Urban Decay is launching a new full coverage concealer as part of their All Nighter makeup range. There is already a foundation and makeup setting spray that are formulated to be long wearing and stay on the face all day and night. I have not yet tried anything from the All Nighter line though to be honest, it's not something that would necessarily appeal to me. I find that most of the makeup I use stays on my face for the whole day, and often long wearing formulas can be too heavy or thick for my taste.
Urban Decay sent over their new concealer from this line for me to test and I went into it with an open mind hoping that it would change my mind about long wearing makeup formulas. There is a pretty decent shade range to choose from with both warm and neutral undertones. I can wear either Fair Warm or Fair Neutral for under my eyes and both are light enough to brighten any darkness. I don't tend to use concealer on my face because I find that most of my foundations do a good enough job of covering any problem areas.
Colors left to right: Fair Warm, Fair Neutral, Light Warm, Light Neutral, Med-Light Warm, Med-Light Neutral, Medium Neutral, Med-Dark Neutral, Med-Dark Warm, Dark Golden, Dark Neutral, Dark Warm, Deep Neutral, Extra Deep Neutral
From an initial swatch, the formula did feel a bit dry but gave fantastic coverage. In fact, after I swatched all of the colors on my arm, it took me quite a while to remove them completely so this concealer definitely does have some serious staying power. However, as soon as I applied it under my eyes, it immediately began to emphasize any dryness. I tried first to mix it with some eye cream and then used a damp beautyblender but after it would dry down, my under eye area didn't look smooth and any fine lines were accentuated. Bummer.
Sadly this concealer was not a win for me and I think my skin and more importantly my under eye area is just too dry for this formulation. It may work for someone with more oily skin or a well hydrated eye area. But as far as coverage is concerned, this can conceal almost anything and does stay put for hours.
Today's post is a bit of tease because it's a sneak peek but thankfully the product is launching very soon! Kevyn Aucoin Beauty just released a new concealer formula following in the footsteps of their very popular Etherealist foundation. The formula comes in 10 shades, with one of the shades being a color corrector.
The applicator is a small doe foot which can be hit or miss depending on the size of the sponge and formula of the concealer. This particular doe foot is a great size, and is easy to spot treat around the face or to use around the eye in a specific placement (this is my preferred method). While my under eye shade is mix between Light 01 and Light 02, I have been using the Corrector more because it has a peachy undertone which I find helps to color correct any under eye darkness the most effectively.
Colors from left to right: Corrector, Light 01, Light 02, Medium 03, Medium 04, Medium 05, Medium 06, Deep 07, Deep 08, Deep 09
The formula is a medium coverage that blends very easily into the skin. I didn't find it to be super brightening, but rather do a good job of concealing any darkness. The texture is a medium weight that can be sheered out for less coverage or built up for more. Just from my initial swatches, I was worried that because they were quite opaque and seemed thick (each swatch above is with just one application/swipe) the concealer would be a bit drying for under my eye. Surprisingly it was not at all and felt creamy when on the skin with a satin finish that kept my under eye area looking smooth, and I was able to blend it out with my fingers, a brush or a beautyblender. It lasted all day and I didn't notice any creasing (and I didn't set it with powder). The concealers will be launching on Sephora and the Kevyn Aucoin website in early August.
Sisley has been on my favorites list when it comes to complexion products. I have tried and love this foundation, this one and this tinted sunscreen and all were exceptional in my opinion. Surprisingly however, I have never tested the concealer from Sisley which is one that so many people rave about. I was excited to finally get my hands on it, and it did not disappoint. The hype is real.
The color range is a bit limited which is challenging but the formula is beautiful. And unlike anything else I have ever tried. Initially it feels like it will be quite dry because it has a whipped texture with a small amount of slip to it. But then I begin to work it into the skin and it blends beautifully, looking seamless under the eyes. And the coverage is remarkable. You can see from the below swatches that it is not sheer though it manages to not be too thick as well. After leaving it on all day, it does not crease nor make the under eye area look dry.
I tend to prefer a more orange/peach based under eye concealer because it helps to color correct my dark circles so I was pleased to see it skewed towards that color palette. Shade #1 (top) and #2 (bottom) are pictured above though I liked the look of #1 under my eyes better because it made them look more awake and bright. I can still wear shade #2 but it simply conceals rather than offers any brightening benefits. As with all Sisley products, there are skincare benefits to this product - it not only helps to conceal, but also diminishes fine lines, de-puffs and reduces signs of fatigue. I think this would be a great option for those that need coverage under the eyes but don't want it to settle into fine lines or leave the area looking dry.
