RMS Beauty UnCoverup Review: Everything You Need to Know About This All-Natural Concealer That Doubles as Foundation

Ever since clean beauty went mainstream, we’ve been bombarded by countless new makeup launches. But there’s one special product that has been around since the very start. For many of us, it was our first foray into natural ingredients, and it’s still every bit as popular to this day.

I’m talking about RMS Beauty UnCoverup Concealer, which first launched way back in 2009.

“Our UnCoverup Concealer has been our bestseller for the past 15 years and is still our number one,” said RMS Beauty founder Rose-Marie Swift in a 2023 interview.”¹

Although the formula hasn’t changed, its shade range has, and so has the makeup market. A decade ago, if you wanted a concealer without questionable ingredients, it was one of the only options. Now, we’re spoiled for choice, since there are dozens of brands with equally “clean” offerings. 

So does UnCoverup still live up to the hype, all these years later? Here’s the lowdown—and whether it’s worth trying.

What It Is & Who It’s For

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RMS Beauty UnCoverup Concealer is described as a multitasking concealer for seamless, buildable coverage.

It’s multitasking because it does the job of three products in one:

• Concealer: It covers dark circles, blemishes and redness. 
• Colour corrector: Certain shades (11.5, 22.5 and 33.5) can be used as colour correctors to counteract the blue and purple tones of dark circles.  
• Light foundation/tinted moisturizer: You can also use it all over the face as a light foundation or tinted moisturizer with buildable sheer to medium coverage.

All that from a little pot of concentrated cream colour!

The other thing you should know about UnCoverup is that it has an all-natural, oil-based formula—so it’s non-drying and won’t settle into pores. That’s also what helps it to melt into the skin, leaving you with a very natural-looking, skin-like effect. 

If you’re someone who prefers full coverage and a matte finish, then this is not the product for you. It’s more for people who like a natural look that lets your skin show through.

I think UnCoverup is best for normal to dry, sensitive and mature skin. While the brand claims that it is suitable for all skin types, I would not recommend it for acne-prone skin (more on that in a second!).

Packaging & Texture

RMS Beauty UnCoverup Concealer comes in a glass jar with a plastic cap. The latter is made from 100% post-consumer recycled material.

When you’ve finished the product—which takes a while, because a little goes a long way!—the glass portion can be tossed in your curbside recyling bin. The plastic cap can be taken or sent to a PACT cosmetic recycling bin near you (see here for locations).

Inside the jar, the product itself has a creamy but non-greasy texture. Since it’s a blend of natural oils, waxes and butters, you’d think it would feel heavy and oily, but that’s not the case. In fact, it’s surprisingly lightweight and matte when you swatch it on your skin. 

Ingredients & Benefits

Ingredients: *Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, *Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, *Cera Alba (Beeswax), *Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tocopherol (non-GMO), *Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, and may contain [+/-]: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499) *CERTIFIED ORGANIC

These are the key ingredients in RMS Beauty UnCoverup Concealer:

• Coconut oil: RMS Beauty uses a raw, unrefined coconut oil that is processed without heat or chemical solvents. Coconut oil has proven to be beneficial for dry skin, and its lauric acid content can even help treat acne.^2,3
• Castor oil: As a natural alternative to petroleum, this oil forms a protective layer on the skin to soothe and retain moisture.⁴
• Beeswax: Produced by bees, this wax softens the skin, locks in hydration and prevents water loss.⁵
• Cocoa butter: This rich emollient helps moisturize and fight free radicals.⁶
• Jojoba oil: Technically a wax ester, jojoba oil mimics the molecular structure of human sebum, and helps keep the skin soft, supple and moisturized.⁷
• Vitamin E: The brand uses a non-GMO form of vitamin E sourced from sunflowers. Vitamin E is a powerhouse antioxidant that protects skin from oxidative stress.⁸
• Rosemary extract: This ingredient is used as a preservative.
• Minerals: Titanium dioxide and iron oxides are used for pigment, and the brand only uses them in raw form without chemical coatings. They are also non-nano.

