Tarte Face Tape Foundation: My 16N Fair Light Neutral Review

Welcome to my honest review of the Tarte Face Tape Foundation in the shade 16N Fair Light Neutral. If you’re on the hunt for a full-coverage foundation that promises a flawless finish, you’ve likely heard about this cult favorite. As someone with fair skin and neutral undertones, finding the right foundation can be a real challenge. I’ve put this foundation to the test to see if it lives up to the hype.

First Impressions: Packaging and Shade Matching

The Tarte Face Tape Foundation comes in a sleek, frosted glass bottle with a pump dispenser, which I appreciate for hygiene and controlled product dispensing. The packaging feels luxurious and sturdy. The shade range is extensive, catering to a variety of skin tones. Finding my perfect match, 16N Fair Light Neutral, was relatively easy thanks to online resources and shade comparison tools.

The initial swatch test on my hand looked promising. The shade appeared to be a good match for my skin tone, with a neutral balance that didn’t lean too yellow or too pink. But how would it perform on my face?

Application: Techniques and Tools

I’ve experimented with several application methods to find what works best for the Tarte Face Tape Foundation. Here’s a breakdown of my experiences:

Beauty Sponge: Using a damp beauty sponge provides a more natural, diffused finish. I found this method helps to sheer out the foundation for a more breathable feel.
Foundation Brush: A dense foundation brush provides maximum coverage. This is great for achieving a flawless, airbrushed look, but it can also make the foundation feel heavier on the skin.
Fingers: Applying with fingers warms up the product, making it easier to blend. However, it’s harder to achieve an even, streak-free finish with this method.

My preferred method is using a damp beauty sponge for a balanced approach. I start with a small amount of product (one pump is usually enough) and build up coverage where needed. Remember, a little goes a long way with this foundation! A quick tip: Be sure to moisturize your skin well before applying, as this foundation can cling to dry patches.

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Coverage and Finish

The Tarte Face Tape Foundation is known for its full coverage, and it definitely delivers on that promise. It effectively covers blemishes, redness, and uneven skin tone with just a thin layer. The finish is initially matte, but it can become more natural-looking as your skin’s natural oils come through. If you prefer a dewy look, you can mix in a hydrating serum or use a luminous primer underneath.

For those with oily skin, this foundation can be a godsend. It helps control shine and keeps your complexion looking fresh for hours. However, if you have dry skin, you might find it a bit too drying. Proper hydration and a hydrating primer are essential to prevent the foundation from emphasizing dry patches.

Wear Test: How Does It Hold Up?

I wore the Tarte Face Tape Foundation for a full day to see how it holds up under different conditions. Here’s what I observed:

Longevity: The foundation lasted for about 8 hours before I noticed any significant fading. With a good setting spray, it can easily last even longer.
Transfer: There was minimal transfer onto my phone screen and clothing, which is a huge plus.
Oxidation: I experienced slight oxidation, meaning the color deepened slightly after a few hours. This is something to keep in mind when choosing your shade.
Comfort: While the foundation provides excellent coverage, it can feel a bit heavy on the skin, especially if you’re not used to full-coverage formulas.

Overall, I was impressed with the longevity and transfer resistance of this foundation. While the heaviness is a drawback, it’s a trade-off I’m willing to make for the flawless coverage it provides.

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Pros and Cons

To summarize, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Tarte Face Tape Foundation:

Pros:

Excellent full coverage
Long-lasting wear
Extensive shade range
Controls shine
Minimal transfer

Cons:

Can feel heavy on the skin
May be too drying for dry skin types
Slight oxidation may occur

Comparison to Other Foundations

Let’s see how the Tarte Face Tape Foundation stacks up against some other popular foundations:

Foundation	Coverage	Finish	Longevity	Price
Tarte Face Tape Foundation	Full	Matte	8+ hours	$$
Estée Lauder Double Wear	Full	Matte	10+ hours	$$$
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Foundation	Medium to Full	Matte	7-8 hours	$$
L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear	Medium	Natural	6-7 hours	$

Price Guide:
$ = Under $20
$$ = $20 – $40
$$$ = Over $40

As you can see, the Tarte Face Tape Foundation offers comparable coverage and longevity to high-end options like Estée Lauder Double Wear, but at a slightly more accessible price point. While it may not last quite as long as Double Wear, it provides a similar level of coverage and shine control. Compared to Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Foundation, Tarte offers fuller coverage and a slightly longer wear time. The L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear is a great drugstore alternative, but it doesn’t provide the same level of coverage or longevity as the Tarte foundation.

Tips for Making It Work for Your Skin Type

No matter your skin type, here are some tips to help you get the most out of the Tarte Face Tape Foundation:

For Oily Skin: Use a mattifying primer and setting powder to control shine. Blotting papers can also be your best friend throughout the day.
For Dry Skin: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Use a rich moisturizer and a hydrating primer. Consider mixing a drop of facial oil into the foundation for added hydration.
For Combination Skin: Use a balancing primer and apply the foundation strategically, focusing on areas that need the most coverage.

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Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Hype?

So, is the Tarte Face Tape Foundation worth the hype? In my opinion, yes, but with some caveats. If you’re looking for a full-coverage foundation that provides a flawless finish and controls shine, this is an excellent option. However, if you have dry skin or prefer a more natural, lightweight feel, you might want to explore other alternatives. Proper preparation and application are key to making this foundation work for your skin type.

I hope this review has been helpful in your quest for the perfect foundation. Happy makeup hunting!

