How the Tarte Power Flex Concealer Stacks Up to Shape Tape

You may have noticed that Tarte Cosmetics released a new concealer. This is big news, because prior to introducing the Sea Power Flex Full Coverage Concealer ($28) earlier this month, the brand's most well-known product in this category was its legendary Shape Tape Concealer ($30), which was released years ago.

The newest concealer is a member of the brand's Sea line, which focuses on simple vegan formulas and natural-looking finishes (it calls itself the "yoga pants" of concealers). Because Tarte's Shape Tape Concealer is so well known, you may find yourself wondering how the new one differs from the original formula and which would be better for you to use. So, allow us to do a little comparing and contrasting.

Tarte's Sea Power Flex Full Coverage Concealer offers full coverage (as does Shape Tape) and comes in 32 shades (Shape Tape comes in 35). They also both have doe-foot applicators, although Power Flex's is slightly larger. The biggest difference is the new concealer is vegan and offers a slightly different finish and feel. While Shape Tape is full coverage with a matte finish, Power Flex is full coverage with a natural finish, making it better suited for more minimal, light makeup looks or those with dry skin types. There's also a $2 price difference between the two.

As someone who prefers lighter finishes and textures, I was excited to try the Sea Power Flex Full Coverage Concealer. I love Shape Tape, but my makeup style is more subtle, so the new launch sounded right up my alley. It has hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in the formula and offers up to 24 hours of hydration.

I decided to use my Shape Tape (in 22N Light Neutral) on one side of my face and Power Flex (in 25N Light-Medium Neutral) on the other to see a side-by-side comparison of how they stack up (the two different shades are just what I had on hand). The application process is almost identical because, as mentioned above, they both come with the large doe-foot wand. You can see immediately that they're both high coverage and opaque but Power Flex feels a bit creamier and is more hydrating.

Blending also provides a similar experience. I used a damp makeup sponge for both sides and although they blended easily, there is a difference in the feel of the formulas. Power Flex went farther than Shape Tape because of the creaminess in the formula; it also didn't feel as dry. After they are blended, they both have the relatively same satin feel on the skin.

Both concealers deliver on their long-wearing claims and don't smudge or crease even after you wear them for hours on end. Speaking to the Tarte Sea Power Flex Full Coverage Concealer specifically, it blurs blemishes and dark circles while feeling weightless on the skin and giving you a your-skin-but-better finish.

Tarte Sea Power Flex Full Coverage Concealer

From

$28

$28 at Sephora

TLDR: Tarte knows its stuff when it comes to concealers. Both formulas are great, but if your makeup style leans more minimalist, you'll love the new Sea Power Flex Full Coverage Concealer like I do.

Rating: ★★★★★