Review: Benefit Erase Paste vs. Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Concealer

 
A few years ago I was walking by the Benefit makeup counter at Macy's when the makeup artist convinced me to try their Erase Paste.  I don't normally have dark circles although I do get them from time to time if I don't get enough sleep.  She applied the Erase Paste on one side and then handed me a mirror.  Honestly, I couldn't believe it.  I bought it right on the spot ($26 USD).  It really does brighten up the eye area!  I'm on my second pot.

Recently I discovered Skinfood's Salmon Dark Circle Concealer after reading about it on Musing of A Muse's blog.  I wasn't really sure I needed two peachy/salmon concealers but when iMomoko had a Skinfood coupon code, I couldn't resist.  I paid about $9.  If you happen to live in California, there are Skinfood stores popping up around the state.

Pots:

L to R:  Benefit Erase Paste #2 and Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Concealer #2

Swatches:

L to R:  Skinfood Salmon Concealer #2 and Benefit Erase Paste #2

Texture

Benefit - the name "Erase Paste" is fitting.  It is thick like a paste. You don't need a lot and sometimes I forget that and it ends up getting cakey because I put on too much.  It comes with a little spatula to scoop out the product since the pot is small.  So handy!

Skinfood - lighter in texture, thinner and creamier, less "sticky" than the Erase Paste.  Feels moisturizing and doesn't settle into fine lines.

Shade Match (for reference I'm an NC30)

Benefit - I have this in Medium #2.  It is a brightening concealer so it doesn't match my skin per se.  It's peachy to cancel out dark circles.  It does work with my skin tone though and really brightens up my eye area.

Skinfood - I own this in #2.  This is also a salmon colored concealer although it is closer to my actual skin tone (less peach) than the Benefit.  Blends well to match my complexion.

Coverage

Benefit - this offers full coverage.  Again, you don't need a lot of product since it has a fairly thick consistency.  If you apply too much, it can look cakey. 

Skinfood - medium to full coverage, more buildable than the Erase Paste in my experience.

Comments

I love the Skinfood for everyday.  I use it with the Skinfood Eye Brightening Cream.  When I want to really brighten up my eye area for special events (or if I have particularly dark under eye circles), I use the Benefit.  It's not as easy to apply but I like the brightening results.