Rare Beauty Concealer vs. The Rest: How It Stacks Up Against Tarte, NARS, and More

Hello, beauty lovers!

Let’s talk about a makeup bag essential that can make or break your entire look: concealer. It’s the multitasking hero we rely on to hide sleepless nights, cover unexpected blemishes, and brighten our faces. But with so many options claiming to be “the best,” how do you possibly choose?

I’ve been testing concealers for years, from budget-friendly finds to luxury splurges. The recent buzz around Rare Beauty’s Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer made me wonder: how does this newcomer really stack up against the established classics we know and love?

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In this ultimate guide, I’m putting four iconic concealers through their paces in real-world conditions. We’ll examine everything from coverage and finish to wear-time and value. Whether you’re dealing with dry under-eyes, oily skin, or just want that perfect “I woke up like this” glow, I’ve found a winner for every need and budget.

Ready to find your holy grail? Let’s begin our concealer showdown!

Understanding Concealer Types: A Quick Primer

Before we dive into our competitors, let’s understand what makes a great concealer. Different formulas excel at different jobs:

• Brightening Concealers: Lighter formulas that reflect light to combat dark circles
• Full-Coverage Concealers: Higher pigment concentration for covering blemishes and discoloration
• Radiant Finish Concealers: Provide luminosity while offering coverage
• Natural Finish Concealers: Offer buildable coverage that looks like skin

Now, let’s meet our four competitors in this concealer battle royale!

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Contender #1: Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer

The Newcomer with a Mission

Founded by Selena Gomez, Rare Beauty has taken the beauty world by storm with its focus on mental health and products that enhance rather than mask your natural features.

Key Features:

• Coverage: Light to medium, buildable
• Finish: Natural radiant
• Best For: Everyday wear, dry to normal skin
• Price Point: £21
• Shade Range: 48 shades

In-Depth Testing Results:

Application & Texture:
The doe-foot applicator is perfectly sized for precise application. The formula itself feels surprisingly lightweight – it blends seamlessly with fingers, sponge, or brush. I found using a damp beauty sponge gave the most natural, skin-like finish.

Performance Metrics:

• Under-Eye Area: 8/10 – Excellent at brightening without settling into fine lines
• Blemish Coverage: 6/10 – Good for minor redness but struggles with prominent breakouts
• Longevity: 7/10 – Lasts well through a workday but may need touch-ups for evening wear
• Creasing: Minimal when set properly with powder

Real-World Wear Test:
I wore this concealer through a 10-hour day that included work meetings and errands. It maintained its radiant finish beautifully, fading evenly without becoming patchy. The lightweight feel meant I often forgot I was wearing it – a huge plus for everyday comfort.

UK Availability: Find it at Space NK and Cult Beauty

Contender #2: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

The Full-Coverage Legend

A viral sensation that revolutionized what we expect from concealer coverage, Tarte’s Shape Tape has maintained its cult status for years.

Key Features:

• Coverage: Full
• Finish: Matte
• Best For: Special occasions, photography, oily skin
• Price Point: £26
• Shade Range: 35 shades

In-Depth Testing Results:

Application & Texture:
The oversized doe-foot applicator delivers a significant amount of product. A little truly goes a long way. The formula is thicker and sets down quickly, so you need to work in sections.

Performance Metrics:

• Under-Eye Area: 9/10 – Incredible coverage but can emphasize texture if over-applied
• Blemish Coverage: 10/10 – Unbeatable for covering active breakouts and redness
• Longevity: 9/10 – Stays put through anything, including workouts and humid weather
• Creasing: Can be significant if not properly set

Real-World Wear Test:
I reserved Shape Tape for days when I needed maximum coverage – a wedding and a day when a prominent blemish appeared. It performed flawlessly in photographs and lasted through tears, sweat, and 14 hours of wear. However, by day’s end, it did feel somewhat heavy and looked slightly dry around my smile lines.

UK Availability: Available at Tarte Cosmetics UK and QVC UK

Contender #3: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

The Cult Classic

A longtime favorite of makeup artists and beauty editors, NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer has earned its reputation as the gold standard for a reason.

Key Features:

• Coverage: Medium to full, buildable
• Finish: Natural satin
• Best For: All skin types, professional makeup
• Price Point: £28
• Shade Range: 30 shades

In-Depth Testing Results:

Application & Texture:
The standard doe-foot applicator makes application easy. The formula strikes the perfect balance between creamy and lightweight. It blends beautifully and doesn’t require the rushing that Shape Tape does.

