Tarte Cosmetics faced criticism after a previous foundation launch due to a limited shade range and repackaging issues. However, in 2019, they introduced the Face Tape Foundation, boasting an inclusive range of 50 shades, from very fair to very deep. Marketed as a remastered version of the Matte Shape Tape Foundation and inspired by their popular Shape Tape Concealer, the launch slogan was “You asked, we listened.” This new foundation aimed to address past concerns and offer a broader selection for consumers who felt excluded by previous offerings.
The original Shape Tape Foundation, even with its expanded range released six months post-initial launch, had already driven many consumers to seek alternatives. Despite this, the reviewer had personally used both the matte and hydrating versions of the Shape Tape Foundation and found them satisfactory in finish and wear. Having nearly finished both bottles, the reviewer decided to compare the new Face Tape Foundation specifically to the Matte version, given their supposed similarities.
First Impressions and Application
A key difference immediately noticeable is the packaging. Unlike the original Shape Tape Foundation which featured a doe-foot applicator, the Face Tape Foundation comes with a pump, which is generally preferred for hygiene and controlled application. Both foundations contain 1.01 oz of product and retail for $39.
Tarte promotes the Face Tape Foundation as long-wearing (12 hours), full coverage, and mattifying, while also incorporating hydrating and brightening properties through “skinvigorating ingredients.” It claims to be transfer-proof, waterproof, and sweat-proof, catering to a long-lasting wear experience. The foundation is available in 50 shades with 5 undertones, a significant improvement for catering to diverse skin tones when you Compare Foundation Shades available in the market.
Key Ingredients and Claims
The “skinvigorating ingredients” are highlighted as a blend of skincare and makeup, aiming to improve skin health while providing coverage. These include:
- Snow Mushroom Extract: Known for its polysaccharide content, it aims to hydrate and brighten the skin.
- Apple Fruit Extract: Rich in antioxidants, it is included to protect the skin from free radicals.
- Hyaluronic Acid: A well-known hydrating ingredient that contributes to skin moisture, firmness, and suppleness.
These ingredients suggest a formula that is not just about coverage but also about skin benefits, a popular trend in modern foundation formulations.
Wear Test and Performance
To directly compare the two, the reviewer applied Face Tape Foundation on one side of the face and Shape Tape Matte Foundation on the other. Initial application showed remarkable similarity. A dry patch was noted on the Face Tape side, mirroring the initial dryness often seen with Shape Tape Matte. This initial dryness suggested a very similar wear experience to the original Matte formula. However, the Shape Tape Matte Foundation is known to improve in appearance and feel as it warms up to the skin. Therefore, the initial dryness wasn’t immediately seen as a negative. From a normal viewing distance, both foundations looked good on the skin despite the initial dryness upon close inspection.
11-Hour Wear and Final Thoughts
After 11 hours of wear, the foundation finish remained impressive. Both foundations wore nicely throughout the day, maintaining a desirable finish. While some dry patches were still subtly noticeable upon very close inspection, under normal viewing conditions, the foundations held up well.
Comparing Face Tape to the original Shape Tape Matte Foundation after extended wear, they appeared almost indistinguishable on the skin. The key differentiator lies in the improved shade range of the Face Tape Foundation. For those who were previously unable to find a suitable shade in the original Shape Tape Matte range, the Face Tape Foundation presents a viable and inclusive alternative. If shade availability was a barrier previously, this new iteration effectively addresses that concern while delivering a similar formula and performance.
In conclusion, if you are looking to compare foundation shades and were previously limited by the Shape Tape Matte range, Tarte Face Tape Foundation offers a significantly expanded and more inclusive selection. The formula and wear are highly comparable to the original Matte version, making it a strong contender for those seeking a long-wearing, full coverage matte foundation with an improved shade range.
