Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Review (and which version to buy)

Tarte offers multiple concealer options, and this post explains which one to buy based on your skin type and the coverage you want.

Even though my skincare routine has made my concealer needs minimal, I still use it for dark circles under my eyes and occasional breakouts.

Concealer brightens your face and creates a clean canvas for flawless makeup application. A quality concealer provides durable coverage without creasing or cakiness. I’m a huge fan of Tarte concealers because of their clean(ish) ingredients, and they just perform beautifully. The cult favorite Tarte Shape Tape Concealer is an excellent concealer for oily skin because of its long-wearing matte coverage. But if you have dry or dull skin, there are better options, which I’ll explain in this post.

Tarte, a female-founded, cruelty-free brand, was started by Maureen Kelly out of her one-bedroom NYC apartment in 1999. Tarte makes high-quality makeup with ingredients that can actually be pronounced, and its products are always made without parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, or gluten. (Note: if you want a very clean makeup brand, Crunchi makeup is truly non-toxic, but the performance suffers a bit. I have a full Crunchi review here.)

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Review (which one to choose)

Best Full Coverage for Oily Skin: Tarte Shape Tape Full-Coverage Concealer

Tarte’s Shape Tape Full Coverage Concealer (the original version) is wildly popular among women with oily skin types because of its matte finish and medium to full coverage. It’s also worth noting that the shade range is incredibly inclusive, another reason it’s a fan favorite.

I never really understood the hype behind this Shape Tape since I thought it was cakey and felt so heavy. Then, I learned that it is designed for oily skin, and I have very dry skin. I have since learned about its more hydrating counterpart – the Tarte Ultra Creamy Concealer (more on that below). Although the original Shape Tape formula is a favorite for so many people, personally, it’s a little too drying for my skin. However, if you have oily skin, you’ll likely love it.

The Tarte Shape Tape Concealer is known for full coverage that lasts. It uses tape technology (their proprietary formula) to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with a crease-proof formula for up to 16 hours. It will camouflage blemishes, dark circles, fine lines, or any other problem areas. The formula is waterproof and won’t budge, even if you’re doing something active.

Tarte Shape Tape Full Coverage Concealer is silicone-based, which helps provide full, long-lasting coverage. It also contains shea butter to improve skin elasticity, mango seed butter to hydrate, and licorice root to correct discoloration and dark circles.

Best Full Coverage for Normal or Dry Skin: Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Full Coverage Concealer

The Tarte Maracuja Creaseless concealer is tackier than the other concealers Tarte sells (which are creamier and thinner), but it is truly full-coverage without drying out the skin or settling into fine lines. Since it’s part of their Maracuja line, you know it will be hydrating and provide a radiant finish. It also contains Vitamin C to help brighten skin over time.

This concealer uses moisture-infused ingredients to help it blend seamlessly into other makeup products and stay put all day. The lightweight formula provides crease-free full coverage for all types of imperfections on the skin (even under the eye!). Tarte has clinically tested the staying power of crease-proof wear for up to 12 hours and it’s waterproof.

Best Medium Coverage for Dry, Aging Skin: Tarte Shape Tape Ultra Creamy Concealer

The Tarte Shape Tape Ultra Creamy Concealer combines the famous Shape Tape formula with a built-in eye cream for lasting hydration without sacrificing coverage. (And yes, it can be used beyond the eye area.) The hydrating formula makes it super lightweight and perfect for any skin type, but this is an especially great concealer for dry, aging skin. It’s listed as full coverage, but I find it more medium coverage. It definitely has less coverage than the Creaseless option above, but the Creamy option is easier to blend.

One thing to note is that the Creamy concealer is water-based rather than silicone-based to complement drier skin. It uses hyaluronic acid to moisturize and plump skin, ginseng to reduce redness, and avocado butter to brighten dark circles.

Best for a Natural Look: Tarte Shape Tape Radiant Medium Coverage Concealer

This Tarte Shape Tape Radiant Medium Coverage Concealer is another personal favorite of mine and what I use most days. It’s medium coverage and has a medium, radiant finish so skin still looks like your natural skin. It’s a great option if you prefer a no-makeup makeup look. It’s especially great for women with freckles they love, since it won’t make them disappear!

