Hey beauty lovers! Today I’m diving DEEP into one of those drugstore classics that’s been around forever – CoverGirl’s Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Eyeshadow in the shade Tapestry Taupe. I’ve been testing this product extensively and collecting feedback from tons of actual users to give you the REAL scoop on whether this affordable eyeshadow deserves a spot in your makeup bag.
Quick Stats
- Product: COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Eyeshadow
- Shade: Tapestry Taupe
- Price Point: Budget-friendly (typically under $5)
- Claims: Silky, sheer formula with a double-ended applicator
- Ethics: 100% Cruelty-free
First Impressions & Packaging
Let’s start with the basics. This eyeshadow comes in CoverGirl’s standard plastic compact – nothing fancy, just practical. It’s small enough to fit in any makeup bag and includes a double-ended applicator. The compact is a peach/pink color, which some longtime users have noted is different from the original packaging they were familiar with.
One MAJOR issue that came up repeatedly in customer feedback is shipping problems. Many customers reported receiving their eyeshadow completely shattered or crumbled upon arrival. This seems to be due to inadequate packaging protection rather than a product flaw, but it’s definitely something to be aware of if you’re ordering online.
As one customer put it: “Product is great but Amazon warehouse did not wrap these and they rattled around in box with heavy bottles of shampoo. As a result, one of the two I ordered, the cake of eyeshadow powder was broken.”
The Color: What Is Tapestry Taupe, Really?
Here’s where things get a bit complicated. There seems to be some confusion about the ACTUAL color of this product, with many longtime users noticing a change.
From the collective feedback, Tapestry Taupe is:
- A neutral medium brown with grayish undertones
- Has a subtle shimmer (NOT matte, despite some listings describing it that way)
- Appears cooler-toned than many typical taupe shades
- Lighter in application than it appears in the pan
- Contains subtle gold flecks according to some users
Many longtime users have commented that CoverGirl seems to have changed the color formula. As one disappointed customer noted: “I’ve been using this shade – Tapestry Taupe- for YEARS. But now they’ve completely changed the color. It’s much lighter than it was before and I can’t use it.”
Another said: “This is not the original Tapestry Taupe I’ve been buying for 20+ years. It’s way lighter. Picture attached of what I received. It’s not the same as the ad portrays. Even the case is different.”
This is definitely something to keep in mind if you’re replacing an old favorite.
Application & Texture
Based on numerous reviews, the texture of this eyeshadow is:
- Silky and blendable
- Moderate pigmentation (not too intense, not too sheer)
- Easy to build up
- Some fallout issues during application
- May crumble easily in the pan
Multiple users praised how easily it applies and blends. One reviewer commented: “It goes on very smooth, easy to distribute over the desired area, and to blend with other colors. It does not stick to the skin during application and can be spread as needed.”
However, others mentioned fragility issues: “The first touch if a (soft) eyeshadow brush caused this to crumble and break apart into a powdery mess.” This seems to be a common complaint about the newer formula.
Wear Time & Performance
For an affordable eyeshadow, Tapestry Taupe seems to perform quite well throughout the day:
- Lasts all day for most users
- Minimal creasing, especially with primer
- Color stays true without fading
- Works well in Florida humidity according to one user!
As one satisfied customer put it: “It also lasts all day without the need to reapply.” Another mentioned: “The color is pretty, and wears without creasing.”
For best results, many recommended using an eyeshadow primer underneath. One user specifically mentioned that “it stayed on all day with my Urban Decay Primer Potion.”
Versatility & Who It Works For
Tapestry Taupe seems to be a remarkably versatile shade that works for many skin tones and eye colors. It’s particularly praised by users with:
- Fair to medium skin tones
- Blue or green eyes (the cool tones make these eye colors pop)
- Mature skin (though some found the shimmer accentuated texture)
Many reviewers mentioned this is their “everyday” or “go-to” shade. One longtime user shared: “Tapestry Taupe is one of those colors that looks good on most skin tones and eye colors. It’s a brown with a grayish cool undertone.”
