By popular request I have a review of some items from the Tarte Shape Tape family. I’ve used the Shape Tape Contour Concealer for a few years now in Light-Medium and Medium. So many of you have asked for a review of the foundations so I stopped by my local Ulta and bought both the Shape Tape Hydrating and Shape Tape Matte foundations. I also picked up the Quickie Blending Sponge to test out and today I’ll add some thoughts on a few primers from the brand as well.
My shades in the foundation are Medium Sand. My concealer shades are Light Medium and Medium.
Up first is a look at the Tarte Shape Tape Hydrating and Matte Foundations. I found my best match was Medium Sand. These come with a large sponge tip applicator like the concealer. The colors in each formula are the same name but the shades are slightly different.
The Matte version runs a lot lighter but it worked out for me as it oxidizes and warms up on the skin after application. I would have preferred a formula that is in the middle of hydrating and matte, but out of the two I prefer the Hydrating Foundation one by far. It’s medium in coverage with a smooth glowy finish. It has some plumping ingredients which I found did seem to make the face look smoother than normal and minimized fine lines. I found it worked well over a variety of primers. Since I have normal combo skin it can get a little dewy looking after a few hours so a couple touch ups were definitely needed, but otherwise it lasts all day on me without fading or budging.
The Shape Tape Matte Foundation did not work for me. I found the coverage and finish was always patchy. It emphasized texture, it looked extremely flat and it did not work well with my moisturizer or base routine. I did try with some oil-free primers since the formula is oil-free as well and was able to get it to work well with the Laura Mercier Oil-Free Primer and it did ok with the Tatcha Silk Canvas. It didn’t work with the Tarte primer for me. It was like applying matte on top of matte and looked like sand paper. For me it worked best with the Laura Mercier Oil-Free primer but I still wasn’t a fan of the finish and felt it looked cakey and creased around my smile lines and forehead. This being said I am going to hold onto it and retest in the summer.
Bare skin vs both formulas on the face without any powder/concealer added. Lipstick worn is Pat McGrath Labs LuxeTrance Sextrology. Application is with a sponge. You can definitely layer for more coverage. Below I have one layer blended all over the face. If you use a tinted powder it helps even everything out more.
Swatch comparisons:
Left to right:
- Tarte Shape Tape Hydrating Foundation in Medium Sand
- Tarte Shape Tape Matte Foundation in Medium Sand
- NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint in Groenland and St. Moritz (I’m often in between)
- Estee Lauder Double Wear Nude in 3W1 Tawny (more swatches here)
- YSL Touche Eclat All in One Glow in B40 (review here)
- NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation in Vanuatu (more swatches here)
Next is a look at the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer. This one is among the most popular concealers in the beauty world. I have found I really like it but there are formulas I like better. This one is full coverage and very opaque. I have to make sure my face is well primed and slightly dewy (ie not completely matte) otherwise the opaque texture cakes on me. Sometimes a quick spritz of MAC Fix+ after foundation is enough to add some more hydration to my skin under the eyes for this. I’ve gone through a tube of Medium. Sometimes I am between Light Medium and Medium. On spots it works really well to cover. I always set with a powder. I use this regularly but still find myself reaching for NARS or Cle de Peau more.
Swatch comparisons:
Shown above left to right:
- NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard, Macadamia and Ginger
- Urban Decay All Nighter Concealer in Light-Medium Neutral and Medium Neutral
- Tarte Shape Tape Concealer in Light Medium and Medium
- Cle de Peau Concealer in Ochre
- By Terry Stylo Expert Click Stick Concealer in #8
Finally a quick look at some primers and a sponge from Tarte. Some are exclusive to Sephora, others are available only at Ulta so you may have to shop around. I’ve had a few minis of the Brighter Days Highlighting Moisturizer and think it’s just ok. It does a nice job at giving the skin a soft illuminating glow but I’ve tried better glow bases from Charlotte Tilbury, Sisley and Erborian to name a few. The Timeless Smoothing Primer is one of my favorites to make makeup last long and gives it smoother better application. The only downside is it is on the thick side and has that silicone feel. Still it does a great job at smoothing the skin for even looking makeup. The Double Duty Beauty Quickie Blending Sponge fell short of my expectations to be on par with the beautyblenders. The Tarte tool is a decent sponge but doesn’t have as much bounce as the beautyblender which makes it better to blend foundations or creams.
Two primers I like with the Tarte Foundations include the Laura Mercier Oil-Free Primer and Tatcha Silk Canvas. I’m typically not a primer person but living in south Florida I’ve experienced some very humid days. I’ve been experimenting more with primers to help extend the wear of makeup.
Overall thoughts: some hits and misses. I really like the look, feel and finish of the Tarte Shape Tape Hydrating Foundation. If you have dry skin I think it’s definitely worth looking into. The Matte version is a miss for me right now, but once the real heat is back I’m going to give it another try. The Tarte Shape Tape concealer is definitely worth looking into. Right now at Ulta they have a promo if you purchase a Tarte Double Duty Shape Tape Foundation you can get the Tarte Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Contour Concealer for $15 (offer valid 3/18/18-4/7/18). For the sponge I don’t think it’s worth the price savings to buy over the beautyblender. I was really hoping it would be a dupe but it’s not.
