Hey there fellow makeup lovers! I’ve been testing out the Maybelline New York Fit Me Liquid Concealer in Hazelnut for a while now, and I NEED to share my thoughts with you all. If you’re a medium-brown skinned person like me (think mahogany wood tones), you know the STRUGGLE of finding the right concealer shade online. Let me break down everything about this budget-friendly concealer that’s rumored to be a dupe for the fancy NARS Radiant Concealer!
Quick Facts
- Product: Maybelline New York Fit Me Liquid Concealer in Hazelnut
- Price Point: Under $10 (way cheaper than the $30+ NARS alternative!)
- Coverage: Medium but buildable
- Finish: Natural, not too matte or dewy
- Oil-Free: Yes!
First Impressions & Packaging
When I first got this concealer, I was immediately drawn to the simple packaging – nothing fancy, but definitely practical. The applicator tip is actually really nice! It’s that standard doe-foot applicator that makes it easy to apply precisely under the eyes or on spots.
One thing you should know – the concealer initially looks LIGHTER when first applied but then blends out to a darker shade that matches brown skin better. This threw me off at first, but once I saw the final result, I was pretty happy.
Shade Match for Brown Skin
Finding this shade in stores was IMPOSSIBLE – not even Walmart had it! As a woman of color, I was so relieved when I found the Hazelnut shade on Amazon. For reference, I’m a medium-brown skinned African-American woman with the complexion similar to mahogany wood.
When I first applied it, I was a bit worried because it looked light, but it oxidized slightly and blended out beautifully. Several reviewers mentioned it was “perfect for my brown skin” and “the perfect shade for me,” which matches my experience too.
If you’re shopping online, selecting a shade can be tricky. One reviewer noted “the picture always shows too dark or too light” which is so true with online makeup shopping. I’d recommend going slightly darker than you think if you’re between shades.
Application & Coverage
The concealer goes on SUPER smooth! The texture is creamy but not thick, making it easy to blend with either a beauty sponge or your fingertips. It provides a solid medium coverage – not completely full coverage but definitely not sheer either.
What I love is that it’s buildable without getting cakey. I can layer it on my darker spots and undereye circles without it looking heavy. One happy user mentioned: “It covers up all my dark spots and makes my skin look so flawless!!”
Another reviewer with dark circles said: “For a person who has medium to light dark circles (depends on the day), it works so well. I am sure it would work for people who have even darker dark circles. I don’t need much in order to cover what I want.”
Lasting Power & Setting
This is where you’ll want to pay attention – while the concealer does last pretty well throughout the day, setting it is KEY. Several users recommended using setting powder to prevent creasing, especially under the eyes.
One reviewer specifically advised: “Make sure you use setting powder and setting spray so it won’t move.” I’ve found this to be good advice – without setting, it might shift a bit throughout the day.
From my experience and others’, the concealer lasts all day with proper setting. One user confirmed: “The coverage was exactly what I needed to even out my dark circles and lasted all day.”
Skin Feel & Comfort
Most reviewers found this concealer comfortable to wear. It’s lightweight and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. It’s also oil-free, which is great for those worried about breakouts.
However, there was one negative review where someone said: “Makeup was sticky and uncomfortable on skin. Left skin feeling numb after removal.” This seems to be an outlier experience, as most people (including me) found it comfortable.
The formula seems to be somewhat moisturizing without being greasy. One person noted it “didn’t make my skin look cakey or dry,” which I’d agree with.
Versatility
Interestingly, some people use this product in creative ways! One reviewer mentioned using it for their eyebrows and loved how it matched their shade. Others use it not just for undereye circles but also for contouring and highlighting.
The “Toasty” shade was mentioned as blending “perfect with my brown skin,” showing the range works well for various undertones in brown skin.
Value for Money
This is where the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer REALLY shines! At under $10, it performs amazingly well compared to high-end alternatives. Multiple reviewers specifically mentioned not wanting to pay $30+ for the NARS concealer, and being pleasantly surprised by how well this worked as a substitute.
One reviewer summed it up: “Better than I expected.” Another said: “I love how this looks on me and the fact that it didn’t cost that much 👍🏾”
Amazon Ordering Experience
Most people had good experiences ordering through Amazon, with fast delivery and correct products. However, there were some concerning reviews about products arriving with broken seals or appearing used:
- “The product was delivered with a broken safety seal and some kind of sticky residue on the applicator”
- “This product came opened and scratched up or used”
- “The item was sent without a package, with a broken seal and appeared used!”
The good news is that Amazon seems to handle these issues well. One reviewer updated their initial negative review: “I requested a refund from Amazon, which was immediately approved. Additionally, Amazon promptly sent a brand new replacement which I received today (sent within two days).”
If you do receive a product that looks tampered with, definitely contact Amazon right away!
Potential Downsides
To be completely honest, here are some issues mentioned in reviews:
- Color matching challenges: Several people mentioned ordering the wrong shade or finding it “too light” or not quite right. This is always a risk when ordering makeup online.
- Packaging/seal issues: As mentioned above, some orders had broken seals or appeared used.
- Not for everyone: A couple of reviews mentioned it wasn’t right for their face type, which is normal for any product.
- Setting required: Without proper setting, it might crease or move.
Final Verdict
After trying this concealer and reading through lots of reviews, I’d give the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Hazelnut a solid 4.5/5 stars! It offers incredible value for money, good coverage, and works well for medium-brown skin tones.
The application is smooth, the finish is natural, and with proper setting, it lasts all day. The Hazelnut shade is particularly good for women of color who struggle to find matching concealer shades.
Would I recommend it? ABSOLUTELY! Especially if you’re looking for an affordable alternative to high-end concealers like NARS. Just make sure to check the seal when it arrives, and have a good setting powder on hand for best results.
Have you tried this concealer? What shade worked for you? Let me know in the comments below! 💕
Buy on Amazon: Here