In addition to being a foundation lover (watch my collection video here and see all previous reviews here), I am just as addicted to concealers. But I don't tend to use concealers for spot treatments, rather I prefer just to use them under the eye area or as a quick makeshift foundation if I am running late. I recently tested out the new Bobbi Brown Serum Concealer and Correctors and was so impressed by the formula.
I am already a fan of the Serum Foundation (watch my review here), and love skincare/makeup hybrid products. However, I wasn't sure if this product would skew more towards the skincare side (great feeling on the skin, but poor coverage/performance) or the makeup side (supreme coverage and wearability but feels awful on the skin). Just from one swipe I could tell this was a great mix of both. The texture is one of the best I've felt in a long time and has this creamy and emollient slip to it that feels great when applying under the eye. It instantly helps to hydrate the area, and I find that any fine lines instantly look smoother and less noticeable. Over time the formulation is designed to help reduce any pigmentation or discoloration issues under the eye. As far as coverage, I only needed a few dabs to hide the darkness under my eyes, and I don't notice any creasing or movement throughout the day. I was just applying it this morning and kept looking in the mirror thinking I needed to add more, but surprisingly only the smallest amount did the job!
I have the concealer in the shade Porcelain which is more yellow, and it does a great job of brightening up the area without leaving me with two large white half-circles under my eyes. The Extra Light Bisque Corrector is perfect for helping to color correct on mornings when my eyes look extra dark from allergies or lack of sleep. I like to apply that just on the darkness that is closest the bridge of my nose, and then I add a few dabs of the Porcelain concealer in the inner corner and below my dark circles to help blend it into my foundation. The Porcelain Peach Corrector is extremely bright and yellow and though it's a bit too light for under my eyes, I have absolutely loved using it on my cheekbones, under my brow bone and just above my eyebrow arch. It gives a gorgeous highlighting effect and because the formula is so creamy and blendable, it looks a million times better than a traditional highlighter (powder or cream) that can sometimes sit on top of the skin. If you are deciding between a concealer or corrector, my best advice would be to hit up your local Bobbi counter to see what they would recommend. The formula is exactly identical so it's just a matter of finding what would suit your needs.
*pr samples included
Have you tried this concealer? What are your thoughts? What is your current favorite concealer? Let me know in the comments below!
Any and all types of foundation products are always at the top of my "must-try" list. I absolutely love complexion products and feel they can make or break a look. I've recently been testing out a few different concealers and found three that I really enjoyed and wanted to share with all of you. Before these, I was really enjoying this one from Benefit as well as this cult classic from NARS, but after trying these three different formulas, I quickly added them to my routine.
1. By Terry Densiliss Concealer (bottom swatch) - By Terry's entire Densiliss line is absolutely magnificent (this blush in Platonic Blonde is everything) so I already had high hopes for this concealer. And it was every bit the luxurious and decadent concealer I expected. Out of all three, this is by far the creamiest and smoothest to apply. The formula does not settle into fine lines and wears beautifully whether my skin is dry or oily that day. The color (Fresh Fair) is the closest to my skin tone and in a pinch this can be used as a touch up for areas of redness or discoloration. It has a matte finish but surprisingly disappears immediately into the skin and is virtually undetectable. A definite splurge, but as is with most her products - worth every penny. Available at Space NK and Barneys.
2. Eve Lom Light Illusion Concealer (middle swatch) - This concealer works more as a brightener for me and is perfect for those days when I don't want a ton of coverage but still need some lightness under the eyes. The formula is lightweight and has a pink undertone (my shade is Alabaster 1) so it does a great job for me of color correcting my dark circles without giving me that reverse raccoon look (when the concealer is too light - yuck). Because I loved the formula so much, I've begun using it highlight around different parts of my face and I think it gives a beautiful effect while adding some depth. I add it to my cheekbones, brow bones and around my lips to help them look a bit fuller. It's a great alternative to powder highlighters which can often add too much sparkle. This adds the brightness without any of the shimmer. Available at Space NK.
