Shape Tape Concealer

Choosing the Right Shade of Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer is a cult favourite among makeup enthusiasts and professionals because of its high coverage, long-lasting wear, and hydrating formula. With 30 shades available, this concealer is one of the best on the market, offering multiple uses that go beyond simply covering blemishes. However, selecting the right shade can be overwhelming. This step-by-step guide will help you navigate the range and choose the best match for your skin tone, allowing you to maximize its potential for a flawless finish.

Step 1: Understanding the Purpose of Your Shape Tape Concealer

Before choosing a shade, it’s essential to know how you plan to use your Shape Tape Concealer. This concealer has different functions, from concealing and covering to highlighting and brightening specific areas of the face. It can also be used for contouring to add dimension and structure to your features.

If your main goal is to conceal blemishes, dark circles, or imperfections, the right shade should match your skin tone exactly. If you want to brighten certain areas, opt for a lighter shade. For contouring, choose a darker shade to create depth. Identifying your purpose will help you select the best shade before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Identifying Your Undertone

Your undertone plays a major role in finding the perfect shade. The skin’s undertone is the subtle hue beneath the surface that determines how a concealer will look on your skin. Undertones fall into three main categories:

• Cool: If your skin has pink, red, or blue hues, you have a cool undertone. You’ll notice that your veins appear blue or purple, and silver jewelry complements your skin best.
• Warm: If your skin has yellow, golden, or peach hues, you have a warm undertone. Your veins may appear green, and gold jewelry looks better on you.
• Neutral: If you see a mix of both warm and cool hues, your undertone is neutral. You can wear both gold and silver jewelry, and most shades tend to match your natural skin color.

When choosing a Shape Tape Concealer, check the labeled undertones to ensure it aligns with your skin for a natural finish.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Shade Tape Concealer for Each Purpose

Picking the right concealer shade depends on what you want to achieve. It’s not just about finding one that matches your skin tone—you also need to consider your undertone and the role of the concealer in your makeup routine.

• For Covering Imperfections: Choose a shade that matches your skin tone exactly. This will help cover blemishes and blend seamlessly with your foundation.
• For Brightening: Pick a shade two tones lighter than your skin tone for your under-eyes, forehead, bridge of the nose, and chin. If you have warm undertones, consider shades like Medium Sand or Tan Sand. For cool undertones, shades like Light Medium or Tan Honey work well.
• For Contouring: Use a darker shade to create a natural shadow effect on the hollows of your cheeks, jawline, and nose. Those with neutral undertones can go for shades like Deep or Rich to get a natural contoured look.

Make sure the shade you pick complements your skin’s undertones, as the wrong contrast can make the concealer look too light or too dark.

Step 4: Testing the Shade Tape Concealer Before Purchasing

Finding the perfect shade can be tricky, especially when shopping online. The best way to ensure a good match is to visit a store and swatch different shades on your jawline. This will help you see how well the shade blends with your skin in natural lighting.

If you’re purchasing online, Tarte’s shade-matching tool can help. You can also compare the concealer shade with your foundation shade and check swatch videos and reviews from people with similar skin tones. The goal is to find a shade that looks natural and blends effortlessly.

Step 5: Application Techniques for a Flawless Finish

A good application technique makes all the difference in how your Shape Tape Concealer looks. Since it has a pigmented formula, you only need a little product to achieve full coverage.

• For a Seamless Blend: Use a damp sponge or a brush to blend the concealer smoothly into your skin. This prevents cakiness and ensures an even finish.
• For Long-Lasting Wear: If you have oily skin, set your concealer with a translucent powder to prevent creasing.
• For a Smooth Look: Apply an eye cream before using Shape Tape under your eyes to keep the area hydrated and prevent a dry appearance.

Proper application techniques will help your makeup look fresh and natural all day.

Step 6: Avoiding Common Mistakes

Many people make small mistakes when using concealer, which can affect the final result. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

• Using Too Much Concealer: Excess product can cause creasing and make your makeup look heavy. Apply a small amount and build coverage gradually.
• Choosing the Wrong Undertone: If your concealer has the wrong undertone, it can look ashy or too yellow. Always check your undertone before buying.
• Not Setting Properly: If you skip setting your concealer, it may settle into fine lines. Use a light powder to keep it in place.

Step 7: Addressing the Shade Inclusivity Debate

When Tarte Shape Tape was first launched, it faced controversy due to its limited shade range. Many people with deeper skin tones felt excluded, leading to discussions about inclusivity in makeup.

After receiving consumer feedback, Tarte expanded the range to include more shades, offering better representation for different skin tones. While this was a positive step, it highlighted the importance of purchasing from brands that prioritize diversity from the start. Supporting brands that focus on inclusivity in products ensures a wider range of options for everyone.

Final Thoughts

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer is a staple in many makeup routines because of its high coverage and long-lasting wear. However, selecting the perfect shade and applying it correctly are key to achieving a flawless finish.

By understanding your skin tone and undertone, testing shades before purchasing, and avoiding common mistakes, you can find a shade that is tailored to your needs. Whether you’re using concealer to cover blemishes, brighten your under-eyes, or contour your face, choosing the right shade will help you achieve a natural, polished look.