October 11, 2012

Hard Candy The Perfect Cover Up Skin Clarifying Concealer Review & Swatches

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

You knew I’d be all over Hard Candy Skin Clarifying Concealer didn’t you? Being a concealer junkie, the two newly launched concealers from Hard Candy were high on my list of “must try dat soon”!

Hard Candy Skin Clarifying Concealer is a little confusing to me…skin clarifying mmm a reference to some sort of acne treatment in the formula? Unsure but after smelling it, it does have a Seabreeze kinda scent so it’s possible this is a concealer slash treatment.

Let’s take a look!

I did try a bit under my eyes but after smelling it I ended up not doing so again because I think it might contain some sort of salicylic acid which would make it more suitable for spot treatment.

In my one experience with it under my eyes I will say it brightened the area up very nicely but probably won’t conceal super dark circles. The formula has a slick emollient feel but isn’t over moisturizing to the point that it’ll fade away, crease, or migrate around the eye area. The formula is soft, blendable, and easy to apply without tugging.

The chubby pencil is a dual end with the concealer pencil on one end and a small blending brush on the other. The brush makes it easy to dab the pencil on spots and blend it to an airbrushed finish with the brush. I don’t typically use concealer on my face only under my eyes but I can easily see that this isn’t as concentrated as other Hard Candy Concealers I know and love. It’s sheer to medium coverage at best so it’ll do an ok job of concealing minor issues but not really hardcore ones.

I’d say it’s comparable to Urban Decay’s more expensive concealer pencil but with less creaminess and a slicker feel. Wear time proved very good for me. I applied in the AM and sat through the day without creasing issues or fading. Set with powder, it lasts all day.

Overall, for a budget concealer, it’s pretty decent for quick spot coverage. Kinda confused about the “skin clarifying” though and just making the big assumption they are referencing it contains some sort of treatment which makes me sad as it’s not completely eye safe in that case which is the area that’s my biggest concern in regards to coverage.

It’s available in four shades for $6 exclusively at Walmart.

I’ve been to Walmart a few times since hearing about this launch and have yet to locate any of the items. According to Hard Candy’s Facebook page they are slowly trickling into stores and should be available mid to late October.

Tried it?

Do share!

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

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

  • Rebecca

    Thanks Muse for the review! Do you happen to know what the ingredient list is or if it came with an ingredient list on the packaging?

  • Marta

    If “clarify” works as in Spanish, then it means “illuminate” or “brighten”. So the same thing every concealer promises. Good for them for keeping tradition. Lol.

    • the Muse

      mmm i dunno I think they might be alluding to some sort of “clearing” as an acne treatment of sorts?! but maybe you’re right?!

  • Julie

    The french description (“cache-imperfections clarifiant”) clearly say that it is a blemish fighting cover-up…

  • Allison A.

    I believe it’s concealer for blemishes/acne, to cover them and treat them simultaneously. That’s just a guess though!

  • LETI HERRERA

    Have you tried the Hard Candy primer? I am looking for a budget friendly primer. I really love MUFE primer, but not the price. I wanted to see what you thought of Hard Candy Primer????

  • Risti

    I just bought one today and there was a sign next to it saying the clarifying ingredient was Sytenol A. A quick google search in store lead to pdf(s) that said it was similar to retinol but more effective than salicylic acid.