Concealer Review Series: LORAC Double Feature

It's been a little while since I reviewed a concealer, so today I thought I'd share a multi-tasker. In this product there is a light concealer, a roller ball to help blend that concealer and a great highlighter. It's highly portable, so perfect for travel or just keeping in your purse. While the coverage isn't of the level that I prefer for my undereye area, I have found that a few quick swipes in my t-zone over my tinted moisturizer and then blended well is just perfect for days that I need a tad more coverage but don't want to up my routine to a foundation.

The concealer is a stick foundation, hiding under the cap. It is not dry, it seems to have silicone in it since it is slippery feeling. I found that this really helps with blending. Inside of the cap you'll find a plastic roller ball, when rubbed over an area it helps to blend. It definitely works, though I did find this more time consuming than using my fingertip.

At the other end you'll find a highlighter, in a matching skin tone. The highlighter is liquid and comes with a felt covered applicator. A little goes a long way, so be careful! I think this is meant to be used under the eye, though I definitely felt that there was too much shimmer to do so. I found that it was great for the brow bone, inner corner of the eye and cheek bone.



Consistency: Stick
Blendability: Yes
Buildable coverage: No
Feeling on skin: Lightweight
Wear: 6-8 hours
Problems with wear: Caking, Settles into fine lines over time, especially with more layers
Shades Available: 5 shades, I used shade 1

LORAC Double Feature

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Concealer Series: It Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer

I fully admit to being a tad bit burnt out on testing new concealers for a while, hence they went away for a few weeks. Then I got a package of goodies from a brand new to me, It Cosmetics. This amazing concealer was included (as well as a ton of other stuff that I loved), and I can't stop reaching for it!

The formula includes Vitamins A, C and E, which act as anti-oxidants as well as Vitamin K to help fight under-eye circles. It says that the formula is also waterproof, though I did not test this out.



Consistency: It comes in a tube, but is a bit thicker than most concealers packaged this way.
Blendability: Very blendable, but it does set up in about 30 seconds so work fast!
Buildable coverage: Yes
Feeling on skin: Lightweight
Wear: 10-12 hours
Problems with wear: Caking when too much is used. 1-2 coats and I avoid this issue
Shades Available: 4 shades, I used Light.

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer

3

Concealer Series: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat

I admit that I have a soft spot in my heart for all things YSL. I went to Paris a few years ago and stayed just blocks from his apartment. I swear I could see him walking down to the corner market (the same one used by the Barefoot Contessa), though I seriously doubt he ever did that. He had people.

Regardless of my soft spot for YSL, I have to admit I still do not know why this product is always mentioned as the ultimate under eye concealer. I really don't think it is a concealer, really this is a soft highlighter/light diffuser that helps to distract from anything going on under there. I do like that this is so subtle that you don't look in the mirror and say "oh, look, there is shimmer under my eyes." Instead it's just there. Quietly doing its job.


Consistency: Liquid, it comes in a tube with a brush applicator. Click to dispense product.
Blendability: It is blendable, but be careful if you layer it over other products as it can disturb them quite a bit. I've had good luck using it over Shu Uemura, though the concealer I used has since been discontinued.
Buildable coverage: No
Feeling on skin: Lightweight
Wear: Can't tell
Problems with wear: None
Shades Available: 7 shades, I used 01


Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat

6

Concealer Series: Estée Lauder's Double Wear

I've heard from many friends and family that this concealer is amazing. It is one of those concealers that pops up frequently in reader's choice awards (like the ones over on Total Beauty). After finally trying it out myself, I can understand all of the hype!



Consistency: Liquid, comes in a tube with a sponge tipped applicator
Blendability: Very blendable. I swear it should be labelled HD.
Buildable coverage: Yes
Feeling on skin: Lightweight feeling
Wear: >12 hours
Problems with wear: None
Shades Available: 6 shades in a pretty wide range of skin tones, I used Light.

Estée Lauder Double Wear Concealer

5

Concealer Series: FACE Stockholm Correctors

It's time to switch things up just a tad and focus on a few of those color correctors that I've been so excited about. I discussed how to use color correctors previously, the FACE Stockholm correctors were pictured but not discussed in that post (see? There they are above).

