Stila Perfecting Concealer is pretty much the mother truckin’ jam. I’ve been under the weather and not sleeping well, so my dark circles have taken on a scary, Marc Anthony-esque purple hue.
The cold I caught the other day made me want to stay home from the office, tucked under blankets on the couch, but a big project at work meant I had to tough it out, so, what was I going to do about the scary dark purple circles under my eyes?
The answer to my dark circles was Stila’s Perfecting Concealer in Shade F. I’ve been applying it with my Sonia Kashuk Concealer Brush and then smoothing out the edges with a fingertip.
Perfecting Concealer covers up my circles really well — almost too well, in fact. I think my boss started doubting whether or not I was really sick because I looked almost like my normal self.
I love the pigmentation Stila crammed into this stuff. I barely need to use any at all — just two tiny dots per eye (diminishing returns beyond that). At this rate, I figure this one lil’ tube should last a long while.
The formula comes in a bit on the thick side, but it’s still a cinch to apply and blend. As far as longevity, it easily lasts all day long without even beginning to fade.
I love natural looking cosmetics. Being made up without looking made up is always a challenge, but Perfecting Concealer is up to the task. The coverage almost couldn’t be more natural. The product doesn’t settle into my fine lines and doesn’t appear too obvious or like it’s sitting on top of my skin.
Scary circles before Stila Perfecting Concealer — picture taken without the camera flash
After one layer of Stila Perfecting Concealer — also without the flash
Before, with the flash
After, with the flash
Stila Perfecting Concealer
Price: $22
Use: To conceal dark circles and skin discolorations
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+
For me, Perfecting Concealer is a hidden gem in the Stila line. I dunno how I’ve made it so long without it! Now, of course, I’m stoked to try the other face products in the line. Stila seems to have a great shade selection. Here’s to good luck finding a matching foundation and powder, too!
Do you have experience with Stila foundations, concealers or powders? How do you feel about the line?
Feeling almost back to normal… 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Dao says
September 4th, 2008 at 3:10 pmI’m glad you’re feeling better today. That concealer works very well and doesn’t seem to set on fine lines. I need some concealer too! Thanks for posting, now you go get some rest, ok?
Daos last blog post..Does Wet n’ Wild Mega Glo Look Familiar to You?
Trisha says
September 4th, 2008 at 3:12 pmYeah, you make me want to buy it. You have magical writing powers like that. And you still look like you in the after photos.
Does it have a fragrance at all?
Trishas last blog post..Daily Lipstick Look – Wednesday 9-3-08
Anna says
September 4th, 2008 at 4:33 pmHi Kare,
Glad you’re feeling abit better. Lots more rest and liquids for you madame.
That concealer looks good, as I’m gettin older, the dark circles seem to be more obvious and harder to shift. Concealer is starting to become my best friend !!
Breana (loves makeup reviews) says
September 4th, 2008 at 4:38 pmI have never really been a fan of Stila but, like Trisha, you make it awfully tempting to try this out.
Breana (loves makeup reviews)s last blog post..Highlighting and Contouring
Karen says
September 4th, 2008 at 4:40 pmHi Dao,
This is a good one to start with. It’s non-drying, too. 🙂
I’ll be sure to relax this afternoon. Hope you’ve been having a good week.
Karen says
September 4th, 2008 at 4:40 pmHi Trisha,
My nose is stuffed up but I remember it not having any smell when I picked it up a few days ago. 🙂 It’s fab!
Karen says
September 4th, 2008 at 4:40 pmHi Anna,
Yes ma’am. I’m about to have a big vat of water with some Emergen-C right now.
Concealer is soooo my homegirl. I can’t go outside without it. What kind is your fave?
What I really want to try now is the illuminating one! I probably couldn’t use it by itself, but I’m guessing it might be nice for a lil’ something in the inner corners.
Karen says
September 4th, 2008 at 5:12 pmHi Breanna,
It’s good stuff. I hope you try it. 🙂
Jen says
September 4th, 2008 at 6:02 pmSo glad you are feeling better Karen! (Its funny how used to your site I am… I kept coming back to see if there was any new posts!)
I loooove this concealer. Working full time and doing a Master’s degree while taking care of the hubby and the pups has definitely “earned” me the right to go try this out. You are the best!!!
ps. MAC is having one of those cool workshops, like the one you went to, in Miami, FL (where I am from)… for your loyal south floridian readers. Its at Dadeland Mall… I’ve already signed up, and as you can see I am QUITE excited!
