I got a little carried away with the Sephora Semi-Annual Sale (if you see my wish list here you’ll understand) but as the hype surrounding the sale is now slowly wavering off, it’s time I move on with my regular life. First on my work agenda for the week is the YSL All Hours Concealer. I’ve been so impressed with the All Hours range from YSL (see a review of the YSL ALL Hours Full Coverage Matte Foundation with before and after photos here), that I felt this concealer as well deserved its own moment of shine. And given the topic, I figured it’s also a great opportunity to share with you my concealer routine and how I manage my under eye dark circles.
My under eye area has always been one of my trouble spots. Partly because of genetics and mostly because of lack of sleep. I suffer from dry sensitive under-eyes, dark circles and blue veins that come through when I’ve had too little sleep. When not managed properly, my under-eyes make me feel very self-conscious about my appearance. I feel like they can age me and make me look worn-out. Of course I’ve invested in some eye creams that I believe have helped (read here and here), but concealer remains a daily must for me.
My Concealer Routine
My regular concealer routine (as it truly feels like a routine these days) involves a corrector, such as the Urban Decay Correcting Fluid in Peach or the Tarte Under Eye CC Cream, on top of which I apply a full coverage concealer like the NARS Creamy Radiant Concealer, the By Terry Touche Veloutee or the La Mer Concealer previously mentioned here. On days when I really need to step up my beauty game for an event or social function, I also opt for an illuminator like the YSL Touche Éclat or the Charlotte Tilbury Retoucher, which I dot on top of the previously applied full coverage concealer. I set everything with my Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre or my Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Powder. Luckily all of the above mentioned products work seamlessly together and don’t cake throughout the day, but all the layering takes time and effort.
YSL All Hours Full Coverage Concealer
The YSL All Hours is a very versatile concealer that combines the benefits of a corrector and a full coverage concealer. It’s advertised as follows:
- instantly blurs and erases dark circles, bags, redness, hyperpigmentation, broken capillaries, age spots and discoloration
- resists fading, heat, humidity, sweat and touch
- has a 16-hour wear formula
- requires NO touch-ups
The YSL All Hours Concealer comes in a tube with a doe-foot applicator that is very easy to use, never drags under the eyes and eliminates the need to dip your fingers into a pot. There are 6 shades in the range and I’ve been using shade No. 3 Almond. I simply apply it in a V-shape along my under-eyes, as seen in the photos below. Aside from using the YSL All Hours for proper concealing of my under-eyes, I’ve also used this one to instantly brighten up my face by applying it down the center of my nose, in between my brows, and for sculpting in the hallow of my cheeks. I blend it all in with my Artis Oval 6 (reviewed here) or a beauty blender.
The concealer does an excellent job counteracting fatigue and camouflaging any dark circles or blue veins that are more intense when I don’t get enough sleep. The formula is creamy, smooth and doesn’t settle or accentuate my fine lines. I would say the finish is a soft matte, slightly brightening the area. Although this concealer has dimethicone listed as the third ingredient on the list, I find that it’s very kind to my dry under-eyes and it doesn’t irritate my sensitive eye area. I’ve never used it for the advertised 16 hours, but it definitely lasts for a good 12 hours without the need to touch it up.
The YSL All Hours Full Coverage Concealer is one of those products that has the potential to become a classic amongst beauty lovers. It has definitely secured a stable spot in my own makeup bag.
Since concealers are the products I hoard the most (alongside foundation), I’d be curious to know some of your personal favorites. What are some concealers you simply can’t live without? Please do share in the comments below.
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Concealers are my weakness too! Since my makeup history began with undereyes being the crucial character, im always wanting to experiment with different formulas! So this is going on the menu!
My favs are the bareminerals serum concealer and nyx gotcha covered! I love the urban decay formula but im not in love With the shade range!
Thank you for reading and for the recommendations. I have tried the NYX concealer a while back and I remember liking it. It’s definitely a good concealer and you can’t beat the price. I now need to try the bare minerals one! Sounds like something I would like as well. ~ Cat L.
Cat,
You look truly amazing as usual! I just love the opaque coverage in one swipe and truly think this is going to become one of my favorites. The older I get, the more concealer is becoming my makeup bestie!
xx,
Dom
http://www.calibeaute.com
Thank you Dom, you’re always so kind to me! I hear you and same here. The older I get, the more self-conscious I become of my eye area. A good concealer and a great eye cream are must haves for me. ~ Cat L.
I use the Nars concealer currently but I tried this one too and I must admit I was impressed!
Thanks for sharing darling.
xx
Lyna
http://www.beautybylynmed.com
Both the Nars and this YSL are excellent choices in my humble opinion, so you’re well taken care of! ~ Cat L.
Well this sounds pretty fab!! Love the fact it lasts for so long. Under eye concealer is always my first touch up of the day! At the moment I’m loving the clarins instant light concealer which gives good coverage and really brightens the under eye. Other faves are the Nars creamy concealer and the ysl touch eclat. I’m heading over to the department stores this weekend so with def check this ysl one out. Really like the look of the applicator! Thanks for a great review Cat xxx
I was very impressed with this concealer! Given that you like the NARS creamy one and the touche éclat, I think you’re really gonna like this ALL Hours concealer. I’ve added the Clarins one to my list. I haven’t tried much from them, but so far I’ve really enjoyed every Clarins product I’ve tried (mainly the Double Serum and their SPF). Thank you for reading and for the recommendations! ~ Cat L.
I don’t use a lot concealers but this one looks pretty fab ! You’re awesome as usual without and with makeup my lovely friend 🙂 xx
Kédidja ~ beautymoodboard.com
Thank you for stopping by, Kédidja . I think you would really enjoy this concealer, hope you get a chance to try it! ~ Cat L.
This is one of my favorite concealers ever since I got it, i’m so glad you are enjoying it too!!
Thank you for stopping by, Linda. I was very impressed with this concealer. I like that it provides full coverage benefits but that it’s not completely opaque. It still does a great job illuminating the eye area without emphasizing lines! ~ Cat L.