February 4, 2008

Bobbi Brown Concealer Palette Review

You might remember me discussing the Bobbi Brown Concealer Palette last week when Bobbi Brown was on QVC, click here for the details!

I tivo’ed the show and ended up fast forwarding through it late one night last week. As I sat there with my cuppa tea and snack size Peanut M&M’s I was somehow tempted by the evil lure of Bobbi to order the concealer palette that she was smearing under the model’s eye as if she was trying to cover up not only dark circles but possibly the entire eye area as well (I blame my spontaneous purchase on the amount of sugar in the M&M’s)!

Even while watching her brutal cover up job I was still tempted to order this little palette for my very own. I was especially wanting it after hearing so many rave reviews about Bobbi Brown concealer all over cyber space and beyond!

I got it. I used it. And I’m here to review it just for you! Don’t you feel special?

Whether I like it or not remains to be seen as I haven’t quite made up my mind if I’m keeping this or sending it back (Yes, you can send back used cosmetics to QVC and they smile and say no problem here’s your money back!).

First of all I hate the price. $58 USD gets you a tiny palette and a little baby brush and my wallet it screaming about the amount of cash I dropped on some concealer however if this was available in store you wouldn’t get the brush and it would probably be around the same price so no sense complaining right because after all you got a free bloody brush!

The palette contains a light shade of concealer, a darker shade, a foundation stick concealer (which I’m confused about!) and a fine white powder to set the concealer. I’m confused what the hell I’m supposed to do with the foundation stick concealer and I can only assume that it’s used as a spot treatment however I have been using it under my eye area truth be told.

Why I need two shades of concealer is also puzzling me but I do like the fact that I can play Frankenstein Lab with all the shades and create my perfect shade of concealer. Just for kicks I’ll give you a break down of how I used it and hell I know it’s probably wrong but I find it worked a treat when used this way! I take a little of the darker shade of the two concealers and mix it with the light shade and then I dip it in the foundation stick concealer and mix it up a little bit. I proceed to layer it under my eye and pat it into place. After this I take some more of the lighter shade and I tap it on! Finally I finish it by brushing on a tiny bit of the setting powder very lightly (I can’t do too much powder since I find powder under my eyes makes me appear quite old lately!)! Done!

Coverage is perfect. It really does cover well. However, coverage comes at a price and I find the formula is very heavy for my particular eye area. I’m getting old, my god did I just say that? and I’m noticing that my eye area is very delicate and dry and this particular concealer takes a bit of work to blend which I’m not liking! I don’t like touching my eye area too much with it being so delicate and I find that this needs a bit of work to blend perfectly into my skin. It’s very creamy and appears very moisturizing but it does have a nice knack for sinking into the fine lines under my eyes after a few hours.

My regular concealer of choice is Benefit Bo-ing but I switched over to Dior’s Skinfinish Radiance Booster Pen when I noticed it was settling into my fine lines. I find the Dior very creamy and it conceals quite well for me minus the caking under the eye (I don’t recommend it if you have very dark shadows or circles to conceal as it won’t do a good job!).

After using the Booster Pen and switching to this palette for a few days I notice that I’m getting much better coverage but I’m also having to deal with patting my eye to remove the excess which is settling too comfortably in my fine lines! Grrrr getting old blows!

Overall, the coverage is great but I’m thinking the palette might be for a younger girl to enjoy. If your eye area has some fine lines or is dry this might be something you might want to skip on!

I love the fact that this lasts all day long with little to no touch up and I also love how well it covers and makes me look wide awake however the deal breaker is the fact that it cakes a bit and the coverage is very thick! A thicker formula is fab for now but what about Summer? Who wants to walk around with a thick layer of concealer under their eye?

The brush this came with is great as well! Strangely enough I love the brush so much because it comes with a cap! Most concealer brushes you have to leave home, either that or suffer concealer all over your makeup bag! However, this comes with a nifty little cap that covers up the messy concealer end of the brush! The brush is dual ended and includes a fluffy powder brush on one side and a harder tipped concealer brush on the other end. It may turn you off that it’s so tiny but I can say it works double duty and is perfect for working the concealer into your eye area plus it’s portable and perfect for touch ups! I love the brush!

L@@K a cool cap!

Messy concealer be gone! Cover up the brush with the included cap!


Click here to see my Visee Aqua Shining Eyes FOTD and you can compare my regular concealer to this FOTD using the Bobbi Brown palette.

I really should have done these sans flash but my camera doesn’t take good pics without flash! Sorry!

You can see that my eye area looks smoother, brighter, and much more flawless with the Bobbi Brown palette where as in my Visee FOTD my eye area looks a bit saggy, darker, and tired looking!

