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Here are the swatches for everyone's favorite concealer:  Tarte Shape Tape .  We will be swatching shades 16N Fair-Light Neutral, 29N Li...

Here are the swatches for everyone's favorite concealer:  Tarte Shape Tape.  We will be swatching shades 16N Fair-Light Neutral, 29N Light-Medium, 36S Medium-Tan Sand, 47H Tan-Deep Honey, and 57S Rich Sand on NC37 skin tone.  Enjoy!

TARTE
Shape Tape Concealer Swatches

Tarte Shape Tape Swatches on Light Medium Skin (NC37)


INFO SHEET


Brand:  Tarte
Product:  Shape Tape Concealer
Coverage:  High
Dewiness:  Matte
Scent:  Very Subtle, Fresh
Oxidation:  YES! See Below.
Price:  $31.00
Where to Buy:  Amazon, Tarte Cosmetics, ULTA

I've reviewed Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer in the past and was very pleased with the results.  Ultimately, I did move on from the product because I do not have a need for such full coverage.  I currently use Clé de Peau's Radiant Corrector for Eyes (which I have reviewed here) because light coverage and a bit of hydration is better suited for my aging skin.  

However, I did receive a swatch card sampler with my latest ULTA order; so I figured it would be a good opportunity to share what the swatches would look like on my light-medium skin tone.  More specifically, MAC NC37.  For reference, MAC NC37 is similar in shade to the celebrities Mila Kunis or Deepika Padukone. 

Now here are the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer swatches for:
  • 16N Fair-Light Neutral
  • 29N Light-Medium
  • 36S Medium-Tan Sand
  • 47H Tan-Deep Honey
  • 57S Rich Sand


SWATCH

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Swatches - Oxidation Rate

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Swatches in Artificial Light (after Oxidation)

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Swatches in Natural Light (after Oxidation)

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer in Direct Sunlight (after Oxidation)


FINAL THOUGHTS


It's been a long time since I last wrote my original review for Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, and I was hoping that they would adjust the formula a little bit to address the oxidation issue; as I feel that the oxidation rate is pretty significant.  You can see in the above comparison how 29N Light-Medium might be good match for my NC37 skin, but then after 20 minutes it becomes a bit too dark (especially in person).  I wouldn't dare use it on my under eye because it just will not match.  My friend with similar skin tone actually purchases 16N Fair-Light Neutral and mixes it with Light-Medium to get the right color.  As for me, I rather just stick to my Clé de Peau's Radiant Corrector for Eyes.

STOREPRICEOFFERS
Amazon$28.20Free Shipping
Tarte Cosmetics$31.00Free Shipping and Returns
ULTA$31.00Free Shipping Orders $35+

At any rate, one of the great things about Tarte Shape Tape Concealer is that it comes in many shades.  If you do decide to pick one up, I recommend checking them out in-store first.  Use the tester to swatch on your arm and shop around for at LEAST 20 minutes, and then you will see it's true shade after oxidation.  If you do manage to find a shade that works for you, it really is a concealer that just won't quit.  I hope this helps!

This post may contain affiliate links to help support this blog.  
None of these reviews sponsored, nor were any of the products provided for free (or even at a discount) by any affiliate.
Read full disclosure here.

I was curious if Olaplex helped with frizz for virgin hair.  I found conversations in forums of people asking the same question, and the us...

I was curious if Olaplex helped with frizz for virgin hair.  I found conversations in forums of people asking the same question, and the usual response is a resounding no.  What I didn't find though; is why it was a "no" and most importantly, where were the before and after shots?  I had to find out.

OLAPLEX
Treatment on Virgin Hair.  Does it Help with Frizz?

Olaplex Treatment on Virgin Hair


INFO SHEET


Brand:  Olaplex
Product List and Pricing:  
  • Olaplex No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment - $30.00
  • Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector - $30.00
  • Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother - $30.00 
  • Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil - $30.00
Where to Buy:  Amazon, Olaplex, ULTA

I have never dyed my hair before, save for a little bit of oVertone strategically placed on few strands in my bangs.  Always looking for the next best thing in hair care, I was curious to see if Olaplex did anything for virgin hair.  I was between keratin treatments at the time so I figured now would be ideal to give Olaplex a whirl.  You know... for science. 