You can find the Tarte Shape Tape foundation and concealer available exclusively at Ulta and Tarte. Have you tried these yet? What did you think of the formulas?
I love Shape Tape concealer and have found such a great match that I sometimes use it as foundation on bad skin days. It’s a bit drying, but really covers. Because of that, I don’t feel the need to buy the foundation, but another super review! Thanks, Sabrina!
I am so confused by a doe foot sponge for a foundation. I would try the hydrating formula if I could get past the no-pump choice. Admittedly I don’t wear a lot of foundation so I’m not sure if this is normal. I am attracted to the finish. It looks great.
I bought Shape Tape concealer and it doesn’t work for me. This and the YSL 24-hour simply sat above my skin and then sank into fine lines. I’ve tried using high-end eye creams and blending carefully, but Shape Tape is a no-go. I do far better with YSL Touche Eclat or Nars Radiant. However, if I had something to truly hide, and not under the eye, a dab of the Shape Tape would work well.
Have not tried those foundations.
I really want to try these now!! They look amazing
http://www.petiteelliee.com
Ellie xx
Looks good.
http://www.yourbeautypantry.com
I tried the taste concealer stick few years back and did not like how it creased. I have used the Maybelline and NARS cream formulas and surely feel that these formulas hold up much better. I am sure Tarte will be as good. The formulas seem to be great coverage !!
There was so much controversy around the shape tape foundation… Even though I find the complaints valid, I feel like now eeeeevery youtuber/blogger think they have to make the disclaimer/give brands **** for their lacking shade range. I’m glad you didn’t even mention it.
I’m not a fan of Tarte’s, I don’t like their branding anymore nowadays, and I feel like their products were better in the past. ST concealer I found just too dry, but I really am more of a fan of the “barely-there coverage” anyway. However, I certainly do understand why people like it so much… to each their own.
You look great on the pics. 🙂
I cannot do foundations with doe foot applicators. My OCD’s been acting up since my health went sideways so all I think when I see that is “GERMS!”. Good thing I already have too many foundations lol.
I am so curious to try the hydrating foundation, but I’ve been hesitating because of the drama (and the doe foot applicator, come on!). I’ve tried the regular shape tape a few times, but to be honest, it’s just too dry for my undereyes.
The whole shade range controversy left me a bit down on Tarte. I did try the concealer a while back and it was too drying (for my already super dry skin)
Too bad they’re not available in Canada, I really wanted to try those.
hmm i love the concealer but i think i’ll pass on the foundation thanks for your review!
I wish i could get shape tape here in New Zealand 😢
I’m skipping the foundations because the formula of the concealer is not for me, unfortunately. I love the Revolution one way more!
Great review👌🏼
I actually prefer the matte one myself.
I am not a fan of tarte cosmetics
I don’t think so
The doe foot applicator seemed really weird to me before I realized how easy it is to just swipe it on my face and blend it in with my beauty blender. Lazy girl’s best friend. I don’t like putting product on the back of my hand as I always manage to get it on my shirt (you’d think I would have learned by now to get dressed after). Now I wish all foundations came with the same type of applicator!
Wow, Sabrina, your skin looks so good even without makeup! The Tarte Shape Tape Hydrating seems to be the best match for you. As always, you look great in both.
I have read and watched so many reviews on the Shape Tape concealer and people seem to love it. I have not tried it. The Shape Tape products are very flattering on you.
I have the shape tape concealer, and it works pretty well for me, and while I’ve heard great things about the cle de peau, I don’t have it so I can’t compare. I have under eye bags as well as dark circles, so I really struggle with concealing the darkness without highlighting the bags! interested in the foundation, but haven’t gotten to the store yet to try! thanks for all the swatches, and your pics are always swoon-worthy 🙂
Everyone loves the concealer, but it’s so heavy on my dry under eyes. The concealer-like packaging for the foundation is a bit strange to me, too.
The shape tape matte foundation looks like it has great coverage.
I always think your bare skin looks best when you do your foundation reviews! Power of skincare 🤗
I have the concealer but still haven’t used it if you can believe that. I must be one of the few who hasn’t actually tried it. I should go dig it out and give it a try – they look great on you!
I just tried the concealer and it’s a no go. Accentuated my lines and was too dry. Nars Radiant + YSL Touche Eclat are my staple go-to undereye fixer for about 6 years running!
I would have bought the Matte foundation, so thanks for the heads up about the patchiness! If I try it, I’ll definitely go for the Hydrating formula instead.
i’m a huge fan of the concealer! I’m not sure I would like the foundation since I like light coverage
I got the shape tape concealer a while back and I thought it was immensely drying for the under eye. I had just applied eye cream as well.
