I'm going to ramble a little bit about each product, so please click here to jump straight to the conclusion if you want to skip that!
Shades
Before I start, you should know that I have the lightest shades in both. Coverage and consistency might be slightly different in the lighter shades in my experience, but there shouldn't be any major differences.
As to how the shades compare, they're very very close. Chantilly is quite warm/yellow. Fair Neutral is slightly more cool/pink than Chantilly, and I would say it's a true neutral.
1. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
Available at Sephora in 10 shades. $29 for 0.22oz.
This one's described as "A creamy concealer with hydrating, multiaction skin care benefits and light diffusing technology to create a softer, smoother complexion."
It's indeed very creamy. It covers anything dry without flaking. I have combination skin and have had no problems when it comes to my dry patches.
As for the "light diffusing technology", I'd say that's bull. The finish is actually on the matte side, which I like. If you're using this concealer to cover blemishes, you don't want this concealer to diffuse light and attract more attention to spots and bumps regardless.
"Hydrating and luxuriously smooth, it layers lightly for buildable medium-to-full coverage and a natural luminous finish."
While it's hydrating to some degree, those with dry skin might not like wearing this one as an undereye concealer. It's not as luminous as claimed and dries fairly matte.
Although it's recommended for all skin types by NARS, those with very dry skin might want to opt for the Naked Skin instead. If you're prone to creasing, this one crease a bit more than the Naked Skin (but has higher coverage).
About the coverage, it's pretty full coverage. One swipe over a blemish and it's gone.
Application-wise, we're dealing with a classic doe foot applicator. I only mention this because the Naked Skin Concealer has a slightly different applicator (pics are below).
2. Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer
Available at Sephora in 11 shades. $28 for 0.16oz.
It's described as "An innovative, high-coverage concealer that provides buildable, weightless coverage and leaves an invisible, Naked Skin finish."
I have to address the "high coverage" claim first. This concealer to me provides medium coverage. Nothing less, but certainly nothing more. I was disappointed by the coverage, and I can't use it to cover up blemishes.
That being said, it does feel very lightweight for the medium coverage it provides. It's great for dry skin and it's easier to blend than the NARS. It's also not cakey at all, if cakeyness really puts you off.
"It’s easily blendable and buildable, giving you even coverage with a luminous, demi-matte finish. Ultra-lightweight, this high-tech liquid formula never settles into fine lines, and it melds on for a no makeup look while full coverage in an instant. "
The finish really is luminous and demi-matte. Another reason why I wouldn't use it on blemishes.
It also settles into fine lines less than the NARS one, but it's certainly not as full coverage.
"This concealer is enriched with Matrixyl 3000, which contains peptides to support the skin’s youthful appearance and elasticity, and Japanese green tea revitalizes and helps reduce the look of fine lines."
I don't know how potent these ingredients will be in such small amount, especially considering that we apply concealer on top of moisturizer, primer, and foundation (or more). This concealer is silicone-based, and contains glycerin as well.
The applicator is more of a paddle shape. It's a minor detail, but I find that it works better under the eyes and picks up more product in one shot.
Bottom Line
The gives you more coverage compared to the Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer.
It covers blemishes and very dark circles well. It has a slightly thicker and drier consistency, and the finish is less luminous.
It's best for normal to oily skin.
If you're looking for a concealer to cover up spots and blemishes, go for this one.
The has a luminous finish and blends seamlessly.
It provides slignthly less coverage than the NARS, but it won't crease as much and it's lightweight and more hydrating.
It's better suited if you have normal to dry skin.
If you'll only use this concealer under your eyes, go for this one. It blends nicely, has a luminous finish, and won't crease.
Also note that you're getting slightly more product with the Radiant Creamy Concealer for about the same price (0.22oz for $29 as opposed to 0.16oz for $28).
Which one would you pick?
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Outstanding comparison. I was literally just comparing them and couldn’t decide which would work best for my skin needs.
I’m definitely going with the NARS because I’m oily skin and I need to cove up blemishes.
Please do a review on the Tarte Shape Tape concealer and why it is so popular.
I use the Urban Decay one because I only use concealer for under-eye
are both of them vegan?
Is Nars and Urban Decay a cruelty free / lead free brand?
Cruelty-free yes but owned by companies that aren’t cruelty-free. Lead-free, not so sure!
Confused… Both Nars and Urban Decay’s parent companies test on animals. I thought you were against that.
I no longer buy from brands with parent companies that test, but this was an older planned post.
When I tried them both at my local Sephora, the Urban Decay Fair Neutral was several shades too dark for my super-pale skin; the Nars Chantilly matched my neck perfectly, but then oxidised on me, so it was too dark as well. *sigh* I ended up buying a Cover FX Perfect Pencil in Neutral X-Light, which matches me and doesn’t oxidise. Obviously I can’t use it the same way as a liquid concealer, but I can still cover my blemishes and broken capillaries on days when I’m not wearing a full-coverage foundation.
Funny cause I haven´t used either one but they are both in my shopping cart lol. Oh well, if only something would really diffuse light (and wrinkles for that matter lol). Great comparison- it sounds like the Nars works better for me as I am an oily girl but I still WANT to try both lol. xoxo Sissi http://www.beauty4free2u.com
I use them both! I use the Nars for covering blemishes and redness (especially my chin and nose area) and I use the UD under my eyes. But I also tend to stay away from foundations so the mixture of these two concealers is all I really need!
I wish I could get away with only concealer! 🙂
I’ve never tried the nars but I have used the UD and I enjoy how lightweight it is, but I agree its not the fullest coverage concealer I’ve used. I don’t know if you have use the Naked skin foundation but it weirdly has flash back even though it doesn’t contain spf I see the same with the concealer but as long as you aren’t taking pictures both look really natural on the skin. I hope they address the flashback issue at some point.
Ahh, thanks for mentioning the flashback issue!
I really enjoyed this post. I have the creamy radiant concealer, which I mainly use under my eyes and I do find it creases quite a lot. I’ll have to give the Urban Decay one a try. Unless anyone has a better recommendation?
Thanks Anita! I’d also look into Tarte’s Maracuja concealer if you have issues with creasing, but I’d still recommend the UD over it.