INGREDIENTS


I know I'm going to hate writing this review by just looking at the ingredients list for FOUR products, but I do this to understand what the product I'm reviewing is made up of and why it does (or doesn't do) what it claims to do.  There are some Notable Ingredients that are redundant across products.  I will repeat the whole description for the ingredient instead of writing "See above" so you don't have to scroll back up to read about it.  Here we go...
Water (Aqua/Eau), Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate

Notable Ingredients:
  • Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate - This ingredient is patented by Olaplex, Inc. (Patent No. US 9326926 B2 if you want to look it up).  Essentially, hair dye contains ingredients to break disulfide bonds (the building blocks of the protein in the hair) to allow for deeper penetration.  Hair dye also contains hydrogen peroxide which is used to help rebuild those bonds.  The resulting bonds are flimsy at best and can break easily after the dyeing process.  By treating the hair with Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate "most preferably immediately after application" but not greater than one week after application, ionic and covalent bonds are built within the hair thus reducing breakage, leaving hair looking healthier, and feeling softer to the touch.

Water (Aqua), Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Propylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Ethylcellulose, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Quaternium-91, Sodium Benzoate, Cetrimonium Methosulfate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Fragrance (Parfum), Polyquaternium-37, Tetrasodium EDTA, Benzyl Benzoate, Etidronic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Phytantriol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate

Notable Ingredients:
  • Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate - This ingredient is patented by Olaplex, Inc. (Patent No. US 9326926 B2 if you want to look it up).  Essentially, hair dye contains ingredients to break disulfide bonds (the building blocks of the protein in the hair) to allow for deeper penetration.  Hair dye also contains hydrogen peroxide which is used to help rebuild those bonds.  The resulting bonds are flimsy at best and can break easily after the dyeing process.  By treating the hair with Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate "most preferably immediately after application" but not greater than one week after application, ionic and covalent bonds are built within the hair thus reducing breakage, leaving hair looking healthier, and feeling softer to the touch.
  • Behentrimonium Methosulfate - Derived from rapeseed oil, this ingredient conditions and softens the hair.
  • Quaternium-91 - Conditioning and softening agent.
  • Ascorbic Acid - aka Vitamin C. This powerful antioxidant helps reduce free radical damage to the scalp.
  • Phytantriol - Helps increase the efficacy of Panthenol by increasing penetration into the hair shaft. This results in increased moisture and reduces breakage.  It is also said to help protect against heat damage.
  • Tocopheryl Acetate - A type of Vitamin E that helps protect the hair from sun damage.
  • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice - Containing Vitamin A, C, and E, this ingredient promotes overall scalp health, blood circulation, and the growth of healthier hair.
  • Panthenol - A precursor to Vitamin B5, this ingredient moisturizes the hair and scalp, promotes healthy hair growth, and increased hair shine.
  • Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil - aka Jojoba Oil, helps prevent hair protein loss, reduces breakage, and protects the hair shaft.

Water (Aqua/Eau), Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Coco-Caprylate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Behentrimonium Chloride, Isododecane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Propanediol, Fragrance (Parfum), Cetrimonium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Stearate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Citral, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol, Disodium EDTA, Linalool, Citronellol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Gigartina Stellata Extract, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Hydroxycitronellal, Etidronic Acid, Tocopherol, Geraniol, Potassium Sorbate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Ascorbic Acid, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Phytantriol, Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate

