June 28, 2012

Clinique Even Better Concealer Review & Swatches

Clinique Even Better Concealer launched a few months ago and being the junkie I am for all things concealer I snatched it up.

I actually ended up ordering it online because the Clinique counter had a single MA present at the time and she was proceeding to waste time on someone who didn’t actually end up buying anything at all. Dontcha just hate that? I was sitting there for about 25 minutes waiting for her, finally got impatient, and walked to the next counter over to grab something else and proceeded to watch the person she wasted time with walk away with nothing.

I just needed a concealer dude…!

I was surprised while swatching in store how pink the first four shades were. I ended up purchasing the fifth shade which is abnormal for me but it turned into a perfect match so score!

And with Nordstrom’s Free Shipping on all orders I didn’t have to wait for near half an hour to get it either.

Take a look!

Clinique Even Better Concealer is an affordable $19.50 and comes in a tiny pot. It’s infused with vitamin c and promises to conceal, brighten, and correct.

I think the nicest part of the concealer is how natural it looks on. It simply as a second skin look and appearance. The shade I selected, Natural, was a perfect fit for my skin tone and gave my under eye area a bright, smooth finish.

Coverage is sheer to medium here but not fuller coverage for really dark pesky circles. I found it brightened my eyes up nicely, concealed my puffiness and fine lines, and did a fairly good job with darkness under my eyes. The formula is a bit on the thicker side but has a certain dense feel to it. I think some would consider it a bit drying, myself included, however, I feel like concealers can be worn easily without running into issues so long as you prep very well prior to using them.

I apply with my trusty E.L.F. Studio Concealer Brush (so HG!) and paint it under my eyes and proceed to pat into place. The finish is super natural and fresh looking. I did see sadly minor creasing into finer lines within a four hour period however, a little dabbing will freshen this up.

Overall, Even Better Concealer is a fairly nice concealer and as I mentioned quite affordable for this formula. If you like less creamy, thicker formulated concealers without just the right amount of moisture you might enjoy this.

It doesn’t top my list as a favorite in all honesty because I have a fair few concealers I like better but it isn’t bad either and is something I can easily see myself reaching for daily.

Worth a check out.

Available now at Clinique counters or online at Clinique.com

Tried it?

Did you love or leave it?

Do share!

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

  • 18thCenturyFox

    Arrrrgh! (Charlie Brown style) Clinique MUA are the WORST! Across city, county and state lines I have found this to be true. Usually it’s much worse at Macy’s because their lack of professionalism and general immaturity are allowed. Nordstrom keeps a hawk eye on customer service. I’ve told Clinique reps that I would be buying from another counter instead of Clinique specifically because of their behavior. I’ve also asked about commission, and clarified that a particular MUA is not to make commission on my sale ( because they were ignoring me and talking about their weeken for an honest 15 minutes while I was clearly waiting for assistance). Sounds harsh but after
    working for Nordstrom subpar doesn’t fly with me anymore 🙂

  • cat

    Have you ever tried the Shiseido concealer, Muse? It’s my current fave. 🙂

  • elizabeth

    Thanks for the review! I’m heading to Lord & Taylor tomorrow to haul some Clinique (they have a cute gwp going on now). Will have to check this out!

    • the Muse

      my pleasure elizabeth let me know how it works out for you ;D

  • Joyce

    Thanks for the review Muse! What’s your favorite concealer? I’m finishing up my Benefit boi-ing and want to try something new!

    • the Muse

      at the moment really loving it cosmetics concealer joyce ;-D!

  • Rachel

    I was curious about this. I thought it was going to be heavy heavy coverage. Thank you for the review 🙂
    ELF Studio concealer brush? That’s one of the very few I don’t have from that line. Must get it now. haha. They have new flawless concealer brush. Looks like blending type. Have you tried it?

    • the Muse

      I didn’t think so at all rachel! 🙂 I saw that, had a schedule to blog it on Monday. I want it ;-D

  • Joan

    Bought this in the Natural and another shade also, but can’t remember the name of that shade. It’s just ok. I find I don’t use it too often. Tarte is my favorite concealer. I find the Clinique concealer is a little thick and doesn’t blend that well. I really wanted to like it. Know just how you felt waiting at that Clinique counter. So annoying! I’ve also had that experience and walked away as well.

  • Jane

    I have it and love it, in Porcelain and Bisque. I was gobbng it on, but discovered that just the sheerest wash covers my freaky dark circles enough that I don’t look sick. Better to just work within the parameters that within which I exist, huh?

  • Cj

    You should do what I do, go to the ATM and withdraw a couple hundred and go back and fan yourself with them in the store. You’d be surprised how quickly they’ll ask you if you need any help.

    Ps: No I don’t really do that… Okay fine but it was only once leave me alone 🙁

    • the Muse

      LMAO where have you been? I’m having CJ withdrawal. and I like the idea, yes, will be using that shortly ;-D happy weekend cutie!

      • Cj

        Ah sorry! I had a lot to do yesterday :/ I was out office hunting lol no more working from home! Same to you 🙂

        • the Muse

          on you so fancy! ;-D come here, extra desk for you to work at. we’d have fun. I’m going to get you to New York if it kills me ;-D thanks dear can’t wait! leaving early today hopefully.

