty-free brand? +
Yes, Tarte is a proudly cruelty-free brand. They do not test their products or ingredients on animals, and they are officially certified by PETA.
Are Tarte cosmetics vegan? +
While Tarte is 100% cruelty-free, not all of their products are vegan due to ingredients like beeswax or carmine in certain items. However, they offer a vast, clearly labeled selection of vegan-friendly makeup and skincare products.
What makes Amazonian clay good for the skin? +
Tarte utilizes sustainably harvested Amazonian clay because it acts as a natural skin balancer. It helps absorb excess oil for those with oily skin while retaining moisture for dry skin, ensuring a flawless and longer-lasting makeup application.