Notable Ingredients:
  • Coco-Caprylate - Derived from coconuts, this ingredient increases moisture in the hair.
  • Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol - Helps promote hair moisture and strength by coating the follicle and preventing water loss.
  • Gigartina Stellata Extract - Derived from Starry Algae gel, this ingredient absorbs excess oil, protects hair from environmental damage, while also promoting softness and moisture.
  • Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract - aka Irish Moss Seaweed Extract. Moisturizes, protects, and promotes hair growth.
  • Tocopherol - aka Vitamin E.  Increases circulation of the scalp thus promoting hair growth and strength. 
  • Ascorbic Acid - aka Vitamin C. This powerful antioxidant helps reduce free radical damage to the scalp.
  • Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil - Prevents hair protein loss, combing damage, while also promoting increased moisture retention.
  • Phytantriol - Helps increase the efficacy of Panthenol by increasing penetration into the hair shaft. This results in increased moisture and reduces breakage.  It is also said to help protect against heat damage.
  • Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate - Pseudozyma Epicola bacteria creates enzymes to help ferment Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil resulting in a fermented product with a higher nutritional advantage that increases hair softness, shine, and moisture retention.
  • Tocopheryl Acetate - A type of Vitamin E that helps protect the hair from sun damage.
  • Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil - Strengthens and promotes hair growth.
  • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice - Containing Vitamin A, C, and E, this ingredient promotes overall scalp health, blood circulation, and the growth of healthier hair.
  • Panthenol - A precursor to Vitamin B5, this ingredient moisturizes the hair and scalp, promotes healthy hair growth, and increased hair shine.
  • Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate - This ingredient is patented by Olaplex, Inc. (Patent No. US 9326926 B2 if you want to look it up).  Essentially, hair dye contains ingredients to break disulfide bonds (the building blocks of the protein in the hair) to allow for deeper penetration.  Hair dye also contains hydrogen peroxide which is used to help rebuild those bonds.  The resulting bonds are flimsy at best and can break easily after the dyeing process.  By treating the hair with Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate "most preferably immediately after application" but not greater than one week after application, ionic and covalent bonds are built within the hair thus reducing breakage, leaving hair looking healthier, and feeling softer to the touch.

Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Coco-Caprylate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Propanediol, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Beta-Carotene, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Water (Aqua/Eau), Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Powder, Fragrance (Parfum), Hexyl Cinnamal, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Limonene, Tocopherol, Citral, Linalool, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Citronellol, Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate

Notable Ingredients:
  • Coco-Caprylate - Derived from coconuts, this ingredient increases moisture in the hair.
  • Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate - This ingredient is patented by Olaplex, Inc. (Patent No. US 9326926 B2 if you want to look it up).  Essentially, hair dye contains ingredients to break disulfide bonds (the building blocks of the protein in the hair) to allow for deeper penetration.  Hair dye also contains hydrogen peroxide which is used to help rebuild those bonds.  The resulting bonds are flimsy at best and can break easily after the dyeing process.  By treating the hair with Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate "most preferably immediately after application" but not greater than one week after application, ionic and covalent bonds are built within the hair thus reducing breakage, leaving hair looking healthier, and feeling softer to the touch.
  • Zea Mays (Corn) Oil - Lightweight oil that increases softness and shine.
  • Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil - Increases hair strength, moisture, and reduces breakage. Promotes a healthy scalp and prevents dandruff.
  • Punica Granatum Seed Oil - aka Pomegranate Seed Oil.  This powerful antioxidant helps protect the hair from environmental damage while increasing softness and shine.
  • Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Powder - aka Noni Fruit Powder.  This ingredient has antibacterial properties that help prevent dandruff.
  • Eclipta Prostrata Extract - Stimulates growth / reduces hair loss by promoting and sustaining the hair follicle during the growth phase.
  • Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract - Stimulates hair growth.
  • Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate - Pseudozyma Epicola bacteria creates enzymes to help ferment Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil resulting in a fermented product with a higher nutritional advantage that increases hair softness, shine, and moisture retention.

The main difference that I see between Olaplex No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment and Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector is that No. 3 contains more conditioning and thickening agents.  That explains why Olaplex No. 0 is watery in consistency when compared to No. 3.  I think if I had to choose between buying one or the other, I would choose Olaplex No. 3 because the treatment will stay in the hair better.  

Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother is essentially made up of conditioning and smoothing agents, oils, and other nutrients.  Overall it seems like a really nice leave in conditioner (on paper).  

I found that Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil is a lightweight oil with a pleasant smell.  It does contain the "star ingredient" Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, but I don't think it's necessary for an Olaplex treatment since this ingredient is abundant in the other products listed.  I do believe the product has a lot of nice ingredients regardless, and I typically use a small amount after styling as it does seem to increase shine without weighting the hair down. 


BEFORE & AFTER

It does not help with frizz, but my hair was VERY soft.


When I write my reviews for hair products, I take my before and after shots without styling.  I feel that by introducing styling with other products takes away from the true result.  The above shot shows my hair before and after the Olaplex treatment unstyled and without a keratin treatment.  

Now let's face it.  The only thing that has successfully taken the frizz out of my hair has been keratin treatments (which I now DIY at home).  When I tried Olaplex, I was disappointed because it did not help with frizz for my virgin hair, but there was something certainly different about it.  It was soft... very soft; so much so that I could not stop touching it.  It just felt healthier, and so I decided to straighten it.
Olaplex resulted in softer and shinier hair.

After straightening, I found that my hair was still soft but also had more movement and was shinier than usual.  I think the reason why it helps with frizz more dramatically to those with chemically treated / dyed hair is because the type of frizz encountered from those treatments is due to damage.  My frizz however.. is due to humidity, curl pattern, and overall lack of styling.  This is why keratin treatments work best for me, because I'm pretty low maintenance when it comes to hair.  


FINAL THOUGHTS


I don't think Olaplex No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment was worth it for me.  My hair is so long that I definitely felt that the watery consistency of this product meant that I had to use a lot of it.  I used up nearly 60% of a 5.2 oz bottle on just one treatment!  At $30 a pop?  No thanks.  Plus the main ingredient of it is Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate which is also present in Olaplex No. 3.  So to me No. 0 is not worth it.  

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector is great though.  It contains a lot of goodies as well as the all important Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate bond building ingredient needed to repair and promote healthy hair; on top of a wide array of other goodies that makes it an all around great product.  

Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother is also pretty nice.  It's basically a fancy leave in conditioner, but the ingredients are good quality so for me it was worth it.  

Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil is okay, but that is because it's in a weird spot for me.  If I don't have a keratin treatment in my hair, then it simply is not enough to tame it.  For that I prefer OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Penetrating Hair Oil Treatment.  On the other hand, if I do have a keratin treatment in my hair then just I don't need it.  I do like it though... I just don't think I have the right hair type for it.

STOREPRICEOFFERS
Amazon$30.00 eachFree Shipping
Olaplex$30.00 eachFree Shipping Orders $50+
ULTA$30.00 eachFree Shipping Orders $35+

When it comes to repurchasing I think Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector and Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother is a yes for me.  Despite it not helping with my general frizz, I do believe that continued use (perhaps once a month) will increase overall hair health and manageability.  

Before purchasing individually, I would look to see if they can be bought in a set.  For example, ULTA sometimes has the OLAPLEX Smooth & Healthy Hair Set that includes 3.3oz bottles of No. 3 and No. 6 or $42; which they normally retail for $30 each. 

OLAPLEX NO. 0 INTENSIVE BOND BUILDING HAIR TREATMENT 
Rating

OLAPLEX NO. 3 HAIR PERFECTOR
Rating

OLAPLEX NO. 6 BOND SMOOTHER
Rating

OLAPLEX NO. 7 BONDING OIL
Rating

This post may contain affiliate links to help support this blog.  
None of these reviews sponsored, nor were any of the products provided for free (or even at a discount) by any affiliate.
Read full disclosure here.

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Skin Shade: MAC NC37
Skin Type: Combination / Oily
Skin Issues: Acne Prone / Sensitive / Aging / Texture

Currently Testing: The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%

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