What’s an unsung makeup hero? For me, it’s an oftentimes underrated makeup morsel, a permanent collection product that scoots under the radar screen of many makeup lovers but regularly rocks my world. The long-running Unsung Heroes series features some of my favorites.
Dear beauty industry people…just stop, collaborate and listen. Enough with the attached sponge applicators already! The sponges get all thick and nasty, and then when I press them against my skin, there’s a weird sucking sound, like “thhhmeeeeeeee,” which is the makeup equivalent of someone saying the word “moist” repeatedly.
MOIST, MOIST, MOIST.
It’s super, super gross.
The attached sponge applicator is the only thing I don’t like about the otherwise awesome Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer. I would prefer one of ye olde standard-issue doe-foot applicators, buuuuuut since this concealer is only $10, and it’s available in a nice shade range, and it’s practically a drugstore dupe for the much pricier Charlotte Tilbury under-eye concealer, which I’ve used to the very last drop, I put up with it, because seriously, WHATCHAGONNADO? You can’t spend all your time and energy fighting city hall. *shrugs*
Anyway, this concealer is fantastic for women (and dudes… More on this in a second.) who have fine under-eye experience lines, and who also like a decent amount of coverage but don’t feel the need to go full-tilt, so FYI, Tarte Shape Tape, MAC Pro Longwear and Sephora Bright Future Gel Concealer it is not; however, if you like light-to-medium coverage (a la Hourglass Veil Retouching Fluid, which I’ve grown to love, or Tatcha Softlight), it’s magic in a click pen, because the concealer never appears caked-on or thick when applied to mature skin with lines.
I’m 43 (hahaha, I paused for a second to do the math right there!), and I adore it. The satiny finish isn’t harsh or dramatic, and it doesn’t look like I’m wearing heavy makeup. I do a click or two from the tube, dot a few dabs of the sponge directly on my under-eye area and in the inner corners, then smooth away the edges with my fingers. Sometimes I set it, sometimes I don’t. Either way, I believe I look brighter, rested and refreshed, and I only need to do a light touch-up after about six hours.
OK, so dudes. Periodically, a guy will ask if there’s anything out there that can help him look less tired (Um, hello, more sleep? Drinking a sh*t-ton of water? Reducing stress as much as you possibly can?).
The next time a dude asks me this, I’m going to recommend this product 100%. It’s perfect for when you want just a little something, and it’s still so user-friendly (even with the sponge applicator, which I admit is my pet peeve) that even dudes who think that “windshield wiper motions” is a reference to cars could *totally* do it right.
Did I mention that it’s only $10? I’m a MAC NC42, and my shade is Golden.
Try it. It’s fabulous!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I love this concealer! It’s one of my holy grails. Every time I try a new concealer that makes me look older, creepy or dry, I go back to this. I actually don’t mind the sponge applicator—easier to dab and go.
I like it, but don’t love it. My mother swears by it. I just don’t get over the sponge applicator, though I admit it is convenient.
You know what I do? I just pull the applicator out and dot the concealer onto my face using a brush or my fingers. It’s much more sanitary that way and a lot more product comes out.
Interesting! Maybe I’ll try touching the brush to the sponge? Historically though I’m not one to take an extra step unless I absolutely need to, LOL!
I’ve yet to try this one. How does it compare to the NARS creamy concealer? Like mascaras, I’m always willing to try a new concealer.
I think the NARS one has higher coverage and is more matte. For me the Maybelline is much more user friendly (even with the gross sponge). Plus… $10!
My skin has been really dehydrated lately, so not being matte is a good thing. There’s a Walgreen’s half a block away from my gym. I’m going to see if they have this in stock tomorrow morning after my workout. You know, a treat for working out hard. Lol.
Good luck! I hope you can find a shade that works for you (there’s a good number to choose from)! I haven’t shopped at Walgreens for makeup in forever but from what I recall they have an excellent return policy.
I just picked up the lightest color. They looked rather dark in the bottle/tube. Or maybe it was just the store lighting. Haven’t tried it yet.
Good luck! I’m wearing Golden again today. 🙂
I hate the sponge too! I feel it starts ripping apart BUT it works so good! 😀 one of the best!
Yes, and the price is SO right. If I ever figure out a way to decant it successfully I’ll let you know. Maybe one day they’ll do a doe foot? *keeps fingers crossed*
I actually just pull mine off and give a quick rinse once in a while! Works like a charm, but I will agree the squeaky squishy sound is not my favorite in the wee hours of the morning!
Ahh, so smart! I’m going to try that.
This is a great concealer, I agree with you!
Hi Erica,
It’s so good! Have you ever tried using it as a foundation? It works great as one!
I have not, but I don’t doubt that it would be amazing!
Yeah, it’s really good! I just use it on the areas where I want more coverage and then blend. That’s it! No setting powder, no nothing. Lasts all day and it handles dry skin well!
Maybe I’ll pick this up again!
Give it a go! Best part about it is you can skip powder if you’re feeling lazy. LOL
I usually skip powder because I’m so dry, LOL!
Unpopular opinion I think some of the magic of this concealer is in the sponge tip applicator. I don’t hate it like most here lol Btw how is it any more or less sanitary than any other sponge tip applicator like Shape Tape? Js