          • Cj

            Please let’s be real, we would get not get any work done at all lol, between shopping and all the spas up there. You’d have to close musings for the week, and then I’d probably be assassinated by your other readers 😛

          • the Muse

            *hangs head* ok, I’ll have to be realistic ;-D lol! we can do musings together! you’d be the fabulous side and I’d be the kawaii side ;-D

  • Kim

    I think I’ll skip this concealer.

    I know what you mean about being ignored by some MAs. I hate shopping when my MAs are not in. I think I may have to take Cj’s approach and fan some cash. 🙂 Another approach that I have found that works (although at times inconvenient) is to pull out a lipgloss/stick, etc. by that brand. When the Chanel MA saw me swiping on a glossimer she rushed right over to me and was very helpful!

    • the Muse

      i think they get terribly paranoid when you touch anything on the counter. Is it me or they aren’t even interested in selling you anything they just don’t want you touching anything!

  • Kaitlyn

    What would you recommend that is similar (maybe with more coverage), since this isn’t one of your favorites? I LOVE the Tarte Dark Circle Defense, but of course now it is being discontinued. 🙁

    • the Muse

      right now my fav is It Cosmetics Concealer kaitlyn, loving that stuff so much!

  • jess

    I’m so glad you reviewed this-I had never heard about this concealer. it sounds intriguing. I am a huge Benefit Erase Paste fan so maybe this is worth checking out. Do you think they are similar??

    I used to work for Clinique and Lancome 2 years ago and I know exactly what you guys are talking about. lol Those women who want makeovers but don’t buy a damn thing! I on the other hand would pause the makeover to help people waiting or ask for help form another counter. As most MA’s work on commission and have sales goals you’d be stupid to watch sales walk away! I was never bothered by people that touched the testers, I just hated the little kids who would dig their fingers in the color and ruin eye shadow samples! its like come on mom pay attention!!!

    • the Muse

      not at all jess, erase paste is far thicker hun. ugh that drives me bonkers! I see this constantly and feel rather bad for MA’s that have to deal with it 🙁

  • Daniela

    Their Even foundation shockingly is my fave in my rotation. I don’t generally care for Clinique foundation so this surprised me. A foundation junkie buying two of the same foundation?! Whaaa? Now I’ll have to try this..

  • Kt

    I understand you being frustrated having to wait, but in all honesty sometimes we just cannot help it. I’ve been alone at the counter by myself a few times as well. As hard is it is to have people waiting for you, you cannot be rude to customers you’re currently with. In school we are taught to be there as an educator and guide first, and sales person second.

    But on a side note, I’m really surprised at so many of your reviews! You know about so many expected products months before they’re announced and you always manage to review everything that’s come out! I definitely appreciate all the products you’ve reviewed. Must have taken forever to do them all. Not sure if you have heard of the Even Better Compact yet. I believe it’s being released in April? We got to play with it at school today and I fell in love. It’s a cream like the City Base compact, but much lighter and had a much nicer finish. And obviously holds the benefits of the EBC franchise. We’ll also have the new Moisture Surge CC cream soon! That I think you will really love. I wasn’t a fan of the BB, but after getting to try to CC today, I’m too excited to get mine in the mail.

    Can’t wait to see your reviews on these (:

    • the Muse

      sorry for the delayed reply KT. It’s sometimes crummy when they only have a single person manning the counter. Apologies for being insensitive, I’m sure working a counter can be as stressful as being a customer at the counter 🙂 <3!
      Aw thank you! I really try hard to get the latest info on products. I have! It looks interesting...I got invited to an event in March that should have the other details can't wait 😀 and of course, CC Cream too looks fab, the UK launched it already I believe. I actually felt the opposite, I liked the BB Cream 😀 so I have high hopes for the CC! Out of curiosity, as a clinique expert, what do you think of the dark spot corrector? It never really worked for me...I went through two bottles but nada!

      • KT

        You’re okay :3
        I actually always wondered how you get so much inside information! Sorry if that was in a bio somewhere and I missed it.
        And you know we hear that a lot. We get a lot of people returning the EBC Corrector. I personally have never tried it, but the girls I work with like it a lot. It’s meant to just lighten up those spots that occurred over time, and it does take a while to actually see results. You really gotta stick to the system, wear sunscreen, avoid tanning and being outside for long periods of time, and it really makes a huge difference to use it with the 3step. But to be honest with you that’s one of our products I was always pretty skeptical about. It really seems to be a hit or miss. I wouldn’t be surprised if it didn’t work out for you. We get people in all the time who used it religiously and did everything right but still saw nothing. I’m sorry, I hope you got a refund for the second bottle!
        And thank you for replying in the first place! It’s nice that you actually go through and read all the comments you get!

        • the Muse

          I get it directly from the brand KT or the agency that represents them 🙂 my bio/about me is located on the top page of the blog. I actually used it for several months (two bottles worth) but sadly didn’t work for me le sigh wish I did 🙁 But it’s ok! Some products are awesome, some aren’t. I believe it probably works for certain skin types, probably just depends how light or dark your spots are, etc…! I absolutely try to reply to every single comment when possible 🙂 but sometimes it’s hard! Happy Weekend and thank you for talking to me. Always great to have a counter person’s opinion on products as you guys see products a lot different than the average consumer! 🙂