Category: Uncategorized

  • Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta (High-Protein & 30 Minutes)

    Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta (High-Protein & 30 Minutes)

    If you love creamy Alfredo pasta but don’t love how heavy it can feel, this Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta is going to be your new weeknight favorite.

    It has everything you want from a classic Alfredo recipe. Rich, cozy, creamy, and satisfying. But instead of heavy cream, we blend cottage cheese into a silky smooth sauce that coats every bite of pasta beautifully.

    The best part? It’s ready in about 30 minutes and adds a serious protein boost. This is one of those feel-good comfort meals that works on a busy Tuesday and still feels special enough for the weekend.

    What You’ll Love About Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta

    • High protein: Thanks to blended cottage cheese
    • Creamy and satisfying: The cheese melts to a creamy base without needing heavy cream.
    • Quick & Easy: Ready in only 30 minutes.
    • Everyday Ingredients: Made with simple pantry ingredients. Nothing fancy needed.
    • Add Extra Protein: Easy to customize with chicken, shrimp, or extra veggies

    Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta

    For the Pasta

    • Dry pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work beautifully to hold the creamy sauce
    • Broccoli florets: Adds color, texture, and a boost of fiber and nutrients

    For the Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce

    • Olive oil: Helps sauté the garlic and adds richness
    • Garlic: Brings savory depth and warmth to the sauce
    • Cottage cheese: The high-protein base that blends into a silky, creamy sauce
    • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty richness and classic Alfredo flavor
    • Reserved pasta water: The secret to a glossy, clingy sauce
    • Sea salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors
    • Freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and brightness

    Optional for Serving

    • Chopped parsley: Adds freshness and color
    • Extra Parmesan: For a richer finish and extra flavor

    (See printable recipe card for full ingredient amounts)

    Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta

    How to Make Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta

    1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions. During the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli directly to the same pot. Before draining, reserve about 1½ cups of the pasta water. This starchy water helps create a silky sauce. Drain and set aside.
    2. Sauté the Garlic: Return the empty pot to medium heat. Add olive oil and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Do not let it brown. This quick step removes the harsh bite of raw garlic and deepens the flavor.
    3. Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine the sautéed garlic, cottage cheese, Parmesan, 1 cup of reserved pasta water, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. The sauce should look glossy and pourable. If needed, add a little more pasta water to thin.
    4. Bring It Together: Return the pasta and broccoli to the pot. Pour the sauce over everything and toss gently over low heat until fully coated. Add more pasta water, a splash at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
    5. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Finish with extra Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

    Tips & Variations

    • Add a protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or rotisserie chicken for even more protein
    • Make it Gluten-free: Swap our the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta
    • Kick up the heat: Stir in red pepper flakes for a little heat
    • Swap the veggies: Swap broccoli for spinach, peas, or roasted mushrooms
    • Use the block: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture
    • Leftover tip: If reheating leftovers, add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce

    The post Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta (High-Protein & 30 Minutes) appeared first on Elizabeth Rider – Modern Healthy Living.

  • Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta (High-Protein & 30 Minutes)

    Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta (High-Protein & 30 Minutes)

    If you love creamy Alfredo pasta but don’t love how heavy it can feel, this Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta is going to be your new weeknight favorite.

    It has everything you want from a classic Alfredo recipe. Rich, cozy, creamy, and satisfying. But instead of heavy cream, we blend cottage cheese into a silky smooth sauce that coats every bite of pasta beautifully.

    The best part? It’s ready in about 30 minutes and adds a serious protein boost. This is one of those feel-good comfort meals that works on a busy Tuesday and still feels special enough for the weekend.

    What You’ll Love About Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta

    • High protein: Thanks to blended cottage cheese
    • Creamy and satisfying: The cheese melts to a creamy base without needing heavy cream.
    • Quick & Easy: Ready in only 30 minutes.
    • Everyday Ingredients: Made with simple pantry ingredients. Nothing fancy needed.
    • Add Extra Protein: Easy to customize with chicken, shrimp, or extra veggies

    Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta

    For the Pasta

    • Dry pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work beautifully to hold the creamy sauce
    • Broccoli florets: Adds color, texture, and a boost of fiber and nutrients

