Delivers Shape Tape-level, full coverage with a soft-matte, long-wearing finish—best applied in light layers for under-eyes.
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I dabbed on my usual pricey concealer before work and watched it crease under one eye by lunchtime, then felt a little ridiculous for spending that much just to still need touch-ups. On a whim, I grabbed a drugstore full-coverage option and applied it in thin layers, expecting it to look heavy or slide off my T-zone. It stayed put, brightened the same way, and the best part was being able to pick a shade without that sinking feeling at the register.
In-depth Reviews
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer (More Than Concealer)
- Very high coverage with minimal product
- Sets well and resists sliding in oily areas
- Layers nicely for spot concealing
- Can look dry under the eyes if applied too thick
- Needs quick blending before it sets
e.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer
- Strong coverage for the price
- Dries down and stays put
- Great for crisp, defined makeup
- Can emphasize dryness or fine lines
- Less forgiving if you rush application
e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer
- More smoothing and forgiving under the eyes
- Blends easily without a harsh dry-down
- Builds coverage without looking heavy
- May need a touch of powder to prevent creasing
- Not as oil-resistant as matte formulas
Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Full Coverage Concealer
- Easy to find a flattering undertone match
- Buildable coverage that still feels light
- Good for targeted concealing and highlighting
- Not as long-wearing as the most matte options
- Can crease if you apply a thick layer under eyes
NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Contour Concealer
- Holds up well on oily skin
- Sharp, matte finish for sculpted looks
- Good staying power around nose and mouth
- Can feel drying under the eyes
- Needs quick blending
Buying Guide
Pro Tip: Get the Shape Tape Finish Without the Cake
Start with “grippy” skin, not slippery skin. If your moisturizer or sunscreen leaves a tacky, dewy film, full-coverage concealer can slide and crease. Give skincare a few minutes to settle, then press a tissue over the under-eye and around the nose to remove excess slip. If you use primer, choose a smoothing or pore-blurring formula in the center of the face, and avoid heavy layers directly under the eyes.
Use micro-layers and let them set in between. Instead of one thick swipe, place two tiny dots where you are darkest, usually inner corner and the deepest shadow, then tap outward until the edge disappears. If you still need more, add a second pinpoint layer only where needed. This keeps coverage high where it counts while the rest stays thin, which is the difference between “flawless” and “masky,” especially in daylight.
Set strategically, then melt it back in. Powder is helpful, but only on the parts that crease or get shiny. Press a small amount of finely milled powder into the smile-line area, under-eye crease zone, and sides of the nose. Then finish with setting spray and lightly press (do not rub) with a damp sponge to take away the powdery look. It is a simple step that makes drugstore dupes look more like a higher-end, airbrushed finish.
💡 Editor’s Final Thoughts
Final Verdict: If you want the closest true dupe to Shape Tape’s coverage and staying power, L’Oréal Infallible Full Wear is the top pick because it covers fast and wears hard without needing constant touch-ups. For a lower-cost alternative with great performance, e.l.f. 16HR Camo is the best budget buy, just keep your application light to avoid a heavy under-eye look.
See also
If you want a point of reference, start with our Tarte Shape Tape concealer review, then compare it to a prestige favorite in our NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer review.
- Concealers that play nicely with acne-prone skin
- Top concealers for oily skin and shine control
- Best concealers for dark skin (undertones and no-ash brightening)
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
What is the closest drugstore concealer to Tarte Shape Tape?
If you want the most similar “one-and-done” full coverage feel, L’Oréal Infallible Full Wear is the closest match from the drugstore. It has that same high-pigment payoff, strong spot-concealing power, and a set-down that holds up through the day without immediately sliding around. The biggest difference is that Shape Tape can look slightly more smoothing under the eyes on a good skin day, while Full Wear can read a bit drier if you apply too much.
How do I keep a Shape Tape-style dupe from looking cakey?
With thick concealers, it is less about the brand and more about the method. Start with a tiny amount, usually two small dots per under-eye is plenty, then tap it out with a damp sponge or your ring finger until the edges disappear. Let it sit for 15 to 30 seconds before blending so the pigment can “grip,” but do not wait until it fully dries. If you set, use a very light dusting of finely milled powder only where you crease, then press (do not swipe) with a puff or sponge to keep texture from being emphasized.
Should I choose a matte or hydrating formula for under-eyes?
Choose based on how your under-eye behaves by lunchtime, not how it looks right after skincare. If you crease easily or get oily in the T-zone and under-eye area, a matte formula like e.l.f. 16HR Camo or NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop tends to stay put longer with less slipping. If your under-eye looks tight, flaky, or “crinkly” when you smile, a hydrating formula like e.l.f. Hydrating Camo usually looks more forgiving. Either way, keep coverage concentrated on the inner corner and darkness, then sheer out the outer edge so it stays skin-like.
How do I pick the right shade online (especially for brightening)?
For a Shape Tape-style brightening effect, pick two shades: one that matches your skin for spot concealing, and one that is about 1 shade lighter for under-eye lift. Then check undertone before you check lightness. If your concealer pulls gray, you likely need warmer or peachier undertones; if it pulls yellow, you likely need more neutral or pink. When in doubt, go with a true match for blemishes and use a lighter shade only in a small triangle under the eye, because an overly light shade across a wide area can look ashy in flash photos.
Which dupe works best for covering acne or redness without slipping off?
Look for a formula that sets down firmly and layers without breaking apart. L’Oréal Infallible Full Wear and Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define are both strong for spot concealing because they have enough pigment to cover redness without needing a thick second layer. The trick is prep: use a lightweight moisturizer, let it sink in, then apply concealer only on the center of the blemish and feather the edges. If you need insurance, press a touch of powder over the spot and finish with setting spray so it does not look overly matte or patchy.
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