I test every concealer that comes out. Seriously. I estimate that I’ve tried about 100 formulas during my time as a beauty editor, so believe me when I say that Westman Atelier’s new Vital Skincare Concealer will change the way you approach makeup.
The $46 concealer is the definition of a jack of all trades. “This formula offers a really precise, super airy, medium to full coverage that goes on quickly and creates a flawless base,” Westman Atelier founder Gucci Westman, who works with Jennifer Aniston, Anne Hathaway and Gwyneth Paltrow, exclusively tells Marie-Claire“It sets on its own and feels like nothing is happening. A little bit is enough.”
She’s right. I’ve been using this concealer every day for the past week (I got my hands on a secret sample) and surprisingly, no setting powder is required. In my opinion, it’s one of the best makeup launches of the year. So I sat down with founder and celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman to get the inside scoop.
Westman Atelier Vital Skin Concealer
What’s inside
Not all concealers are the same, and rest assured that a lot of love and care went into developing this multi-purpose formula. Inside you’ll find:
Coffee leaf extract
I always look for coffee extract in my best eye creams for puffiness. In a concealer, you get the antioxidant benefits of the ingredient. This ingredient is a big reason why fine lines are so noticeable after applying concealer.
Licorice root
My dark circles look otherworldly. They are bluish-purple and usually require a color corrector. But the addition of licorice root really helps brighten my under eye area and pigment spots.
Mini hyaluronic acid and peptides
These two moisturizers make Westman Atelier’s concealer hydrating and creamy. Thanks to the long-lasting hydration, the formula is finger-friendly and never leaves me looking cakey throughout the day.
How to use it
Personally, I like to wear concealer everywhere. Most of the time, I skip foundation altogether, so concealer is my primary form of coverage. But it really depends on your personal preference.
Gucci’s tip: “I like to apply concealer in the inner corners of my eyes to neutralize dark shadows and again in the outer corners of my eyes to brighten a little. To reduce redness or pigmentation, I only apply it where necessary so that the integrity of the real skin always shines through.”
My review of the Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Concealer
I’m a huge fan of concealer. I usually layer my concealer to get the perfect coverage, so I’m a little suspicious of any product that claims to do everything. However, if there’s one makeup artist I trust, it’s Gucci.
I start by applying the product exactly where I want it with the pointed, angled applicator. I put three dots around the eye area (obviously), but I also apply concealer around my face. I draw a line on my nose, one in each hollow of my cheekbones, a few on my chin, and a few dots on my spots. I always blend the product with a brush and then use a beauty blender to work it into my skin.
Here I am wearing the Westman Atelier Vital Skin Concealer.
(Photo credit: Samantha Holender)
My takeaways: It smudges a little and blends beautifully, but the pigment payoff really makes this concealer stand out. For such a lightweight product and given the serum consistency, I was surprised at the pigmented coverage. A tiny dot of product covered the blue veins under my eye, neutralized the redness of my rosacea, and brightened the areas where I had applied a little more product.
I’m usually more of a setting powder kind of person. I don’t bake, but I do put on some translucent powder. This formula didn’t really need that, though. I wore it for a full day at work, and even though I had to touch it up a little around three in the afternoon, it didn’t budge or fade.
I am impressed to say the least and will be adding this concealer to my daily routine. Trust me, it is The Good.
