Hey beauty friends! I’ve been meaning to share my thoughts on this little drugstore gem for a while now. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably walked past the Maybelline Cover Stick Concealer a million times in the makeup aisle or scrolled past it online. Well, I’m here to tell you that this unassuming little tube packs a SERIOUS punch for its price point!
Quick Overview
Price: Super affordable (WAY cheaper than Sephora alternatives)
Shade Range: Limited, but Light Beige is versatile
Coverage: Medium to full
Finish: Natural matte
Longevity: 6-8 hours depending on skin type
Best for: Blemishes, dark spots, redness
Best application: Fingers or sponge (NOT directly from stick!)
My 20-Year Love Affair with This Concealer
Okay, I’m not the only one who’s been loyal to this product for DECADES. According to many reviews, some people have been using this product for 20+ years! That’s saying something in the constantly evolving beauty industry where new products hit the shelves daily.
Why the loyalty? It simply WORKS. This concealer goes on lightly but provides impressive coverage for:
- Acne and blemishes
- Dark circles (though it can be a bit dry for under-eyes)
- Redness
- Dark spots
- Even port wine stains (one user’s dermatologist couldn’t even see theirs!)
The Good Stuff
1. The Coverage is NO JOKE
The coverage is seriously impressive for such an affordable product. It manages to conceal WITHOUT looking cakey or obvious. I especially love using it for spot concealing because it sticks to the areas you need it most without sliding around. Several reviewers mentioned how well it covers everything from acne to dark spots to broken capillaries.
2. Long-Lasting Formula
This concealer STAYS PUT once set with powder. Many users report it lasting all day, and it’s even waterproof according to some reviews! One person mentioned they only need to reapply every few hours, which is pretty standard for any concealer.
3. Value That Can’t Be Beat
One tube lasts around 6 MONTHS with daily use. That’s incredible value! Several reviewers mentioned switching from high-end brands (including Lancôme) and finding this performs just as well at a fraction of the price. One reviewer claimed this is actually made by the same company that makes Lancôme… interesting if true!
4. Versatility
This concealer works for various age groups and genders! Middle-aged men and women alike mentioned how well it worked for their changing skin needs. It’s also great for different skin tones – though finding your perfect shade might require some experimenting.
5. Shade Match
The Light Beige shade seems to work surprisingly well for many light to medium skin tones. Several users with light complexions specifically mentioned that this shade looked more natural than even lighter shades they’d tried before. It seems to have a good balance that helps neutralize discoloration.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
Let’s be honest about the drawbacks (because every product has them!):
1. Packaging Issues – THE BIGGEST COMPLAINT!
The packaging is honestly pretty terrible. MANY reviewers reported:
- Broken sticks upon arrival
- The tube doesn’t retract properly
- The top breaks off easily
- The twist-up mechanism failing after just a few uses
These issues are mentioned repeatedly, which suggests it’s a consistent problem rather than just occasional shipping damage.
2. Texture Concerns
The formula is quite dry and thick, which is both a blessing and a curse:
- GOOD: Stays put and provides serious coverage
- BAD: Can be difficult to blend, especially on dry skin
- SOLUTION: Many users mix it with a bit of moisturizer or eye cream to improve application
One clever hack from a reviewer: “I’ve started mixing some on the back of my hand with some of my eye cream or moisturizer to give it some more texture and moisture and it still doesn’t crease and holds up all day.”
3. Climate Sensitivity
This product does NOT do well in extreme heat. Multiple reviewers mentioned:
- It melts in hot weather
- Can’t be ordered during summer months in hot climates
- Arrives broken or melted if shipped during hot weather
4. Size Discrepancies
Some reviewers felt the amount of product received was smaller than what they would get in stores for the same price. One specifically mentioned it was “stuck inside the lid” and seemed smaller than expected.
Application Tips From Experienced Users
The general consensus on application:
- DO NOT apply directly from the stick to your face – it pulls on the skin and applies unevenly
- DO use a sponge or beauty blender for best results
- Some prefer fingers for the warming effect that helps it blend
- Apply it AFTER foundation for blemishes, BEFORE foundation for larger areas
- Always set with powder to prevent creasing
One reviewer mentioned: “There’s some sort of issue with this product because whether I buy it in a store or on Amazon, the makeup breaks off in the stick and you have to manually mash it down. It’s messy, hard to plaster on and REQUIRES a sponge to blend. Don’t try to put it on without a sponge! However – the actual results? Flawless. That’s why I keep buying it.”
Who Should Buy This?
This concealer is perfect for:
- Budget-conscious makeup lovers
- People who need serious coverage for blemishes
- Those with normal to oily skin
- Anyone looking for a long-wearing concealer
You might want to skip if:
- You have very dry skin (unless you use the moisturizer mixing hack)
- You’re primarily using it for under-eyes (can be drying)
- You live in an extremely hot climate (melting issues)
- You’re looking for a dewy finish (this is more matte)
My Personal Routine With This Concealer
Based on the most successful application methods mentioned in reviews:
- Apply moisturizer and let it fully absorb
- Apply foundation all over (if using)
- Take a TINY amount of the concealer on your finger
- Warm it up between fingers for a few seconds
- Pat (don’t rub!) onto problem areas
- Blend edges with a damp beauty sponge
- Set immediately with powder
- Enjoy 6-8 hours of flawless coverage!
Finding The Right Shade
Light Beige (120) seems to work best for light to light-medium skin tones. If you tan easily or have a warmer complexion, Medium Beige (140) might be better. Several reviewers mentioned using both shades seasonally!
One reviewer with olive skin in her 50s mentioned that Light Beige works surprisingly well for her, even though she expected to need a darker shade.
Comparison to High-End Alternatives
Many users directly compared this to more expensive options:
- “Fantastic product!! I cannot believe the money I have wasted over the years, on makeup.”
- “I needed a concealer but didn’t want to spend $30 on my normal one at Sephora”
- “I’ve tried expensive brands for the perfect highlighter to contour with and always come back to this product.”
The consensus is that while the packaging and texture might not be as luxurious as high-end alternatives, the actual PERFORMANCE rivals products 5-10 times the price!
The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?
ABSOLUTELY YES – with caveats.
This Maybelline Cover Stick Concealer offers exceptional coverage and staying power at a bargain price. While the packaging is problematic and the texture can be challenging for some, the actual performance is hard to beat at any price point.
The fact that so many users keep coming back to it for DECADES despite trying other options speaks volumes. I’d recommend purchasing in-store if possible to avoid shipping damage, or ordering online only during cooler months.
For around $5, you’re getting a concealer that performs like a $30+ product. Just be prepared to work around the packaging issues and texture limitations.
If you haven’t tried this yet, what are you waiting for? This hidden gem deserves a spot in your makeup bag!
Final Rating: 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros:
- Exceptional coverage
- Long-lasting formula
- Incredible value
- Works on various skin concerns
- Waterproof
- Versatile across age groups and genders
Cons:
- Problematic packaging
- Dry, thick texture needs special application techniques
- Heat sensitive
- Limited shade range
- Can look cakey if applied too heavily
Have you tried the Maybelline Cover Stick Concealer? What’s YOUR experience been like? Drop a comment below!
Buy on Amazon: Here
