Monday 3 October 2016

SEASONAL CULL: Concealers...

Haven't talked too much about concealers in the past, nor created a different blog category in years. And given that Spring is the perfect time of year for a clean out, I'm kicking off this brand new series with a reassessment of my concealer collection. I reckon most gals will admit to hanging onto a whole lot of unnecessary clutter, and I am 100% guilty of first degree hoarding, especially when it comes to make up...


I do my best to keep similar items in the one place, but I was a trifle embarrassed when I gathered together all of the above cover-up tubes and sticks for the photo - crikey I don't even remember buying half of these! So where to begin? Well I started by putting aside the ones I'm currently using, swatched the rest to determine which ones were still viable, and then split them into "these colours don't work" and "potentials" - this meant I could toss quite a few upfront, and lessen the headache of what to keep...


Above are the ones I ditched, although I did check the coverage before they landed in the bin just in case the formula was a good one, and all I needed was a different shade. I find that yellow-based concealers work best for me, and these are all quite pinkish, so out they went, which left me with the ones below. Already a major improvement, but now for the acid test - which ones actually do what I need them to do?...


Everyone's concealer needs vary - I don't have dark circles, but I do have pigmentation that I absolutely MUST disguise, particularly around my lipline, plus I find that my foundation (any foundation!) simply doesn't stick to the centre section of my nose. Haven't been able to figure that one out yet. It's not like I touch it throughout the day - even by the time I finish my makeup, somehow or other it's gone! So I need something that will stay put to disguise my freckly flaws in this most central part of my face. I also have spider veins around my nostrils, which always show up as reddish patches in photos, so once again I need 100% coverage. I'm fortunate that I rarely get blemishes - probably once or twice a year a pimple rears its ugly head, so a concealer that's a good skin tone match and is dense enough is all that's required to deal with those pesky eruptions...

And lastly, I have huge under eye bags - I manage to disguise them in photos with the right lighting and using the camera flash, but if you saw me in real life, you'd say "oooh yeah, they're real bad!". So I also need a concealer a few shades lighter, which I then apply to the area beneath the bags that is in shadow in an effort to diminish the bulges (thanks Wayne Goss!). It really makes a difference, but takes a bit of practice because you have to be very precise, and can't blend it out or else the whole effect is lost...

In summary, here is my criteria:
  • 100% coverage of dark pigmentation
  • Long lasting
  • No creasing around the eyes
  • Exact skin tone match
  • Plus a 2 or 3-shades-lighter skin tone match
  • As natural as possible
  • Readily available
  • Reasonably priced

So here's my assessment of the 14 potentials, from left to right - I've highlighted the best... 

CROP Natural Concealer Pencil - Medium & Light (RRP $16)
Love these - excellent coverage, the pencil format makes these perfect for outlining and dotting onto spots or pigmented areas. I use the light one around my lips and the medium for touch ups on the rest of my face...

Rimmel Hide the Blemish Concealer - Ivory & Soft Honey (RRP $10.50)
Good coverage, tends to crease a bit in oily areas, not quite the right shades for my colouring...

Maybelline Master CONCEAL Camouflaging Concealer - Light/Medium (RRP $15.95)
My most recent discovery - this stuff is AMAZING! Perfect shade for me, barely any creasing, total coverage. No wonder this is almost always out of stock at Priceline. Only yesterday I managed to find the Light version, which is why it's not in the above photo...

Maybelline FIT Me Concealer - Light & Sand (RRP $14.95)
Very good coverage, however it does crease a little, doesn't seem to last all that long either, but it comes in a wide colour range...

Rimmel Match Perfection Skin Tone Adapting Concealer - Natural Beige (RRP $13.95)
This has a brush applicator which I like, but the coverage isn't enough for my dark spots, and I find it tends to go on a bit streaky and creases after an hour or so, only 3 shades available...

SAVVY Liquid Concealer - Light (RRP $4.99)
The cheapest of the lot, and while it's a good colour match, it's too sheer for my needs...

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer - Light (RRP $38)
Holey guacemoley, this is the bomb! Yep it's $38, but I have never EVER found a concealer that doesn't crease, covers EVERYTHING, and lasts all day, but this is it. I bought Light which is very very light and too pale for anything but my eye bag diminishing trick, but I've just ordered the medium from Sephora. You will not believe the coverage! The tube has the tiniest nozzle I've come across, and at first I thought it was a manufacturing fault because it's a struggle to dispense even the smallest amount. But it's intentional - you only need (literally) a microscopic quantity. I swear if you want full coverage, no creasing and all-day longevity, then this is the concealer for you. I figure the tube will last me 3 times longer than anything else, which makes it totally affordable...

