In the vast universe of makeup products, finding the perfect concealer can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. As a beauty expert with years of experience testing countless formulations, I’m excited to share my comprehensive review of the Maybelline New York Dream Brightening Creamy Concealer in the shade Deep (0.11 oz). This stick concealer has developed something of a cult following over the years, and after analyzing numerous customer reviews and experiences, I understand why.
First Impressions and Packaging
The Maybelline Dream Brightening Creamy Concealer comes in a convenient, retractable stick format that makes application incredibly straightforward. The sleek design fits comfortably in your hand and slips easily into any makeup bag or purse for touch-ups on the go. The twist-up mechanism ensures you’re not wasting product, and the 0.11 oz size provides excellent value for money.
Notably, several customers mentioned issues with packaging upon delivery, with some reporting broken seals or smears on the product, suggesting potential quality control issues during shipping. However, this appears to be relatively rare and more related to distribution than the actual product quality.
Shade Range and Color Match
The shade “Deep” offers an excellent option for women of color who often struggle to find suitable shades in drugstore makeup lines. Multiple reviewers specifically praised Maybelline for creating a shade that works well for darker skin tones, blending seamlessly without appearing ashy or mismatched.
One reviewer stated, “Love the shade. I am a woman of color and always hard to find shades for me. Thank you Maybelline. This works for me. Blends in nice. Great shade for me.” This acknowledgment is particularly important as the beauty industry continues to work toward greater inclusivity.
Some users noted that the shade can appear slightly orange on certain skin tones, so it’s worth considering your undertones before purchasing. The deep shade seems to work best for those with warmer undertones rather than cool or neutral ones.
Texture and Application
The Dream Brightening Concealer’s creamy texture is consistently mentioned as one of its standout features. The stick format glides on smoothly without pulling or tugging at the delicate skin around the eyes. Its creamy consistency makes it easy to blend, whether you’re using your fingers, a beauty sponge, or a brush.
Many reviewers specifically mentioned how gentle the product feels on sensitive areas: “I’ve been using these sticks for years, and find them very gentle to the eyelid, and under eye when applying.” This makes it an excellent option for those with sensitive skin or those who prioritize comfort in their makeup routine.
The formula strikes a balance between being emollient enough to blend easily yet not so creamy that it slides around the face. It’s worth noting that some users with very oily skin found it moved more than they would like throughout the day, while those with normal to dry skin typically had better experiences with longevity.
Coverage and Finish
The consensus among users is that this concealer offers light to medium coverage that is buildable without looking cakey. It’s described as providing a natural, skin-like finish that doesn’t look like makeup—a quality that’s increasingly sought after in today’s beauty trends that emphasize a more natural appearance.
One enthusiastic reviewer noted: “This product is perfect if you want a sheer but buildable coverage that looks like skin. It’s perfect for a natural no makeup look.” This makes it ideal for daily wear, especially for those who prefer the “your skin but better” aesthetic rather than full coverage.
The concealer contains a subtle luminosity that brightens the under-eye area without appearing overtly shimmery or glittery. However, a few users mentioned that they found it too glittery for concealing blemishes, suggesting it might be best suited specifically for under-eye brightening rather than spot concealing.
Versatility and Uses
What makes this product particularly interesting is its versatility. While marketed as a concealer, many customers use it in creative ways:
- Under-eye brightening: Its primary intended use, where it excels at reducing the appearance of dark circles.
- Contouring: Several reviewers mentioned using a darker shade for contouring: “I love to contour my face with this brand” and “I’m 44, this is what I use for both contouring, I have one my tone one darker.”
- Bronzing: “I use it to bronze my face. The shimmer in the product really gives me a glow.”
- No-makeup makeup look: “I wear just this concealer, set with a sheer powder and go about my day when I want an un-makeup look.”
- Eyebrow defining: “Good for eyebrows but too glittery for regular concealer.”
- Covering blemishes and scars: “Great for blemishes, scars. Good coverage.”
This multi-functionality adds significant value to the product, essentially providing several makeup items in one affordable stick.
