Hey beauty lovers! I’ve been testing the Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Conceal in Fair (0.4 fl. oz.) for the past few weeks, and I’m FINALLY ready to spill all the details! If you’ve been on the fence about this little tube of magic (or disappointment?), let me break it down for you based on actual experiences from myself and other users.
Quick Stats
- Product: Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Conceal
- Shade: Fair (0.4 fl. oz.)
- Price Point: Budget-friendly (about half the price of high-end options)
- Claims: Full coverage, smooth application, long-lasting wear
First Impressions: Packaging & Texture
The Master Conceal comes in a small squeeze tube—honestly smaller than I expected (about pinky-finger size for most people). The packaging is simple but functional, though many users mentioned wishing it had a wand applicator instead of just the tapered tube opening, which can make precise application tricky.
When you first squeeze it out, you’ll notice this concealer is THICK. Like, seriously thick. A tiny dot goes a LONG way, which means despite the small tube, this product will last you forever. The texture is creamy but not overly slippery, giving it that full-coverage potential right off the bat.
Some users mentioned their product seemed “watered down” or separated, which seems to happen occasionally. If you experience this, try storing it upside down and giving it a good shake or squeeze to mix the formula back together.
Application: Tips From Experience
Here’s what I’ve found works best with this concealer:
- Less is MORE. Seriously, start with a tiny dot and build up if needed. A little goes a looooong way!
- Tap, don’t stroke. Several users found that tapping the product with your fingertip works much better than trying to swipe or stroke it on. This helps prevent streaking.
- Use a small brush or damp beauty blender for more precise application and better blending. Using just fingers can work in a pinch, but tools give a more professional finish.
- Set it with powder immediately after application, especially if you have oily skin or are using it under your eyes.
- If it feels too thick, some users had success mixing it with a drop of moisturizer or applying to well-moisturized skin.
Coverage: The Main Event
Let’s talk about what this concealer is known for—its coverage power!
For dark under-eye circles: Most users found it provides excellent coverage, especially when you use a yellow-toned shade which helps neutralize purple-blue tones. However, for very severe dark circles, you might need to color correct first.
For blemishes and redness: This concealer SHINES at covering angry red spots. The thick formula really sticks to what you’re trying to hide.
For hyperpigmentation/acne scars: Very effective! The high pigment concentration does a great job evening out skin tone.
Several users even attempted to use it to cover TATTOOS, with mixed results. It lightened them but didn’t completely conceal them—which is actually pretty impressive for a drugstore concealer!
Shade Range: Fair Warning About “Fair”
The shade “Fair” runs LIGHT. Like, really light. Even super pale users mentioned it was sometimes too light for their skin tone. It has yellow undertones, which is great for neutralizing redness and purple under-eye circles, but might not be ideal if you have very cool or pink undertones.
If you’re on the lighter end of the spectrum, this shade is perfect for brightening under the eyes or highlighting. If you’re looking to match your skin tone exactly, you might want to grab the Light shade instead, or even mix the two.
Staying Power & Wear
Most users report this concealer has excellent staying power—it doesn’t slide off your face by midday like some concealers do. However, if you have very oily skin, you’ll definitely need to set it with powder and maybe even touch up with blotting papers throughout the day.
A few observations on how it wears:
- On normal to combination skin: Wears beautifully all day with minimal creasing
- On oily skin: Can get a bit shiny; needs setting powder and possibly touch-ups
- On dry skin: Can accentuate dry patches or flakiness if skin isn’t properly moisturized
- Under eyes: Mixed results—some find it creases, others say it stays put better than expensive brands
The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
What I LOVE:
- AMAZING coverage for the price point
- A little goes a long way (great value!)
- Works well for both spot concealing and brightening
- Doesn’t oxidize much throughout the day
- Can be used as a highlighter too
What Could Be Better:
- The applicator—a wand would make precision application easier
- Can look cakey if applied too heavily
- Can be drying for some skin types
- Shade range could be expanded
Potential Dealbreakers:
- Can accentuate fine lines if not set properly
- Some users report it’s difficult to remove completely
- Slightly tacky feeling that some users don’t love
- Too thick for those preferring a natural, sheer finish
Comparisons to Other Brands
Several users compared this concealer to more expensive brands:
- vs. Mary Kay: Similar coverage, but Maybelline gives you almost twice as much product for half the price
- vs. Laura Mercier: More matte finish than Laura Mercier’s (which some found too shiny)
- vs. Tarte Shape Tape: Described as a “lighter dupe” of Shape Tape, less heavy but with similar coverage
- vs. Dermablend: Comparable coverage at a fraction of the price
- vs. Kat Von D: Required less product than KVD for similar coverage
Multiple makeup artists and long-time makeup wearers claimed this concealer outperforms high-end products costing 3-4 times as much.
Value For Money
At around $7-9 (depending where you purchase), this concealer is a STEAL. The small tube is deceiving—because the formula is so concentrated, it lasts much longer than you’d expect. Several users mentioned their tubes lasting 6+ months with regular use.
Amazon occasionally has it priced lower than physical stores like Target or Walmart, though some listings mentioned the product being sold in packs of two (which appears to be an error in the description).
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
YES, absolutely. If you:
- Need serious coverage
- Are on a budget
- Don’t mind taking a little extra time to blend properly
- Have normal to oily skin
Maybe look elsewhere if you:
- Have very dry skin or significant fine lines
- Prefer sheer, natural coverage
- Need a perfect shade match and have very cool undertones
- Want the convenience of a wand applicator
Pro Tips From Real Users:
- Store it upside down to prevent separation
- Warm it between fingers before applying for smoother blending
- Mix with a drop of face oil if you find it too drying
- Use it to contour by choosing a shade darker than your skin tone
- Apply with a damp beauty blender for a more natural finish
Bottom line: This $8 tube of concealer performs like products 3-4 times its price. It’s not perfect for everyone or every situation, but for high-impact coverage at a wallet-friendly price, Maybelline Master Conceal is hard to beat!
Have you tried this concealer? What was YOUR experience? Let me know in the comments!
Buy on Amazon: Here
