Maybelline 'The Eraser' Eye Perfect & Cover Concealer

Maybelline's 'The Eraser' collection is super popular over in the States but I've not heard much of it here in the UK. 'Eraser' is a treatment makeup system with anti-ageing benefits, promising to reduce the look of crows feet, age spots, fine lines and dark circles. I wasn't attracted to the collection for any of these reasons, I don't see how a system of makeup can do all that alone - what drew me in was how popular this launch was in the states and how the popularity has remained. The collection is formed of a concealer and a foundation, I've only bought the concealer so far but I've been so impressed that I would trial the foundation as well. Like any product it doesn't come without it's quibbles but I really wanted to try it, being already a fan of high street concealers over anything premium. Step aside Collection Cosmetics (formerly Collection 2000), there's a new best of the best concealer on the high street!

I'll get the major con about this product out of the way first before sharing its benefits - the applicator. I like the tubular packaging, it makes it easy to carry around, but you need to twist the tip quite a lot to get product onto the fluffy applicator. At first the bouncy applicator is really fun to use - I stipple and bounce it in a circle round my eyes and then blend with my finger. After a bit of time though it becomes more difficult to use, the product seems to get clogged and doesn't apply as smoothly. I don't think these applicators are very hygienic either, I've tried washing mine but it doesn't wash particularly well at all. If you have these problems, as annoying as it is, I'd recommend twisting off the top completely and dipping in a cotton bud to remove product.

Concealer applied with applicator and patted in with finger
Bad packaging aside the product itself is really great. The Goji berry enriched formula smells really nice and has a nice creamy texture, it buffs to perfection without looking obvious or cakey and dries down nicely. It smoothes across the skin nicely and a little goes a long way. When I apply this my dark circles are instantly covered and my eyes look much, much brighter too. After a few hours wear the concealer does settle into fine dry lines, I've purchased an under-eye primer to see if it remedies this problem (I'll get back to you on that one!). For now I just quickly pat over the product with my finger to smooth it into place. I just love this concealer for how bright it makes my eyes look and how well it covers any imperfections. I can't comment on the anti-ageing benefits, mainly because I've only used this for a few weeks and I can't imagine I'd see results until after a few months…if that! My only comment on this would be, based on my knowledge of skincare and makeup, that treatment makeup should be used to compliment your anti-ageing skincare routine and won't make a huge effect to your complexion or appearance alone.
What's most annoying about this product is that right now only two of the six shades are available in the UK - nude and medium. I wear nude, which is a good fit for my skin tone and a touch lighter than my foundation. I choose a lighter concealer for under my eyes anyway because it gives a nice bright look, but people with more olive or deeper skin may find it hard to find a good match in the current shade range on offer. Both shades are neutral toned, so you can use them on blemishes if you would like as well - I have used it on blemishes but have applied all product from my finger and not the applicator in any way. I use a really small amount and pat it on the area with my finger, it doesn't cake and conceals nicely.

So is this concealer for you? Yes, if you want to conceal under eye circles, care for the skin under your eyes while doing it and add a bit of brightness to the area too. No, if you haven't the time to touch it up throughout the day. And really, if you want the anti-ageing benefit then I'd say yes because anything that's going to help, even if its a teeny tiny little bit, is worth trying!
Maybelline The Eraser Eye Concealer costs £7.99 from Maybelline stockists.