A full-coverage matte concealer: how to keep it from creasing under the eyes, and which shade to choose for which job

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Researched. We have not used this one long enough to give you a verdict, and we would rather say so than invent one. What follows is how it works, who it suits, and what it will not do. When we have used it properly, this page carries the verdict and the date.

tarte shape tape concealer

Shape Tape has been one of the best-known concealers for years, and it still sits high on Amazon's beauty best-seller list this week. It is a full-coverage concealer with a soft matte finish. Both of those are why people love it, and both are why it needs a little technique under the eyes.

What full coverage and matte mean in a concealer

A full-coverage concealer carries a lot of pigment, so a small amount hides dark circles, redness and blemishes completely. A matte finish holds that pigment in place without shine. According to the listing, this one is a lightweight cream that blends easily, is buildable, and is made for long wear without creasing or smudging.

Why under-eye concealer creases

The skin under the eyes is thin and moves every time you blink or smile. Any product sitting there in a thick layer gets pushed into the folds, and matte, high-pigment formulas show it most. The fix is less product, not a different concealer.

The thin-layer method

Prepare first: a light eye cream or moisturizer, given a minute to settle. Then dot a small amount only where the darkness is, usually the inner corner and along the hollow, rather than painting a large triangle. Tap it in with a fingertip or a damp sponge; warmth from your finger helps it melt. If you need more coverage, add a second thin layer rather than a thick first one. Finish with a very light dusting of powder, and press rather than sweep. We explain when to use powder and when a spray works better in setting spray versus setting powder.

Which shade for which job

For blemishes and redness on the face, match your foundation or skin exactly, so the spot disappears rather than glows. For brightening under the eyes, go one shade lighter than your skin. Going much lighter than that leaves a pale ring that reads as a highlight. Check shades in daylight; see why a foundation matches indoors and not out.

With or without foundation

On its own, it covers specific spots on otherwise bare skin. Under or over foundation, apply foundation first, then concealer only where you still need it; you will use much less. It pairs naturally with a full-coverage base like IT Cosmetics' CC+ Cream.

Who it suits

Anyone who wants real coverage from a concealer: dark circles, blemishes, redness, uneven patches. The matte finish suits oily and combination skin especially. The listing says it is vegan and that tarte is cruelty-free.

What it will not do

Applied thickly, it will not stay smooth on dry or textured under-eyes; that is a technique problem, and the method above helps. It will not suit someone who wants a dewy, sheer finish. And a lighter shade will not brighten very deep dark circles on its own; for those, a peach or orange corrector underneath works better.

The product

A full-coverage, soft matte cream concealer with long wear, one of Amazon's best-selling beauty products this week, sold by Amazon when we checked.

The one people are searching for is the tarte shape tape concealer.

tarte shape tape concealer

We do not print prices here, because a price we typed last month is a price that is wrong today.

Written by JamieG in Garner Town, Tennessee.