Quick refresher: just remember to correct a color you want to look directly opposite on the color wheel. So, if your undereye circles are bluish, which is the case for most white women, you'll want a peachy tone to the corrector. If you need red for a blemish, look for a green tone. A darker skin tone or more vivid color you are trying to correct should prompt you to look for a more intensely colored corrector.


Corrective Concealer is one of FACE Stockholm's most popular products. These correctors are not very intense in their coloring, so they're great for light to moderate discoloration. I find myself reaching for both of these correctors pretty much every day. I use the very lightly green tinted corrector (the red corrector) around my nose and a little under my eyes. I then use the blue corrector (which is tinted peach) under my eyes as well. (I'm lucky, I get to have both colors be an issue under there.)

The correctors blend very easily and while they don't provide the same type of coverage as a concealer, the discolorations do seem to disappear quite a bit just with the color correction. I can't comment on wear time (this stuff still gets covered by concealer, I mostly notice when that goes away), but I can tell show you how intense the color is, tell you it seems to have decent coverage and blends well. Love it!


FACE Stockholm Corrective Concealer

0

Concealer Series: Per-Fekt Beauty Eye Perfection Gel

I thought I'd take a break from concealers today to talk about Per-Fekt Beauty Eye Perfection Gel, which is a product I mentioned in my how and where to use concealers and correctors post, but I've been somehow slow to actually write a full post about.

As I mentioned in that post, I think the real tip to success with a concealer lasting all day without settling or caking is the area preparation. Having your eye area well moisturized helps the concealer to blend well and set up properly. Truly, this makes a big difference for me.

This eye gel from Per-Fekt is a quick and easy way to have the perfect canvas for your concealer. It comes in a few shades, including translucent. If you order a shade (I have "bright" which is the lightest color), don't expect a lot of coverage. This isn't concealer. The coverage is very light and while it is there, I'm not sure it helps me very much.

The gel does have a silicone base, so it feels very slick and smooth during application. Unlike other silicone based primers that I've used in the past, this one does not pill up if applied too soon after washing my face or applying regular moisturizer. Instead it spreads easily and absorbs into my skin.

The gel has quite a few moisturizing ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and ceramides. It also has a lot of ingredients found on my anti-aging check list such as the anti-oxidants Alpha Lipoic Acid, and Vitamins A and E as well as peptides. It is faintly light reflecting, but not so much that it looks like you've applied shimmer to your eye area.

This has become a staple product for me and will definitely be making an appearance in my next favorite products post!

Anti-Aging Checklist


Per-Fekt Beauty Eye Perfection Gel

3

Concealer Series: Estée Lauder's Ideal Light

To me, Estée Lauder's Ideal Light is what the cult favorite Touche Eclat should be, but isn't. This is a concealer with decent coverage, with the added benefit of light diffusing particles.

According to the Estée website:

Light-reflective Photo Optic™ technology diffuses light to minimize the look of fine lines, wrinkles and imperfections.

I admit that usually the idea of light diffusing particles makes me a tad nervous. Some companies just don't seem to have the light touch that is needed with them, and instead of distracting from imperfections you end up calling attention to them with too much shimmer. Not cool. This Estée pen has just the right light touch, which I love.


I rated this a 3, but really it is nearly a 4 in coverage.

Consistency: Liquid
Blendability: Very blendable
Buildable coverage: Yes
Feeling on skin: Lightweight
Wear: 10-12 hours
Problems with wear: No caking or settling into fine lines
Shades Available: I used light, there are 4 skin toned shades and a Soft Pink, described as a "highlighter shade is ideal for all skintones. Brings light to your face and focus to your features."

Estée Lauder Ideal Light

5

Concealer Series: DuWop Surface Concealer

I had some pretty high expectations for this concealer for some reason. Something about the lipstick-like form it comes in, I was hoping it would be highly pigmented. I also love that it is solid, and therefore won't need to go in the 3-1-1 TSA bag during travel. While it didn't live up to my expectations, it is still a nice concealer. I've put it in my purse for everyday touch-ups on the go.

