R.E.M Beauty Sweetener Concealer Review in shades Deep 1N (41) and Deep 2G (42)
r.e.m beauty Sweetener Concealer
24 USD
It feels like every celebrity has a beauty line these days, but Ariana Grande has been in the beauty space with signature fragrances even before starting R.E.M Beauty.
Although the Sweetener Concealer is the brand’s first complexion launch (they also have Eclipse blush & lip sticks), it feels different than their other products…more elevated and artistry focused.
What does the R.E.M Beauty Sweetener Concealer do?
R.E.M Beauty’s new Sweetener Concealer (60 shades) is described as “multitasking concealer builds to customizable, medium-to-full coverage”.
The Sweetener Concealer includes an “infusion of r.e.m. hydrasmooth essence” which is powered by hyaluronic acid for a “boost of hydration”, ashwagandha “known to help protect from environmental stressors”, and vitamin e for antioxidant protection.
The Sweetener Concealer ($24 USD) is available at:
How many shades of concealer does R.E.M. Beauty have?
There are 60 REM Beauty Sweetener Concealer shades. All shades are meant to cover typical under eye concerns like darkness, but can also be used to correct, highlight and brighten, and contour.
Will REM beauty be sold in stores?
As of April 2022, REM Beauty is being sold in store at Ulta Beauty.
Sweetener Concealer Key Features:
- Soft matte finish
- Smooth lightweight veil
- Multitasking potential – conceal, correct, highlight and brighten, and contour
- Reusable spatula for a sanitary dispense of product from jar
REM Beauty Sweetener Concealer Ingredients:
isodecyl neopentanoate, caprylic / capric triglyceride, dicalcium phosphate, bis-behenyl / isostearyl / phytosteryl dimer dilinoleyl dimer dilinoleate, isononyl isononanoate, polyethylene, polybutene, silica, zinc stearate, dipentaerythrityl hexahydroxystearate, disteardimonium hectorite, pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, methicone, alcohol, water (aqua, eau), tocopherol, ethylhexyl palmitate, rubus idaeus (raspberry) leaf extract, trihydroxystearin, withania somnifera root extract, sodium hyaluronate +/-may contain / peut contenir: titanium dioxide (ci 77891), iron oxides (ci 77491 , ci 77492, ci 77499), ultramarines (ci 77007).
Why is it called REM beauty?
According to Harper’s Bazaar: “… REM stands for rapid eye movement: focusing on dreams and focusing on the eyes, and eyes being kind of like our best way to articulate—better than you can with words sometimes.”
They also say that Ariana Grande “has always been heavily influenced aesthetically by ’60s retro-futurism…”.
Is R.E.M. Beauty owned by Morphe?
Morphe operates under its parent company, Forma Brands. Forma also owns Morphe 2, Jaclyn Cosmetics, and helped to create R.E.M. Beauty.
Forma Brands came together in 2020, when Morphe decided to “reinvent” itself as a beauty “incubator” that would both create and buy other brands.
R.E.M Beauty, along with other brands like Playa, Bad Habit and Morphe 2 resulted from this new venture.
To read more about Forma Brands check out this article from the New York Times.
R.E.M Beauty Sweetener Concealer Review (in shades Deep 1N (41) and Deep 2G (42))
R.E.M Beauty hasn’t been on my must have list, but when the brand teased their upcoming collection on social media, I was interested.
At the time rem beauty posted a hint (or “tease”) of their new product, and many were guessing it was a tinted moisturizer or foundation. Social media was buzzing at the large shade range shown in a black & white tease photo.
Many brands have tried the whole “100 shades” trick for social media buzz and marketing, but I am surprised at how well thought out the Sweetener Concealer collection is.
New Products or New Direction for r.e.m beauty?
The Sweetener Concealer launch seems less futuristic and more artistry focused. The product includes a variety of shades and undertones, but more importantly the focus is on how you can use the product in different ways.
REM Beauty’s website lists a number of ways to use the sweetener concealer; to conceal, correct, highlight and brighten, and contour. There’s also application tips & tricks.
I can see makeup artists using Sweetener as artistry shades for their makeup kits. It’s also nice for those who want to create their own mini complexion palette (although it wouldn’t be cheap).
I have a tough time picking complexion shades for my skin tone online, so I decided to purchase similar shades with different undertones as a safe bet.
Both shades (Deep 1N and Deep 2G) matched my skintone, but I prefer to use neutral tones over warm because my skin tone is neutral most of the year. The concealer shade Deep 1N is a perfect match to conceal my dark circles, but I still use both shades.
Pot concealers with class and staying power
The Sweetener Concealer ($24 USD) container itself is artsy by design, reminding me of the NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer ($30 USD). I love that REM Beauty included a mini spatula to reduce container contamination, however I only used it once.
Instead I decided to dip my concealer brush directly into the pot for application. I would say that the level of coverage is medium, and covers dark spots well.
This concealer is soft matte on application for sure, but is creamy and blendable. Once you place the concealer down, you do have some time to let it sit while you apply other products (for example, if you prefer to concealer, cream blush, and contour at one time).
However, be sure to hydrate and prime your under eyes (or use eye cream before application). I found that if my skin is not hydrated, the Sweetener Concealer finish can appear sort of dry.
What i like most about this concealer is the longevity. It lasts all day without movement, and because the finish is softly matte, some beauties may not need to set the product at all.
“Last all day” for me means 8+ hours, you can read more about my Product Review Logic here.
Other than a soft matte creamy consistency with good staying power, there’s not much else going for this concealer. Its a nice product, but not the product I reach for a lot.
Final Thoughts on the r.e.m. beauty sweetener concealer
This is a good product, its lightweight, softly matte and provides a full day of wear. With 60 shades of the Sweetener Concealer to choose from, you can build a collection to conceal, highlight, contour and whatever else you may want from this one line of concealers.
BUT, I don’t understand how this product fits into the brands futuristic and young vibe.
In fact, I don’t know if younger beauties will like this product. It might be hard to apply this product on the spot, with just fingers, and without proper skin prep.
I think most of that is because of its soft matte finish. The product stays where placed, which is great for a full face of “going out” makeup but not so much for quick every day use.
Overall, I like this new addition to REM Beauty but it doesn’t float to the top of my “best concealers” list.
You will love Sweetener Concealer if:
- Artistry Brands like NARS Cosmetics are your favorite
- You prefer a pot concealer
- You’re looking for a soft matte concealer
- You like Medium coverage concealers
You might not love Sweetener Concealer if:
- You prefer to apply & blend concealer with your hands
- You prefer not to prime your skin & under eyes before makeup application
- Your skin type is dry
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