Hey there, beauty lovers! Today I’m diving DEEP into one of those drugstore staples that’s been around forever – the Maybelline New York Cover Stick Corrector Concealer in Medium Beige. This little stick has been in makeup bags for decades (seriously, since I was a teenager!), and there’s a reason it’s still going strong in 2025. But is it worth YOUR money? Let’s talk about it!
First Impressions & Packaging
Let’s be real – this isn’t fancy packaging. It’s a simple plastic tube with a twist-up mechanism, nothing Instagram-worthy here. But honestly? That’s part of its charm. At around $6, this concealer doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. It’s practical, portable, and you can easily toss it in your bag for touch-ups without worrying about leaks (unlike those liquid concealers that somehow ALWAYS manage to explode in my purse!).
One thing I’ve noticed from both my experience and many reviews is that the product amount seems smaller than it used to be. Several users mentioned feeling disappointed by the quantity, with one specifically saying: “I love this product.. but the packaging was a disappointment. Seems like way less product than normal.” So yeah, shrinkflation is real, even in the beauty world.
Application & Texture
The texture of this concealer stick is where things get interesting. It’s creamy but not greasy, which makes it super easy to apply. You can just swipe it directly onto your skin and blend with your fingertip – no brushes or sponges needed! This makes it PERFECT for on-the-go touch-ups.
As one reviewer perfectly put it: “Please never change this formula. I love the creamy-smooth coverage of the stick, which is so easy to apply. I keep one in my bag at all times. It doesn’t leak like some liquid concealers do.”
However, there’s a bit of a learning curve here. The consistency is softer than a lipstick but firmer than a cream concealer in a pot. This means you need to be gentle when applying it – several users mentioned the stick breaking if you apply too much pressure. One reviewer warned: “CAUTION: This product is not real hard like lipstick. If you push too hard when applying the stick will break. Be gentle- because the texture is soft, plenty will be applied without using much pressure. Once the stick breaks it cannot be pushed back on again.”
Coverage & Performance
Alright, this is what we all care about – does it actually WORK? For dark under-eye circles, the answer is a resounding YES! This has been my go-to under-eye concealer for years, and so many reviewers agree:
“This is my go-to concealer for under eye circles. Goes on smooth. Been using for years. Nothing to not like.”
“I’ve been using this under eye concealer for many years. Least expensive and best product on the market to conceal dark circles under eyes!”
For blemishes and dark spots, the results are more mixed. Many users find it works beautifully for covering imperfections:
“This is an AMAZING concealer! Covers blemishes, red spots, sun spots, anything!”
“I’ve been using this for MANY years, and it is still the best to cover acne scars and dark spots, at least for my skin.”
But some reviewers found it less effective for anything beyond under-eye darkness:
“This is a nice-feeling formula that is easy to apply and works well to lighten dark under-eye circles prior to putting on foundation. However, it does not really work to conceal anything but under-eye darkness.”
In my experience, it depends on the type of blemish. For redness and mild discoloration, it works great. For active breakouts or very dark spots, you might need something with more coverage or specifically formulated for those issues.
Longevity & Wear
For a $6 concealer, the staying power is actually impressive. It’s not going to last through a 14-hour day and a workout, but for normal daily wear, it holds up well. Most users don’t mention having to reapply constantly, which is a good sign.
One thing to note about the wear: unlike some concealers that settle into fine lines and make you look older as the day goes on, this one remains relatively stable. As one 85-year-old user mentioned: “I love the product as it covers wrinkles & sun damage on an old face (85) beautifully!”
Another reviewer in their 30s noted: “It’s not too heavy that it will make your wrinkles appear worse and it’s thick enough to cover dark circles.”
Shade Range & Color Match
The Medium Beige shade seems to work well for light to medium skin tones. Several reviewers with light complexions mentioned it matched perfectly, while those with deeper skin tones didn’t comment much (which likely means this shade range needs expansion).
There was some confusion about the actual color, with one reviewer stating: “This is a Light beige color not Medium beige.” Another mentioned: “I ordered the same shade as my usual makeup color but it was definitely lighter.” This suggests some inconsistency in the product or labeling.
The good news is that the formula seems to blend well with most skin tones in its range: “Great selection of colors for matching skin tones” and “The medium beige was perfect for me” were common sentiments.