    For the Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce

    • Olive oil: Helps sauté the garlic and adds richness
    • Garlic: Brings savory depth and warmth to the sauce
    • Cottage cheese: The high-protein base that blends into a silky, creamy sauce
    • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty richness and classic Alfredo flavor
    • Reserved pasta water: The secret to a glossy, clingy sauce
    • Sea salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors
    • Freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and brightness

    Optional for Serving

    • Chopped parsley: Adds freshness and color
    • Extra Parmesan: For a richer finish and extra flavor

    (See printable recipe card for full ingredient amounts)

    Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta

    How to Make Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta

    1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions. During the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli directly to the same pot. Before draining, reserve about 1½ cups of the pasta water. This starchy water helps create a silky sauce. Drain and set aside.
    2. Sauté the Garlic: Return the empty pot to medium heat. Add olive oil and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Do not let it brown. This quick step removes the harsh bite of raw garlic and deepens the flavor.
    3. Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine the sautéed garlic, cottage cheese, Parmesan, 1 cup of reserved pasta water, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. The sauce should look glossy and pourable. If needed, add a little more pasta water to thin.
    4. Bring It Together: Return the pasta and broccoli to the pot. Pour the sauce over everything and toss gently over low heat until fully coated. Add more pasta water, a splash at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
    5. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Finish with extra Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

    Tips & Variations

    • Add a protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or rotisserie chicken for even more protein
    • Make it Gluten-free: Swap our the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta
    • Kick up the heat: Stir in red pepper flakes for a little heat
    • Swap the veggies: Swap broccoli for spinach, peas, or roasted mushrooms
    • Use the block: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture
    • Leftover tip: If reheating leftovers, add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce

    The post Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta (High-Protein & 30 Minutes) appeared first on Elizabeth Rider – Modern Healthy Living.

  • A Comprehensive Guide to Watch Straps

    A Comprehensive Guide to Watch Straps

    A Comprehensive Guide to Watch StrapsA complete visual glossary to the other half of a watch’s appearance.

    The post A Comprehensive Guide to Watch Straps appeared first on Primer.

  • Currently (February 2026)

    Currently (February 2026)

    22 Week Old Chicken Update

    Hello and happy Friday! How was your week?

    Yesterday was a really good one over here. The girls were at co-op and I had the greatest blend of pampering and productivity.

    I knocked an oil change and tire issue off my to-do list, got a fantastic pedicure (it’s really all about the massage for me), found my new favorite vintage store in Greenville, and still had time to reset the house — including going through Kaitlyn’s room with a trash bag. We came back from Switzerland and hit the ground running, and yesterday was the first day I finally felt like I got my head put back on straight.

    Let’s catch up, categorically. If you like this style, check out my other Currently posts — and please play along in the comments. Tell me something that’s current for you!

    Currently (Late February 2026)

    Currently Watching

    The Winter Olympics!

    I don’t know the schedule, rhyme, or reason, but I love that there is always some Olympic event to tune into — and almost all of them quickly suck us in. Household favorites include curling, snowboard racing, ice hockey, and the biathlon. There’s just something about watching people do hard, impressive things that makes you want to sit a little straighter on the couch.


    Currently Reading

    The first book for the book club I joined: I Capture the Castle.

    It’s a sweet, easy read about a 17-year-old girl growing up in a rundown castle with her family in Old England. It reads a little young, but I’m enjoying it. I really think Hailey (14) would love it and plan to hand it off to her next.

    Speaking of reading — have you ever been to a Goodwill bookstore? I stumbled across one yesterday and it was incredible. Wide selection, neatly organized, and books ranged from $3–$6. I stocked up for our home library and cannot wait to go back with the girls.

    Goodwill bookstore
    inside Goodwill bookstore | Currently (February 2026)

    .

    Currently Listening To

    A lot of 90’s country when I’m solo and Broadway musical soundtracks with the girls.

    Earlier this week Kaitlyn and I were driving home from her Clemson science class and absolutely rocked out to the Hairspray soundtrack. In our minds, our voices and dance moves were unmatched. Reality may have told a slightly different story.


    Currently Eating

    Protein and fiber — like every other 40+ health-oriented person, I feel like. 😉

    Since getting back in town, David and I decided to tighten up our habits a bit. For me that means:

    • Tracking to hit 100g of protein
    • Lifting heavier weights (I had been going through the motions more than pushing myself the past couple months)
    • Paying attention to fiber

    Right now it feels motivating.