Wow… for being my second or third comment that was quite long!!! (sorry!) 🙂
Lehea says
September 4th, 2008 at 6:58 pmGlad you found something that works for you! I’ve been using Cover Girl’s TRUconceal concealer lately, and it’s been doing well for me. I also have a tube of Amazing Cosmetic’s concealer. That stuff is da bomb at hiding blemishes! It probably does a good job with under eye circles too. I should try it out one time.
Karen says
September 4th, 2008 at 7:17 pmHi Jen,
Thanks, girlie! You are totally right… you have “earned” this bad boy. I hope you can find a shade that fits ya just perfectly.
I’m excited that you’ll be going to a workshop. Will it be interactive, where you get to put on makeup, or will it be lecture-style? BTW, funny you mention Miami — I just booked a flight there for November. My best friend is getting married in Boca Raton, so I’m going to fly in for her wedding, and then drive down into the Keys with El Hub! Have you ever been down there? If yes, what should I def. hit up?
Karen says
September 4th, 2008 at 7:19 pmHi Lehea,
My friend swears by Amazing Cosmetics concealer. I tried it the last time I went to Sephora but can’t find a shade that I think will work for me. Which one do you use?
Jen says
September 4th, 2008 at 7:45 pmI believe the workshop will be a mixture of both. The MA told me that I would learn techniques… I hope I get to do some hands-on stuff.
All of south florida is worth seeing. the keys are definitely BEAUTIFUL. I havent been down there in a while but key west’s duvall street is a must. I hear there’s a ton of eateries, bars, shops and nightlife. As soon as school starts again I will do some research for you and give you more specifics… my classmates are a lot “hipper” than I am… LOL.
**Such a small world… Amazing you have a wedding in my neck of the woods!**
jessica says
September 4th, 2008 at 7:50 pmKaren– You are such a bad influence on me. I just went out and snagged a tube of this in shade E from Ulta. It’s okay though because I’ve been in dire need of a good concealer that isn’t so oily on my already oily skin. My eyeliner always seems to migrate down under my eyes and I have a sneaking suspicion it is because my concealer is too oily… Anyways I’ll let you know how the Stila works out for me! $22 is a little steep for my usual bargain-friendly self but it is a vast upgrade from my Covergirl concealer in a lipstick tube, that’s for sure.
Glad you’re feeling better! =)
Marisol says
September 4th, 2008 at 8:09 pmWhat an awesome concealer! I am gonna check it out cause sometimes a girl needs a little help.
Alicia says
September 4th, 2008 at 8:44 pmThanks so much for a great review! When I saw the results from the pictures I actually said WOW out loud. lol. I might get this now. It looks so good and does such a good job without looking to heavy!!
Glosslizard says
September 4th, 2008 at 9:01 pmI’m so glad you’re feeling better! 🙂
Ha! I always have the same dilemma when I’m sick! On the one hand, I want to look a leeetle bit bad so people believe I’m sick, but on the other hand I can put my cosmetic skills to the test!… the challenge, the challenge! 😉
Kristin says
September 4th, 2008 at 9:06 pmGreat to hear that you are feeling better! I absolutely adore your reviews and appreciate the time and detail that goes into making them. (The pictures are so helpful as well).
I absolutely love the Stila line. I currently use the Stila Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15. It is amazing. I will never go back to foundation because this stuff is fantastic. Even though the coverage is on the light side, I will definitely have to try and incorporate the Perfecting Concealer into my daily routine after reading your review!
p.s.: Stila lip glazes are awesome too. My current favourite is Peach. Love those fresh summer colours!
Karen says
September 4th, 2008 at 9:09 pmHi Jen,
Oh fun! I’m sure you’ll learn a lot of really great tricks!
My best friend’s fiancee is from Miami, which is why they decided to get married there. 🙂 I’ve never been so I’m very excited to go. Plus, we’ve known each other for over 20 years so I suspect it’ll be a pretty emotional event.
So far the thing I’m looking forward to seeing most in Key West is visiting Hemingway’s House! Oh, and snorkeling. I’m not very not hip, LOL!
Karen says
September 4th, 2008 at 9:10 pmHi Marisol,
Girl, I need lot of help, LOL. Those circles are no joke!
Karen says
September 4th, 2008 at 9:10 pmHi Alicia,
You are so cute, I can’t believe you said, “Wow!”. 🙂 Anyway, yeah, I find that liquid concealers look less heavy than cream ones in the pan. They’re also easier to apply, too (gotta love being lazy). Which brands have you used in the past?