Performance Metrics:

• Under-Eye Area: 9/10 – Perfect balance of coverage and natural appearance
• Blemish Coverage: 8/10 – Buildable coverage that looks skin-like
• Longevity: 8/10 – Wears gracefully throughout the day
• Creasing: Minimal with proper application

Real-World Wear Test:
This became my go-to for important work days and events where I wanted to look polished but natural. It lasted through back-to-back meetings and an after-work drink without fading or settling noticeably into lines. The satin finish photographs beautifully and works with both natural and full-glam makeup looks.

UK Availability: Widely available at Boots and John Lewis

Contender #4: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser

The Budget Powerhouse

Proving that great makeup doesn’t need a luxury price tag, this drugstore favorite has developed a loyal following for its effective brightening capabilities.

Key Features:

• Coverage: Light to medium
• Finish: Natural
• Best For: Quick brightening, mature skin, budget-conscious shoppers
• Price Point: £8.99
• Shade Range: 18 shades

In-Depth Testing Results:

Application & Texture:
The sponge-tip applicator is controversial – some love the ease of application, others worry about hygiene. The formula itself is lightweight and surprisingly hydrating.

Performance Metrics:

• Under-Eye Area: 8/10 – Excellent brightener that doesn’t settle into fine lines
• Blemish Coverage: 5/10 – Not its intended purpose; better for discoloration than texture
• Longevity: 6/10 – May need midday touch-ups for all-day wear
• Creasing: Minimal due to hydrating formula

Real-World Wear Test:
This became my weekend and quick-errand concealer. The brightening effect is immediate and flattering, though the coverage is definitely lighter than the other options. For its price point, the performance is impressive, though the shade range is more limited than the premium options.

UK Availability: Available at Superdrug and Boots

The Ultimate Comparison Table

Application Masterclass: Getting the Most from Your Concealer

For Under-Eyes:

1. Start with a hydrated eye area using a product like The Ordinary Caffeine Solution
2. Apply concealer in a triangle shape beneath eyes
3. Blend with a damp beauty sponge using bouncing motions
4. Set with a light dusting of translucent powder

For Blemishes:

1. Use a precise brush or fingertip to dab concealer directly on the spot
2. Pat the edges to blend, leaving the center more concentrated
3. Set with powder to prevent shifting

Pro Tip: Always apply concealer after foundation – you’ll use less product and get more natural results.

Final Verdict: Which Concealer Should You Choose?

After weeks of testing, here are my recommendations based on different needs:

Best Overall Performer: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
The perfect balance of coverage, wear-time, and natural finish makes this worth the investment if you can only buy one concealer.

Best for Natural Everyday Wear: Rare Beauty Liquid Touch
If you hate the feeling of makeup and want a “your skin but better” look, this is your winner.

Best for Full Coverage: Tarte Shape Tape
Nothing beats this for covering power – ideal for special events, photos, or when you need maximum coverage.

Best Budget Buy: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind
Incredible value that performs far above its price point, especially for brightening under-eyes.

Best for Mature Skin: Rare Beauty or Maybelline Age Rewind
Both formulas are hydrating and don’t settle into fine lines, though Rare Beauty offers more shade options.

Where to Shop in the UK

All these concealers are readily available through:

• Boots for in-store testers and quick purchases
• Cult Beauty for premium brands and excellent customer service
• Space NK for luxury beauty with expert advice
• Brand websites often offer direct purchasing with shade-matching tools

Remember, the best concealer is the one that solves your specific concerns and makes you feel confident. Don’t be afraid to experiment – many retailers offer generous return policies if a product doesn’t work for you.

Happy concealer hunting

Frequently Asked Questions: The Ultimate Concealer Guide

1. I have dry, creasy under-eyes. Which of these concealers will work best for me?

For dry under-eyes, the priority is a hydrating, flexible formula that won’t cling to dryness or settle deeply into lines. Rare Beauty Liquid Touch is the standout choice here. Its “brightening” formulation is inherently more moisturizing and lightweight, allowing it to sit on the skin without emphasizing texture. The Maybelline Age Rewind is also an excellent budget-friendly option for dry skin due to its hydrating properties. You should avoid Tarte Shape Tape, as its thick, matte formula is notoriously drying and will likely cake and crease on dry skin.