3. Chantecaille Le Camouflage Stylo (top swatch) - This concealer (my shade is #1) seems to be a mix of the other two - in the sense that it has a creamy formula that does a great job at covering while the light-reflecting pigments help to brighten any dark areas. Because of the skincare properties of this concealing pen, I reach for this when I have had a particularly restless night and my eyes are extremely dark , dehydrated and/or puffy. I see a marked difference almost immediately and it really soothes the under eye area and smooths it out. I've also begun carrying it with me during the day because I like the way it layers over my makeup, and find it never gets cakey and is perfect for touch ups. It's like my emergency fix-it tool. And we all need one of those, right? Available at Space NK, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom and Saks.
*pr samples included
What is your current favorite concealer right now? Leave me a comment below!
Sometimes I'm the first to jump on the new launch bandwagon, and other times I sit back, wait and watch for the first few months of the debut to decide if I will end up getting anything. While I thought I was going to pounce when Charlotte Tilbury first launched, I surprisingly decided to wait and test out the product in store rather than buy sight unseen. Fast forward a few months and I've finally found the products from the line that really wowed me. Here is a look at my initial stand out favorites from the Charlotte Tilbury line:
1. Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow - This bronzer/highlighter duo was the first product offered from the line when it initially hit the US market, yet I was skeptical about it. Bronzers can be hit or miss with me first because I'm so pale and second because I have oily skin and don't want anything too frosted. But all the reviews were so stellar that I finally had to try it for myself - and I now know why it's so loved. The bronzer works perfectly for my fair skin and the highlighter gives a gorgeous glow to the cheekbones. It must be noted that when dabbing my brush in, a lot of powder is picked up so I need to dust off the excess before applying. But once I do, my cheeks look like they've had a mini vacation.
2. Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette in The Sophisticate - I will be the first to admit that I was not totally jazzed about the eye palettes when I first saw them simply because they all seemed too shimmery. While I can do sparkly occasionally, I really wanted something I could wear every day and matte is always the answer for me. Then I saw this eye palette in Sophisticate and knew I had to have it. When I first dipped my finger into the formula to swatch it, I literally had to take a second look to make sure it was in fact a powder. It was THAT smooth and creamy. And as I suspected, it blended beautifully and has quickly become a palette I enjoy wearing regularly. As you can see from a few pictures below, the pigmentation is medium - not too intense and not too sheer. Exactly the way I prefer it.
3. Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic in First Love - This was the first CT product I owned and fell in love with it immediately. The idea is to use the two colors separately as a cheek color and apple-of-the-cheek color, but I just love swirling the two together. I have to definitely tap my brush after one swirl around the compact because the intensity is strong and a lot of product gets picked up. But once the excess is dusted off, the color looks beautiful on the cheeks. It's a nice neutral and pairs well with both nude lips and bold lips.
4. Charlotte Tilbury Color Chameleon Eyeshadow Pencil in Dark Pearl - I've professed my love for jumbo eye pencils a million times before, so it should come as no surprise that I adore this product. Out of the entire range, this will be for sure the product that I buy multiple colors of for my collection. This particular shade, Dark Pearl, is a stunning plummy brown that wears as a lid color as well as a liner color. The texture is super creamy making it easy to blend, but thankfully it dries down shortly after to a more budge-proof finish. I already have my eye on a few more shades and my poor online cart at Nordstrom is itching for me to check out already!
5. Charlotte Tilbury The Retoucher in 1 Fair - I love me some concealers and especially ones that I can use in a pinch as a foundation. This Retoucher is designed the mimic the retouching that a photographer does when editing a photo - and after test driving it for a few weeks I can say that is exactly what it does. The formula is the perfect mix of creamy yet lightweight and provides the perfect amount of coverage for my dark circles and specific areas of redness that plague my nose and chin area. And in addition to the flawless finish it provides, the staying power of this pen is quite intense. I found it to last a good 8 hours if not more without any signs of fading or disappearing. The true test will be when the summer comes around and humidity gets to it. That is when the product will really be put to the test.
6. Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes Mascara - I knew I was in for a treat just from the name of this mascara. It perfectly described how I like my lashes to look - full and FAT! I may wear my makeup more on the natural side but I like my mascaras intense and bold. No wimpy lashes here. And true to the Charlotte Tilbury look which is often quite bombshell and sultry, this mascara does not disappoint. It makes lashes look thick and long while still managing to do a great job at separating and not adding any clumps. It almost makes me want to wear a smokey eye more often. Almost. :)
*pr samples included
What have you tried from the Charlotte Tilbury line? Leave me a comment below!