Karen says
September 4th, 2008 at 9:14 pmHi Glosslizard,
Thanks! My nose is still a lil’ stuffed (no perfume reviews for me tonight), but at least I’m no longer cold, achy or tired.
Yeah, this stuff fools people pretty darn well! I think that my boss eventually figured out that I was under the weather when she saw that I was wearing a sweatshirt and a down parka.
Karen says
September 4th, 2008 at 9:23 pmHi Kristin,
Thanks, girlie! 🙂 I have heard many great things about Stila Tinted Moisturizer. I’m going to check it out (along with some other things) when I go back to Sephora tomorrow.
I am itching to try the Hydrating Loose Powder, too. And the Convertible Color. And…
Lehea says
September 4th, 2008 at 11:23 pmI use Light Golden for the AC concealer. The consistency seems similar to that of the Stila one, and a little goes a really long way.
Angel says
September 5th, 2008 at 7:30 amI’ve never tried Stila before (aargh. Student budget), but you’re really making it tempting! Looks great on you!
Hope you’re feeling better!
Shockingpink says
September 5th, 2008 at 7:31 amI am a big big Stila fan!
I need to tell you that I haven’t tried the concealer yet, I definitely will.
Also, I LOVE the tinted moisturizer, make sure you get the new one that is oil free and SPF 30. It has medium coverage compared to the one with sheer coverage (the one with spf 15). i love it.i do not need foundation i just need my tinted moisturizer. i am currently using the stila loose powder something haha I forgot what it’s called and I’m also excited to try out the hydrating finishing powder.ahhh! I love Stila 🙂
Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.net says
September 5th, 2008 at 9:39 amI’m a huge fan of concealer PERIOD! It is my BFF.
Mrs. Lynne, MakeupFix.nets last blog post..MAC News: MAC Sr. Artists Will Be "Twittering" This Fashion Season!
lexi says
September 5th, 2008 at 11:05 ami use to be a full on STILA girl – i used a lot of their products and because i’m such a lipstick whore I cannot comit to just one brand, ie. my walk of shame back to MAC.
i LOVE their concealer – i used the tinted moisturizer – the luminating powder. i also tried both foundation formulas. i have to say my favorite product will always be the lip glaze – the peach and tangering shades are hot without liner and a tan complexion! the shadows are smooth and blends easily. My favorite liner is the gel pot liners but the drawback is that it dries out easily so you must always shut the pot tightly. one of the best things about the line is the packaging and the Stila girl illustrations. To me it is a super feminine line without being overly girly! wow with all this Stila talk I may have to revisit the line.
Indian Girl says
September 5th, 2008 at 1:28 pmIsnt this a great concealer! I tried it at Ulta a few weeks back and absolutely loved how creamy it was! Hope you are feeling better!
Indian Girls last blog post..Indian Bridal Makeup Tips
Tali says
September 5th, 2008 at 3:41 pmWOW! That stuff is amazing. Marc Anthony is deffinately in need of some.. although im wandering if bright eyes will help! He may just look dead tired with bright eyes!
I have a problem though. Im tanned for summer and about to be more tanned as im going back home to croatia till mid-october. I never know what to purchase. Concealer for winter or for summer.. or what shade as the tan varies.
I already own 4 different colored mineral (bare.es.) foundations i just cant do the same with concealer!
Vandana says
September 5th, 2008 at 4:54 pmA fabulous review! I am definitely going to be buying this one on my next online shopping spree 😀 Also, I forgot that mac has a mineralize face powder…I was hoping for a tutorial with the mac mineralize eyeshadow.
I’m glad you’re feeling better 😀 and THANK YOU!!!
sammie says
September 6th, 2008 at 2:29 pmLOL, I think my dark circles are even worse than Marc Anthony’s! Does it work on *really* dark panda-rivaling-industrial-strength dark circles?
Cynthia says
September 8th, 2008 at 8:07 pmGlad this worked out for you. I could definitely see how it helped conceal the pigmentation under your eyes. I may try this out one of these days. No matter how much sleep I get (or don’t get) I always have these dark circles under my eyes. I think it’s one of those annoying genetic things.
….Oh, and I grew up in the Sunset District, just on the other side of the park from the Richmond. So did you go to Wash?
Michaelle says
July 3rd, 2018 at 10:47 amLove this product! Can you believe that Stila product managers have decided to discontinue the entire line? This now leaves all us without this amazing product. Not happy with Stila’s executive decision to kill the line.