    I love that this chia pudding has 9g of fiber. I’ve been adding 10g of protein powder when I make it, and paired with eggs, cottage cheese, and fruit, it has been a powerhouse breakfast lately.

    I also discovered Ella’s Flats — a seed cracker with 4g of fiber and 7g of protein per 3 crackers. I love them for scooping cottage cheese or any dip. They aren’t quite as hard as Mary’s Gone Crackers, which I appreciate.

    Four meals we’ve really enjoyed lately (please forgive the terrible winter lighting — though at least the days are stretching!):

    • Valentine’s dinner: Lemon dill salmon, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a shallot and spinach farro I totally winged — finished with lemon and parmesan and it turned out so good.
    • Sirloin tip roast (low and slow), sweet potatoes, and baby broccoli.
    • Make-your-own salad bar with grilled chicken. I love customizable meals when nieces are in town.
    • Slow cooker beef stew, minus the potatoes and served over rice. This is mine and Hailey’s favorite comfort winter meal right now.

    .

    Currently Drinking

    Purity coffee (I keep the 2/3 decaf on auto ship), magnesium (also stays on auto ship), more water, lots of tea.

    And Costco switched up their Spindrift multipacks and now offers two flavor options. Very exciting times in our scullery fridge.

    Spindrift sparkling water | Currently (February 2026)

    .

    Currently Planning

    High school.

    Can you believe it?

    Since co-ops require February sign-ups, we’ve been researching options, attending open houses, and having a lot of conversations. It’s exciting… and tugging hard on my heartstrings at the same time.


    Currently In the Market For

    Vintage art and antique pieces for our home. I love the warmth and personality they’re bringing into our space.

    I’m piecing together a “cozy corner” in our living room. The anchor piece is a vintage English leather chair from the 1800s that I found at Vintage Now Modern. Yesterday I discovered another spot that immediately became a favorite — Cottage Grove. I brought home a side table and a small vintage oil painting with the most enthralling colors. It’s tiny, but both girls noticed it instantly and gushed over it when they walked in.

    Having girls is fun.

    David did not quite give the same reaction.

    I’m also in the market for a new spring wardrobe (if anyone would like to volunteer as my personal shopper) and garden seeds. Trying not to overcommit on that last one.


    Currently Looking Forward To

    Each day.

    Cheesy answer, maybe — but I truly feel a deep sense of contentment in my day-to-day roles right now. Caring for my family, home, and animals fills my days completely. I crash into bed exhausted most nights, but it’s a deeply fulfilling kind of tired.


    Currently on the Farm

    Sigh.

    Our “dominant hen” — aka our rooster — is deep in the throes of puberty and has become a little jerk. Earl is doing his job and protecting the hens, but he’s getting a bit mean about it. It’s wild because he was one of the chicks we handled the most and was always Hailey’s favorite.

    I’m hoping he outgrows some of this feistiness, but for now I miss holding the hens.

    On the bright side, we’re collecting eggs regularly (usually 6–7 per day). They’re so beautiful, and the thrill of collecting them hasn’t worn off yet.

    David’s shed is fully built and he’s nearly finished with the sauna exterior. I’m chomping at the bit to reclaim his building skills because I’d love help adding fencing to the chicken area. His Honey-Do list has grown exponentially since we moved here. 😉


    What’s something that’s current for you right now?

    I always love hearing.

    If you enjoy these little glimpses into our everyday life — the meals, the books, the projects, the farm updates, and the honest in-between moments — I’d love for you to join my newsletter.

    It’s where I share more personal notes, links I’m loving, things I’m learning, and the occasional behind-the-scenes peek that doesn’t always make it to the blog. I’ll pop into your inbox once a week on Monday— no spam, just real life.

  • Currently (February 2026)

    Currently (February 2026)

    22 Week Old Chicken Update

    Hello and happy Friday! How was your week?

    Yesterday was a really good one over here. The girls were at co-op and I had the greatest blend of pampering and productivity.

    I knocked an oil change and tire issue off my to-do list, got a fantastic pedicure (it’s really all about the massage for me), found my new favorite vintage store in Greenville, and still had time to reset the house — including going through Kaitlyn’s room with a trash bag. We came back from Switzerland and hit the ground running, and yesterday was the first day I finally felt like I got my head put back on straight.

    Let’s catch up, categorically. If you like this style, check out my other Currently posts — and please play along in the comments. Tell me something that’s current for you!