Note that in the picture here it looks like there are 2 shades in 1 container, mine was 1 shade. I'm not sure why the pic is this way, but it is 1 solid color.



Consistency: Similar to lipstick, it's hard but seems to melt and swipe onto skin very easily
Blendability: Easily blended
Buildable coverage: Not as buildable as I would like. I felt like I could add a layer of concealer, but it would remove some of the product below.
Feeling on skin: Lightweight feeling
Wear: 6-8 hours
Problems with wear: No Caking or settling into fine lines
Shades Available: 6 shades are available, I used Shell which was a good match for me.


DuWop Surface Concealer

1

Concealer Series: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

When the Fit Me display arrived in my local Walmart, I was hard pressed to not snap up one of everything immediately. The line promises lightweight coverage that allows you to shine through. The foundation, concealer and powder are coordinated (love that, I hate it when matching up products is difficult in a single line).



Consistency: Liquid, comes in a tube with a sponge tipped wand for appliation
Blendability: Yes
Buildable coverage: Yes, though it is a little difficult to build. Wait a few minutes between layers to avoid wiping off what you've already applied. Though, if you have to do that, you probably need a different concealer...
Feeling on skin: Lightweight
Wear: 6-8 hours
Problems with wear: Settles into fine lines
Shades Available: I used #15 (fair), there are 6 shades and they all seem pretty fair/light

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

2

Concealer Review Series: Make Up For Ever's Lift Concealer

This MUFE concealer is a solid product, though I feel it isn't too terribly different from MUFE's Full Cover Concealer. Full Cover is a little more pigmented, though has some caking issues when I layer it unless I'm careful with my blending. Lift doesn't have those issues, though the coverage is a little less and I felt it didn't build as well as Full Cover with more layers. To me, if you need a little more coverage and want a MUFE concealer, go for Full Cover. If not, I'd look at Lift.

Lift also contains Vitamins A and E, both are anti-oxidants.


Really, this is a 3.5 on the coverage scale, I just don't have a graphic made for that level.

Consistency: Liquid, in a tube
Blendability: Very blendable, though it seemed to set up a little faster than other MUFE concealers
Buildable coverage: Yes, though not as buildable as Full Cover
Feeling on skin: Lightweight
Wear: ~8-10 hours
Problems with wear: None
Shades Available: 5 available

Make Up For Ever's Lift Concealer

7

Concealer Series: Ellis Faas

Ellis Faas isn't very well known in the US, though this high end brand probably should be. Ellis is a very well known make up artist. She's worked with brands like Clinique, Lancôme and MAC. She helped create the Biotherm make-up line. And now she has her own line, and this concealer is pretty much to die for.

First, can I just gush about the packaging? It comes in a metal bullet/pen as pictured above. This thing is heavy duty and feels aaaahhmazing. For reals. It's heavy, super smooth, and once you pull off that top you'll find a nice concealer brush. The concealer comes out of the pen to saturate the brush, which you can then use to direct your application.



Consistency: Liquid
Blendability: Blends very easily with a light touch
Buildable coverage: Yes
Feeling on skin: Lightweight
Wear: ~10 hours
Problems with wear: No Caking or settling into lines
Shades Available: There are 8 shades available, I used S201

Ellis Faas Concealer

5

Concealer Series: Boo-Boo Cover-Up

Boo-Boo Cover-Up is just hitting stores now, and you're probably going to be seeing a lot more coverage of it. I think it's going to quickly become one of those cult classic products! The concealer was inspired by a "body boo-boo". Who hasn't had a big bruise or scratch you want to hide away? While you could break out your normal concealer, they often rub away easily or don't have the pigmentation level needed.

A great body concealer would be well pigmented. It would help your skin heal. It would be easy to blend and make look natural on your skin. And it would be long lasting, transfer resistant and pretty much waterproof. And wait... Wouldn't those requirements make a pretty great facial concealer as well? Boo-Boo Cover-Up seems to have been formulated with all of those needs in mind.

