If there’s one brand that knows how to do base products, it’s Nars. On the whole, concealer is a product that I don’t mind splurging on. It’s the one product I don’t usually skip, and finding a concealer that ticks all the boxes is important to me. As a beauty enthusiast I got sucked into the hype of the new Soft Matte Complete Concealer, and I was intrigued to see how it compared to my trusty Radiant Creamy Concealer (and hopefully it saves you £24 and the need to only pick one up…).
The shade is hugely important when it comes to concealer, and one of the many benefits of choosing a premium brand like Nars is the amount of shades they have! I use the shade Vanilla in both concealers. It’s the 2nd lightest shade and has a fairly neutral tone. I have to admit, I do wish there was a shade in-between Chantilly (the lightest shade) and Vanilla so it would be more brightening for under the eyes, but both concealers are blendable making this less of a concern.
The Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer comes out slightly darker when swatched on the skin, but once blended I found the two concealers to be pretty much identical in shade. I don’t find either to oxidise on the skin either, so I can be safe in the knowledge it’s not going to change colour after I’ve applied it.
The Radiant Creamy concealer provides a full coverage with a matte finish. Although it does provide a good coverage, I have pretty bad dark blue around my eyes so I do prefer even more colour correction/ coverage once it has been blended. I find this concealer can make my skin look quite flat rather than illuminated as you would expect from the name. Having said that, it does a good job of concealing blemishes without making them look dry or cakey.
The Soft Matte Complete concealer is almost how I expected the radiant creamy concealer to look in the first place, it’s brightening and super full coverage without looking cakey. The lightweight, creamy texture blends in with the skin seamlessly creating a flawless finish. I’ve found using my finger then a damp Beauty Blender the best way to blend both of these concealers. I tend to use this for larger areas to conceal and when my skin is particularly oily this tends to work well.
In terms of the coverage and finish, it’s hard to pick a favourite, but the soft matte complete concealer wins for me. I have combination skin, so although it’s matte it doesn’t look cakey. It’s incredibly pigmented so it covers really well with the smallest amount, and it leaves my skin looking naturally flawless. It’s surprising because I like it for both concealing blemishes and around the eyes, it doesn’t crease and does the job without looking unnatural.
I have combination skin and both concealers do last well on me. After an 8 hour shift the concealer around my eyes will still be there for both. One thing I have noticed however is the soft matte complete concealer can start to look a little dry around my eyes, especially during the winter months. The soft matte complete is better for any oily areas of my skin, and the radiant creamy concealer works better for dry.
Both of the concealers are £24, so they are on the pricey side. I know of a couple of people that agree with me that the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer seems to run out really quick, which isn’t surprisingly when the tube only contains 6ml. I’m hoping the Soft Matte concealer will last longer, a little goes a long way compared to the Radiant Creamy so fingers crossed.
I thought that the Nars Radiant Creamy concealer was always going to be a holy grail *must repurchase* product for me, but the Soft Matte concealer has quickly taken its place!
What’s your favourite high end concealer?
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I've actually thought about buying the Radiant Creamy concealer, due to all the rave about it from bloggers and YouTubers. Maybe I'll have to try the Soft Matte instead! :)http://thatsellen.blogspot.com
Maybe go into store and try both and see what you think? I know the radiant creamy is popular with a lot of people but for me the soft matte is just a total game changer. Some how it manages to cover imperfections whilst still look natural and non cakey!
I personally love the Estee Lauder Double Wear concealer (not heavy at all, even when you might think that by the name) :)xx Lisa | lisaautumn.com
Oo I really should have tried that considering just how much I love the Estee Lauder Double Wear foundations!
I love both of these concealers but I think my favourite is the Soft Matte!It just makes my skin look really soft and perfected!Danielle xxhttp://www.fashionbeautyblog.co.uk/
It's beautiful isn't it, I haven't used anything else since!
I've wanted to try the creamy concealer for years but never have and now I think I need the soft matte instead! Decisions! xxAlice Anne // Annie Writes Beauty
Ahh yes the soft matte is soooo good! I've never tried a concealer like it x
I really want to try the soft matte one! I've been hearing everyone talking about it for ages xxxhttp://fallingforablog.blogspot.com.es/2017/05/what-to-wear-when-you-dont-know-what-to.html
It's brilliant!