    Currently (Late February 2026)

    Currently Watching

    The Winter Olympics!

    I don’t know the schedule, rhyme, or reason, but I love that there is always some Olympic event to tune into — and almost all of them quickly suck us in. Household favorites include curling, snowboard racing, ice hockey, and the biathlon. There’s just something about watching people do hard, impressive things that makes you want to sit a little straighter on the couch.


    Currently Reading

    The first book for the book club I joined: I Capture the Castle.

    It’s a sweet, easy read about a 17-year-old girl growing up in a rundown castle with her family in Old England. It reads a little young, but I’m enjoying it. I really think Hailey (14) would love it and plan to hand it off to her next.

    Speaking of reading — have you ever been to a Goodwill bookstore? I stumbled across one yesterday and it was incredible. Wide selection, neatly organized, and books ranged from $3–$6. I stocked up for our home library and cannot wait to go back with the girls.

    Goodwill bookstore
    inside Goodwill bookstore | Currently (February 2026)

    .

    Currently Listening To

    A lot of 90’s country when I’m solo and Broadway musical soundtracks with the girls.

    Earlier this week Kaitlyn and I were driving home from her Clemson science class and absolutely rocked out to the Hairspray soundtrack. In our minds, our voices and dance moves were unmatched. Reality may have told a slightly different story.


    Currently Eating

    Protein and fiber — like every other 40+ health-oriented person, I feel like. 😉

    Since getting back in town, David and I decided to tighten up our habits a bit. For me that means:

    • Tracking to hit 100g of protein
    • Lifting heavier weights (I had been going through the motions more than pushing myself the past couple months)
    • Paying attention to fiber

    Right now it feels motivating.

    I love that this chia pudding has 9g of fiber. I’ve been adding 10g of protein powder when I make it, and paired with eggs, cottage cheese, and fruit, it has been a powerhouse breakfast lately.

    I also discovered Ella’s Flats — a seed cracker with 4g of fiber and 7g of protein per 3 crackers. I love them for scooping cottage cheese or any dip. They aren’t quite as hard as Mary’s Gone Crackers, which I appreciate.

    Four meals we’ve really enjoyed lately (please forgive the terrible winter lighting — though at least the days are stretching!):

    • Valentine’s dinner: Lemon dill salmon, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a shallot and spinach farro I totally winged — finished with lemon and parmesan and it turned out so good.
    • Sirloin tip roast (low and slow), sweet potatoes, and baby broccoli.
    • Make-your-own salad bar with grilled chicken. I love customizable meals when nieces are in town.
    • Slow cooker beef stew, minus the potatoes and served over rice. This is mine and Hailey’s favorite comfort winter meal right now.

    .

    Currently Drinking

    Purity coffee (I keep the 2/3 decaf on auto ship), magnesium (also stays on auto ship), more water, lots of tea.

    And Costco switched up their Spindrift multipacks and now offers two flavor options. Very exciting times in our scullery fridge.

    Spindrift sparkling water | Currently (February 2026)

    .

    Currently Planning

    High school.

    Can you believe it?

    Since co-ops require February sign-ups, we’ve been researching options, attending open houses, and having a lot of conversations. It’s exciting… and tugging hard on my heartstrings at the same time.


    Currently In the Market For

    Vintage art and antique pieces for our home. I love the warmth and personality they’re bringing into our space.

    I’m piecing together a “cozy corner” in our living room. The anchor piece is a vintage English leather chair from the 1800s that I found at Vintage Now Modern. Yesterday I discovered another spot that immediately became a favorite — Cottage Grove. I brought home a side table and a small vintage oil painting with the most enthralling colors. It’s tiny, but both girls noticed it instantly and gushed over it when they walked in.

    Having girls is fun.

    David did not quite give the same reaction.

    I’m also in the market for a new spring wardrobe (if anyone would like to volunteer as my personal shopper) and garden seeds. Trying not to overcommit on that last one.


    Currently Looking Forward To

    Each day.

    Cheesy answer, maybe — but I truly feel a deep sense of contentment in my day-to-day roles right now. Caring for my family, home, and animals fills my days completely. I crash into bed exhausted most nights, but it’s a deeply fulfilling kind of tired.


    Currently on the Farm

    Sigh.

