Tarte Shape Tape: The Best Concealer? Maybe Not

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer: My unpopular opinion about this fan favorite.

Unless you’re living under a rock, I’m sure you’ve heard of the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer. Virtually everyone in the beauty industry adores this product. Because it has been sold out over and over, many have struggled to get their hands on the coveted liquid goodness. Not surprisingly, it’s won an Allure Readers’ Choice Award three times. It even has its own holiday! If you’re a Shape Tape stan, add ‘International Shape Tape Day’ to January 12th to your calendar. You can celebrate with a few extra dabs of the jumbo doe foot applicator.

Of course, Tarte should be applauded for creating such an iconic makeup staple. But I’ve got quite an unpopular opinion about Shape Tape. Do I think it’s the best concealer? Not exactly. Keep reading to learn why.

Promises vs. Performance:  It’s full coverage; but what about creasing?

I’ll admit it: When Shape Tape Concealer was first released in 2016, I sang with the chorus. I found that it didn’t crease or smudge. But my opinion has changed over time. There are a few things I still admire about this concealer. It’s matte and full coverage. A little product goes a long way. It looks great in pictures. And it has some great ingredients, like shea butter for skin elasticity, mango butter for moisture, and licorice root to brighten and color correct.

But I can’t agree with all of Tarte’s claims. This concealer should be crease proof for 16 hours of flawless wear. Sadly, after applying Shape Tape, my under eyes look rough and aged. This product contains something Tarte calls “tape technology,” which should help smooth fine lines and wrinkles. This has never been my experience, either.  

I can’t completely fault Tarte, though. Their website does say this concealer is ideal for normal, combination, and oily skin, and most of my complaints are about the drying properties. Still, I wish this concealer wasn’t so drying! 

When I recently tested Shape Tape, I compared it to their new hybrid, the Ultra Creamy Concealer. I placed each Tarte concealer on the right and left sides of my face and wore them all day. When applying, I found the Ultra Creamy to be smoother and easier to blend in. It wasn’t matte or full coverage, but it did have a more natural finish. Even though Ultra Creamy is a better option for those with dry skin, overall I’m not obsessed with either of these concealers.

Quick Rating Rundown

This Product

(4)

:Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Price: $30.00

0.33 oz

Value

(4.5)

Application

(3.5)

Coverage (full)

(4.7)

Texture (matte)

(2.8)

Longevity

(3.9)

Shade Range

(5)

Extra Benefits

(3.5)

MILABU PICK

(4.4)

:Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Concealer

Price: $29.00

0.43 oz

Value

(5)

Application

(4.4)

Coverage (full)

(4.7)

Texture (matte)

(4.4)

Longevity

(5)

Shade Range

(4.3)

Extra Benefits

(3)

Industry Standard

(4.3)

:NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

Price: $31.00

0.22 oz

Value

(3.5)

Application

(4.8)

Coverage (medium)

(4.3)

Texture (radiant)

(4.4)

Longevity

(4)

Shade Range

(4.7)

Extra Benefits

(4.1)

MILABU PICKS

(4.5+)

:Best Concealers Worth Every Penny

Price: $11 – $38

various

Value

(4.5+)

Application

(4.5+)

Coverage

(4.5+)

Texture

(4.5+)

Longevity

(4.5+)

Shade Range

(4.5+)

Extra Benefits

(4.5+)

^{Our Rating Criteria}

How It Compares: Shape Tape versus the best concealer.

Like I said, Shape Tape isn’t my favorite. While it’s got good coverage and incredible ingredients, it’s not long lasting or crease proof. Though, I do have to give Tarte props for the inclusive shade range. With 35 shades, you’re sure to find a match. Its great value and # of shades is the only thing keeping our rating higher than its performance rating of 3.7 start. I would rather exalt another liquid concealer, the NARS Radiant Creamy. This product also requires very little effort for maximum performance. And, it’s got the added benefit of extra hydration. That means less creasing, flaking, and caking, and beautiful coverage that lasts.

Just like Shape Tape, Radiant Creamy has also been celebrated. It won an Allure Best of Beauty Award, and out of 47,000 reviews on Google Shopping, it has a 4.5 user star rating. And I completely agree. I think this NARS concealer truly lives up to the hype, something I can’t say about Shape Tape.

Milabu Beauty Method: Let’s apply the Shape Tape concealer.

Here is how I apply Shape Tape for the best results.

1. If you have dry skin, use an eye cream before applying. I recommend this one by Peach and Lily ($70). 
2. Using the doe foot applicator, place a dot of concealer just below the inner corner and another next to your outer corner.
3. Use a concealer brush to blend the product under your eyes, bringing it down towards your cheeks and out towards your temples. Use small circular motions to ensure the product is well blended in. 
4. To set your concealer, sweep setting powder on a fluffy face brush under your eyes.