Holiday season is right around the corner and it's now time to start thinking about which holiday sets are worth it, and which are flops. The first set I've picked up this year is the tarte conceal and sculpt duo. This set comes with a mini shape tape concealer and a mini sculpt tape bronzer and it retails for $20.
The concealer I picked is in the shade 22N and it matches pretty well. There are only 8 different shades to choose from and all the concealers have neutral undertones. If neutral undertones don't work for you, it might be best to pass on this set.
However, I've been wanting to try the shape tape concealer for so long, I know I can't believe I haven't tried it yet. I was excited to see it included in this set. This concealer usually retails for $14.
The bronzer is in shade cool bronze. This was perfect for me because bronzers are usually too orange and warm for me. You cant purchase this bronzer in a mini size, so this set is the perfect way to try it out and get that lux feeling without breaking the bank.
Let me know what holiday sets you have your eye on!
... Read moreOkay, so I’ve been playing around with this Tarte Conceal & Sculpt Duo for a bit now, and I wanted to dive a little deeper than just my first impressions. You know how holiday sets can be – sometimes they're amazing value, and sometimes they're just…okay. This particular packaged cosmetic duo set, with its eye-catching purple and gold box, definitely caught my attention.
First off, let’s talk about the application. The mini concealer tube, containing the famous Shape Tape, is super easy to work with. I usually apply a few dots under my eyes and blend it out with a damp sponge. What I’ve noticed is that a little really does go a long way. If you use too much, it can settle into fine lines, especially if you have drier skin like mine. My personal trick is to apply it after my foundation, let it sit for about 30 seconds to get a little tacky, and then blend. This seems to give me the best coverage without looking cakey. For the light-toned concealer in shade 22N, I find it perfect for brightening, but if you need to cover a really stubborn blemish, you might need a tiny bit more product or even layer it.
Now onto the mini bronzer tube, the Sculpt Tape. This is where I was truly impressed, especially with the cool-toned bronzer shade. As someone who often struggles with bronzers looking too orange, this one is a dream. I apply it directly to the hollows of my cheeks, temples, and jawline, then blend with a dense brush. It melts into the skin beautifully without looking muddy or patchy. I’ve even dabbed a tiny bit on my eyelids for a quick, natural contour. It's surprisingly versatile! Both products layer well over foundation and don't disturb what's underneath, which is a huge plus for me.
In terms of wear time, I’ve found both the concealer and bronzer hold up pretty well throughout a typical workday. I usually set my under-eye area lightly with powder, and with that, the Shape Tape stays put for about 6-8 hours with minimal creasing. The Sculpt Tape bronzer also has impressive staying power; I notice it’s still visible by the end of the day, which isn't always the case with cream bronzers. Living in a humid climate, I appreciate makeup that doesn't just disappear after a few hours.
Considering the price point of $20 for both minis, I genuinely think this holiday offering is a fantastic way to try out two of Tarte's popular products without committing to the full sizes, which can be quite an investment. The full-size Shape Tape concealer alone is usually around $30, so this set is definitely a steal if you’ve been curious. It's also great for travel or if you’re just getting into makeup and want to experiment. For me, the value is there, especially since the bronzer shade is so perfect and not available in a mini size otherwise. It’s definitely earned a spot in my everyday makeup bag!