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The best Tarte products didn’t appear overnight—they’re the result of over 25 years of innovation, beginning with a single cheek stain (that debuted in Henri Bendel, RIP) and a vision for high-performance makeup that actually works. The brand was also early to the conscious beauty conversation, long before buzzwords like clean, cruelty-free, and vegan became industry default. But if you were anywhere near beauty YouTube or early Instagram in the 2010s, you know Tarte didn’t just grow—it took over your feed, thanks in part to staples like its Shape Tape Concealer, with its thick, almost paint-like coverage that somehow still blends seamlessly.
Our Top Tarte Products
- Coverage on Lock: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, $32
- Lips That Last: Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Stain Liner, $23
- Go Big: Tarte Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara, $28
- Snatch and Stay: Tarte Sculpt Tape Contour, $36
Fast forward to now, and Tarte has become a staple in makeup bags everywhere, largely because it nails both complexion and color with formulas that feel as distinct as they perform—think Amazonian Clay Foundation that grips without going flat, or the balmy, click-up shine of Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump. Even as the brand has evolved, it has stayed true to its roots, delivering ride-or-die formulas with ingredients like shea butter and maracuja oil that benefit skin.
Whether you're trying to control shine, look well-rested, or just want a bulletproof base for summer weddings, there’s likely a Tarte product for that. Ahead, the brand’s best makeup products—editor-tested and praised by makeup artists—that deserve a permanent spot in your routine.
Take (Full) Cover: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
Why we love it: When Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer first launched, the hype was so intense that customers were reportedly limited to just two tubes at a time—and even then, it kept selling out. It quickly reached “holy grail” status, becoming the concealer YouTubers couldn’t stop talking about, thanks to its ability to deliver full, flawless coverage that instantly brightens dark circles, blurs blemishes, and sculpts the face without feeling heavy. A few swipes of this multi-time Readers' Choice Award winner is all it takes as it dries down to a natural matte finish that resists creasing and caking, even through long days and late nights. The texture has that signature silky slip in part to shea butter, mango butter, licorice root, and olive oil. Los Angeles, California-based makeup artist Alondra Excene especially likes it for oily skin because it’s super-matte, full coverage, and waterproof. “I use Shape Tape on all of my clients because I know once it’s set, it’s not going anywhere,” she says.
Tester feedback from contributor Devon Abelman
“First of all, Shape Tape doesn't draw attention to dry spots or feel cakey on skin, despite its mattifying effect. It's formulated with hydrating ingredients, like mango seed and shea butter, that leave skin feeling nourished and looking smooth instead of parched and patchy throughout the day. This amazing moisturizing consistency helps the concealer blend so well that it doesn't crease, too.” —Devon Abelman, contributor
Tester feedback from editorial assistant Jennet Jusu
“I use Tarte Shape Tape Radiant Concealer in 47H (Tan-Deep Honey) to brighten under my eyes, and the Shape Tape Contour Concealer in 53H (Deep Honey) to cover hyperpigmentation while subtly contouring for an everyday glow. A little goes a long way, and paired with a touch of blush, it pulls the whole look together effortlessly.” —Jennet Jusu, editorial assistant
More to know
- Key ingredients: mango seed, shea butter, licorice root, shea butter
- Finish: matte
- Available shades: 50
Seeing Double: Tarte Double Take Liquid & Gel Pencil Eyeliner
Why we love it: Some days call for a crisp wing; other times, you’re smudging liner with your fingertip in the car mirror. Tarte’s Double Take Eyeliner handles both—without adding extra bulk to your makeup bag. One end features a waterproof liquid eyeliner with a felt tip that makes sharp, clean lines feel almost too easy, while the other side has a creamy pencil that glides on and blends out for that softer, smoked-in effect. It comes in both black and brown—we like black for more dramatic wings or smokier looks, and brown for everyday wear or warm-weather months when black can feel a bit too heavy. The secret to its bold color and staying power? Mineral pigments and Amazonian clay, a staple Tarte ingredient that allows for longer wear.
Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner
“My friends literally know me for my winged liner—when I have an event or a fun night out, I never leave the house without it. Tarte’s Double Take Liner is always my first pick when I go to draw my sharp wings, or even when I’m going for a sultrier, more blended look. The color payoff is so intense, I just need to tap the felt tip onto my skin and voila, the most perfect, dark-as-night wing I ever did see! If I could marry this product, I would—and it lasts forever, so I wouldn’t have to worry about being alone!” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
More to know
- Key ingredients: Amazonian clay
- Available shades: 2
The Glow Getter: Tarte Shape Tape Radiant Concealer
Why we love it: If you love the full-coverage, spot-correcting power of the original Shape Tape but want something glowier and more natural-looking, the 2023 Best of Beauty-winning Tarte Shape Tape Radiance Concealer will be your new go-to. Philadelphia-based makeup artist Yari Lamback told Allure she loves how this concealer "blends down effortlessly and becomes your second skin, offering a clean and fresh look.”
You still get that crease-proof coverage, but with light-reflecting pigments and a hydrating serum base (think hyaluronic acid, ginseng, and seaberry seed and fruit oil). The payoff: a bright-eyed, lit-from-within finish that feels more like skin care than makeup—less matte, more forgiving, and especially great for dry or mature skin.
Tester feedback from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis
"I don't drink coffee, so I'm always on the hunt for makeup products that make me appear more awake—and this concealer does exactly that. It's high in coverage to cover any discoloration under my eyes and has a pretty sheen to it, so it makes my under eyes look more radiant (hence the name) and awake." —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: seaberry seed and fruit oil, prickly pear, ginseng, hyaluronic acid
- Finish: dewy
- Available shades: 50
Lay the Foundation: Tarte Cosmetics Face Tape Foundation
Why we love it: The success of the original Shape Tape Concealer paved the way for Tarte’s Face Tape Foundation. An earlier version faced criticism for its limited shade range, prompting a reformulation, but the updated version more than delivers. Like its predecessor, it offers full coverage with a surprisingly lightweight, breathable feel and up to 12 hours of wear with a transfer-resistant finish, now in a far more inclusive range of shades.
It smooths skin texture, minimizes pores, and blurs imperfections without ever looking mask-like or cakey. Plus, like a tinted moisturizer, it’s packed with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidant-rich snow mushroom extract for a natural matte finish that doesn’t dry you out. “Traditionally, long-wear makeup can look—or feel—heavy or cakey,” says Los Angeles, California-based makeup artist Gregory Arlt. “This modern formula gives the coverage and long-wear that one would need without looking or feeling like you have a mask on. It’s amazing for hot or humid climes, especially in the summer months.”
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Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
"As you can see from the decrepit bottle, this foundation and I go way back. I've been wearing the full-coverage, long-lasting base for years due to its transfer-proof, can-be-worn-in-every-season formula. It evens out underlying redness and doesn't disrupt my oily complexion. It's truly the best!" —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
More to know
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, snow mushroom extract
- Available shades: 50
Lips That Last: Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Stain Liner
Why we love it: One product, so many ways to wear it—line, fill, smudge it out, repeat. A 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Winner, Tarte’s Maracuja Juicy Lip Stain Liner took home top honors for Best Lip Liner Pen, and that’s due to its impressively long staying power. It’s almost like a felt-tip eyeliner, just for your lips for easy definition and shape, but here’s the twist—it also stains your lips, so the color sticks around long after traditional liners would’ve faded (read: It won’t move until you whip out your favorite cleansing oil). Available in 12 super-pigmented shades—from versatile neutrals like Buff Peach to bold tones like Spiced Ginger—it’s the kind of formula that holds up through brunch, busy work days, and whatever the night turns into. And, despite that long wear, it invisibly hydrates with hyaluronic acid, castor oil, and maracuja oil.
Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor
“I keep at least two beverages with me at all times—a matcha latte for energy and water for real hydration—which means most lip products don’t last more than just the selfie I put them on for. This tint, though, actually survives constant contact with straws. It dries down quickly, staying put once it’s set (even under layers of gloss). It does fade eventually (I noticed it was gone after a few hours and a snack), but I always keep the slim pencil with me for quick touch-ups.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor
Tester feedback from head of video Natalie Campbell
“This lip liner really does last! I’m partial to low-maintenance lip products, and this liner wears and blends so nicely without causing harsh lines. The felt tip makes it easy to trace over your natural lip line, and the range ensures there’s a color that matches any type of look." —Natalie Campbell, head of video
More to know
- Key ingredients: maracuja oil, castor oil, olive oil, hyaluronic acid
- Shades: 12
Line Dance: Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Liner
Why we love it: If you want to define your lips but need something a little more forgiving than a stain, the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Liner is that reliable classic. It’s the pencil version of the stain above, so while it doesn’t lock in color as long, it still holds up through meals and drinks better than other pencil formulas we’ve tried. If you don’t love the marker feel on your lips, this option is suitable for those who like the smooth, creamy glide that gives you time to shape, tweak, and softly blend without feeling like you need to get it perfect on the first pass. Like the stain, it’s infused with a 10+ superfruit complex, maracuja oil, and hyaluronic acid, so it nourishes while delivering pigmented, skip-free color. Wear it to define, fill in, or layer under gloss or lipstick; the formula stays put without drying or feathering. What’s more, the pencil features a built-in sharpener that keeps the tip consistently sharp.
Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel
"Being a Black girl who grew up in the '90s, I'm a connoisseur of brown lip liners. My current go-to is Maracuja Juicy Lip Liner in Brown from Tarte. My favorite thing about it is that there is no need for a sharpener; just twist up to get more. The formula is creamy going on, gives a few seconds to blend, but dries down to an immovable finish. I often pair it with my signature red liquid lipstick to give my lips definition." —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief
More to know
- Key ingredients: maracuja oil, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid
- Available shades: 20
Dot Dot Dot: Tarte Go With the Faux Freckle Stamp
Why we love it: Freckles on demand? Heck, yes. The Tarte Go with the Faux Freckle Stamp lets you dot on perfectly placed faux freckles in seconds, giving you that sun-kissed, carefree charm without the risk of dangerous UV exposure. It stands out from other freckle stamps due to its unique, five-prong applicator, which places a cluster at once so the result looks more random (and real), not overly placed. Plus, there are four shades to choose from that look believable across a range of skin tones, and the sheer formula melts into makeup beautifully. It’s low-effort, a little playful, and easy to dial up or down depending on your mood. “I love this freckle stamp; it’s really beginner-friendly,” New York City-based makeup artist Natalie Dresher previously shared.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
“I've been known to go, shall we say, overboard with faux freckles (though I say, who cares?), but Tarte's freckle pen is more subtle, so it does lend a more natural look when it comes to the individual freckles. On the flip side, because the pigment is subtle, you have to refill the applicator pretty frequently. Otherwise, a multi-point freckle pen is simply genius!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: Amazonian clay, castor oil
- Available shades: 4
Go Big: Tarte Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara
Why we love it: First off, this 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner is basically a lash extension in a tube, which is why it’s our top tubing mascara pick. The Tarte Tartelette XL Tubing Mascara wraps each lash in a flexible, smudge-proof coat that resists flakes and raccoon eyes, while still coming off easily with warm water. It’s designed to lift, define, and dramatically lengthen without ever clumping or weighing lashes down. And its blend of shea butter, castor oil, carnauba wax, niacinamide, biotin, and panthenol helps keep the volume goin’ as it nourishes and hydrates to help lashes look longer and softer over time. In our opinion, the volume it imparts outpaces the original, more natural-looking Tartelette Tubing Mascara, making it a better choice when you really want your eyes to pop.
