If you’re a fan of affordable makeup that actually delivers, chances are you’ve stumbled upon ELF’s Hydrating Camo Concealer. This drugstore gem has been making waves for its hydrating formula and impressive coverage. But one question remains on many beauty lovers’ minds: is it truly water-based? Let’s dive in and find out!
The Short Answer: No, It’s Not
While the ELF Hydrating Camo Concealer does have a focus on hydration, it’s not technically water-based. If you take a peek at the ingredient list, water isn’t the first ingredient. Instead, it relies on silicones to create its smooth, skin-like finish.
Don’t Fret: Silicones Can Be Good Too
Hold on – before you dismiss this concealer, hear me out. Silicones often get a bad rap in the skincare world, but they have benefits. In the case of the ELF Hydrating Camo Concealer, silicones provide that velvety texture, help the product spread effortlessly, and even offer some moisture-locking abilities.
Ingredient Breakdown: What’s Inside?
Let’s break down some of the key ingredients in ELF’s Hydrating Camo Concealer:
- Cyclopentasiloxane: A type of silicone that gives the concealer its silky feel and helps it evaporate quickly, leaving a smooth finish.
- Water (Aqua): It’s there, but further down on the list! This adds hydration.
- Sodium Chloride (Salt): Helps to improve the texture of the concealer.
- Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil: A nourishing ingredient that offers extra moisture to the skin.
- Polyhydroxystearic Acid: A skin conditioning agent that helps to enhance spreadability and prevent pigments from clumping.
The Honest Review
Now, let’s get to the juicy part – how does this concealer really perform? Here’s my in-depth experience with the ELF Hydrating Camo Concealer:
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Coverage: This concealer offers impressive medium to full coverage, and it’s definitely buildable. A little goes a long way, and I found it did a fantastic job camouflaging both blemishes and the purplish hues under my eyes. For those extra stubborn spots, layering a tiny bit more product did the trick.
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Texture: The texture is where this concealer shines! It’s wonderfully creamy, blends seamlessly with either a damp beauty sponge or a dense brush, and feels incredibly lightweight on the skin. It almost melts into your complexion, leaving no cakey residue or strange patches.
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Finish: I’d describe the finish as a natural-looking satin. It’s not overly dewy, which can sometimes emphasize texture, nor is it flat matte, which can look a little lifeless. It strikes the perfect balance, giving your skin a healthy, radiant look.
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Staying Power: I was pleasantly surprised by how well this concealer held up throughout the day. For my normal-to-combination skin, it lasted a solid workday with minimal creasing under my eyes. After a particularly long day, I did notice some fading, but overall I was impressed. If you have oily skin, a touch-up with a little powder might keep it looking fresher for longer.
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Shade Range: ELF offers a decent selection of shades, but there’s definitely room for improvement, especially when it comes to deeper skin tones. Finding a perfect match can be a bit trickier if your skin falls outside the more common light-to-medium range.
Who Is It Best For?
- Most skin types: Works well for normal, dry, and even combination skin. If you’re very oily, you might benefit from a setting powder.
- Concealer beginners: Easy to blend and gives a forgiving finish.
- Anyone on a budget: Unbeatable quality for its price point.
The Final Verdict
While the ELF Hydrating Camo Concealer isn’t strictly water-based, it’s an excellent drugstore option. If you’re looking for a hydrating concealer with reliable coverage, a comfortable feel, and a wallet-friendly price tag, this one’s a winner.
