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Ever tried a product you didn’t want to be good? It’s an unusual experience for a beauty editor. Our jobs are to always be on the hunt for the best. But, I’ve always filed the Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer, frequently touted as the best under-eye concealer money can buy, under “old school product with a lot of hype and an exorbitant price point.” Still, when confronted with it at Singapore airport, this old-school icon exerted a magnetic allure.
When I first became interested in beauty, I was a daily reader of Into the Gloss, where Clé de Peau Concealer was mentioned constantly. It was a mysterious “It Girl” product, and I wanted to join the It Girl ranks.
But, I was never presented with an opportunity to try it, because it’s never been available in Australia.
At the airport counter, against my better judgement, I picked up one of the five shades available, ready to be unimpressed. After all, this product was launched in 80s. I tapped the concealer under my eyes, and sadly, found myself enchanted.
As if under a spell, I took the navy blue rectangular box to the counter and shelled out what converted to cool $106 Australian dollars for the promise of smooth, brightened under eyes.
I was fully ready for serious post-purchase regret.
Clé de Peau Concealer and My Under Eyes: A Love Story
However, Clé de Peau Concealer somehow completely covered my dark circles, smoothed my crepe-y skin, and lasted through what turned out to be an unfortunate 20 hours in transit (a surprise nine-hour stopover really puts concealers to the test). All that, and it remained undetectable.
Since then, I’ve been reaching for it daily.
What’s wrong with Clé de Peau? Firstly, it’s $106, which is ridiculous in my books! And I am a high-end beauty lover. Secondly, while the brand has extended its shade range (despite the five shades of vanilla on the counter at the airport, there are now nine shades available at Cult Beauty), it’s hardly inclusive.
While I’ve got my own loved and trusted favourites (which I’ll mention below), I turned to my DMs for recommendations and was flooded.
It Cosmetics, Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer
A ringing endorsement from one of the rare few who have experienced the magic of the Clé de Peau Concealer Stick:
“The IT Cosmetics Bye-Bye Under Eye is the closest I’ve come to the magic that is Clé de Peau. It offers all-day coverage that doesn’t crease under the eyes — even when I’m wearing it for 12+ hours.
“I have dark hereditary under-eyes, so there’s nothing I can do but conceal, and this is all I’ve found that colour corrects and conceals without the need to reapply.”
Nars Creamy Radiant Concealer
Recommendations for Nars Creamy Radiant Concealer came thick and fast in my DMS.
From praise for its excellent shade range to tributes to its invisible, skin-like finish, this concealer was described as providing smoothing, long-wearing, full coverage for the under eye area while being easy to apply.
Truly the Phar Lap of the under-eye concealer race.
Anastasia Beverly Hills, Magic Touch Concealer
“High coverage, hydrating but not dewy,” came the review of the Anastasia Beverly Hills, Magic Touch Concealer.
“It’s not heavy, it covers redness and blemishes with ease. It’s long lasting and doesn’t crease under the eyes. I’ve gone through 4 tubes.”
What better review could you find?
Maybelline, Age Rewind
Several votes for a drug store and supermarket hero.
“Matches my shade perfectly and doesn’t sink into my fine lines or oxidise. Goes on like a dream, and perfect for the light coverage I’m after.”
Another recommendation?
“It’s not too thick, the applicator is perfect for dispersing product and it’s also under $20.” Win.
Revlon, Photoready Concealer
“So slept on: this humble hero is the real MVP — I literally look 23 when I use it. It brightens, tightens and conceals so easily.”
No notes, 10/10.
Shop here.
Hourglass, Vanish Airbrush Concealer
“I love the full coverage of the Vanish stretched out from my under-eyes as a foundation, with a cream contour.”
Shop here.
Charlotte Tilbury, Beautiful Skin, Radiant Touch Concealer
“Lightweight, super blendable and invisible under the eyes. I feel hydrated all day.”
YSL, Touche Éclat Radiance Perfecting Pen
“I love how brightening this is, and that I can pinpoint the darker areas under my eyes.”
Shop here.
RMS, Uncoverup Concealer
“This is really creamy and great coverage, I only have to use a little bit and it’s really comfortable under my eyes.”
Shop here.
Nars, Soft Matte Concealer
“I love the Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer — I’ve been using it since I was 17.”
This editor also loves the Soft Matte concealer for a so-full-coverage-it-blocks-out-the-sun finish and a malleable texture that makes it easy to flatten three-dimensional spots and smooth over fine lines.
Rimmel, Multi-Tasker Concealer
“I have oily skin and am really break out prone and this concealer covers anything and everything dries down, and stays all day. I’m on my second tube and get stressed when I’m without it!”
Armani, Luminous Silk Concealer
“Armani Luminous Silk! Not too thick so it’s less likely to crinkle and crease, great coverage with such a silky glide. Blends like a dream!”
Tarte, Shape Tape Contour Concealer
“Tarte Shape Tape! I feel like it gets a bad rap because we’re so used to seeing it applied like frosting on a cupcake circa 2016 Youtube makeup era. Realistically, the formula is pretty versatile and can be made to work for a whole range of skin types and makeup looks. It’s the only concealer I’ve ever really loved for a long-lasting look, but I trust it even on minimalist makeup days.”
My Non-Clé de Peau, Holy Grail Concealer
I’ve tried and loved pretty much all the concealers on this list, because it’s my job!
But whatever I’m favouring at any given time, I always use a touch of Smashbox x Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector to lift my navy-adjacent inner corners.
