My review of five concealers by Bourjois, Rimmel, Mac, Collection and Maybelline. With photos and swatches

Table of contents

  
I’ve tried a fair few concealers but for some reason they remain largely untouched. Quite often I’ll find that they make a blemish look worse. It’s easy to over egg the pudding- more concealer does not result in more concealment. Today I thought I would reexamine what I already own to see if the issue is with the product or my technique, or what. I have chosen high, mid and low range products to compare, so grab your popcorn.

I used to love Benefit Boi-ing for covering spots. The texture was perfect, but they changed the Boi-ing range and subsequently the colour wasn’t the same and this new and improved Boi-ing didn’t match as well. I haven’t found anything as reliable since. Here’s my assessment of some concealers that I have tried-

“Bourjois’ Healthy Mix fruit-therapy correcting concealer smoothes away dark circles and imperfections for a visibly rested and radiant look. Apricot > radiance Raspberry > micro-circulation Melon > hydration. Its exquisite glide-on formula blends onto the skin for a natural result, with no marks.

Available in 3 natural anti-dull complexion shades, to reboost the complexion’s radiance.”

Shade- Medium Radiance 

RRP- £7.99

This is probably the best match for my skin tone. The coverage is good but It sets to a very matte finish. This, I think, spoils it. Being so matte it doesn’t blend into the skin, it looks unnatural. It tends to sit in under eye creases. Also it’s very easy to remove with touch, The staying power isn’t up to scratch. It’s nice that it has fruit in it I suppose, I would have preferred it if it just did its job properly. 3/10

Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Concealer 

“• Provides natural-looking coverage that lasts all day.      • Conceals imperfections, flaws, undereye darkness and circles                                              • 24-hour wear, no transfer.    • Oil-free, non-comedogenic, dermatologist-tested, ophthalmologist-tested, fragrance free”

Shade 02 Light

RRP- £6.19

This shade is maybe too yellow for me. The texture is better, it goes on shiny and sets satin- matte. And it doesn’t shift when you touch it. The shade isn’t quite right, it doesn’t exactly blend in with my skin tone. This one is definitely worth a look if you can get the right shade. 6/10

Rimmel Recover Antifatigue Concealer 

“Rimmel Recover Concealer containing Vitamin E (anti-oxidant) to protect the delicate eye area from free radicals diminishes the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles. Conceals imperfections and dark shadows, instantly brightens.”

RRP- £5.49

I really don’t like this I’m not sure what the shade is called but it looks pretty yellow. It goes on greasy and stays shiny. Its coverage is poor. This concealer does not conceal! It belongs in the bin. 2/10

Mac Studio Finish SPF35 Concealer 

Offers smooth, long-wearing, invisible correction for all skin blemishes, imperfections and discolourations with a natural matte finish. This formula is so concentrated that a small amount can conceal and correct a number of imperfections. The antioxidant-rich concealer helps to absorb excess oil and feeds the skin with derivatives of vitamin A and E.

Shade NW25

£15.50

I was matched with NW25, perhaps that shade is too dark for me, or maybe I had a tan that day. This concealer looks way dark going on but somehow it adapts to my skin tone after settling for a few minutes. It feels heavy duty, a little goes a long way. It gives a nice opaque long lasting conceal. I think if you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can’t go far wrong heading to MAC. 7/10

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer 

Conceals imperfections and blemishes for up to 16 hours. Water resistant and transfer proof. Multiple award-winning.Shade Warm Medium

RRP- £4.19

Like the blurb says, this concealer is award winning and I can see why. The packaging looks pretty budget, indeed this is the cheapest product of the bunch. It’s cracking though. A slight satin finish, full coverage without heaviness. The shade is good for me. I used it to cover a blemish before I went for a run, it was still present and correct when I got back. 8/10

Overview 

Ranking best to worst-

• Collection- ace! 
• Mac-a bit heavy
• Maybelline- questionable shade but not bad at all 
• Bourjois- too matte, easily transfers
• Rimmel- not good, greasy, yellow, no coverage.

Shade selection is a tricky subject, colour matching high street concealer in the shop is a bit of a gamble. It’s probably worth having a few shades to blend together for exact colour matching.

Collection lasting perfection is definitely worth checking out. If that gives no joy I would head to Mac and get the professionals to sort you out.

Let me know if you have a holy grail concealer x 

find these products at Boots.com