    Our “dominant hen” — aka our rooster — is deep in the throes of puberty and has become a little jerk. Earl is doing his job and protecting the hens, but he’s getting a bit mean about it. It’s wild because he was one of the chicks we handled the most and was always Hailey’s favorite.

    I’m hoping he outgrows some of this feistiness, but for now I miss holding the hens.

    On the bright side, we’re collecting eggs regularly (usually 6–7 per day). They’re so beautiful, and the thrill of collecting them hasn’t worn off yet.

    David’s shed is fully built and he’s nearly finished with the sauna exterior. I’m chomping at the bit to reclaim his building skills because I’d love help adding fencing to the chicken area. His Honey-Do list has grown exponentially since we moved here. 😉


    What’s something that’s current for you right now?

    I always love hearing.

    If you enjoy these little glimpses into our everyday life — the meals, the books, the projects, the farm updates, and the honest in-between moments — I’d love for you to join my newsletter.

    It’s where I share more personal notes, links I’m loving, things I’m learning, and the occasional behind-the-scenes peek that doesn’t always make it to the blog. I’ll pop into your inbox once a week on Monday— no spam, just real life.

  • The Friday Bulletin. February 20, 2026

    The Friday Bulletin. February 20, 2026

     Timely nuggets of information and ideas we want to share with you.

    This is a fun website that takes you very, very deep into the ocean, and along the way shows you what sea creatures live at various depths. It’s charming and informative. https:// neal.fun/deep-sea/

     

     

    Brush up on your American history with two of Ken Burns’ finest documentaries.  His The Civil War series remains essential viewing for understanding  our country today. His new series is The American Revolution and is equally compelling. Like his Civil War series, it explores a vast sweep  of history that I had no memory of ever learning while vividly revealing the complexity of the actual ideas and events, and the people who shaped them. It is six episodes, 12 hours and airs on PBS.

     

     

    Brave Pudding Co. is a New York-based women-run luxury footwear brand that makes indoor/outdoor socks/sneakers. They describe them as shoes, able to be worn outside as well as inside.  Their debut collection will soon be followed by a spring/summer collection. The cashmere sock/shoes are made for women and men. The sock shoes are $180.00 a pair for both men’s and women’s versions.  They also offer other low cashmere shoes for men and women.

     

    MindTravel concert on the beach

    The ‘Silent’ Piano Beach Concerts, Floating Meditations, and Guided Silent Walks are all done to founder’s Murray Hidary’s music that each participant hears through special headphones provided by the organization.  The signature experience is the        ‘Silent’ Piano Beach Concert.  The concert is two hours, the locations are beautiful. Find your spot on the beach with your chair or blanket, something to drink, and your MindTravel headphones, and you’ll bliss out when the piano playing begins. It’s very casual, people come and go, leave early if it gets chilly, or stay perfectly still, absorbed in the music.  It gets rave reviews.  Each performance has a theme, our theme was love.  It got a little schmaltzy I will admit, but overall, it’s an interesting, relaxing, and unique experience.  Hidary goes where the beautiful beaches are and the weather is warm.  His schedule is on the website. https://www.mindtravel.com/homepage

     

     

     

     

    The post The Friday Bulletin. February 20, 2026 appeared first on Sharp Eye.

  • The Friday Bulletin. February 20, 2026

    The Friday Bulletin. February 20, 2026

     Timely nuggets of information and ideas we want to share with you.

    This is a fun website that takes you very, very deep into the ocean, and along the way shows you what sea creatures live at various depths. It’s charming and informative. https:// neal.fun/deep-sea/

     

     

    Brush up on your American history with two of Ken Burns’ finest documentaries.  His The Civil War series remains essential viewing for understanding  our country today. His new series is The American Revolution and is equally compelling. Like his Civil War series, it explores a vast sweep  of history that I had no memory of ever learning while vividly revealing the complexity of the actual ideas and events, and the people who shaped them. It is six episodes, 12 hours and airs on PBS.

     

     

    Brave Pudding Co. is a New York-based women-run luxury footwear brand that makes indoor/outdoor socks/sneakers. They describe them as shoes, able to be worn outside as well as inside.  Their debut collection will soon be followed by a spring/summer collection. The cashmere sock/shoes are made for women and men. The sock shoes are $180.00 a pair for both men’s and women’s versions.  They also offer other low cashmere shoes for men and women.

