Is Tarte Shape Tape Water Based?

If you’re a makeup junkie like me, you know that finding the perfect concealer is a game-changer. I used to think all concealers were created equal, until I discovered Tarte Shape Tape. This cult-favorite concealer offers unbeatable coverage and a smooth texture, making it easy to see why it’s constantly sold out.

But with so many makeup products labeled “water-based” or “silicone-based” these days, it left me wondering — is Tarte Shape Tape water based? As I dug deeper, I realized the answer wasn’t so simple. Keep reading to find out why there’s so much confusion around whether this top-selling concealer contains water or silicone.

Reasons for Confusion About Tarte Shape Tape

When trying to determine if a beauty product is water-based or silicone-based, the first place to check is always the ingredients list. Water-based formulas will primarily list ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera, rose water or hyaluronic acid. On the flip side, silicone-based products contain ingredients like dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, or any name ending in “-cone” or “-xane”.

The issue is cosmetics companies aren’t required to disclose the exact percentage of each ingredient. So even if water or silicone ingredients are listed, there’s no way to know if they’re the main components or just minor players.

If we examine the ingredients label on the back of Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, we spot hydrating glycerin pretty high up there. But we also see cyclopentasiloxane and dimethicone farther down—two decidedly silicone-based ingredients. So which one has the higher concentration? It’s impossible to tell.

This uncertainty around the main composition leads to the ongoing debate around whether Tarte concealers are water or silicone-based.

Tarte Sugar Rush and Tarte Colored Clay Concealers

To add to the confusion, Tarte Shape Tape isn’t the brand’s only concealer formula. They also sell two other popular lines: Tarte Sugar Rush and Tarte Colored Clay.

At first glance, these concealers seem totally different. Tarte Sugar Rush has a crease-resistant cream texture with a glowy satin finish. Tarte Colored Clay offers lighter coverage with a matte velvet finish.

But a peek at the ingredients tells a different story. All three Tarte concealers contain very similar silicone-based ingredients like cyclopentasiloxane and dimethicone. So it’s reasonable to assume the majority of Tarte concealers have a silicone base, though they may also contain some water-based components.

What Makes Tarte Shape Tape Concealers So Good?

With so many concealers to choose from, what sets Tarte Shape Tape apart? What makes it such a winning formula that people are willing to overlook the confusion around its composition?

For starters, it contains ultra-hydrating ingredients like shea butter and olive oil to condition your under eyes. Licorice root extract helps soothe tired skin. It also holds the benefit of the antioxidant vitamin E.

When it comes to coverage, Shape Tape delivers in spades. The rich concentration provides serious pigment payoff to mask dark circles or blemishes in one smooth pass.

It also utilizes light-diffusing mica to brighten dull complexions. Combined with its crease-resistant finish and waterproof wear, you can be confident your flawless complexion will last all day.

And with 30 shades available, you’re bound to find a seamless color match for your skin tone. Whether you’re fair, medium or deep completion, Shape Tape has got you covered.

Tarte Primers and Foundations

Like any good makeup addict, I had to see how Tarte’s complexion products compared to their popular concealer. After checking several Tarte primers and foundations, I noticed the brand offers both water-based and silicone-based options.

Some products, like Shape Tape Hydrating Primer, are clearly water-based with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Others, like Shape Tape Matte Foundation, contain silicones like dimethicone.

So while Tarte’s concealers skew more silicone-heavy, their primers and foundations run the gamut between water-based and silicone-based formulas.

FAQs

Is Tarte concealer oil or water-based?

Tarte concealers are not water-based. Instead, they contain silicone-based ingredients that comprise the majority of the formula. However, they may also include smaller amounts of water-based ingredients like glycerin.

What are the benefits of silicone-based concealers?

Silicone creates a smooth, slippery texture that blends seamlessly over skin. It also provides a crease-resistant finish that prevents settling into fine lines. So silicone-based concealers like Shape Tape won’t gather in wrinkles.

How do I pick the right concealer for my needs?

Focus on the formula finish and coverage level. Do you want a radiant glow or matte finish? Do you need heavy pigmentation to cover acne scars? Or does a lightweight brightener suit your needs? Considering your skin type and concerns will make choosing the right concealer much easier.

Final Thoughts

After getting to the bottom of is Tarte Shape Tape water based, it’s clear there’s no straightforward answer. But based on the ingredient labels, Tarte concealers do appear silicone-based overall.

It makes sense that the similarity between Tarte’s concealers, primers and foundations causes so much consumer confusion. Even as a beauty editor, I still find it tricky to identify water-based versus silicone-based products!

At the end of the day, what matters most is how a concealer performs. And there’s no denying Tarte Shape Tape delivers unparalleled coverage with an ultra-creamy texture. So whether this top-seller is water or silicone-based, it remains the MVP of concealers.