Buzzed-about beauty: Tarte Shape Tape foundation

I don’t think I have ever seen so much hype over a foundation.

In case you haven’t heard, Tarte Cosmetics recently released a foundation version of Shape Tape, their iconic cult-worthy concealer that they launched a couple years ago (also billed as America’s number-one concealer). Available in both a hydrating and matte formula, this foundation is full coverage, long wearing, hypoallergenic, and oil free.  It features the same wand as it’s predecessor (and similar to Rimmel London’s new Lasting Finish Breathable Foundation), which is a large doe-foot brush that you use to apply the product directly onto the face.

The hydrating version of this is targeted to make skin luminous and dewy, appear smoother, and provide hyaluronic acid to hydrate.  The matte version minimizes the appearance of pores, absorbs shine, and provides Vitamin E to nourish. There are 18 shades available in the range, however, when the brand originally launched the product last month there was major outrage since the shade range mainly consisted of lighter shades, making the picking quite slim for people of colour.  Currently the shade range for both hydrating and matte is the same and it looks like they have a fair amount of colours for people of all skin tones (six for fair/light, six for medium/tan, and six for tan/deep).

Tarte Shape Tape Hydrating foundation Tarte Shape Tape Matte foundation

I received three shades of each formula, Light-Medium Beige, Light Neutral, and Light Sand. Since I’m quite pale at the moment, it looked like Light-Medium Beige was the lightest of the three so I have been wearing the hydrating version of that colour pretty much everyday since I got it.  My first impressions on the hydrating version weren’t actually that great. It’s an okay foundation. It does the trick and nothing more. My face feels nice when I take it off, so it’s doing it’s job, and I find that it sticks on quite well throughout the day, so I don’t feel a need to touch it up later on. It’s a good daytime foundation.

As for the matte version, I’ve worn that one a couple times when I’m doing my makeup a little more heavier (AKA for nights when I’m going out). There is a difference between the two formulas. The matte version is definitely more full coverage than its hydrating counterpart. If does make my skin look and feel flawless and although I do use a setting powder, you probably could do without. I have applied this foundation with both the Tarte sponge, as well as a blending brush, and find both do the trick nicely.

Tarte Shape Tape Foundation wand

Overall, is this worth the hype? It’s a good foundation, but I still love my NARS Sheer Glow and Marc Jacob Re(MARC)able more when it comes to luxury foundations. I also find both the matte and hydrating versions to be a little different, so definitely think about what you are looking for in a foundation before picking your formula.

Unfortunately for us Canadians, Shape Tape Foundation (and concealer) is not available in Sephora stores since it’s exclusive to Ulta (totally not fair since we don’t have Ulta stores), however, you can buy it off Tartecosmetics.com and they often offer free shipping and promo codes (you can always find a promo code). I mention this because if you wanted to give it a try before purchasing it, Sephora is great for giving out samples and looking at the product in person for trying it out and finding your perfect shade.  If you look at the Tarte site though they have a good shade chart of actual people wearing the foundation, so it will help with deciding on a shade.

Tarte Shape Tape Hydrating foundation Tarte Shape Tape Matte foundation

As for the brush, I see what they were getting at with making it a large wand. I’m not a huge fan of the brush as I prefer a pump, however, it is good for distributing the proper amount of product, meaning no waste and making the longevity of your foundation last longer.

So should you buy it? Like I said, it does the trick. It’s a nice foundation, but it didn’t wow me the way I thought it would. I love Shape Tape Concealer and find the two pair really nicely. If you want to give it a go it retails for C$55, which is pretty on par with other luxury brand foundations.

Are you planning on trying out Tarte’s Shape Tape foundation?

Products provided by PR, all opinions are my own.

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