Tarte Shape Tape vs. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer: How to Choose

Picking the right concealer can be a challenge, especially with so many options out there at every price point and coverage level. However, two concealers have emerged as contenders for the fan-favorite: Tarte’s Shape Tape and the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer. These two iconic products have earned rave reviews and dedicated followings for their coverage, textures, and staying power: Tarte Shape Tape’s full coverage and matte finish create an even, seamless result, while Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer’s creamy texture and luminous effect offer a natural, radiant glow. But which is right for you? Ahead, we compare the two concealers to help you determine which iconic product best fits your needs.

The Application Process

When it comes to application, skin prep is essential. Given my dry skin type, I always like to make sure the skin around my eyes is well-hydrated.

Ease of Use: Tarte

The Tarte Shape Tape has a large applicator wand, allowing for easy coverage over larger areas or targeted spots. I swatched both wands and noticed that the Tarte wand gives more product in just one swipe.

Precision: Nars

Nars features a smaller wand applicator for precision, ideal for spot-concealing or when you prefer a lighter application under the eyes. Its lightweight texture makes it easy to blend in multiple layers. While both concealers blend well into the skin, I found it easier to control the amount of product I use with the Nars concealer since it has a smaller wand. However, the Nars Radiant Concealer was more on the dry side when it came to blending compared to the Tarte Shape Tape. 

Initial Texture Thoughts

Tarte Shape Tape claims to provide a natural matte finish, which is accurate, but I discovered it also has a creamy formula that blends smoothly into the skin without feeling heavy or cake-y. At the first swipe, I noticed the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer has a matte, dry finish, so I grabbed my Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Eye Primer for a hint of additional hydration. It’s glowier than Tarte’s Shape Tape, but I wouldn’t describe it as exactly ‘creamy.’

The Coverage

When it comes to coverage between these two concealers, it all depends on how much you’re looking for. Whether you prefer full coverage or something more lightweight and buildable, each one has its own pros and cons, which we’ve broken down below.

Best for Full Coverage: Tarte

Tarte’s Shape Tape is a powerhouse when it comes to coverage—under-eye bags, who? This is a full-coverage concealer, so a little goes a long way. Less is more if you want to achieve a casual everyday look, but it’s definitely best for days when you’re going for a full makeup look. Shape Tape creates a natural matte finish but can work well on dry skin with the right skincare prep. 

Best for Natural Coverage: Nars

The Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer offers medium, buildable coverage, so you’ll need to layer it on if you want a full-coverage result. I had to apply about two layers to achieve my desired results, but I did find it easier to achieve a more natural, everyday look with this one.

The Shade Range

Shade range is always crucial when it comes to concealer, as more options increase the likelihood of finding your perfect match. Tarte Shape Tape offers 37 shades spanning from espresso honey to porcelain beige and even white, while the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer provides 30 shades from dark coffee to chantilly. Both brands offer personalized quizzes to help you select the right shade. Ultimately, I found that the few extra shades that Tarte offers made a difference in the ease of finding a shade that suited me best.

The Wear

Again, which concealer you’ll prefer here will depend on your personal preference and priorities. From my experience, the Tarte Shape Tape stands out for its lasting power and resilience, while the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer wows with its lightweight texture and crease-resistant formula.

Longest Staying Power: Tarte

I found that Tarte Shape Tape holds up well throughout the day, even after many hours of wear. It maintains its coverage and finish without significant fading, which is ideal for days when you’re wearing foundation or a full glam look. Similarly, the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer provides reliable coverage and resistance to smudging, but I did find it to slightly fade at the end of the day. This makes it particularly ideal for casual, everyday makeup looks, but you still can make it work for more glam days.

Least Creasing: Nars

Although the Tarte Shape Tape offers excellent coverage, I’ve noticed that its thicker consistency can sometimes lead to creasing, especially if I apply too much product. On the other hand, the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer has a lighter texture that generally creases less, particularly on my dry skin.

The Value

Both of these concealers are $32, but Tarte offers a bit more product, meaning you get slightly more bang for your buck. Still, though, the best option to go with depends most on whether your priorities are full coverage and staying power (which Tarte offers) or a natural look with minimal creasing and a hint of glow (in which case, try Nars).

The Final Verdict

In the end, deciding between the Tarte Shape Tape and the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer comes down to your skin type and what you want from your makeup. Both are solid picks, but I personally gravitate more towards Tarte, primarily due to its value and full coverage. That said, the Nars concealer is a wonderful choice for everyday wear, especially if you have a more minimal makeup routine or prefer lightweight coverage. At the end of the day, it’s all about preference and what works best for your routine.