My Honest NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer Review
There’s always that one makeup product everyone seems to be talking about. For years now, the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer has held that coveted spot in the beauty community. Whether I’m chatting with makeup artists backstage at fashion week or catching up with my best friend over brunch, this concealer inevitably comes up.
Have I tried it? (Of course.) Do I still use it? (Absolutely.) Is it worth the hype? (Spoiler alert: yes—but let’s get into why.)
Much like how collagen comes up in any skincare convo, concealer is the unsung hero of any makeup routine. It’s the fixer, the brightener, the last-minute “I didn’t sleep but I still want to look alive” solution. And in that category, NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer has earned a reputation that’s hard to ignore. But is it just riding on years of internet fame, or does it actually deliver?
What Is the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer?
The NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is a medium-to-full coverage concealer known for its luxurious texture, luminous finish, and long-lasting formula. It’s housed in a sleek, minimal tube with a doe-foot applicator – clean, chic, and very on-brand for NARS. This concealer promises to hide imperfections, brighten under-eyes, and even skin tone, all while hydrating and nourishing the skin.
Sounds like a dream? It kind of is.
The Shade Range
Let’s talk shade range – because no matter how amazing a formula is, it needs to be accessible for everyone.
The Radiant Creamy Concealer comes in 30 shades with a thoughtful range of undertones – neutral, warm, and cool. Whether you’re porcelain pale or have rich, deep skin, there’s a pretty solid chance you’ll find your match.
I wear Custard when I want something close to my natural tone, but I also keep Vanilla and Ginger in rotation depending on whether I’m going for a brighter under-eye or something more corrective. The undertones are nuanced, which is a big win – no weird ashy gray cast here.
Texture & Application
True to its name, the texture is creamy – but not thick or cakey. It glides on effortlessly and blends like a dream, whether you’re using a sponge, brush, or your fingers. The formula doesn’t dry down too quickly, which gives you time to work it in and build coverage where you need it.
I like to dot it under my eyes, around my nose, and on any hyperpigmentation I’m targeting that day. It layers well, doesn’t cling to dry patches, and somehow manages to look like real skin even with multiple layers.
The finish? Radiant, yes – but not shiny or greasy. It gives a subtle glow that catches the light in all the right ways, making your skin look awake, alive, and, dare I say, filtered.
Coverage & Wear Time
Let’s be real: a concealer can have the perfect shade and texture, but if it creases or disappears by lunchtime, what’s the point?
Luckily, the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer holds its own. It offers buildable medium to full coverage, which means you can go sheer for a no-makeup-makeup day or layer it up for glam nights out. Once it’s set with a bit of powder, it stays put for up to 8-10 hours without fading or creasing dramatically.
That said, if you have very oily skin or tend to experience creasing under the eyes, I do recommend setting it with a translucent powder. It’s not a miracle worker – but it’s impressively close.
What Skin Types Is It Best For?
This is one of the most common questions I get: “Will it work for my dry/oily/combination skin?”
The short answer: yes.
The longer answer: it’s formulated to work for all skin types. The hydrating ingredients (think: vitamin E, grape seed extract, and magnolia bark extract) help it feel nourishing without being greasy. It’s non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and dermatologist-tested, making it a great choice even for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
For dry skin? It won’t emphasize flakes or dehydration.
For oily skin? Set it well and it won’t budge.
For mature skin? The radiant finish helps blur fine lines rather than settling into them.
Basically, it’s your ride-or-die concealer no matter what your skin is doing.
Is It Worth It?
At around $32 a pop, it’s not exactly drugstore priced – but it’s also not as steep as some luxury concealers out there. And considering how little product you actually need per use (a dot or two goes a long way), one tube can easily last several months even with daily use.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Wide shade range with nuanced undertones
Creamy, blendable texture
Natural, radiant finish
Long-lasting wear (up to 10 hours)
Hydrating ingredients that support skin health
Works well on all skin types
Doubles as a highlighter or contour depending on the shade
Cons:
Slightly pricey (but worth it, IMO)
Can crease slightly without setting powder (especially under eyes)
Not 100% full coverage for very intense discoloration (but close)
Final Thoughts
So – after years of constant buzz and near-iconic status, does the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer still deserve a place in your makeup bag?
Absolutely.
It’s one of those rare products that lives up to the hype. It checks nearly every box: coverage, finish, longevity, skin-friendliness, and shade range. Whether you’re a makeup minimalist or a full-beat devotee, it seamlessly fits into your routine. It’s the concealer you reach for when you need your skin to look good – fast.
And honestly? There’s a reason it has that name. “Radiant” and “creamy” are exactly what you get.