BEAUTY BATTLES: THE BATTLE OF THE CONCEALERS

Welcome to a new chapter in my blog. It's called the BEAUTY BATTLES: PRODUCT COMPARISONS. Every entry in this chapter will feature two products of any brands and we'll see who wins. Of course, every decision is personal. All are based on my povs and you are free to try any of the two or both products then see for yourself which is best. But nevertheless, I'll try my best to look for then compare two good brands so we'll be able to decide who's really the best and what's really worth our moolah! :)

MAC STUDIO FINISH CONCEALER WITH SPF 15 AND CINEMA SECRETS CONCEALER

Cinema  Secret's concealer has been considered as one of the best concealers in the market. It's long- wearing and appears as second skin when you're able to choose your shade match. The consistency is creamy. Glides easily and is absorbed by the skin. It doesn't appear chalky, unlike other concealers that's why this is one of the best bets when it comes to buying concealers. I have been using CS concealers for four years already, until I changed to MAC.

MAC is one of the best cosmetic brands out there and they boast of their face make- up. Their SF concealers have received good feedbacks in makeupalley. The cool tones of the NCs and the skin- matching tones of the NWs have been perfectly made to suit any skin tone and make your eyes appear brighter by altering the color of the skin under your eyes. In effect, your eyes will look brighter and your dark circles have diminished.

A closer look at the concealers. Check out their consistencies.

SWATCHES (L-R) CINEMA SECRETS AND MAC

Notice the textures of both products. CS has a more creamy consistency as compared to the drier texture of MAC. I think the logic behind the dry texture of MAC is for the concealer to prevent from caking and melting under humid conditions, while the logic behind CS's creamy texture is for the user to experience easier and precise blending, which helps in creating a flawless make- up application.

THE TEST: BOTH BRANDS APPLIED ON DARK CIRCLES ON BOTH EYES

RIGHT EYE WITHOUT CINEMA SECRETS CONCEALER

RIGHT EYE WITH CINEMA SECRETS CONCEALER

Notice the difference. My eye looked fresher. The concealer was able to conceal my dark circles while being true and one with my natural skin color. The creamy texture was easy to blend so I was able to build and control the amount I put on my dark circles. In terms of staying power, Cinema Secrets may turn cakey when you sweat profusely and when you're in a hot or humid place  for a long period of time. It can be remedied by wiping off the cakey part, reapplying a bit of the concealer and setting it with powder again. This is the problem I encountered with CS. Their foundations and Concealers are unable to withstand the hot weather of our country so the staying power of this product on skin may have decreased as compared to those wearing it in cooler countries. But nevertheless, CS foundations have very good coverage and conceals good enough. It also provides a good base for any make- up. Colors appear more vibrant. When you're in a relatively cooler place, CS's staying power is absolutely good.

LEFT EYE WITHOUT MAC STUDIO FINISH CONCEALER WITH SPF 15

LEFT EYE WITH MAC STUDIO FINISH CONCEALER WITH SPF 15

Notice how my eye appeared brighter. The wonderful characteristic of MAC's SF concealer is how it instantly brightens up the eyes. You may notice the slight color difference under my eyes as compared to my face skin tone because I think this is the purpose of MAC's SF concealer: To make eyes appear brighter. But a skin- matching powder will do the trick in making your face's skin color even. When MAC's concealer is topped with a skin- matching powder, the concealer's color is slightly changed but you'll notice that your dark circles are gone. And your peepers are visibly brighter. The texture is drier as compared to Cinema Secrets, which is good in a sense for me because in my opinion, drier textured concealers have better staying power than creamy concealers. These are the characteristics that made me love this product. When you're under a hot and humid place and when you sweat profusely, your under eyes might have a whiter or fairer color, which is not so good looking (aka chalky). This can be remedied by wiping it off or topping it with powder. But MAC's SF concealer is really good if you want to have bright- looking eyes to disguise the "puyat" look.

MAC ON THE RIGHT UNER EYE AND CINEMA SECRETS ON THE LEFT UNDER EYE (YOUR VIEW)

Both products have good effects. But they have their cons too. For me, the best concealer would still be cinema secrets because you'll love how it evens out your dark circles, making it one with your face skin tone. I switched to MAC because I love it's staying power. But as you can see in this picture, in terms of concealing, Cinema Secrets was able to provide a better coverage than MAC. I also switched to MAC because I always look puyat (actually, I AM ALWAYS PUYAT! :)) So I need an eye brightener, rather than a concealer. Look how CS was  able to conceal even the puff under my eyes. While MAC didn't do much justice in concealing my puffs but my eye looked brighter and the puff was slightly covered. The puff is a reminder that there is no such thing as a perfect face (haha :)) But for those girls who would like to try MAC's SF concealer, don't be bothered, MAC's SF concealer is still a wonderful product but in terms of coverage, Cinema Secrets is still the winner for me. The key for a lasting coverage is still, skin care, moisturization and a good powder to set your concealers.

WINNER: CINEMA SECRETS

What are the products that you consider as your HG when it comes to concealers? :)