The Radiant formula uses seaberry (nature’s beauty fruit!) to infuse skin with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins. It also uses a photoluminescent formula to help neutralize dark circles and brighten skin.

How to use Tarte Concealer

Concealer has many uses, apart from the traditional way we all use it.

To cover imperfections

Obviously, concealer is perfect for covering any acne, blemishes, or uneven skin spots. If you purchase a slightly lighter color, it will also help brighten under eyes to help you look more awake, no matter how much sleep you got the night before.

To Contour

The Tarte Shape Tape can also be used as a contour. Concealers are a great way to get a creamy, easily blendable contour to sculpt your face and add dimension. Just choose a darker shade than you usually would and apply to the hollows of your cheeks, jawline, nose, and temples to accentuate your bone structure. The most important step is to blend! Buff out the product with a brush or makeup sponge and be sure not to leave any harsh lines.

To highlight

Brighten your look by adding a lighter shade of concealer to the inner corners of your eyes, brow bones, cheekbones, down the center of your nose, and above your cupid’s bow. Your face will look more radiant and well-rested (fellow toddler moms, I see you). They also have a Glow Shape Tape line if you want even more radiance to your look.

As an eye primer

Prime your eyeshadow using concealer as a base to get maximum pigmentation. Tap concealer all over your lid to create a base that prevents your eye look from creasing or fading.

Touch up makeup

Concealer is a great tool to perfect your makeup look. Use it to polish a cat eye, sharpen brows, or tidy up your lipstick before heading out for the day.

How to Apply Shape Tape Concealer

Start with a fresh face

See here for my skincare routine. Make sure your skin is clean and moisturized (key!) before applying makeup to create a smooth canvas. Yes, even if you have oily skin, you need to use a moisturizer. This Oliveda F07 Anti Aging Face Cream is a great option for oily or acne-prone skin.

Apply your favorite foundation

I’m always trying out new products, and you can see some of the lightweight foundations I love here.

Apply Concealer

Using the doe foot applicator, tap under eyes and on any imperfections you want to mask. Start with less product than you think – a little goes a long way. You can always add more, but using too much concealer can contribute to cakiness and settling into lines during the day.

Blend

Melt the concealer into your skin using your finger, a concealer brush, or a sponge applicator. On blemishes, leaving the concealer to dry for about a minute before blending will help camouflage the spot better. (I learned that tip from the Tarte makeup artist when I met her in Dallas at the LTK Conference last fall!)

Set your base

Use a powder to keep your makeup looking fresh for longer. I’m a big fan of the Tarte Shape Tape Glow Powder.

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Swatches

There are 28 shades of Tarte Shape Tape concealer, so you’ll easily be able to find a shade that works best for your skin tone. Tarte also has a “Try Before You Buy” feature that allows you to order the concealer for $0 and try it before your card it charged. I love features like this since they allow you to purchase with confidence!

Is Tarte Shape Tape Worth It?

Yes. They have a formula for every skin type, and they all blend perfectly when you choose the right one for your skin.

The Tarte Ultra Creamy Concealer is my go-to because of how hydrating it is. I also really love the Radiant Concealer in the summer, since I like a dewy makeup look in the warmer months. I found that the Tarte Shape Tape is a little drying, so you may feel the same way if you also have dry skin. (You can always see my full makeup routine blog post that I update regularly.)

The Tarte Shape Tape Concealer is 100% worth it if you have oily skin and are looking for a matte product. It lasts all day long and does a great job masking imperfections.

At around $30 per tube, it’s on the pricier side, but a little goes a LONG way with this stuff, so it will last you a while. (They also sell a travel size of most formulas if you want to test it out before committing. Or, buy it at Sephora so you can return it. However, if you shop through Tarte.com, use can use promo code TERILYN15 to save.)

Tarte Shape Tape Before And After

Isn’t it amazing what concealer and a little bit of natural makeup can do?

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.