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This $7 concealer trumps my $46 Trish McEvoy best-selling Instant Eye Lift — I’m never going back

I love a hack that can save me money. Every dollar counts, and for years, I’ve been giving said money to Trish McEvoy every month to use her $46 Instant Eye Lift to banish dark spots and brighten skin — until now.

On a whim in the Target aisle, I tossed e.l.f.’s Hydrating Camo Concealer into my basket. I mean, for $7.00, it’s about the same price as a coffee at Starbucks. It promised to make me beautiful conceal under-eye circles and blemishes while hydrating my skin. Essentially, it covers all your blemishes.

RELATED: I tried $104 worth of e.l.f products to find what’s worth it — my top picks

In contrast, Trish McEvoy’s concealer requires additional formulas for full coverage. Its texture is very drying, and it starts to dry up quickly in the small container after just a few uses.

The e.l.f. concealer, however, has a generous-sized doe foot applicator that pulls a large amount from the tube. Plus, it comes in 25 shades, with cool, neutral, and warm tones options. The Instant Eye Lift, although effective, only comes in three shades, from tan to deep.

Once you strip down my makeup, my skin has a ruddy, splotchy appearance with imperfections like all mankind. But with the help of e.l.f.’s concealer, it glides on effortlessly and doesn’t require an under-eye cream before applying because it’s already rich with a moisturizing silky texture.

Hydrating Camo Concealer

Hydrating Camo Concealer, Lightweight, Full Coverage, Long Lasting, Conceals, Corrects, Covers, Hydrates, Highlights, Fair Beige, Satin Finish
e.l.f.

Pros:

  • Very hydrating
  • Long-lasting
  • Crease-resistant finish

Cons:

  • None we can find

All are welcome, whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin. Its dewy satin finish creates the perfect crease-resistant canvas for your makeup. This vegan product is free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals. e.l.f. never tests on animals and is Fair Trade Certified. Sold in a 0.2 fluid container.


To apply, place it wherever needed after applying your primer. Use your fingertips or a beauty sponge to blend it into your skin and build your foundation from there.

As we discovered above, you won’t find a better product for $7 or more. It really is the holy grail of concealers, and I can’t stop singing its praises. Find the shade that suits you by taking a quiz or virtually testing concealers on e.l.f.’s site.

If you purchase from e.l.f. directly, and if you don’t love your concealer within 30 days, the company will refund you, no questions asked. Running out of excuses? Good, because you need to try it.

How we tested

We evaluated the products based on their evenness of application, longevity, and texture. Initially, I tried spot testing, but I soon discovered that applying the product liberally all over gave me more control of my canvas, so to speak. As you’ll see below, I don’t suggest walking out like that because it can make you look washed out.

  • Texture: Overall, the texture covers evenly and is silky, smooth, and ultra-hydrating.
  • Wear: It lasts from morning until night without creasing or settling into my wrinkles and scars.
  • Smell: It is scentless and has no chemical smells cheaper makeup can contain.
  • Brush: The application was generous with a fat doe foot applicator that scoops up the bendable formula extremely well.

Before

After

A woman taking a selfie
Emma Sutton-Williams
A woman taking a selfie
Emma Sutton-Williams

After applying bronzer and blush, you can add color where you want and make your face pop without imperfections stealing the show.

A woman taking a selfie
Emma Sutton-Williams

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