NYX HD Studio Photogenic Concealer Review

HD Photogenic Concealer Wand has over 5,400 reviews on Ulta.com

Let’s talk about a NYX concealer, specifically the HD Photogenic Concealer Wand. This one is a favorite, with an average **** 4.1 rating on Ulta’s website. Out of 5,400 reviewers, 86% recommend this product. But why? For starters, it’s available in 20 shades, and offers three color correcting shades in purple, yellow, and green. And, it retails for just $6 (love that!). I’ve got to say, there’s definitely a reason this concealer is loved. But, there’s also a few caveats with this concealer that I do want to point out. Let’s jump into NYX HD Studio Photogenic Concealer Review.

Promises vs. Performance: An emollient-rich formula that covers just about anything.

NYX’s famous HD Photogenic Concealer Wand promises to conceal imperfections, while also color correcting redness, discoloration, and under eye circles. It claims to provide a medium to full coverage that never looks cakey or obvious with its natural finish. With 20 shades to choose from, this concealer claims to be “perfect for everyone.” And, there’s even three color correcting shades (yellow, purple, green). Whether you’re looking to conceal or correct, NYX promises their concealer will do it.

My Review Thoughts: NYX HD Studio Photogenic Concealer

One of my biggest cons to this concealer is the shade range. While there is a larger shade range, the colors aren’t very accurate to actual skin tones. I have to mix shades ‘Fair’ and ‘Light’ to get an accurate shade max (good thing this concealer is only $6!). It does blend in pretty easily, whether you prefer using your fingertips, a brush, or a dampened sponge. I love that I don’t have to set this concealer and it will still stay in place. However, a setting powder does help extend the longevity and prevent creasisng.

As far as the wear, like I said, setting with a powder will help increase the longevity. My second caveat with this concealer is that it can be drying under the eyes. I find that when I use this concealer I need to give my under eye area a little TLC before applying. Though, it’s nothing an eye cream or eye mask can’t fix! Plus, who doesn’t love a bit of pre-makeup pampering? Be sure to check out this list of concealers from the drugstore (rated ****4.0+) that I love!

Quick Rating Rundown

This Product

*** (3.8)

Price: $6.00

*** (3.8)

Application

**** (4.2)

Coverage

*** (4.0)

Texture

**** (3.6)

Longevity

*** (3.7)

Shade Range

*** (3.6)

Extra Benefits

**** (4.0)

MILABU PICKS

***** (4.0+)

Price: $5 – $16

***** (4.5+)

Application

***** (4.5+)

Coverage

***** (4.5+)

Texture

***** (4.5+)

Longevity

***** (4.5+)

Shade Range

***** (4.5+)

Extra Benefits

***** (4.5+)

How It Compares: A fan favorite, but this isn’t my #1 concealer pick.

This NYX concealer is a fan favorite for a reason. It’s buildable light to medium coverage provides a natural finish that conceals and corrects imperfections, redness, and discoloration. One of the things I enjoy most about this concealer is that I don’t have to set it. It wears beautifully with or without a powder on top. Unfortunately, the shade range is a bit off. Even with 20 shades, I still find myself having to mix two in order to get a good match. Another thing I don’t love is that it can be a bit drying under the eyes. Even without setting, HD Photogenic Concealer can look dry, so it’s definitely necessary to prep the under eyes with a good eye cream.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind (rated ****4.1) remains my pick for standard drugstore concealer for a few reasons. First, the shade range. With 25 shades to choose from, I don’t need to mix two shades to get my perfect match. Second, it’s brightening. I love how bright and awake this concealer makes my under eyes look. And, lastly, it doesn’t look dry. I don’t find that I have to give my under eye area any extra prep when using this classic. One thing I will say about this concealer is that the packaging and application is messy!

Milabu Beauty Method: Make sure you prep the under eyes!

1. Before applying any makeup, prep your under eye area with an eye cream. I enjoy the Origins Ginzing Eye Cream ($34) for day time use.
2. Apply foundation. I will always sing the praises of L’Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear ($15.99). It’s my holy grail drugstore foundation!
3. Using the doe foot applicator, swipe a bit of concealer under the eye and on any areas you wish to conceal.
4. My favorite way to blend out HD Photogenic Concealer is with a dampened sponge. If you’re looking for a good one, I recommend e.l.f.’s Total Face Sponge ($6).
5. Set with a lightweight powder. I recommend using a loose powder over pressed since this product can wear on the drier side. Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder ($8.49) is one of my favorites.