NATIO Natural Cover Concealer - Skin Tone 2 (RRP $14.95)
Sponge applicator, pretty good colour match, but seems to stay shiny even when it dries so you'll need a setting powder. Creases quite a bit, only two shades available...

Rimmel Wake Me Up Anti-Fatigue Effect + Radiant Glow Concealer (RRP $14.95)
I can't find the shade name on the tube anywhere, but I'm guessing it's Classic Beige (there's only three to choose from). Reasonable coverage, but not enough for me and doesn't build up evenly, contains teeny little sparkles for "illuminating" the under eye area, but I need to disguise rather than accent...

ModelsPrefer Argan Infusion Liquid Concealer - Light (RRP $9.99)
This is thicker than most of the others of its kind, covers redness very well but creases under the eyes, doesn't last more than a few hours, and there's only two shades in the range - it surprised me though, it's a lot better than some bigger brand names...

Face of Australia Lasting Finish Concealer Stick - Neutral (RRP $9.45)
Again only comes in two shades. I was using this primarily around my lips before I discovered the Crop one that I prefer. Creases when applied under the eyes, medium coverage, blends well though...

So after this major Spring clean, here are my keepers, and my HG's :


You've no idea how GOOD I feel after doing this! I've reduced 24 products down to five, and freed up a whole bunch of space in my kit. I plan to repeat the process with my foundations, blushes, eye shadows, eye liners and lip products so watch this space - I admit the lippies will be my greatest challenge, but I figure if I do it gradually by shade families, it won't be quite so painful lol...

Do you do a seasonal cull of your makeup, or only your wardrobe?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Linking this to the always brilliant Ingrid's Monday Madness Link Up Party ...

32 comments:

  1. Holy Moly, Kats! You are the purge Queen! I could never have gotten rid of that many!! Nice to see what are your HG. btw. I think freckles are cute. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How about that Amy! Lol, I didn't realise I had so many lying around that were somewhat unsuitable, so it wasn't all that hard, but I'm still giving my self a pat on the back ha ha. Thanks for the freckle vote - sadly they're not quite so cute when they suddenly start being referred to as age spots - boo! xxx

      Delete
  2. I watched that Wayne Goss video too and use the same trick, it's a life-changer for under eye bags! Great work culling, I need to do the same thing I reckon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay Di, isn't it clever? He's done a more recent video, but the results weren't nearly so obvious or impressive so I kept the link to the original (and the best!). Good luck with your cull hon - it feels so darn good I can assure you xxx

      Delete
  3. my golly,what a concealer collection! my entire family are genetically blessed with heavy eye bags :( I've purposed eyesentials for mum previously and it worked for short periods before she started getting white under eye patches. I recently received a product from genie beauty which claims to helps with under eye circles , bags wrinkles etc.. so I'm gonna give it a go and let you know. OH I've also been using a Korean under eye patch - works SO good. it's called black pearl and cold hydrogel eye patch :) there's 60 patches in the container, I can't believe it

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ahh Lily, I inherited mine from my Dad - my Mum has none! Lol always inheriting the wrong things. Anyways hon I'd be absolutely thrilled to find out how the genie stuff goes - I've had limited results with Skin Doctors Eye Tuck, but my bags are more like sacks, so it didn't make that much difference. Gonna get me the eye patches though - thanks babe! xxx

      Delete
  4. I really love the new Maybelline concealers! I think they are excellent. Still need to try the CROP one you suggest. Also, nice job getting rid of so many! I need to do a big makeup declutter since I've noticed some of lipsticks have expired (I started getting into makeup about three years ago). Do you think individual posts for each category work best? Or should I do videos? I always find it satisfying seeing people de clutter!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm really impressed with the MNY ones Mel - I reckon they're the best they've come up with so far. I'd go with individual categories, but PLEASE do videos - I love watching our gorgeous face and listening to you chatter away! xxx

      Delete
  5. Thanks for linking the Wayne Goss video. I'm now practising to disguise my bags more effectively!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ingrid it's well worth persisting with the technique - I'm still mastering mine, on the days I get it right, the difference is astounding xxx

      Delete
  6. Great idea to do a bit of a seasonal cull of certain products. I'm loving the sound of the CROP Natural Concealer Pencil, sounds great for spot touch ups and the fact that it's one of your HG concealers I know it's a winner ♡

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wait till they go on special at Coles hon - about every 6-8 weeks. They're super convenient, moist but not too squishy. Only two colours though xxx

