Hey there, beauty lovers! Today I’m sharing my thoughts on a concealer that’s been around for YEARS but doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves. I’ve tested countless concealers across all price points, and sometimes the classics just hit different. Let’s dive into why this COVERGIRL Smoothers Concealer has such a loyal following!
Quick Stats
- Product: COVERGIRL Smoothers Moisturizing Solid Concealer Stick
- Shade Reviewed: Fair (730 Neutralizer)
- Format: Stick concealer (2-pack)
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, Chamomile, and Ginseng
- Best For: Under-eye circles, blemishes, and skin tone variations
- Price Point: Budget-friendly drugstore option
First Impressions & Packaging
When I first grabbed this concealer, I was honestly not expecting much. It’s not flashy or trendy – just a simple, reliable stick concealer in basic packaging. But don’t let that fool you! Sometimes the products without all the marketing hype deliver the best results.
The packaging is pretty standard – a twist-up stick format that’s travel-friendly and allows for precise application. Nothing revolutionary, but definitely practical. The 2-pack value is nice, though several reviewers mentioned receiving damaged or melted products (more on that shipping issue later).
Application Experience
This is where the COVERGIRL Smoothers really starts to shine! The texture feels smoother than you’d expect from a stick concealer at this price point. It glides on WITHOUT tugging at the delicate under-eye area – a huge plus for those of us concerned about fine lines.
The formula contains moisturizing ingredients like Vitamin E, Chamomile and Ginseng, which explains why it feels more hydrating than many other stick concealers I’ve tried. It’s not greasy at all, but has just enough slip to blend seamlessly.
For best results, I found that:
- It applies better with light strokes rather than heavy pressure
- Warming it slightly with your fingertip before application helps it melt into skin
- It builds coverage nicely without looking cakey
- Using a brush works well for precision, but fingers blend it beautifully too
Coverage & Finish
Let’s talk coverage – it’s definitely in the medium range. This isn’t going to completely obliterate the darkest under-eye circles (those genetic dark circles that make you look like you “haven’t slept in 84 years” as one reviewer hilariously put it), but it does an impressive job at evening out most discoloration.
The finish is what I’d call a natural satin – not too dewy, not too matte. It looks like SKIN rather than makeup, which is exactly what most of us want from a concealer! It doesn’t settle into fine lines as badly as many concealers do, though some reviewers with drier skin noted some creasing.
An interesting tip from several long-time users: DON’T set it with powder under the eyes! This seems counterintuitive, but apparently, the formula works better and looks more natural when left unset.
Shade Range & Tone
I tested the Fair shade, which works perfectly for light skin tones with neutral to slightly warm undertones. The shade range is admittedly limited compared to newer brands, but the Fair shade is a versatile option that seems to work well for many light-skinned users.
The undertone is slightly yellow, which actually works brilliantly for neutralizing purple or blue-toned dark circles. If you have extremely fair or pink-toned skin, you might find it slightly too warm.
Longevity & Wear
For a drugstore concealer, the staying power is pretty impressive! Without setting spray, expect about 3-4 solid hours before it starts to fade. With setting spray (but interestingly, NOT powder), you can extend the wear time considerably.
It doesn’t oxidize much throughout the day, which is a HUGE plus for a concealer at this price point. The color you apply in the morning is pretty much what you’ll still have hours later.
What I really appreciate is how it fades gracefully rather than breaking apart or getting patchy. Even when it’s not at full coverage anymore, it still looks decent.
Skin Benefits & Sensitivities
The inclusion of soothing ingredients like chamomile and ginseng isn’t just marketing – several reviewers with sensitive skin mentioned that this concealer actually seems to help CALM their skin rather than irritate it.
One long-time user even suggested that it might help clear up blemishes rather than exacerbate them, which is unusual for a concealer. It’s fragrance-free, which is great for sensitive skin types.