Not really a fan of Tarte …
I haven’t tried any of these! So, if anything, I’ll try the concealer. The hydrating foundation would work for me, but only in winter.
I have yet to try any of this range but I love that the foundations has both a hydrating and a matte formula.
Amazing post! I really want to try the concealer – is it comparable to NARS creamy concealer? Also, any tips on avoiding that white under eye look in photos?
I have the same issue with the concealer, and like you, much prefer the Nars! Thank you for the review!
I have not tried Shape Tape line, but thanks for the review.
disappointed in the shade range
I was considering trying the hydrating foundation formula, though still deciding if it is worth the price! I have the concealer already, and even though it does the job, not sure if it is worth the hype for me (might try the Nars concealer once I have run out)!
People either love or hate the Tarte Shape Tape Concealers. I’ve never tried them!
wow – alot of people on the fence with this line. wonder if i can get ask for a sample before I splurge
I’ve been so curious to try it, but my skin isn’t even 5% as flawless as yours and i think it might age me!
I’ve never tried the Shape Tape concealer (I have a hard time with full-coverage ones) but I am intrigued by the luminous foundation.
I’m not a fan of shape tape. It’s too thick and creases on me 😑
The Tarte Shape Tape etc looks grand!
I’m torn between what formula to use as my skin it VERY oily and normal in other areas. Great review though as I would have immediately gown for the matte. Now, I’m not so sure. Thanks you!
I no longer shop Tarte after a spat with one of their directors on MUA. That was an epic fight.
The concealer doesn’t work for me either, too drying. Right now I’m loving Guerlain’s in number 2 and it’s pretty much perfect.
Thank you for a great post! Your reviews are always awesome.
Tarte Shape Tape concealer is one of my favorites! 😍
I have not tried anything from the Shape Tape line. I am always on the lookout for a light-medium coverage foundation that works on dry skin.
I really need to try the Shape Tape concealer! I didn’t know Tarte also came out with a beauty sponge too. Too bad it isn’t a dupe for the beautyblender though!
I’ve not tried the shape tape, but I have used other Tarte products. I’ve had it on my wish list for a while.
Thanks for sharing!
sadly these aren’t available in Australia to try in store and i’m not the easiest person to colour match
I never hear anything bad about this concealer
I have never tried anything from Tarte because they are not available where I live. I’ve heard the concealer is great
I have never tried Tarte…but hope soon I will.
Will have to check these out next week while walking the mall on lunch
I’m not a Tarte fan and I will not fall for those products. For my foundation, I rely on my Dior products, they are the best for me! And also La Mer foundation is great!
I really like the Matte and how it looks 🙂
Never tried Tarte before 🙁 really interesting to try!
I like the Mally Beauty Poreless Face Defender for a primer. I haven’t tried these foundations so thanks for the reviews.
I haven’t tried these foundations or concealers. I’ve heard so much about both. I think I’d have to go with the matte version of the foundation as I have oily skin.
I really want to try these products here. Hopefully the light will be light enough for me!
I haven’t tried the foundation or concealer. I’m interested in trying the concealer after seeing lots of reviews.
I generally mix three different foundations together to get the color and finish that I like. Maybe I can get a sample of Tarte Shape Tape at Sephora to try it out.
I have heard nothing but good things about Tarte Shape Tape!
I’ve heard so many interesting opinions on this foundation, not sure about the applicator though. Really want to try the concealer
I have the Shape Tape concealer and I love it.
Thanks for the review. The matte looks great on you.
I haven’t tried either of these! I am pretty happy with my current concealer (Nars radiant creamy concealer).
Oh I love these! I really like the concealers.
Definitely agree with you on Tarte Shape Tape Hydrating Foundation. That looks the best on you. However, the matte one good too. I was thinking about getting this but hesitated. So glad for this post because I think I would get the hydrating foundation at Ulta before the sales end.
I like how the hydrating looks on your skin.
Been on the hunt for a new foundation, I will check this out.
Definitely a fan of the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer and have really been drawn to trying the Tarte Shape Tape Hydrating Foundation after my Tarte Double duty beauty hybrid gel foundation is finished. The hydrating foundation looks amazing on you.Thanks for your honest review.
Never Tried Foundations !!! I Normally Don’t use Foundations !!!
Have not tried the Tarte products before. Hydrating Foundation would also be my pick, I like the bottle but I have got so I like foundation in pump bottle or a squeeze tube.
I would love to try this product I heard good things about it and I can see it worked great on you
Heard a lot about the shape tape. Would love to try it for myself
I have heard positive reviews about the shape tape but have yet to try.
I still want to try the shape tape concealer and the foundation even though I’ve heard the good and the bad. I definitely would like the Hydrating Foundation more too, matte just doesn’t seem to work for me most of the time!
I would like to try this.
Thanks for the review! I was skeptical at first so this kind of solidified that there are much better options at this price point out there. I’d love to see up close pictures of the foundation to see how it is laying on the skin.