It’s definitely not as thick as other beloved concealers (you couldn’t squeeze Clé de Peau through a sponge), but I don’t mind because it does the job, possibly even better.
Unlike Clé de Peau, where it takes a bit more finagling (or a brush) to apply exactly where I want it, the Maybelline sponge easily follows the contour of my under-eye. Pressing it directly under my downturned eyes, the little round applicator bounces seamlessly across my pale complexion. It caught my attention mostly because of the sponge. But the only one I would actually buy for myself is Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer. More options slid across my desk: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, Tarte Shape Tape, Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Concealer. The twist-up tube applies smoothly with or without a brush (I’m partial to blending with my fingers) and melts into my skin. After seeing the $70 price tag, I felt especially lucky that, thanks to the magazine-world gods, I was able to try it for free. When I started working in magazines, everyone advised me to try Clé de Peau because it’s the “holy grail” of concealers. No matter how much sleep I get or what top-of-the-line eye cream I try, I always wake up with heavy purple under-eye circles that seem impossible to hide.
Photo: The writer wearing her Maybelline concealer