I guess my eye area almost looks whiter too weirdly enough but not in a bad way! However, it does, in my opinion, appear to make my eye more awake and flawless looking!



I’m still debating with myself on if I’m loving the palette or disliking it! I think it might work it’s way into my heart soon but that remains to be seen!

P.S. Sorry for the lack of gloss, blush, and such! It was worn off after a long day 😉 These pics were taken quite late so my makeup was longggggg gone!

22 Comments

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • MandyPandy

    Do you find it’s difficult getting the cap back on the brush without splaying the hairs? That’s my biggest gripe with capped brushes.

    I know what you mean about being undecided; I feel the same way about my 3 Custom Color concealer, which looks a BIT too heavy (though, in it’s defense, it doesn’t crease at all).

    Maybe it’s the whole QVC thing, but every time I see that BB palette, I get this desperate desire to purchase Tricia Sawyer’s Eye Slept cream. I know it’s going to look rubbish but I just have to try it!

  • CuttiBeBe

    awww.. the BB concealor palette is so tempting! I don’t use a lot of BB cus they are so damn expensive. I feel like most of her makeup is for more grown up/ working professional women, who’s got a few bucks to spare, but the quality is not worth the extra dimes IMHO.

    but i have to say that the concealor works great for you though. it’s probably the flash that did the trick, but I could tell the last Visee pictures you had a big more dark circle than this one.

    I love the little brush though! It seems so useful, but when i saw the BB concealor brush in the store, it seemed too long for me to control using it under the eye.

  • the Muse

    YES! I forgot to mention that but yes I do find that happens! Grr! I normally smooth it back (with concealer on it, it’s easier) and then plop the cap on!

    I like having this to travel with! None of my brushes have a cap so it’s a novelty 😉

    It’s very heavy and it’s debatable whether I’m loving or hating it 🙁 the creasing is definately a prob for me 🙁 Makes me look old!

    FFS! I was on QVC looking up that damn eye awake, eye slept whatever the hell it is ! It’s your fault!

    It sounds interesting!! Shoot I feel an order coming on!

    damn you!

  • the Muse

    Hello Steph 🙂 my little stranger!

    Her stuff is way expensive but lately I’ve been on some weird role and buying her stuff!

    It’s debatable whether it’s worth the bucks! I agree! You can find cheaper that works the same or better!

    The flash definately makes the area look whiter and flawless but the concealer definately did a great job too surprisingly as I thought id’ be rubbish!

    I look a bit tired in the Visee pics where in these I look a bit more refreshed and awake!

    I agree longer brushes when concealing or even applying shadow are sometimes a bitch!

    This is just the right size to do the job 😉

    I miss you lady 🙂

    *mwah*

  • (g)ezebel

    i don’t wear concealer, but i might if i can get this cute lil bobbi brown thingy with the free brush!! :0P

    great pics, by the way!!

  • Mrs. Lynne

    Hi there! Just wanted to say thank you for stopping by my hole in the wall 🙂 MAC is the best addiction I’ve ever had although Hubbo doesn’t seem to think so, lolollol.

    I love your layout here. It is sooo cute.

    Hope you’re off to a good start this week! And hope to see you around more often 🙂 Take care.

  • alien man?!

    Oh, that palette DOES look tempting, albeit a bit overwhelming. I mean, why is it called the “foundation stick concealer”? It’s not in stick-form, for one and, wouldn’t it just do the same thing that the regular two shades would do? Hmm. I remember trying a sample size of this palette long ago and I was confused, too, haha. I *did* like the creaminess and the coverage, though. I actually like it when they have two different shades for a concealer palette. It really helps for finding the right shade as well as for highlighting and contouring.

    Thanks for visiting my blog, by the way! I love what you’ve done with yours and I’m looking forward to seeing future entries 🙂

  • Vanessa

    Izzy! You are so cute! I love the 2nd to the last pic!

    And ouch $58 bucks! Oh the price we pay to look good!

  • rocketqueen

    Hello you! You look great! That blouse looks so pretty, too. Have you done something to your lashes? They look so extra long and thick!

    I think I prefer the BB, it looks totally flawless!

    Hugs!!!!
    Linn

  • Lovelymakeup

    First I just gotta say, I’m addicted to your blog. I read it everyday. 😉 I just love it!
    And you have such a beautiful eyes!

  • the Muse

    Hey gez!

    God you’re so lucky! I wish I could say the same! I absolutely can’t leave the house without it!
    Thanks sweetie 🙂
    *mwah*

  • the Muse

    hi Mrs. Lynne!

    I love your blog! It’s not a hole in the wall silly 🙂 LOL I’m an addict too! I wish I can sometimes say I’m a recovering addict but no such luck! I’d be richer that’s for sure!

