Whether it’s for a big night out or a cluster of spots (or, in fact, both), we expect a concealer to hide all imperfections. But, which is the best? Nars’ creamy concealer may have legions of fans but the internet (meaning: Reddit) has eschewed the luxury label for e.l.f’s Cosmetics’ 16hr Camo Concealer.
Users have posted rave reviews for the £5 product. Available in 18 shades, fans say it deploys a rarely seen combination of long-wearing, high-coverage and not cakey. ‘I used this concealer as a foundation since it's so good’, wrote one fan, ‘The texture is creamy and a little heavy but can sheer out to medium coverage. It has lasted with setting powder for the full 5 hrs I’ve worn it and has not moved.’
Quality of coverage aside, Reddit is arguably the last place to visit for tangible, reliable recommendations. It may be a source of viral news and belly-laugh-inducing memes, but the platform is known to provide a platform for much bigotry in the name of free speech. Some progressive moves to knock this on the head have been two steps forward, one step back - such as the hire and later resignation of Ellen Pao as CEO after she valiantly tried to cessate a handful of egregious of subreddits. The platform's excuse? Free speech is more important than cutting out hate speech.
No wonder Reddit came to champion a concealer made by a company that produced products in North Korea. On the 31st of January, the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced e.l.f beauty was due to pay a $1million settlement for violating the US sanctions against the totalitarian state. Unknowingly, the cosmetic company made eyelash kits in the country officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). It is believed that a complex supply chain and a Chinese factory that sneakily outsourced production led to the kits being produced in a country that has one of the worst human rights track records going. Ironically, e.l.f advertises itself as cruelty-free and vegan!