      Delete
  7. woaaah that was an impressive concealer collection! I had a similar collection of mascaras that I ended up sifting through. Eventually I've a couple I'm happy with (mostly Mayelline and Loreal!). The only other thing I've a huge collection of is lippies. I know you're as obsessed as I am so none of these are getting the chop lol x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lol Louise, I almost didn't post the WHOLE collection due to severe embarrassment. So glad you've sorted the mascaras - I think I have less than 10 so that cull should be a whole lot easier. The lipsticks - yeah well that's another story, and I don't hold out much hope of reducing them by much either ha ha xxx

      Delete
  8. Wow, that's a big collection, but I love the idea of spring cleaning. Its better to keep only those who work for you instead of hoarding a big useless lot. I own only 3 three concealers, not a big collection.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Faiza I had them in drawers and glass jars, and didn't even realise there were so many till I put this post together. I've only been using a handful regularly, so it was time to ditch the rest xxx

      Delete
  9. Love your new 'seasonal cull' series, keep them coming! In my hoarding collection, I have mostly mascaras, eyeshadows and lipsticks. Thankfully I came to my senses and only buy blushes, bronzers, foundations after research and online swatches etc. I haven't culled much in general, but try to do mini project pans, where I try to use up certain older products before opening up new ones. And of course, I've become more restrained with buying new things in the first place :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Will do stackcats - I'm running out of space so it's not just fun, it's more of a necessity! I used to be very good with blushes - had only 3 or 4 but I need to do a cleanout real bad, I don't think I've finished one EVER!

      Delete
  10. Totally agree with your criteria except the creasing, because my eyes (under eye area and eyelid) are very oily (but the rest of the face is very dry :D), so every products crease on me. Thanks setting and baking techniques I think the creasing is no longer a problem for anyone. ;)
    I'm surprised you like Maybelline Fit Me concealer. I don't know why but I struggle with this one. Poor coverage and the lightest shade is too dark for me in my country. :( But the rest of your concealer mayhem looks perfect! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Michelle - gosh sadly I can't get baking or setting to work for me at all. I'm quite old and the area under my eyes is very crinkly, and when I use setting powder, it seems to accentuate the wrinkles and make the area look all crepey. I also threw away my MNY Fit Me concealer, but if you mean this new Master Concealer, I find it exceptionally good - it just goes to show how different we all are, and why there's so many products on the market lol! ♥

      Delete
  11. I don't have many concealers in my collection as they get passed on so quickly. I'm still looking for the perfect very fair pink based cruelty free concealer - seems impossible to find. My dark circles are horrible so I have lots of correctors for that but no concealers light enough to blend in with my skin tone.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alinta I hope you find something soon - the IT Cosmetics one is very light, but I don't know if it would be pink enough for you. I've been searching for my HG's for decades, and am over the moon that these work so well. Isn't it crazy that it takes us all so long to find the right one?

      Delete
  12. Great Purge Kats! It does feel great to clean out and get rid of things that just arent working for you. And hey! You have room now for new products! ;) I can not wait for the lippie post(s)! Tal xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lol Tal you guessed my motivation precisely - yes, space! I really have way too much makeup, which is why I so rarely get to finish anything. New strategy most definitely required ♥

      Delete
  13. Wow Kats! What a mammoth effort! Luckily for me I don't stray too far from my loved concealers so I don't have that much of a collection. Well done on your cull!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well interestingly it wasn't anywhere near as hard as I thought it would be Felicia - by the time I separated out the ones that weren't the right shade, I was almost half way there. Best part is it's given me the courage to do the same thing with my other products xxx

      Delete
  14. Great round-up and it feels so good to clear out all the unused stuff! I am currently using an old Covergirl stick concealer for under eyes and pigmentation. It seems to do the trick so I'm loath to experiment with anything else, although knowing my luck it's probably discontinued by now and I'll have to find another one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beth dear, I agree if it ain't broke, don't fix it - there's just SO many on the market, I'm sure you'll find a replacement if it's been dropped ♥♥♥

      Delete
  15. I so love this post and your findings, Kats! I struggle with concealers... anything seems to crease under my eyes and baking just makes things worse. I have dark circles, broken capillaries, age spots, pigmentation and scarring to cover!

    Thanks to this post I am really hopeful of actually finding some products that work!
    Kate x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kate my dear, we have a very similar dilemma - I don't have scarring but count me in for just about everything else! I do so hope one of these will work for you - I've been searching all my life for the perfect concealer, and some of these are pretty darn close ♥

      Delete
  16. Wow.. So many concealers.. Amazing collection..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmmm yes Sandhra, this cull was about 3 years overdue! Delighted I've lightened my load though, and weeded out the ones that work really well for me xxx

      Delete