2. How does the Rare Beauty concealer perform on covering acne and red spots compared to Tarte Shape Tape?

This is a classic “lightweight vs. powerhouse” scenario. Tarte Shape Tape is significantly more effective at covering active acne, redness, and post-acne marks due to its extremely high, opaque pigment load. It’s designed to mask texture and discoloration completely. The Rare Beauty concealer, while buildable, offers light-to-medium coverage. It can tone down minor redness but will struggle to fully conceal a prominent, red blemish. For acne coverage, Tarte is the technical winner, but it comes with a heavier feel.

3. Is the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer worth its high price tag?

The value of the NARS concealer lies in its remarkable versatility and consistent performance. It’s not the absolute best at any one thing (e.g., it doesn’t have the full coverage of Shape Tape or the weightless feel of Rare Beauty), but it does everything very well. It provides solid, buildable coverage, a flattering natural-satin finish, and excellent wear-time on most skin types. If you can only own one concealer to use for both under-eyes and blemishes, and you want it to work reliably for every occasion, then the NARS is often worth the investment as your universal workhorse.

4. I have mature skin. Which concealer won’t settle into my fine lines and wrinkles?

Mature skin benefits greatly from hydrating, light-reflective formulas that don’t dry down too tightly. Rare Beauty Liquid Touch and Maybelline Age Rewind are the top contenders. Their hydrating bases and radiant finishes help to plump the look of the skin and blur fine lines rather than packing into them. The key with any concealer on mature skin is a less-is-more approach, strategic placement only where darkness exists (avoiding the entire under-eye area), and setting very lightly with a fine, hydrating powder like the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder.

5. How do I choose the right shade for under-eye brightening?

The rule of thumb for brightening is to select a shade that is one to two shades lighter than your foundation or skin tone and has the correct undertone.

• For neutral undertones, a shade with a slight peach or pink base can help cancel out blue/purple tones in dark circles.
• For golden/warm undertones, a lighter shade with a golden base works best.
• For cool/pink undertones, look for a concealer with a rosier, brightening effect.
  Brands like Rare Beauty and NARS have online shade finders that can be incredibly helpful. When in doubt, going for a “light” or “medium” version of your undertone is a safe bet for brightening.

6. Which concealer has the best staying power for long days or hot weather?

For ultimate longevity and resistance to heat and humidity, Tarte Shape Tape is the undisputed champion. Its full-pigment, quick-drying matte formula is designed to lock in place and resist fading, transferring, or breaking down. If you have a long wedding day, a summer festival, or naturally oily skin, Shape Tape will outlast the others. For those who find Shape Tape too drying, NARS Radiant Creamy offers very good longevity with a more skin-like finish.

7. What’s the best application technique for each formula?

The tool can dramatically change the performance:

• Rare Beauty: Apply with the provided doe-foot and blend with a damp beauty sponge. This sheers it out perfectly for a natural, diffused finish.
• Tarte Shape Tape: Apply a tiny dot with the applicator and blend quickly with a dense, synthetic brush before it sets. This gives you control over the high coverage without moving too much product around.
• NARS Radiant Creamy: Versatile enough for a fingertip application (the heat helps it melt in) or a sponge for a more airbrushed effect.
• Maybelline Age Rewind: The built-up sponge tip is designed for quick, direct application. Twist the base until product saturates the sponge, then dot and blend with the sponge itself or your fingers.

8. Can I use the Maybelline Age Rewind for anything other than under-eyes?

While its primary strength is under-eye brightening, it can be used on other areas of the face with managed expectations. It works well to brighten the chin and center of the forehead or to subtly cover minor redness around the nose. However, its light coverage and hydrating formula make it a poor choice for covering blemishes, as it lacks the necessary pigment and staying power to adhere to a raised, oily spot effectively.

9. How do the shade ranges compare across these brands?

Rare Beauty wins on inclusivity and undertone range, offering an impressive 48 shades with thoughtful options for very deep skin tones and a wide spectrum of undertones (neutral, golden, cool, etc.). NARS and Tarte also have strong, well-regarded shade ranges that cater to most skin tones, though they are not as extensive as Rare Beauty’s. Maybelline Age Rewind has the most limited range, with only 18 shades that struggle to cater to the deepest and some very fair complexions, making it less inclusive.

10. For a beginner on a budget, which concealer is the most foolproof?

The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser is the most beginner-friendly and budget-proof option. Its lightweight, hydrating formula is forgiving of heavy-handed application, and the brightening effect is flattering and hard to mess up. It doesn’t require advanced blending techniques or specific tools—fingers work perfectly. While Rare Beauty is also user-friendly, its higher price point makes it a bigger commitment for someone still learning what they like in a concealer.