Forencos Tartu

Korean lip tints are a category distinct from Western lipsticks and glosses. They use a lighter pigment vehicle that soaks into the lip tissue rather than sitting entirely on the surface - the result is a stained effect that fades gradually and naturally rather than wiping off cleanly. Modern Korean lip tints (including the Tartu series) combine this staining base with cosmetic fillers and finishers to add texture, comfort, and a specific surface quality (velvet, glass, chiffon).

The practical advantages over traditional lipstick: lighter on the lips, transfer-resistant, and the color tends to persist at the inner lip even after the outer layer has worn off, maintaining a flushed gradient look that is characteristic of Korean lip aesthetics.

The Velvet Tint series is the largest within Tartu. Velvet finish in Korean lip products refers to a comfortable matte - not the dried-out flat matte of some Western formulas, but a soft-focus matte that looks powdery and dimensional on the lip. The formula uses flexible film-forming agents to keep the finish from cracking or settling into lip lines.

Shade variants in the Velvet line include:

• Chler: a medium neutral tone, available in both standard 4g and a Full Color size for high-use wearers.
• Bijou: a more saturated, jewel-toned shade (the name suggests richness).
• Medium: a mid-depth neutral suitable for everyday wear.
• Pale: a lighter, more desaturated tone - suitable for a subdued or minimal look.
• Black: a deep dark shade for expressive or editorial looks.
• Wonder: a distinctive shade positioned for special occasion wear.

The Mini Tartu Chler Velvet Tint at 2.3g is a trial or travel size of the same formula as the 4g standard tube.

The Tartu Chiffon Tint (4g) is the most translucent finish in the range. Chiffon refers to a light, barely-there texture that adds a wash of color without building to full opacity. It is suitable for:

• Everyday minimal makeup looks
• Layering under a velvet tint for a gradient effect - apply Chiffon to the outer lip and Velvet to the inner lip for the classic Korean ombre lip
• Wearing alone for a flushed, low-key color

The Chiffon formula is the most moisturizing of the three finish types because it contains more emollient ingredients to maintain the translucent texture. It is a good choice for dry lips.

The Tartu Glass Tint (3.5g) is the high-shine option in the range - a glossy formula that creates a dimensional, almost three-dimensional appearance of fullness on the lip. The Glass finish catches light noticeably, making it appropriate for evening occasions or for people who prefer a glossy rather than matte aesthetic.

Glass tints provide less color intensity per pass than velvet tints - the gloss disperses the pigment visually. For maximum color, apply a thin layer of Velvet tint first, then top with Glass for the color + shine combination. The 3.5g size is slightly smaller than the 4g velvet tubes because the glass formula is slightly heavier per ml.

Standard application for full coverage:

1. Apply to clean, lightly exfoliated lips (use a lip scrub 1-2x per week to keep lip texture smooth, which makes tints apply more evenly).
2. Apply from the center of the lip outward to the corners.
3. Press lips together to distribute evenly.
4. For opaque velvet coverage, apply a second pass and blot once with a tissue to remove excess surface product while keeping the stain.

For the Korean gradient (ombre) lip:

1. Apply the full tint to the center of the lips only (2-3mm from the lip line).
2. Blend outward with a fingertip in a dabbing motion, pulling the color toward the edges without carrying the full intensity.
3. The edges remain light, the center is saturated - creating a gradient that mimics naturally flushed lips.

All three Tartu finish types are compatible with each other as layers. Two common combinations:

• Chiffon + Velvet: apply Chiffon for a base stain, let set 30 seconds, apply Velvet to the center only for a gradient effect.
• Velvet + Glass: apply Velvet for full-coverage matte color, then dab Glass on the center of the lips only for a wet-look center highlight.

These layering techniques are standard in Korean makeup and make the range more versatile than individual product descriptions suggest.

Velvet tints transfer the least and last the longest of the three finishes. Glass tints have higher transfer. Chiffon tints are between the two. All three benefit from application to clean, exfoliated lips - rough lip texture causes uneven pigment distribution and patchy wear.

After wearing any velvet tint for several hours, remove with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water rather than wiping with a dry tissue, which can abrade the lip surface. Apply a lip balm or sleeping lip mask after removal, particularly if you wear velvet tints frequently - mattes can dehydrate the lip surface over time.

Tartu products come in three sizes: the standard 4g tube (most variants), the Mini at 2.3g (currently available in Chler Velvet), and the Glass Tint at 3.5g. The Mini is suitable for trying a shade before committing to the standard size, and for portability. A 4g tint at daily use typically lasts 3-5 months.