Several reviewers with sensitive eyes specifically mentioned never having reactions to this formula, even after years of use. That’s a pretty impressive track record!
Value & Longevity of Product
At this price point (especially for a 2-pack), the value is exceptional. Each stick lasts quite a while since you don’t need much product per application. Interestingly, multiple reviewers mentioned that this concealer performs well even PAST its expiration date – not that I’m recommending using expired makeup, but it’s good to know it has staying power!
The fact that some users have been loyal to this product for 15, 20, or even 40 YEARS says a lot about its consistent quality. It’s becoming harder to find in physical stores, which is driving many longtime fans to purchase online.
Comparisons to Higher-End Options
Several reviewers mentioned trying expensive high-end concealers only to return to this humble COVERGIRL option. When a $8-10 product outperforms ones that cost 3-4 times as much, that’s worth noting!
What seems to set this apart from pricier options is its balance of coverage and natural finish. Many high-end concealers either look too obvious or don’t provide enough coverage – this one sits in that sweet spot between the two extremes.
Who Should Buy This?
This concealer is PERFECT for:
- Anyone wanting a natural-looking, medium coverage concealer
- People with sensitive skin or eyes
- Those who prefer stick format for precision
- Fair-skinned individuals looking to cover dark circles
- Makeup minimalists who just need to cover a few spots
- Anyone who wants a reliable, no-fuss product without spending big
It might NOT be ideal for:
- Those with very severe dark circles needing full coverage
- Very dry under-eye areas that need intense hydration
- People with very deep skin tones (limited shade range)
- Those who prefer a very dewy or very matte finish
The Shipping/Melting Issue
I have to address the most common complaint in the reviews: melted or damaged products upon arrival. This seems to be an issue with shipping rather than the product itself. The concealer has a relatively low melting point, which means hot shipping conditions can cause it to arrive melted or broken.
If you’re ordering during summer months or live in a hot climate, be aware of this potential issue. Several reviewers received damaged products but still rated the actual concealer highly.
The “Discontinued in Stores” Situation
Many reviewers mentioned that they can no longer find this product in stores like Target, which has driven them to purchase online. The good news is that despite being harder to find in physical stores, COVERGIRL does still make this product – they haven’t reformulated it (unlike many other long-standing products that get “improved” to their detriment).
This scarcity in stores has created almost a cult following, with devoted users buying multiple sticks at once for fear of it being discontinued entirely!
Final Thoughts
After thoroughly testing this concealer and reading through countless user experiences, I can confidently say that the COVERGIRL Smoothers Moisturizing Concealer Stick deserves way more attention than it gets. It’s not flashy or trendy, but it WORKS – and sometimes that’s all that matters.
In a beauty world obsessed with the newest innovations and Instagram-worthy packaging, there’s something refreshing about a product that’s remained largely unchanged for decades because it simply doesn’t need improving.
If you’re on the fence about trying this concealer, I’d say go for it! At this price point, there’s little risk, and you might just discover your new holy grail concealer that you’ll be loyal to for years to come.
Pros:
- Smooth, non-tugging application
- Natural skin-like finish
- Good medium coverage
- Doesn’t settle into fine lines badly
- Contains soothing ingredients
- Fragrance-free
- Budget-friendly price
- Long-wearing for a drugstore option
- Easy to blend
- Doesn’t cause breakouts or irritation
Cons:
- Limited shade range
- Can crease slightly on very dry skin
- May not be enough coverage for severe dark circles
- Packaging isn’t particularly innovative
- Shipping issues can result in melted product
- Becoming harder to find in physical stores
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
This concealer earns a solid 4.5 stars from me. It loses half a star only for the limited shade range and the potential shipping issues. Otherwise, it’s nearly perfect for what it is – an affordable, reliable, skin-friendly concealer that outperforms many products twice its price.
Have you tried the COVERGIRL Smoothers Concealer Stick? I’d love to hear your experiences with it in the comments below!
Buy on Amazon: Here
