I was in the market for a new concealer that looked good both with and without foundation.  Since I had a few ULTA Gift Cards on hand, I decided to go to the nearest store to play with the concealers.  The swatch of the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer settled nicely so I purchased it for this review. 

Tarte Shape Tape
Contour Concealer Review

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer:  Is it worth the hype?

INFO SHEET

Brand:  Tarte
Product:  Shape Tape Contour Concealer
Shade:  Light Medium
Coverage:  High
Dewiness:  Matte
Scent:  Very Subtle, Fresh
Oxidation:  YES! (see below)
Price:  $27.00
Where to Buy:  Amazon, Tarte, Ulta

Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer is advertised to have a "hydrating, longwearing formula delivers natural, radiant coverage across all skin types so you can instantly brighten and cover acne, dark circles and redness while softening the look of pores and fine lines." It is also said to be cruelty free, gluten free (what?), and vegan. The packaging style is standard among many concealers, with a familiar tapered wand applicator.  I do like the classy purple and gold design on the cap that just screams "Tarte!"

I like to apply this concealer by dabbing one small dot on the back of my (freshly washed) hand and gently patting it into my under eye with a clean finger.  I have heard that it also works well with a mini beauty blender.

SWATCH

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer in Light Medium is a good match for NC37 (after oxidation).

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer in Light Medium oxidizes significantly.

BEFORE AND AFTER

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer has coverage that just won't quit.

Before we begin, I would like to note that I did not wear foundation for this review nor did I set the concealer with a setting powder.  I also did not blot during the day, for science!  This is just pure, unadulterated, Tarte, my friends.  I chose it in Light Medium because it appeared to be a good match for NC37 at the time.  As you can see above, the Tarte Shape Tape concealer instantly brightened my undereye area and evened out the area around my nose and laugh lines.  It blends well, but dries quickly so you have to work fast.  So far, so good, though!  But how did it fare on a warm day with combination / oily skin?  Very well actually - pretty much as advertised.  Except I don't see how it could qualify as "hydrating."  I do think this concealer might not work for people with dry skin as it might make flaky areas become more apparent.  As for oily skin - I'm used to concealers sliding around my face, but this didn't happen with Shape Tape.  It does settle a bit into the fine lines under the eyes, but many concealers do...  The best way to get around this is to gently press a tissue under the eye after applying in order to absorb excess moisture, and then setting it with a setting powder.

What did happen though, is that it Oxidizes. Like. Crazy.  I think if you were to buy this concealer in a shade that matched your skin tone right out of the tube, you will be sorely disappointed.  The oxidation rate is staggering - leaving it several shades darker than the original application (it's worse in person).  You can test the oxidation by swatching all of the concealers out when you first get to the store, and then continue shopping for at least 20 minutes.  Only then will the true shade be revealed.  Notice that the Light Medium concealer was initially lighter and more yellow than my skin tone, and then it turned slightly darker than NC37 and more pink (you can see it better in person); so simply going lighter might not be the solution.  This may make finding the right color pretty difficult, and I wouldn't buy it without swatching it first.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I like this concealer.  Though it is not perfect as it oxidizes way too much, can settle into fine lines without additional preparation, and might accent dry areas.  A little goes a long way though so the $27 price point is justified.  The Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer has coverage that just won't quit.  As a matter of fact, after I swatched it on my arm I tried to wash it off with regular hand soap and it took some serious elbow grease to get it off.  This concealer will definitely require the use of an oil cleanser or makeup remover at the end of the day (which you should be using anyway).

Pricing & Availability

AmazonTarteUlta

I know Tarte Shape Tape gets a lot of hype, but it is a good product.  I do think it is better suited for the younger crowd though.  Personally, I prefer Clé de Peau Beauté' Radiant Corrector for Eyes since at my age my under eye needs a little more nourishment from makeup - not just coverage (massively different price point though so there is no comparison).  At any rate, Tarte Shape Tape is a good product and can be all you need in a concealer - assuming that it matches you after it oxides.

Rating