SPEND OR SAVE?: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer vs Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

HIGH END ITEM: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (U.S. link and price HERE)
RRP: $35 (Price at MECCA)

DRUGSTORE ITEM: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer (U.S. link and price HERE)
RRP: $14.95 (Price at Priceline)

I have decided to do another new series: SPEND OR SAVE? I will do comparisons between High-End products and Drugstore products to determine whether or not you should fork out the cash for the High-End product or if you should just save your dough and go for the drugstore product.

So to kick-start the series I decided to compare the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer and the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer. Since the two are so often compared, I really put it to the test.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
Shade: Custard
Price: $38 (in Australia) and $29 (in the U.S.)

My opinion on this product:

This is a velvet-like product that glides on beautifully - blending easily. It covers all the blue under my eyes perfectly whilst also brightening that area. It doesn't look crepe-y and doesn't feel super dry under my eyes. It does however crease slightly over some time (even after setting it with powder).

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
Shade: Sand
Price: $14.95 (in Australia) and $6.99 (in the U.S.)

My opinion on this product:
This product is a thin formula that is light-weight and glides on easily. It is super blend-able and easy to work with. It is very hydrating under the eyes and does not really crease. It keeps my under eyes feeling great all day. However, it does not provide the fullest coverage (but does definitely do a sufficient job).

Left: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
Right: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
As you can see, the Maybelline is a slightly more yellow than the NARS which pulls more neutral.

I want to begin by stating that I love both these products. They are excellent products that are a dream to put onto your face. So... to do the comparisons:

Similarities

• Hydration: Both keep my under-eyes well hydrated 
• Brightening: Both brighten under my eyes (but the NARS does brighten slightly more than the Maybelline)
• Applicator: Both have a small and easy-to-use doe-foot applicator (which is both hygienic and simple to use)

Differences

• Consistency: The Maybelline is thinner and more liquid-y than the NARS. The NARS texture is more 'fluffy' and 'mousse-y'
• Colour: The NARS tends to pull a little more neutral than the Maybelline
• Coverage: The NARS gives me a good full coverage whilst the Maybelline does a more light-medium coverage
• Creasing: The NARS tends to crease a little bit more than the Maybelline in the long run
• Finish: The Maybelline gives you a lot of time to work with it before it sets and it ultimately sets with a satin and glowy finish. The NARS gives you a little less time to blend and winds up setting a little more demi-matte.

Verdict: SPEND because they are not identical. But SAVE if you don't want to fork out the cash on the NARS because the Maybelline is an excellent product too.*

*Sorry my first instalment is ambiguous with the decision but I don't find that the products are exactly the same or starkly different either. (Both are excellent in their own way!)