    Thanks so much for the comment and dropping by!!!

    I sure will drop by more often as I’m loving your blog 😉

    Many hugs!
    And wishes for a good week too!

  • the Muse

    hi alien man!

    I agree. What the hell does that even mean? Foundation stick! I’m so clueless! hehe!

    Although I did have somewhat a good time mixing it all up! Felt like Betty Crocker 😉

    I’m not so good at contouring but I found if I used the lighter shade layered ontop of the darker it gave me better coverage and more of an “Awake” look!

    Your blog is awesome! Thanks for visiting me here 🙂

    Manu hugs!

  • the Muse

    hey linn!
    Hugs!!!!!!
    Thanks sweetie *blush*

    oh gosh nothing different really 🙂 maybe a dual coat of mascara?! 😉

    It really does look flawless but I hate the creasing 🙁

    Hugs sweetie!

  • Rosemary

    I know this is an older entry, but I was wondering if you could tell me what color you ordered in this? Thanks!

  • Monica

    Um….you kinda missed the whole point of the LOVELY little compact. The ‘stick foundation concealer’ you couldn’t figure out is FOUNDATION, not concealer. This little compact (which can fit in you tiniest bag and even the back pocket of you jeans without showing) has EVERYTHING you need to do you whole face. Corrector, Concealer, FOUDATION, and her famous PALE YELLOW pressed powder. Perfect for an unexpected sleep over (it doesn’t have to be that type of sleepover) – it’s also great for a morning when you woke up late you can grab this and run out the door. You can put your whole face on in the bathroom at work. You can refill it by smashing in more up until you run out of the pressed powder. Then you’ll have to buy a new one. Mine lasts at least 6 months. I kept the old compact and refilled it with a couple of lip colors, my Bobbi Brown pot rouge, etc. I have everything I need to touch up in this tiny compact. I love, love, love it and will continue to buy it as long as they make it. Buy the way YOU CAN BUY IT WITHOUT THE BRUSH FOR ABOUT $22.50 on the famous discount website and full price is abotu $38!!! I don’t like the brush, it does splay the bristles when you put the cap back on – ugh. Why hasn’t BB made retractable brushes yet??? I still love her.

    • the Muse

      hi monica

      glad to hear you love it so much. It actually turned into a fav of mine too in the long run.

      🙂

  • Helen Hoagland

    If you’re still on the fence about BB’s correctors/concealers, I may be able to shed some light… I’m a “mature” woman (LOL), a grandma, albeit a very hip and young grandma. I use Bobbi Brown’s concealer and corrector. They’re both really great products. I have hereditary dark circles under my eyes and, of course, lines (you don’t have to be very old to have lines in the eye area). If you’re feeling these products are heavy, I suspect you may be using too much. Remember, we’re talking Bobbi Brown… her very philosophy is to not hide what we consider to be “flaws” – she says these things give us character. I actually agree.

    We don’t want to accentuate them either, but she does believe in “looking like you – only better”. I think these products, applied lightly, make our lines more subtle, but I don’t feel it ever was her intent to create a “flawless” complexion on an older woman. When I use these products lightly, they do not settle into my lines nor do they feel heavy. Check out the concealer application tutorial at bobbibrowncosmetics.com It shows the best way to apply her products and even why there is more than one shade of concealer in her palettes.

    I purchased an empty palette and filled it myself with her products. I don’t have her “setting powder”, I’m currently using Benefit’s Powderflage (until I run out, anyway). It’s bright pinky hue also helps camouflage my circles and it seems to disappear once on the skin. Use a really fluffy shadow brush to apply.

    I also find that, after 4 – 6 hours from time of application, the little Nars lipstick tube concealer works really well as a touch up. It’s easy to carry with you too and you can set it with your translucent pressed powder (I’m assuming most ladies carry a compact with them).

    I hope this is helpful to you! I just love BB products, I may even have a girl crush on her! Thanks for your blog. I enjoy it!

  • Mich

    The reason they give you 2 concealer’s is that one is a corrector and one is a concealer – the bisque color works to cover up the dark circles under your eyes (tones of red cancel out tones of blue) and then you would use the nude color one over top (if needed) and on your other blemishes, the foundation stick is to be used as foundation…and the powder is too set everything. If you only use concealer you will need to set it with something if you want it to last just like foundation. I have been using this for a while and I love it. I brought on vacation and it really saves space. If you mix some of the foundation sick with some face cream on the back of your hand it creates a great sheer finish. This is an amazing little set and will last a long time if you know how to use it. I would recommend it to everyone. I also have the BBU palette that I used when I am on makeup jobs and its also AMAZING!!! MK