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I wish I was a morning person. I feel that morning people get so much more done and accomplished while the rest of us are hitting the snooze button a million times. But until I finally conquer the 6 am wake up, I will have to rely on makeup products to help me speed up the process. Benefit's Fake Up Concealer and First Aid Beauty's Eye Duty Triple Remedy* are two new additions to my morning routine, but are slowly climbing their way up the "how-did-I-ever-live-without" ladder. Some products take me a few days or even weeks to get into the groove with, however some just wow me instantly. These were an instant hit.
Benefit's Fake Up is a concealer surrounded by a moisturizing stick. The shade range is quite limited (there are only 3 colors) but if you can find a shade that matches, you are in luck. I am the lightest shade (of course) and love the way this applies. The formula is quite opaque and covers well, yet the moisturizing stick ensures it does not crease, pull on any dry patches or settle into fine lines. If this doesn't make my favorites list shortly, I will be shocked. It is that good. But before I apply it, I massage in the First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy. Designed to be an eye treatment (as opposed to an eye cream), it is meant to depuff, brighten and smooth. Oh and be the most delightful thing to use every morning - they forgot that part. If you can see from the above pics, there is a stainless steel applicator that you use to massage in the cream. It's like a spa for your eyes. The applicator is so cooling and truly helps to depuff instantly, while the slightly peachy toned cream helps to brighten and color correct immediately. Over time, it is supposed to help reduce fine lines and dark circles, which is yet to be seen since I've only been using for a few weeks. But what I can tell you is I will not apply my makeup without it anymore. It is simply that vital. And crucial. 6 am be damned. I'll happily get another hour or more with these in my arsenal.
So many concealers so little sleep - ha! Though I am an avid foundation wearer, with most having significant coverage, I still use concealers mostly under my eye to help brighten or add some extra coverage for those dreaded circles. I rarely use for blemishes as I find my foundation does a better job of covering. But as fickle as I can be about what I wear, so can I be about my concealers - hence the 5 spread above. Yes I need them all. Yes they are different. Yes I will continue to buy more if the mood should strike. Here's a look at my current choices in rotation:
1. NARS Concealer in Chantilly - full disclosure - I am always the lightest shade in any concealer - no. matter. what. I am THAT pale. Ok on to the product - a stick concealer is always in my arsenal because I tend to love the consistency and application. This texture is extremely thick and gives great coverage for mornings when you need an extra boost.
2. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind in Fair - This product has been talked about all over Youtube by so many bloggers that I had to pick one up to see all the hype. The foam top applicator is quite delightful to use and fits perfectly under my eye, while the texture is very creamy and almost cooling when applied. Formulated with ingredients to help actually FADE your dark circles and diminish fine lines - I just simply like the spongey top and find it cool to use - but bonus that it's doing some good for ma peepers. Best when used with liquid foundations (as has been my experience).
3. Burberry Sheer Luminous Concealer in Shade 1 - Stop the press because I LOVE this product. Fashioned after the famous Touche Eclat by YSL (which I will talk about next), it gives a great highlight under the eye but much more coverage than any other pen style concealers I have used. The shade range has expanded so there is simply no excuse for you not to have one! Now that I have found this, I will most definitely never let my makeup collection go without.
4. YSL Touche Eclat - Truth be told, I worked for this company for 7 years so I became quite familiar with this product and have probably had about 20 over my tenure there. It is truly the first highlighter on the market with a brush style delivery, and still delivers a great formula. Better for actually highlighting and brightening, I typically use this product on my cheekbones, brow bones, down the bridge of my nose and around the lips before putting on lipstick. I smell a tutorial perhaps......
5. Miracle Skin Transformer Treat and Conceal in Light - Another one of those double duty products that will cosmetically help to hide your bags, while subsequently providing great treatment benefits such as hydration, diminished fine lines and fading of dark circles. Frankly - what sucked me in with this product was the actual texture of the concealer. A creamy, almost whipped-like texture with MIND-BLOWING coverage - this will not only hide your bags, it may make you forget you ever had them in the first place. And in a pinch - I will use this product on my cheeks, nose, forehead and chin as a foundation and it makes my skin look flawless. Two thumbs way up.
What concealers are you using and loving? Any I should try? Leave me a comment or tweet me @alittlebitetc.
