Is The NYX HD Concealer The Perfect Dupe For Tarte Shape Tape?

Choosing a concealer that is not only affordable but also provides the coverage you need without looking cakey can seem an impossible feat. Only a handful of concealers can actually live up to consumer expectations, one of which is Tarte Cosmetics' Shape Tape concealer. Tarte's concealer checks all the boxes, and it's been a fan-favorite product since its release in 2016.

Over the years, however, this popular beauty company has begun to shift its focus on newer, upgraded concealers such as the Ultra Creamy, Creaseless, Amazonian Clay, and SEA product lines. Despite Tarte's newer concealers, the original Shape Tape concealer remains its top product and, as a result, you'll frequently find this popular concealer is out of stock — both online and in-store.

Thankfully, there is a secret dupe for Tarte's iconic Shape Tape concealer, and that is NYX Professional Makeup's Photogenic HD Concealer. The NYX HD Concealer is the hidden gem that you've been looking for, and it doesn't disappoint. Before you make the switch, though, here's what you need to know about these two popular liquid concealers and how they compare to one another.

Tarte's Shape Tape concealer is known for its ability to work well with many skin types, tones, and textures, which is why it can be difficult to imagine any other concealer living up to the same standards. The NYX HD Concealer certainly comes close, though. For starters, the NYX HD and Shape Tape concealers are both cruelty-free products that are formulated with vegan ingredients. Both formulas prevent a cakey finish that is also easy to apply while avoiding the issue of applying too much product thanks to the simple sponge applicator. These two concealers also provide long-lasting coverage and superb buildability. You can even use either concealer for contouring thanks to the creamy consistency and diverse shade range.

While there are many notable similarities between the NYX HD Concealer and Tarte's Shape Tape concealer, there is one key difference between the two and that is price. The Shape Tape concealer is available for $31, which is certainly not the most expensive concealer on the shelves. However, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, then Shape Tape can definitely put a strain on the wallet. NYX's HD Concealer, on the other hand, sits at a more comfortable price of $6 and is most likely available in your local drugstore's beauty aisle. When considering the two concealers based on price alone, there is really no comparison.

Price comparisons aside, there are other important factors to consider, including consistency, ingredients, creasing, and coverage.

According to Tarte's Instagram, one Shape Tape concealer sells every 12 seconds. At this point, the Shape Tape concealer is virtually a cult classic, and for good reason. This natural to matte concealer provides satisfying coverage that is both buildable and blendable. Shape Tape is also long-lasting, waterproof, and boasts an impressive 16-hour wear time. Another reason for Shape Tape's popularity is the fact that Tarte offers a wide shade range, with over 30 shades to choose from and a relatively even offering of fair, tan, and dark tones. 

That being said, Shape Tape is not immune to consumer complaints. For instance, this concealer is known for its heavy formulation, which, depending on your individual skin type, can either be a blessing or a curse. For those with oily or acne-prone skin, for instance, heavy ingredients such as shea butter and mango butter can result in an oily finish. On the other hand, the moisturizing ingredients work well for normal to combination skin types and the additional moisture prevents dryness or caking.  

In general, the NYX HD Concealer can certainly hold its own. Similar to Shape Tape, the HD Concealer creates a natural finish, provides full coverage, and contains nourishing ingredients such as coconut oil. However, the HD Concealer has a more lightweight consistency than Shape Tape, which creates its own set of pros and cons. On the one hand, the lightweight consistency is less prone to creasing than a heavier concealer and also allows controlled buildability. On the other hand, you may need to use more product to achieve the same amount of coverage as Shape Tape, which means that you may go through your concealer faster and may make more frequent trips to the store for refills.

The HD Concealer also provides a diverse range of shades, though it doesn't offer as many shades as Shape Tape. Instead, NYX offers 20 different shades, along with three color-correcting options, including yellow, lavender, and green — all of which help cover anything from discoloration to redness. The lightweight consistency also makes layering your concealers easy, without drowning your skin in product.

So, how does the NYX HD Concealer compare to Shape Tape? The final verdict is this: NYX's HD Concealer is the closest equivalent to Shape Tape in terms of coverage, consistency, and ingredient formulation. With the additional benefit of being considerably more affordable than Shape Tape, the NYX HD Concealer is the perfect dupe for Tarte's Shape Tape concealer.