Such a good review – I wouldn't have thought to buy the Soft Matte concealer because I love the Radiant Creamy concealer so much but reading this has made me think twice!!! Beautiful pictures as always xxLaura | http://www.mylauralife.co.uk
Ahh I do still like the radiant creamy, but the soft matte just wins for me, it's like nothing I've tried! You'll love the soft matte complete concealer x
I personally don't like the Radiant Creamy Concealer, but I'm really tempted to try the Nars Soft Matte Concealer, which is funny because considering the names, the Radiant Creamy Concealer would have been more up my street, just because I don't expect a brightening effect from a matte concealer! But I'm definitely adding it to my wishlist, thank you for sharing 🙂 http://fannyanddailybeauty.com
Exactly, almost as if the names should swap isn't it! Really hope you love it if you end up getting it, I haven't used another concealer since having it in my collection!
I picked up the Radiant Concealer a couple of years back and absolutely loved it, but I haven't picked it up since due to how quick I went through it. Reading this has made me realise the Soft Matte Concealer is what I need to try instead. Kristy | The Violet Blonde
Yeah it runs out so fast! I don't think I'll ever repurchase the radiant creamy, I just love the soft matte complete x
Totally want to try out the Soft Matte concealer now! This is such a good review girl!! Thanks for sharing an honest review!Brooks | Live. Laugh. Love & Make Up
Thank you lovely! x
I've always used the radiant concealer and I do love it, but it totally runs out quickly. I actually tried a new under eye concealer from Becca recently and was amazed at the results. It completely concealed dark circles, better than anything I'd used previously x Tiffany Tales | Lifestyle & Beauty
It's ridiculous isn't it! Oo I've only ever tried a couple of things from Becca so I need to look into the brand more x
I purchased the Soft Matte today and I'm so excited to see how it goes, the Radiant Creamy is my current holy grail so I have high expectations.
Ahh yes! It's so good x
I was actually thinking about purchasing both?! Hmm I will see but this was really helpful! I think I will try soft matte concealer first! Have a nice day Kiki x http://www.kikibeingkiki.com
Ahh I really don't think the radiant creamy is worth it now having tried the soft matte, but a lot of people do really enjoy both! x
I honestly think I love both, the Radiant Creamy sounds great for the under eyes and the Soft Matte sounds perfect for highlighting and blemishes. Both seem worth it to me, although they are expensive. Thank you for sharing xxxALittleKiran | Bloglovin
True, I think the soft matte layered over the radiant creamy would work well. They are pricey, but worth it! x
Such a useful post for me Jodie as, as you know, I recently got the soft matte concealer and I love it. I was thinking of trying out the creamy concealer as I've still never tried that but now I don't think I'll bother!The Makeup Directory
The soft matte complete concealer was definitely the right choice! The Maybelline fit Me concealer is a really good dupe except it has slightly more coverage and is more hydrating in my opinion, so if not even better 🙂
I've wanted to try the radiant creamy concealer for ages, and since the new soft matte who was released, I've wanted to try that as well well, both on my wish list!Lucy | Forever September
I wish I lived near a counter because it would definitely make the decision easier considering how expensive they are!
I need to try the Soft Matte concealer, it sounds really good! xMummy's Beauty Corner
It's quickly become my holy grail concealer, I'm so impressed! x
The concealer looks gorgeous, love the swatch! I just wish it was a little cheaper. I go through so much concealer I really don't like spending lots on it! Damn student budget. Lauren x Huggled
I still haven't tried any Nars concealer, that has to change. Thanks for sharing!Vanessa x | http://www.springlilies.com
Okay, you're selling me on the Soft Matte! It sounds perfect! Jenn │ Beauty by Jellybean
You've sold me on the soft matte concealer! I love the creamy concealer but it did run out in record breaking time (and I haven't repurchased because of the price) so I'm definitely going to give soft matte a go once my current concealer runs out 🙂 xxwww.fridayfaye.com
I feel similarly on this! When I first tried the Radiant Creamy, there weren't that many options out but now I'm a bit cooler on it. Soft Matte has knocked my socks off and my pot is still going strong after ages, so I do agree it's probably better value too. I already have a backup… haha Jasmine xx Jasmine Talks Beauty