R.E.M. Beauty Sweetener Concealer: Does It Outperform NYX?

Celebrity Check

Ariana Grande’s concealer promises cloud-like coverage—but lab tests show it clings to dry patches by hour four.

Expert Analysis · Honest Reviews · Real Results

🔍 **It’s Not Cloud-Like—It’s Dry by Lunch**

I wanted to love Ariana Grande’s concealer. I really did. But after four hours, it was clinging to every dry patch I didn’t know I had — like a bad ex who won’t leave.

The real issue? It’s marketed as “cloud-like,” but lab tests show it oxidizes slightly and settles into fine lines faster than a $5 drugstore option.

💄 **What You’re Actually Getting**

The R.E.M. Beauty Sweetener Concealer costs $24 for 0.2 oz — same price as NYX but half the product. The claim: full coverage that “breathes” with your skin. I tested it for two weeks.

Cloud-like texture

It’s thin — almost watery — so you’ll need two layers for a zit.

22 shades

Not bad, but the undertones lean warm. Cool-toned girls, beware.

Dewy finish

More like “slightly greasy at hour three” on oily skin.

Photo: Karly Jones / Unsplash

🧪 **What’s Actually Inside**

Hero ingredients: hyaluronic acid (hydration) and vitamin E (antioxidant). But the formula also includes silica — which is great for blurring, terrible for dry skin because it absorbs moisture over time.

Hyaluronic Acid: Plumps skin temporarily but evaporates fast if you don’t set it
Vitamin E: Calms redness, but doesn’t prevent creasing
Silica: Blurs pores — and also clings to flakes by hour four
Dimethicone: Slick texture, but can pill under powder

Photo: Nick Noel / Unsplash

⏱️ **First Swipe vs. Week Two**

First impression: glides on like a dream. The doe-foot applicator is huge — too big for under-eye precision. I felt like I was painting a wall.

By week two, I noticed it separates on my nose. NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop lasts longer and doesn’t settle into my smile lines as much. Unexpected win for the drugstore.

💡

One Thing: Use a damp sponge to blend — fingers leave streaks, and a brush eats up the thin formula fast.

Photo: Christin Hume / Unsplash

🆚 **The Real Winner**

Results: R.E.M. looks natural for the first three hours, then fades unevenly. NYX holds up for six hours with less settling. Coverage is similar, but NYX wins on longevity and price.

✅

Buy if

You have normal-to-dry skin and want a dewy, no-makeup look for short wear.

⏭️

Skip if

You’re oily, have textured skin, or need coverage past lunchtime.

💰

Worth it?

Not really. NYX does the same thing for $11. Save your $24 for a setting spray.

Photo: Siora Photography / Unsplash

⭐ **Bottom Line**

It’s a fine concealer for a night out — if you’re willing to touch up. But it’s not replacing my drugstore staple.

5.5/10

Pretty packaging, average performance

🛍️

Where to Buy: Ulta or rembeauty.com — but try a travel size first. You’ll thank me.