     

    MindTravel concert on the beach

    The ‘Silent’ Piano Beach Concerts, Floating Meditations, and Guided Silent Walks are all done to founder’s Murray Hidary’s music that each participant hears through special headphones provided by the organization.  The signature experience is the        ‘Silent’ Piano Beach Concert.  The concert is two hours, the locations are beautiful. Find your spot on the beach with your chair or blanket, something to drink, and your MindTravel headphones, and you’ll bliss out when the piano playing begins. It’s very casual, people come and go, leave early if it gets chilly, or stay perfectly still, absorbed in the music.  It gets rave reviews.  Each performance has a theme, our theme was love.  It got a little schmaltzy I will admit, but overall, it’s an interesting, relaxing, and unique experience.  Hidary goes where the beautiful beaches are and the weather is warm.  His schedule is on the website. https://www.mindtravel.com/homepage

     

     

     

     

    The post The Friday Bulletin. February 20, 2026 appeared first on Sharp Eye.

  • Easter Basket Fillers

    Looking for ideas for last minute Easter Basket Fillers? Don’t skip this fun round-up that is bursting with inspiration!

  • Amazon Wallpaper

    Wallpaper doesn’t have to be an expensive undertaking! That’s why we’ve curated the ultimate Amazon wallpaper guide – we’re making your home updates easier, one step at a time.

  • The Best Tarte Makeup (and I’ve tried almost ALL of their products)

    The Best Tarte Makeup (and I’ve tried almost ALL of their products)

    If you’re looking for Tarte cosmetics reviews, you’re at the right place. I’ve tried a LOT of Tarte makeup (almost everything they sell), and I’m sharing my favorites. While I’ve switched to non-toxic makeup brands as of late, I loved tarte for a long time, and for long-wearing makeup, it’s hard to beat, since it’s definitely a cleaner option than some long-wearing formulas. I’ll also add anything that I try and don’t love and why I didn’t, in case that’s helpful when you’re shopping too. I’ll try to keep this updated as I try more, but if you have questions about anything specific, feel free to leave, and I’ll share my experience if I’ve tried it.

    And you can always use promo code TERILYN15 for 15% off at Tarte.com. I don’t think it stacks with their other promos, but it’s certainly worth a try.

    You can also watch this Tarte review video on my YouTube channel to see how the products look when applied. It’s also embedded below, but I find YouTube easier since I often watch videos in bits and pieces rather than all at once.

    YouTube Video

    My Favorite Tarte Makeup

    Tarte is a cruelty-free beauty brand known for its high-performance makeup and skincare products made with naturally derived ingredients, like Amazonian clay and maracuja oil. It’s most well known products are probably the Shape Tape Concealer and Tartelette eyeshadow palettes.

    My Favorite Tarte Makeup

    Concealers

    Shape Tape Concealer

    This is their original concealer, which garnered a cult following. It’s designed for oily skin, but I have dry skin, so I prefer the Creamy version (linked below). Read my review of Shape Tape concealer here.


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    Shape Tape Ultra Creamy Concealer

    I love this concealer! It’s hydrating but still gives great coverage. Read my review of the Shape Tape creamy concealer here.


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    Shape Tape Radiant Concealer

    This Shape Tape Radiant Concealer is another variation of the Shape Tape concealers above, but with just a touch of radiance. This is my go-to concealer, especially for the under-eye area.


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    Creaseless Concealer

    If you struggle with dark circles or with concealer settling in fine lines, this is a GREAT concealer. It’s tackier than most concealers, so you do have to take your time blending, but it gives a beautiful, full-coverage finish that doesn’t settle into lines. I tend to use this when I’m doing a full face of makeup for a night out or for important photos, and I use the Radiant concealer for my everyday makeup.

    Another remedy for dark circles is this tinted eye cream from Colleen Rothschild, which you should definitely check out. I review this in greater depth in this Colleen Rothschild Review.


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    what is tarte makeup

    Foundation

    Maracuja Juicy Glow Foundation

    I absolutely love this foundation. It gives the most beautiful finish. It’s not shiny and definitely not matte, but it gives a lovely glow, true to its name. If you struggle with dull skin, this is the best Tarte foundation for dry skin. It’s what I’m wearing in the photo below, which is not edited and does not have a filter.


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    Tarte foundation on face

    Blush, Bronzer & Highlighters

    Amazonian Clay 12-hr Blush

    This blush comes in so many shades that are gorgeous (I’ve tried tons of them). They’re very pigmented but blend effortlessly for a natural look. I highly recommend it!