While Boo-Boo Cover-Up is currently being sold as a concealer for the body, it is definitely safe for the face. I did check with the creator of the product, and she confirmed that the formulation is safe for use on the face. I tested it for review on my arm (I was covering a big freckle) and my undereye area.

Because it was formulated for "Boo-Boo" coverage rather than simply under eye circles, it contains ingredients to help with healing. Aloe, Chamomile, Green Tea, Tea Tree Oil and Vitamin E are all in the formulation, the latter three act as anti-oxidants and help fight aging as well.



Consistency: Liquid, it comes in a tube though is slightly thicker than most tubed concealers
Blendability: Very easily blended with a fingertip or brush
Buildable coverage: Yes
Feeling on skin: Lightweight feeling
Wear: ~12 hours
Problems with wear: None
Shades Available: Currently only in medium, but light and dark are in the works

Boo-Boo Cover-Up

4

Concealer Review Series: Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer

Kat Von D's Tattoo concealer has been brought up by a few of my old Makeup Alley friends as a great full coverage concealer, so you know that I had to try it out! If anyone should know how pigmented a tattoo is and how to cover it up, I think that Kat Von D would be the one.

It turns out that if you want to fully cover a tattoo, Kat actually has a big process and the Tattoo Eraser needs to go underneath the concealer. Probably a good thing, since I'm not sure this is quite enough coverage to cover anything but the lightest of tattoos.


On it's own this concealer is a strong 4, but not the 5 I had expected.

Consistency: Liquid, it comes in a tube but does seem a little thicker than many in this form.
Blendability: Very blendable
Buildable coverage: Definitely! I found the best results by letting each layer set for a few minutes before applying more.
Feeling on skin: Lightweight
Wear: ~10-12 hours
Problems with wear: None
Shades Available: I used Light, there are 8 shades in all.

So, while it wasn't the crazy pigmented concealer that I had expected, overall I did find this to be a pretty good concealer.

Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer

0

Concealer Series: Dermablend Quick-Fix Concealer

I think it should come as no surprise that the second level 5 coverage concealer that I'm reviewing is from Dermablend. This stuff is the go-to product in Hollywood when something needs to be covered up. You didn't think they used CGI to constantly cover up all of Angelina Jolie's Tats, did you?



Consistency: It comes in a lipstick form, but seems drier and more compact than many other concealers in this form.
Blendability: It does blend, but it is dry and sets up quickly so work fast and in small areas!
Buildable coverage: Yes
Feeling on skin: Medium/Heavy feeling
Wear: ~10 hours
Problems with wear: Caking, Settles into fine lines
Shades Available: 10 shades are available. I tried out Medium, which was too dark for me, beige or light would have been a better match.

Dermablend Quick-Fix Concealer

1

Concealer Series: Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil

Finally, I am reviewing it. A concealer that ranked a 5 on my coverage scale.

Seriously, this stuff could cover anything. I'm adding it to the list of things I recommend to friends when they want to cover a tattoo. If it can cover my undereye capillary (that sucker is dark and likes to be the center of attention), I'm sure it will work on a tattoo. My friend Phyrra thought it was great at covering things up too.

Consistency: It comes in a "stick/pen" as you can see from the pictures, so it is very dry and formed. Because of this it is super pigmented. I haven't had to sharpen one yet, this does make me a tad nervous.
Blendability: Not so much. It is creamy initially but it sets very quickly, so I recommend using it in a small area and blending quickly.
Buildable coverage: No need really, it is very pigmented.
Feeling on skin: Lightweight
Wear: 10-12 hours
Problems with wear: Caking if not blended properly, I suspect this is because of how it is formulated.
Shades Available: It comes in 4 different shades

6/11/2011 Update!
In some random discussion with my cousin Ellery from Mom's Life Made Easy on Facebook today I learned something interesting. Ellery says:
"Loving the Urban Decay concealer, but went to sharpen and half the stick fell out! Contacted the company and they said it would happen if I live in place warmer than Alaska (where they test them)! Told me to just stick it in the fridge first next time! So helpful!"

I admit I was wondering this as well, so I've yet to sharpen mine. I'll definitely be chilling it first!

Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil

3