Readers' Corner: All About Concealers

Hey girls and boys (if there's any boy reading this blog --- Hello there!!!)  

I get email queries on a daily basis and I'm quite happy answering each email as I read each query!  I find it more personal that way.  But for the past weeks, I came into one realization --- most of you are addicted to concealers!  That's when I realized my answers could be shared in my Readers' Corner area!  Why Nikki, why didn't I even think of this from the start!  *tsk tsk tsk*

As of today, here are some of the concealers I've tried and loved and some of them even went straight to my makeup train case.  I will divide this into 2 parts - The Save and The Splurge.  Feel free to click the product names for links of past reviews and swatches.

Note: Ask me again after a year, the list could change!  *hehehe*

THE SAVE

1. SkinFood  Dark Circle Salmon Concealer Php950.00 (approx $20.65)- as the name says it all, this product is meant to cover the darkness under the eye area.  Most of you probably heard or read about the ability of salmon shade to counteract darkness.  The pot lasts forever and a tiny amount is enough to prevent product creasing.
2. NYX Concealer in a Jar Php300.00 (approx $7.00) - I have raved so much about this product even my friends ended up buying their own pot!  This is a full coverage concealer that works on the under eye area (if you pick Medium shade which has a bit of peachy shade).  If you pick other shades, you can either use it as a highlighter or to conceal spots from zits or acne.
3. Revlon PhotoReady Concealer Php725.00 (approx $17.25) - Seldom will you see me use stick concealers as they tend to dry out my skin. Not until I met Revlon's PhotoReady Concealer, this is my "retouch" concealer as I can easily take this along with me and directly apply the product under the eye area, the  redness on the sides of my nose and on those "zit" attack days, it's great to spot conceal without pulling out a brush!  All I need is my clean fingers!  This concealer applies on creamy and never creases on me.
4. The Body Shop Lightening Touch Php950.00 (approx. $22.00) - This product has been compared to YSL Touche Eclat for the longest time!  To set things straight, I do not own YSL's  Touche Eclat so I can't compare the 2 for now.  But for it's price, this product works on "highlighting" your features and I like using this on top of a concealer as it gives an extra coverage PLUS glow leaving the area looking radiant and natural.
5. Graftobian High Definition Corrector Palette around Php1,200 (approx $28.00) - I purchased this online and I just recently opened it and used it on clients, so far, I'm happy with the pigmentation and its creamy texture.  I've always been a fan of the Graftobian Cream Foundation so I'm not surprised this will also be a hit!  If you suffer extreme darkness under the eye area, redness or dark spots on your cheeks or forehead, correcting your spots prior to concealing is the best way to achieve maximum coverage.  Give me some time I'll definitely write a proper review for this palette!

THE SPLURGE

1. Benefit Erase Paste - I own a smaller sized version of this from my Confessions of a Concealaholic Palette.  This product is very tricky to use as a tiny amount is very potent and can crease if not applied correctly.  The trick on using Erase Paste is to always warm the product with your fingers then gently tap on your problem areas.  This product can cover under eye circles, red spots and even freckles!
   
2. Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit Php1,900 (approx $45.20).- Best used on the under eye area. The extra powder that comes in the palette is a nice "plus" as it instantly set the concealer in place making it stay until you remove it.
3. Estee Lauder Disappear Smoothing Creme Concealer - Another concealer that works so well on the under eye area, acne marks, freckles, etc..  All you need to do is pick the right shade for you!
4. Amazing Cosmetics AmazingConcealer Php1,800.00 (approx $24.20) - As recently reviewed, this product does not only give the coverage you need but it gives an overall highlight effect.
5. Make Up For Ever Camouflage Cream Palette Php1,600 (approx $34.00) - A must if you are a makeup artist!  The palette on photo above is already my 2nd.

When we talk about Concealers, it is very easy to say: "Let's SPLURGE on it!"  I agree, I don't mind paying more for makeup products that sits into my skin for a long period of time.  But mind you, Expensive doesn't always equate to the BEST.  At the end of the day, the best way to pick the best concealer is to understand the needs of your skin.

Are under eye circles your major issue?
Is it the eye puffiness that's giving you all the trouble?
Or the red spots from acne scars and pimple marks?
To some, is it the freckles that's making you go insane?

Focusing on your major skin concern is the best way to target the right product for you!  I used to purchase concealers just because I see other Bloggers rave about them but guess what?  Most of them ended up inside my makeup case or I've given away most of them!  

Now that I'm not in denail, I've finally accepted the fact that my major skin concern would be the darkness under the eyes.  So I'm focused on purchasing and trying concealers that are meant for the under eye circles!

Then it's time to shop! 

Big question is: "Where will I start?  There's so many brands out there I'm so confused!"
Relax and take a deep breathe, check your budget.

How much are you willing to shell out for a concealer?  Is it between Php500-1,000?  Then stick to it!  With the wide range of cosmetics nowadays, I'm sure there will always be "the one" meant for you!  Keep in mind that testing them over the counter is the key, trying to purchase "blindly" online may work but only 20% of the time!  Bring a friend (whose opinion matters) and have the SA apply the product on your problem areas and see if it works for you!  Never feel pressured and learn to say "no, thanks!". (Been there, done that!)  

Tell me, have you found the best concealer for your problem area?
What's your concealer budget at present?

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Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer Review

There are 2 nakeup brands that are locally unavailable that got my attention big time --- Vichy and Amazing Cosmetics!

Both brands are known for their ultimate concealers, heavy coverage, highly pigmented concealers that can cover up tattoos and marks!  I'm still imagining ways to get my little hands on Vichy (minus the expensive shipping fee) and I'm glad to have found a local seller who sells Amazing Cosmetics!  *crosses one brand out*  There isn't a whole lot of products for now but I'm glad my ever coveted AmazingConcealer is available!