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    Sculpt Tape & Blush Tape Duo

    My quick little cheat code for looking snatched and glowy in under five minutes. The color sare really pretty together and the applicator tip is fun.


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    Maneater Blush & Glow Cheek Plump

    This product tingles just a bit when you apply it for the plumping effect. I’m not sure if it actually plumps, but it gives beautiful color. It’s a bit easier to blend than the Glowlight linked above.


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    Breezy Cream Bronzer (discontinued)

    I had never used a cream bronzer before this and now I’m not sure I’ll ever go back to a powder! When I’m using bronzer, I typically want it in very specific locations for a bit of contouring (around my hairline, under my cheekbones and under jawline) and it’s so much easier to be precise with a cream bronzer. I absolutely LOVE this product. It’s perfect matte, but hydrating and blends very easily. I’m wearing it in the photo above.

    Update: They sell cream bronzer only in the Park Avenue Princess Cream Cheek Duo. I own the Duo and like it, but I still wish the cream bronzer was sold individually.


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    Maracuja Juicy Glow Highlight

    Like the cream bronzer, I’m not sure I’ll ever return to powder highlighters. It’s much easier to apply with precision with this cream stick. I love this for highlighting my browbone, the inner eye, and above my cheekbones. I’m wearing it in the photo above.


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    Shape Tape Glow Powder

    This quickly became a must-have in my makeup routine. I have NEVER liked powder, but I love this. It sets my makeup without drying out my skin and gives a flawless finish. I use it every single day.


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    Eyeshadow & liners

    Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette

    I was shocked by how easily these colors blend! They are pigmented but not so much that they make a too-intense mess on my face. This is a great neutral palette and if you prefer cool tones, you’ll love this.


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    Tartelette In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette

    I didn’t expect to get as much use out of this as I do, but it’s a very natural-looking palette that can still be layered for a more intense look. (I use the darker colors for liner.) Three of my friends have it as well, and we all have very different skin tones, and they like it, too! I keep a second one in Boone since I like it so much.


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    Fake Awake Eye Highlight

    This is an excellent option if you don’t want to mess around with powder eyeshadow but want just a little definition. I use this when I’m in a rush since it’s easy to swipe the shadow on my lid and add a little liner to my top lash. It comes in many colors, so you can choose whichever best compliments your eyes.


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    Mascara

    Maneater Mascara

    I LOVE how this mascara looks. I love a bold lash, and this provided both volume and length with a super black pigmented finish. This one smudged on me. (I can only wear tubing mascaras, as explained in this post.)


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    Lights, Camera, Lashes™ 4-in-1 Mascara

    This provides more length and separation than the Maneater, but it also smudged on me. I have had good luck with the waterproof version, however. I wore it in the 2019 Boston Marathon and it didn’t budge.


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    Tartelette Tubing Mascara

    This is the mascara I’ve used daily for 5+ years after I learned that Tarte has a tubing mascara. I’ve tried several tubing mascaras over the years, and while they give great length and never smudge, they don’t provide significant volume. This gives the most volume of any tubing mascara I’ve ever tried, especially when paired with the Tarte lash primer. I wish it looked more like the Maneater Mascara (very thick and bold!) but that’s simply a limitation of tubing formulas. If you struggle with mascara that smudges, you’ll love this Tartelette mascara too! (Yes, it’s better than Thrive and Hourglass!)

    Tartelette Tubing Mascara

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    Opening Act Lash Primer

    I’ve used this for years and love it! It helps make your lashes look longer and thicker, and I actually find it’s easier to apply my mascara after I’ve put this on first.


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    Lip products

    Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm

    I have so many of these because they are so good. I keep one in my purse at all times, in my office and it’s one of my go-to gifts for friends since they almost always have a little gift set with multiple shades. It’s easy to apply without a mirror and has a shiny finish, but not sticky like a gloss.


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    Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump

    I think I actually prefer the non-plumping version since, wow, this does make lips look pretty glossy. But that is just a personal preference.


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    Maracuja Juicy Lip Creme

    This is like a balm and a lipstick had a baby. It has coverage and staying power like a lipstick, but it feels hydrating like a balm. If you like a lipstick but find it too dry, you’ll love it.


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    The post The Best Tarte Makeup (and I’ve tried almost ALL of their products) appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.