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
“I'm probably the only person on team Allure who isn't all-in on tubing mascaras (I love to goop it on and I'll never totally change, sorry), but this is by far the best tubing formula I've tried. I have the brown shade, and I'd pay big money for my natural lashes to look like this all the time. The lengthening effect is unreal, without sacrificing the volume I crave from a mascara.”—Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
Tester feedback from senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino
As someone who only wears tubing mascara, Tarte's original Tartlette version is the best one I've tried so far—and I've tried a lot! I particularly love how it lengthens my lashes, and I feel like I can put a few coats on without it getting clumpy or spider-y looking. It never smudges or flakes off on my eyes, which is a huge pet peeve of mine and one of the reasons I exclusively use tubing mascara.” —Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer
More to know
- Key ingredients: shea butter, castor oil, carnauba wax, TLC complex
- Available shades: 2
Snatch and Stay: Tarte Sculpt Tape Contour
Why we love it: Believe it or not, even beauty editors still get a little nervous about contour. Tarte’s Sculpt Tape Contour takes the pressure off—it’s pretty much squeeze, dot, blend, done. Dot it along your forehead and cheekbones (or anywhere you want a convincing, sun-lit glow), and it melts in like it was always part of your skin. The creamy formula diffuses effortlessly, giving you that soft, second-skin finish that’s nearly impossible to mess up. With 13 shades, it’s easy to find something that works for subtle sculpting or a warm glow. True to Tarte form, there’s a skin-care angle woven in: mango and shea butter add cushion, licorice root brightens and evens tone, and a touch of diamond powder softly blurs while imparting that fresh-from-vacation radiance. Whenever our complexions need a little revival, this one delivers every single time.
Tester feedback from Wohlner
“I can get pretty ghostly in the colder months, and this bronzer instantly warms me up and makes me look like I haven't been inside all day long (shhh, it's our secret!). It's so easy to apply with its sponge applicator, and even easier to blend out with a brush. It melts into the skin like butter without any catching on dry patches or pilling—it's one of the creamiest bronzers I've ever swiped on, and I can't wait for it to make my summer tans look even glowier. She's on repeat all year long for me—no doubt!”—Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
Tester feedback from Trakoshis
“This stuff is very pigmented and a little definitely goes a long way, so I’ve learned to use a lot less product. I blend out the dots with a brush, specifically the Tarte Sculpt Tape Brush, and add some concealer under my eyes and down the bridge of my nose to brighten those areas. Once everything is blended, holy moly, your girl looks tan, chiseled, and glowy—just how I like it. Oh, and I love how glowy it makes me!” —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor
Tester feedback from Kinonen
“The liquid-based formula of this bronzer makes sculpting, chiseling, and defining as easy as pressing the cushion-top wand to the skin. Its fluid format is actually easy to manipulate, no matter how you contour: stamp, stencil, or sculpt. I like to use it after I’ve applied my foundation, concealer, brow gel, and mascara, but before my blush. I pop off the cap, twirl open the top, and then squeeze to distribute the bronze-y goodness (I use the Cool Bronze shade). I then lightly dab the cushion-covered applicator head directly onto my cheekbones, forehead, and down my nose (about three dots worth for each section) and quickly grab my tapered base brush and blend. My advice? Be quick! The pigment dries fast.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
More to know
- Key ingredients: mango butter, shea butter, licorice root, diamond powder
- Available shades: 13
Frequently Asked Questions
Meet the experts
- Gregory Arlt, a celebrity makeup artist based in Los Angeles
- Natalie Dresher, a New York City-based makeup artist
- Alondra Excene, a Southern California-based makeup artist
- Nydia Figueroa, a New Jersey- and New York City-based makeup artist
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best tarte products, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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