Now that has to be one of the longest product names in history!
And one of the most talked about products, too. Whenever favorite drugstore concealers are mentioned, this one is most likely on the list.
When a product gets that much love, I go though different phases:
1. “I need it in my life, immediately!”
Lasts between a few seconds and a few days, until I realize I should probably use the three other concealers waiting for me in my drawer first.
2. “Let´s see if it sticks around.”
Lasts between weeks and months, usually depending on the availability of the product.
This is when I pin it to my Pinterest board. And promise to buy it after I tested all the other concealers in my drawer first.
3. “Screw it, everyone is still talking about it. I am a blogger after all, I need to be up to date!”
If I am lucky, this happens after I really tested out at least one of the other concealers already waiting in my drawer…
And then there is phase 4: The one where I am testing and testing and finally writing down my opinion for you guys.
Here is what I think about MAYBELLINE Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles + Treatment – Neutralizer.
What Maybelline claims:
Active formula and Micro-Corrector Applicator erase dark circles, puffiness and fine lines instantly. Micro-Corrector Applicator micro-fills and smoothes. Active formula with Haloxyl reduces the look of puffiness and shadows while fading the appearance of under-eye circles.
Facts:
This product is readily available in most drugstores, prices varying depending on where you buy it, but usually around 10 € in store or on Amazon here.
It contains 6,8 ml of product. Now I use it almost everyday, and after two months of testing still have half of it left, so it should last a decent time.
There are four different shades available (Fair, Light, Medium, Honey), as well as two meant for different purposes: “The Neutralizer”, meant to cancel out very dark circles, and “The Brightener”, meant to be used as highlighter.
I chose “Light”, as “Fair” was way to pink on me (I am MAC NC 15), and as you can see in the picture below it is a little too yellow.
To be honest, I am not a big fan of the packaging.
The “Micro-Corrector Applicator”, a sponge tip applicator, feels nice and does a great job at depositing the product, but I cant help but wonder about hygiene. You are advised not to wet and clean the sponge, so as time goes by, I get a little apprehensive in using it.
It is almost impossible to stop it from gross looking, too. Product just gets everywhere once you put back the cap…
Haloxyl
The one ingredient claiming to be beneficial and named responsible for reducing puffiness and the appearance of dark circles.
There is little research on this topic, but some data suggests that the peptides included prevent the iron deposited into the skin to be broken down and thus change color, which would make the skin appear darker. It is also said to make skin firmer and thus less “see-through”, reducing the appearance of dark circles.
Does it live up to its claims?
No.
First of all, it is just mediocre as concealer in my opinion. In no way it “erases dark circles”.
When it comes to fine lines (and I have a lot of them to test products on, believe me!), they aren’t erased either. I´ll admit that it doesn’t settle into fine lines, which is always a bonus, but that is about it.
After using it for two months, I can safely say that my dark circles are about the same as they were before. Some days are better, some days are worse, but they are like they always were, which doesn’t surprise me. I think they are mostly genetical.
Will I rebuy?
No.
It is a decent concealer if you don’t have too many issues, but I need a little more help in the dark circles department. Maybe “The Neutralizer” would have worked better for me.
I really don’t like the applicator. It looks gross right now, sitting next to my keyboard.
And as far as long-term benefits go, I´d rather invest in a separate eye cream.
Who do I recommend it to?
If your dark circles aren´t too bad and you are on a budget, this might work very well for you.
If you are young and not ready yet to commit to using a separate eye cream, but still want some prevention, this might be what you are looking for.
If concealer settling into your fine lines is your major concern, grab this one.
But I guess I am back to take a closer look at the other concealers waiting in my drawer. Until something new and exciting hits the blogosphere!
Have you tried the “Eraser” before? Did you see long-term benefits?
Which phases do you go through before actually buying something?