We test new concealer pencil and two affordable options – one offers super-precise coverage that lasts
EVERY so often, a make-up launch is so innovative it stops me in my tracks.
That’s what happened with Lisa Eldridge’s concealer pencil. So, I put it to the test alongside two cheaper alternatives . . .
Budget
NYX Professional Makeup Wonder Pencil Highlighter, £6 for 1.4g: I love a two-in-one product – and this is double-ended with a matte finish at one end and a shimmery one at the other.
However, even that couldn’t redeem the formula, which I found was too stiff to get any decent coverage.
It dragged on my skin and hurt to apply around spots. There are also only five shades, so it’s not very inclusive.
It’s not totally useless – I’m using it to line my waterline and clean up the edges of my lipstick.
Mid-range
Anastasia Beverly Hills Pro Pencil, £18 for 2.48g: This is a much chunkier stick, which means you’re getting a lot more for your money.
But it’s at the expense of precision – unless you’re sharpening it between uses, in which case you’re also pretty much throwing product away.
It’s designed to be used around the brow, but there’s no reason you can’t use it elsewhere on your face.
The coverage is on the medium side so it needs a few layers to hide redness and dark circles, and you have to blend with your fingers so it warms the product slightly.
A great option, but takes some work.
Luxury
Lisa Eldridge Pinpoint Concealer Micro Correcting Pencil, £27 for 0.4g, lisaeldridge.com: Lisa Eldridge is the original beauty influencer, and has decades of experience as a celebrity make-up artist.
So it’s no surprise that, so far, every product launched under her eponymous brand has been brilliant.
The concealer is tiny – and at first I was worried about how effective it could be. But the creamy gel consistency is easy to apply to skin and blends out seamlessly.
If you want super-precise coverage that lasts, this is the best I have used.
Pick of the week
I’M a huge fan of high street mascaras.
There are countless brilliant options on the shelves and the new L’Oréal Paris Paradise Big Deal mascara, £12.99, has quickly become my favourite.
The spiral, hourglass-shaped wand catches every lash and, more importantly, separates them, meaning you can easily build length and volume without any clumps. Available now at Boots.