Hey beauty friends! Today I’m sharing my FULL thoughts on a drugstore beauty hero I’ve been using for YEARS – the COVERGIRL Smoothers Concealer stick in shade “Neutralizer.” This little tube has been a staple in my makeup bag, and after reading through countless user experiences, I’m breaking down everything you need to know before picking this up!
- Product: COVERGIRL Smoothers Concealer
- Shade: 730 Neutralizer
- Size: 0.14 ounce
- Format: Stick concealer
- Price Range: $6-8 (total bargain compared to high-end options)
What Makes This Concealer Special?
The Neutralizer shade isn’t just another concealer – it’s actually a color-correcting genius in disguise! While it looks light in the tube (almost alarmingly so), it has the slightest green undertone that helps counteract redness and discoloration. This is WHY it works so well on:
- Broken capillaries/blood vessels
- Rosacea
- Acne spots and blemishes
- Hyperpigmentation
- Those stubborn dark under-eye circles
I’ve literally tried DOZENS of concealers over the years, and I keep coming back to this one. Here’s what the experience has been like for myself and other users:
The Good Stuff 👍
Perfect for Fair Skin Tones
If you’re on the lighter end of the spectrum (especially with pink undertones), the Neutralizer shade is YOUR BEST FRIEND. So many users with fair skin mention how hard it is to find concealers that don’t turn orange or look too dark, and this one blends perfectly.
One reviewer who’s been using it for decades said: “My skin tone is extremely fair and I have dark circles around my eyes. The neutralizer is hard to find in stores, but it works well with my skin color. Other concealers oxidize and turn orange, this one remains true to its original color.”
Versatility Champion
This isn’t just for under-eye circles! Users report successfully using it for:
- Covering broken capillaries on chin and cheeks
- Hiding veins
- Neutralizing redness around the nose
- Brightening the eyelids
- Even covering bruises on arms and legs!
Smooth Application
The stick format makes it super easy to apply precisely where you need it. It glides on without tugging at the skin, which is HUGE for the delicate under-eye area.
Natural-Looking Coverage
This isn’t a heavy-duty, cake-your-face kind of product. It provides a more natural finish that looks like skin. As one 55-year-old user mentioned: “It’s very sheer and not for everyone but it’s perfect for the light coverage I want. I get lots of compliments with this.”
Longevity (of both wear and product)
The staying power is impressive for such an affordable product. Many users report it lasting all day, and the actual tube itself lasts for months! One reviewer called it a “magic eraser” that “simply ERASES dark circles and even aging areas around the mouth and nose, basically any kind of discolorations and imperfections around the face that make you look older.”
Budget-Friendly
At around $7, it performs on par with (or better than) concealers that cost 3-4 times as much. Multiple reviewers mentioned trying expensive high-end alternatives only to return to this trusty classic.
The Not-So-Great Stuff 👎
Let’s keep it real – no product is perfect. Here are the common complaints:
Coverage Level
If you’re looking for heavy-duty, full-coverage concealing, this might not be your best bet. Several users mentioned using it for light-to-medium coverage needs but switching to cream concealers for more serious concealing jobs.
Texture Concerns
The texture can be divisive:
- Some users find it perfectly creamy
- Others describe it as “a little firm” or “not so creamy”
- A few mentioned it being challenging to blend, especially for under-eye application
One makeup artist noted: “I was expecting it to be creamier as my under eyes occasionally need concealer but I found it to be hard to spread even over my eye creme. I have a rollerball applicator that helped smooth it out but would be happier if it was much creamier.”
Not Great for Mature or Very Dry Skin
Several older users (90+) mentioned that it didn’t work well on very mature skin: “On my dry and somewhat wrinkled old skin, (90+), this concealer doesn’t blend smoothly even after moisturizing. When it dries, it shows up in small bitty clumps instead of staying smooth on the skin.”
Packaging Issues
The stick format, while convenient, has some drawbacks:
- Some users reported receiving broken product
- A few mentioned the twist-up mechanism stopped working
- The size appears to have shrunk over the years (common beauty industry issue!)
Application Tips From Users
After going through countless reviews, here are the best tips for making this concealer work its best:
- Prep with moisturizer! This helps the product blend more seamlessly, especially if you have dry skin.
- For under-eye application: Use light tapping motions rather than trying to rub it in.
- Layer appropriately: Some users get the best results using this as a color corrector FIRST, then applying their regular concealer over top.
- Try different tools: While direct application works, some users prefer using:
- A small concealer brush
- Fingertips (body heat helps it blend)
- A damp beauty sponge
- A rollerball applicator for under-eye area
- Set lightly: If you find it wears off quickly, try setting with a small amount of translucent powder.
Who Should Buy This?
This concealer is PERFECT for you if:
- You have fair to light skin (especially with pink undertones)
- You’re dealing with redness, broken capillaries, or discoloration
- You prefer natural-looking, light to medium coverage
- You want an affordable, easy-to-apply option
- You’re looking for a great everyday concealer (not special occasion full coverage)
Who Should Skip It?
You might want to look elsewhere if:
- You have deep skin tones (this is definitely designed for lighter skin)
- You need very heavy coverage for significant discoloration
- You have extremely dry or mature skin with deeper texture concerns
- You prefer a very creamy, wet-feeling concealer formula
Real User Demographics
Looking at who loves this product most, it seems to be a favorite among:
- Fair-skinned users
- Women 40+ (especially those 50-60+)
- People with sensitive skin (many mentioned no irritation)
- Those with slight discoloration rather than major covering needs
Final Thoughts
The COVERGIRL Smoothers Concealer in Neutralizer is one of those rare drugstore gems that performs like a high-end product for most users. While it’s not perfect for everyone (what beauty product is?), it clearly has a loyal following for good reason. I’ve personally been using it for years, and so have many reviewers – some for DECADES!
At its price point, it’s absolutely worth trying if you match the ideal user profile. The biggest complaint seems to be availability – many mentioned it being hard to find in stores, which explains why so many are purchasing online now.
If you’re on the fence, considering the cost vs. the potential benefit, I’d say go for it! In a world of $25+ concealers, this $7 option continues to hold its own and remains a makeup bag staple for good reason.
Have you tried this concealer? What’s YOUR experience been? Drop a comment below and let me know if you love it as much as I do!
Disclaimer: This review compiles experiences from multiple users. Individual results may vary based on skin type, application technique, and personal preferences.
Buy on Amazon: Here