The Melting/Breaking Issue: A MAJOR Concern
Now we need to talk about the elephant in the room – the product’s tendency to break or melt. This was BY FAR the most common complaint in reviews, with dozens of users reporting receiving broken or melted products:
“2nd time I’ve received this item when the makeup stick is broken, stuck in top of tube!”
“The first one arrived melted and I did not bother to return it. Thought maybe it had sat outside too long. Ordered it again and you can see the stick part has melted and cannot be used. Terrible product.”
“This is the second time I’ve ordered this product. The first time it came fine but this last one as soon as I opened it and took off the top, the concealer landed ‘splat’ on the floor. It was melted sadly.”
This seems to be particularly problematic when ordering online, especially during warmer months. One reviewer offered this advice: “I write all this to say that you should inspect it as soon as it arrives rather than wait 30+ days in case your luck is as bad as mine.”
Another warned: “Do not leave in car or where it gets really hot because it melts easily.”
Value for Money
Despite its flaws, this concealer offers INCREDIBLE value. At around $6, it performs as well as (or better than) many high-end concealers costing 5x as much. As one enthusiastic reviewer put it:
“I’ve always had dark pigmentation under my eyes, starting in my teen years. Since then, I have tried hundreds of concealer products, potted creams, and lighter liquid varieties, all different types, brands, and price points. Out of all of them, the most natural-looking coverage is with Maybelline’s NY Concealer Cover Stick. It’s easy to apply, matches my skin tone perfectly, is long-lasting, and never pools up or creases into fine lines. It’s an incredible value too at only $5.98. Can’t beat that!”
Longevity of the Product
Several reviewers mentioned needing to replace the product every couple of years as it dries out. This seems reasonable for the price point, and many actually see it as a positive hygiene practice: “They DO need to be replaced every couple of years, as they dry out, but it works very well.”
Who It’s Perfect For
Based on all the reviews and my personal experience, this concealer is ideal for:
- People looking for an affordable, effective under-eye concealer
- Those who prefer a stick format for ease of application
- Makeup minimalists who want quick, fuss-free coverage
- Anyone with light to medium skin tones with neutral undertones
- Those looking to cover minor imperfections and dark circles
- People who appreciate a product that doesn’t settle into fine lines
Who Should Look Elsewhere
This might not be the best choice for:
- Those with very oily skin (one reviewer found it “too drying”)
- People seeking full coverage for serious blemishes or discoloration
- Those with deeper skin tones (limited shade range)
- Anyone ordering during hot summer months (melting issues)
- Those who prefer more luxurious packaging or formula
The Brand Legacy
It’s worth noting that Maybelline has some serious credentials in the beauty world. As one reviewer mentioned: “If it’s good enough for models, it’s good enough for the rest of us! The current faces of Maybelline include Adriana Lima & Christy Turlington. Maybelline New York was founded in Chicago in 1914 and has been a subsidiary of French cosmetics company L’Oréal since 1996.”
This long-standing reputation helps explain why so many users have been loyal to this product for decades, with comments like “Been using this probably over 50 years. Always good!” and “I have been using this for so many years I can’t even remember. Excellent coverage, it’s good!”
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Despite the melting/breaking issues (which seem more related to shipping than the product itself), the Maybelline New York Cover Stick Corrector Concealer in Medium Beige is a fantastic value that has earned its status as a drugstore classic.
For under $6, you get a concealer that:
- Effectively covers under-eye circles
- Works on minor blemishes and discoloration
- Doesn’t crease or settle into fine lines
- Is incredibly easy to apply
- Blends seamlessly with skin
- Lasts through regular daily wear
- Has a creamy, comfortable formula
Just be sure to:
- Inspect it immediately upon arrival
- Avoid ordering during extremely hot weather
- Apply with a gentle touch to prevent breakage
- Store it away from heat
Is it perfect? No. But for the price, it’s pretty darn close for many of us who’ve been using it faithfully for years. As one reviewer emphatically stated: “This cover stick smooths out any imperfections…..and covers them beautifully! I have used only Maybelline for many, many years. Lasts all day. No other brand, expensive or not, even compares!”
So if you’re looking for an affordable, reliable concealer that gets the job done without fuss, this little green stick should definitely be on your radar. Just maybe buy it in-store during summer! 😉
Final rating: 4/5 stars – Would be a perfect 5 if not for the melting/breaking issues!
Buy on Amazon: Here