What makes this shade so popular is its neutrality. One reviewer explained it perfectly: “It’s a true taupe that brings out my blue-gray eyes.”
For makeup minimalists, this could be a one-and-done shade. As one user in her 60s commented: “I mostly all I wear for makeup is this shadow, a bit of liner, and mascara. Boom, out the door.”
The Shimmer Factor: NOT Matte!
One MAJOR point of confusion in reviews was about the finish. Despite being described as matte in some listings, this shadow definitely has shimmer. The shimmer level seems to be:
- Not glittery or chunky
- More of a satin-shimmer finish
- Subtle enough for everyday wear
- Visible but not overwhelming
Several customers were disappointed about this discrepancy: “I wanted more of a matte product as the description stated, but it is almost metallic silver.”
Another review clarified: “It’s not glittery by any means but it’s not matte, either. It gives a nice shimmer on the eyelid.”
Value & Comparisons
Many reviewers compared this $5 eyeshadow favorably to high-end brands:
- “It’s just as good as my MAC eyeshadows.”
- “They are not quite as silky as my Urban Decay shadows but they are much easier to layer and blend”
One reviewer specifically mentioned it was supposed to be a dupe for MAC Satin Taupe, though opinions were mixed on how close the match is.
For the price point, most users found this to be an exceptional value: “For the price, you can’t beat it!”
Potential Downsides
To give a balanced view, here are the main complaints about this product:
- Shipping issues: Many received broken products
- Formula changes: Longtime users noted color and texture differences
- Shimmer vs. matte: Misleading descriptions about the finish
- Fragility in the pan: Tendency to crumble easily
- Color accuracy: Online photos don’t accurately represent the shade
- Pigmentation: Some found it too sheer or requiring multiple applications
Who Should Skip This
Based on feedback, this eyeshadow might NOT be for you if:
- You want a truly matte taupe
- You have deep skin (several users mentioned it might look frosty)
- You want intense pigmentation in one swipe
- You prefer cream shadows over powder
- You’re looking for the exact original Tapestry Taupe formula from years ago
Creative Uses
Some users found interesting alternative uses:
- “If I want to make my lipstick a bit darker/browner, I swab my finger over this color and run it over my lips after I have applied my lipstick! Doesn’t feel gritty, just mattifies it.”
- “I like the color because it matches my skin, not the same color, but the same tone and hue.” (Using it as a subtle contour)
- “I like that it covers the pink tone of my skin.” (Using it to neutralize lid discoloration)
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
For under $5, Tapestry Taupe offers impressive performance IF you’re okay with the shimmer finish and potential shipping issues. It’s a versatile, easy-to-wear shade that works for many people and occasions.
PROS:
- Affordable price point
- Versatile neutral shade
- Good staying power
- Blends easily
- Works for multiple eye colors and skin tones
- Cruelty-free
CONS:
- Not matte despite some listings saying so
- Packaging/shipping issues
- Formula seems to have changed
- May crumble easily
- Color lighter than expected for some
Final Thoughts
CoverGirl’s Tapestry Taupe has clearly earned its status as a drugstore classic for many makeup wearers. The number of reviewers who mentioned using it for YEARS or even DECADES speaks volumes about its reliability as an everyday shade.
Despite some formula changes and shipping issues, it remains a solid choice for anyone seeking an affordable, versatile eyeshadow that can be dressed up or down.
If you’re looking for a “workhouse” neutral that won’t break the bank, this could be your new go-to – just maybe pick it up in-store rather than ordering online to avoid the heartbreak of receiving a shattered product!
Have you tried Tapestry Taupe? What’s YOUR experience been? Drop a comment below!
This review was compiled based on extensive testing and analysis of user experiences with the COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Eyeshadow in Tapestry Taupe. All opinions reflect actual customer feedback.
Buy on Amazon: Here