Is Tarte Shape Tape Better Than This Similar $7 Formula? We Tested Both Beauty Products with Original Photos

There are four main differences between the Tarte Shape Tape and e.l.f. Camo Concealer:

• Shade Range

The Tarte concealer comes in a whopping 48 shades whereas e.l.f.s is available in 26 shades.

• Price Point

However, with Tarte, a bottle comes with 0.33 ounces compared to e.l.f.’s 0.2 ounces. Still, the price per dollar winner is e.l.f.

• Amount of Product  

However, with Tarte, a bottle comes with 0.33 ounces compared e.l.f.’s 0.2 ounces. Still, the price per dollar winner is clearly e.l.f.  

• Ingredients 

I did notice that Tarte’s concealer contains shea butter, which moisturizes and conditions, mango butter, which helps to moisturize and condition the skin and licorice root, which brightens and color corrects. E.l.f.’s concealer contains avocado oil which is a source of vitamin A, D, E and fatty acids and is used as an occlusive substance which helps to moisturize and protect the skin and kaolin clay which helps to control excess oil and shine. 

How I Tested the Concealer

To test both products, I followed the same base for each. I followed my standard morning skincare routine, cleansing it thoroughly with Youth to the People’s Superfood Cleanser ($39), wiping down with Hero Cosmetics’ Pore Release Blackhead Toner ($20) and Farmacy’s Hydrating Honey Milk Toner ($34), applying Typology’s L39 - Day Serum for Blemishes ($55) and finishing it all off with iNNBEAUTY Project’s Extreme Cream ($48) to moisturize.

I applied both products in the early afternoon of their respective days and took photos before makeup application and then after using the concealers with my standard face of makeup which includes IDUN Minerals Mascara Vatn Volume 38°C ($22), Typology’s Fortifying Brow Gel ($26) and Glossier’s Cloud Paint ($22). I then left the product on all day and didn’t remove it until around one in the morning on each testing day.

• Value: 18/20 
• Formula: 19/20 
• Longevity: 20/20 
• Coverage Payoff: 20/20 
• Ease of Application: 19/20 

Total: 96/100

When applying Tarte’s Shape Tape, I swiped the concealer under my eyes and dotted it on my blemishes, buffing it until it had muted down the redness and prominence of my acne. I used it around the outside of my nostrils to brighten things up and was impressed by its medium/heavy finish while still feeling virtually weightless. It was incredibly easy to blend in with little to no creasing near my under eyes or laugh lines and I adored the feeling of the large plush doe foot applicator.

I had a litle trouble getting a solid, even finish on the first pass with Shape Tape, but this was quickly solved by applying more to darker areas.

The Tarte concealer stayed in tact all day despite my hectic schedule, running around NYC and sweating profusely—even after patting my face dry multiple times. I even noticed how much product came off when I washed it off that night. Though it took a little finessing to get an the product to lay evenly on my skin, Tarte’s Shape Tape ultimately created a smooth, blurred matte finish with staying power.

• Value: 20/20 
• Formula: 17/20 
• Longevity: 20/20 
• Coverage Payoff: 19/20 
• Ease of Application: 20/20 

Total: 96/100 

e.l.f.’s Camo Concealer was incredibly easy to apply with its fluffy doe foot applicator. It blended well into my skin and left me with a soft and supple matte finish and even a slight reflective glow that I didn’t notice as much in its competitor. It felt like the Camo concealer had more of a medium finish than a full-coverage moment. e.l.f.’s concealer stayed put, however, throughout the day, it did have a tendency to cake and crease a little bit under the eyes. That said, even while patting down the perspiration, the concealer felt like it was glued to my face and lasted until well into the night when it was ultimately time to remove it. Note: Before application, it looked like the concealer has separated slightly in the tube , but I gave it a good shake and mix before applying and that seemed to do the trick.