I was in the market for a new concealer so I decided to go to MAC to try out the MAC Studio Finish Concealer.I typically use drugstore concealers, (e.g. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind line and Maybelline Dream Lumi Highlighting Concealer), but I wanted to try something that was a little more higher end and closer to my skin tone.
You may have a hard time trying to pick a shade when it comes to buying drugstore concealers and foundations. You usually have to do a trial and error test and just buy the makeup hoping that it will be your perfect shade. The shade ranges at the drugstore are also usually limited, so you may not be able to get an exact match for your skin tone. On the other hand, with higher end makeup, it is nice to have professionals help you find your match.
For reference I am an NW20.
Product: This concealer is quite thick and creamy. If you have dry skin I would recommend that you make sure that you really moisturize your skin before using it. Otherwise, the concealer will accentuate your dry patches and make them more noticeable.
Purpose: This concealer is versatile when it comes to what it can be used for.
1. The obvious purpose is to conceal any blemishes, redness, or any other imperfections you want to cover.
2. You can also use this concealer to cover any dark circles you may have as it counteracts any purple or blue undertones.
3. At the same time, this concealer can also serve the purpose as a highligher. So, whether you put it under your eyes or on the bridge of your nose you can brighten up those areas.
4. One of my favourite uses for this concealer is to clean up the edges of my eye shadow. For example, when I am doing smokey eyes I tend to blend the outer corner too far down, so I like to sweep the concealer to create the angle that I want with my shadow.
Packaging: The main difference between this concealer and my routinely used concealers is the packaging. The concealers I use are typically in a tube form that includes some type of applicator attached. The concealer itself is not exposed. However, with the MAC Studio Finish Concealer the product comes in a little compact (similar to the MAC eyeshadow containers). Opening the lid of the container exposes the concealer. You can either use your finger or a brush to apply the concealer to the areas you want to cover. Personally, I prefer using a brush just because I feel it is more sanitary.
Application: My favourite brush to use for applying this concealer is the MAC 217.
I find using the MAC 217 gives me the most flawless, airbrushed application. I just dip the tip of the brush into the concealer and then softly blend it onto the areas I want to conceal. To make sure that I have the concealer completely blended into my skin I like to pat my finger on the areas I covered, in order to warm up the product so it melts into my skin. This gives the most natural application while still giving me the coverage I desire.
Final Thoughts: This concealer has very good coverage. The packaging is really practical and you can easily throw it in your bag to touch up if necessary. If you cannot get over the fact that you may have to dip your finger in the product, just remember that you can use a brush as well. Not that I will have to any time soon, but when it comes to finishing this shade of concealer, I will definitely repurchase. Other than that, I will probably buy another shade in the summer when I am more tan.
You can buy the concealer at MAC counters or online for $22 CAD.