Alternative Foundation Options to Consider

If the Tarte Face Tape Foundation doesn’t quite align with your preferences or skin type, fear not! The beauty world is brimming with alternatives catering to diverse needs. Let’s explore a few noteworthy options:

For a Natural, Lightweight Feel:

ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation: This foundation offers light to medium coverage with a dewy finish. Infused with skin-loving ingredients like aloe vera and rosehip oil, it provides a healthy, radiant complexion.
Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint: If you’re seeking minimal coverage and a “your skin but better” effect, this is an excellent choice. It evens out skin tone and blurs imperfections without feeling heavy.

For Oily Skin with a Natural Matte Finish:

NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation: This oil-free formula provides medium to full coverage with a soft matte finish. It effectively controls shine and minimizes the appearance of pores.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation: A drugstore favorite, this foundation offers medium coverage with a natural matte finish. It’s lightweight, breathable, and suitable for oily and combination skin.

For Dry Skin Needing Hydration:

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation: This iconic foundation provides medium coverage with a radiant, luminous finish. It’s lightweight, hydrating, and creates a smooth, flawless complexion.
Kosas Tinted Face Oil Foundation: Infused with nourishing botanical oils, this foundation offers light to medium coverage with a dewy finish. It hydrates the skin and provides a healthy, glowing complexion.

For Long-Lasting Coverage That Feels Comfortable:

Urban Decay Stay Naked Weightless Foundation: This foundation offers medium to full coverage with a natural matte finish. It’s lightweight, breathable, and provides long-lasting wear without feeling heavy or cakey.
Huda Beauty Faux Filter Foundation: Known for its full coverage and flawless finish, this foundation is designed to last all day. While it offers high coverage, it feels surprisingly comfortable on the skin.

Understanding Your Skin Undertones for Perfect Shade Matching

One of the most crucial aspects of selecting the right foundation is understanding your skin’s undertones. Undertones are the subtle hues beneath the surface of your skin that influence how a foundation shade appears on your face. Identifying your undertones can prevent you from choosing a foundation that looks too orange, pink, or ashy.

Here’s a Simple Guide to Determining Your Undertones:

The Vein Test: Examine the veins on your wrist. If they appear blue or purple, you likely have cool undertones. If they appear green, you likely have warm undertones. If you see a mix of blue and green, you likely have neutral undertones.
The Jewelry Test: Consider which metal complements your skin best. If gold jewelry makes your skin glow, you likely have warm undertones. If silver jewelry looks more flattering, you likely have cool undertones. If both gold and silver look good, you likely have neutral undertones.
How Your Skin Reacts to the Sun: If you tend to burn easily and your skin has a pinkish hue, you likely have cool undertones. If you tan easily and your skin has a golden hue, you likely have warm undertones. If you tan without burning and your skin doesn’t lean too pink or too golden, you likely have neutral undertones.

Once you’ve determined your undertones, look for foundation shades that match. Cool undertones typically pair well with foundations labeled as “cool,” “pink,” or “red.” Warm undertones look best with foundations labeled as “warm,” “golden,” or “yellow.” Neutral undertones can wear a variety of shades, but often look best with foundations labeled as “neutral.”

Common Foundation Application Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the perfect foundation, improper application can lead to a less-than-desirable result. Here are some common foundation application mistakes to avoid:

Not Preparing Your Skin: Skipping skincare is a major no-no. Always cleanse, tone, and moisturize your skin before applying foundation. Proper hydration is essential for a smooth, even finish.
Using the Wrong Primer: Choose a primer that complements your skin type and foundation formula. A mattifying primer is ideal for oily skin, while a hydrating primer is best for dry skin.
Applying Too Much Product: Start with a small amount of foundation and build up coverage as needed. Applying too much product can result in a cakey, unnatural look.
Using the Wrong Tools: Experiment with different application tools to find what works best for you. A beauty sponge is great for a natural finish, while a dense brush provides more coverage.
Not Blending Properly: Blend, blend, blend! Ensure that the foundation is seamlessly blended into your skin, paying particular attention to the hairline, jawline, and neck.
Ignoring Your Skin Type: Choose a foundation formula that suits your skin type. A matte foundation is ideal for oily skin, while a hydrating foundation is best for dry skin.
Forgetting to Set Your Foundation: Setting powder helps to lock in your foundation, control shine, and prolong wear. Use a light dusting of powder, focusing on areas that tend to get oily.

Exploring the World of Color Correcting

Color correcting is a technique used to neutralize unwanted tones in the skin, such as redness, dark circles, or hyperpigmentation. By applying a color corrector before foundation, you can create a more even and flawless base.

Here’s a Quick Guide to Color Correcting:

Green: Neutralizes redness. Use green color corrector on blemishes, rosacea, or sunburn.
Peach/Orange: Corrects dark circles and hyperpigmentation on fair to medium skin tones.
Red/Orange: Corrects dark circles and hyperpigmentation on deep skin tones.
Yellow: Brightens dullness and corrects purple undertones.
Purple: Brightens sallowness and corrects yellow undertones.

Apply color corrector sparingly to the targeted areas and blend well before applying foundation. This will help to create a more even and balanced complexion.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Foundation

Finding the perfect foundation and mastering its application is a journey, not a destination. By understanding your skin type, undertones, and the various formulas and techniques available, you can achieve a flawless, radiant complexion that enhances your natural beauty. Whether you choose the Tarte Face Tape Foundation or another option, remember to experiment, have fun, and embrace the process of self-discovery.