Longevity and Wear
Opinions on longevity vary among users, which likely reflects differences in skin type, climate, and application techniques. Those with drier skin types generally report better staying power, while those with oilier skin sometimes note that it “moves all over the face and only looks nice for the first hour.”
For best results, many users recommend setting the concealer with a light dusting of translucent powder, which significantly extends wear time. One reviewer noted that climate can affect performance: “If you live in extreme heat areas, I would save until fall or winter for get its full effect.” This suggests the formula may not hold up as well in very hot or humid conditions.
Several long-term users reported consistent performance over time: “Been using this for months now and it’s great!” and “I’ve been using these sticks for years.” This speaks to the reliability of the formulation and consistent quality control from Maybelline.
Skin Benefits and Comfort
Unlike many concealers that can emphasize fine lines or dry patches, this formula seems to work well even for mature skin. One 44-year-old reviewer praised its ability to “not sit in my wrinkles,” which is a common concern for many consumers as they age.
Multiple reviewers mentioned that the concealer doesn’t dry out their skin, which can be an issue with many long-wearing concealers that contain drying ingredients to increase longevity. One specifically noted, “It does not dry out my skin at all,” suggesting the formula contains hydrating ingredients that maintain skin comfort throughout wear.
For sensitive skin users, results were mixed. While many found it gentle and comfortable to wear, one reviewer reported developing eye allergies from the product, reminding us that individual sensitivities vary widely.
Value for Money
At a drugstore price point, this concealer consistently impressed users with its performance relative to its cost. One reviewer succinctly stated: “Bang for your buck!!! Love this, and the only concealer that I use to date!!!!”
The amount of product (0.11 oz) is standard for stick concealers and seems to last a reasonable amount of time, with another user mentioning that “a little covers a lot.” This efficiency adds to the overall value proposition of the product.
Availability Concerns
A recurring theme in the reviews is concern about this product being discontinued. Multiple users expressed worry: “The company discontinued this concealer but they should definitely ‘re-continue’ it” and “This was my favorite concealer stick ever years ago!!! I still had 1 with a little left and noticed it was discontinued in stores.”
This suggests that while the product may still be available through certain retailers like Amazon, it might be becoming harder to find in physical stores. For loyal users of this concealer, stocking up might be advisable.
Comparisons to Other Products
While the reviews don’t explicitly compare this concealer to other specific brands, the enthusiastic loyalty displayed by many users suggests it outperforms other options they’ve tried. Comments like “Love it. I hope they never stop making it!” and “the only concealer that I use to date” indicate strong preference over alternatives.
Best For
Based on the collection of reviews, this concealer seems best suited for:
- Those seeking natural, light-to-medium coverage
- People with normal to dry skin types
- Women of color looking for inclusive shade options
- Mature skin that needs a formula that doesn’t settle into fine lines
- Anyone wanting a multi-purpose product for concealing, contouring, and brightening
- Makeup minimalists who prefer products that look like skin
Less Ideal For
The concealer may not be the perfect choice for:
- Those seeking full coverage for significant discoloration
- Very oily skin types, especially in hot climates
- People with certain sensitivities (patch testing recommended)
- Those who prefer matte finishes without any luminosity
Final Verdict
The Maybelline New York Dream Brightening Creamy Concealer in Deep earns strong marks for its blendability, natural finish, versatility, and value. While it may not offer the full coverage some seek, its skin-like appearance and comfort make it a standout product in the drugstore category.
Its greatest strengths lie in its ability to create natural, luminous looks that enhance rather than mask the skin, along with its versatility for various makeup techniques. The main drawbacks appear to be potential longevity issues for oily skin types and limited availability due to possible discontinuation.
For those who can find it and whose needs align with its strengths, this concealer represents an excellent value and a reliable addition to any makeup collection. The passionate testimonials from long-term users suggest this is truly a hidden gem in the crowded concealer market.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
This review is based on an analysis of customer experiences and beauty expertise. Individual results may vary based on skin type, application technique, and personal preferences.
Buy on Amazon: Here