If you have acne-prone skin, you should know that the following ingredients can be comedogenic:

• Coconut oil
• Beeswax
• Cocoa butter

Surprisingly, the brand actually claims that UnCoverup is non-comedogenic. They say that because there is legitimate research showing that the lauric acid in coconut oil helps to clear acne.³ However, there’s also plenty of anecdotal evidence that some people do experience breakouts from using coconut oil—not to mention the other two potential pore-cloggers in this formula (which the brand never talks about!). So I say, if you’re prone to breakouts, proceed with caution.

Shades & Swatches

When it first launched, there were only a few shades of RMS Beauty UnCoverup Concealer. But now there’s an option for every skin tone, with a total of 16 shades to choose from.

If that doesn’t sound like a lot, keep in mind that mineral pigments are more flexible than synthetic ones. According to RMS Beauty founder Rose-Marie Swift, minerals actually “self-adjust” to your skin tone, even if they don’t seem like an exact match at first glance. Synthetic colour, on the other hand, needs to match the skin exactly (which is why other brands need so many shades!).

You should also know that the shade range was expertly developed by Rose-Marie herself—and she’s a celebrity makeup artist with decades of experience. That’s another reason why this product is so incredibly natural-looking. She knows skin! 

I tried the three lightest shades in the range:

• 000: Described as the lightest alabaster for the true “snow whites.” This shade is for very fair skin with neutral undertones.
• 00: Described as a light shade for fair skin with neutral undertones.
• 11: Described as an ivory with a slight golden base. It’s for light skin with subtle yellow undertones.

When this product first came out, 11 was the lightest shade, so I wore that. But I’ve since switched to 00, which is an even better match for my neutral-cool skin tone. That said, I can definitely get away with both. I can also make 000 work, especially around the eyes, but it’s a bit too light for me as an all-over foundation. 

How to Apply It

Since RMS Beauty UnCoverup Concealer is unlike any other concealer on the market, you should keep these application tips in mind:

• Start with primer (optional): While the product isn’t compatible with most primers (especially synthetic ones), you can use it over top of RMS Beauty ReEvolve Radiance Locking Primer. This will help it to go on more smoothly and last longer (up to eight hours).
• Apply with fingers: According to Rose-Marie, the best way to apply it is with your fingers because you can control the amount you need and blend it the most seamlessly. Since the UnCoverup formula is anhydrous (water-free), it won’t grow bacteria. Alternatively, if you don’t want to dip your fingers in the pot, you can use the brand’s Rose Gold Face Spatula to scoop out the product.
• Or use a brush: For all-over coverage, the best brush to use is the RMS Beauty Skin2Skin Foundation Brush, which Rose-Marie specifically designed to mimic skin-to-skin application. It’s my favourite foundation brush of all time! Back in the day, the brand also had concealer brushes, but sadly, those have been discontinued now. I recommend trying the Westman Atelier Spot Check Brush instead. For pinpoint concealing, my favourite is Surratt Artistique Concealer Brush Petite.
• Set with powder (optional): You don’t have to set UnCoverup with powder, but it can help it last longer and prevent it from creasing, fading or sliding around. Silica-based powders such as RMS Beauty UnPowder are ideal because they won’t look dry or cakey. Just be sure to apply powder sparingly with a puff or domed eyeshadow brush.

My Results

Here, you can see how UnCoverup looks on my skin as both a concealer and a foundation. My philosophy is to go as sheer as possible all-over, only using more coverage where I really need it—like around the nose and on dark circles and blemishes. I think this product does a great job of evening out my skin but not looking like heavy makeup! 

That’s why I’ve gone through five or six jars of this product over the years. I’m someone who hates the look and feel of most foundations on my skin, but this is an exception. It never seems like “too much.”

But the downside of sheer makeup is that it doesn’t last as long as full-coverage products. Without powder or primer, I find that I only get about three or four hours out of UnCoverup before I notice it fading around my nose and chin, and getting shiny through my T-zone. So it does require more frequent touch-ups. I also haven’t had the best luck with it staying put on blemishes.

As for it being comedogenic, the jury’s out. My skin is acne-prone, but I haven’t experienced breakouts from this product. I don’t know if that’s because the coconut oil, beeswax and cocoa butter are not a problem for my skin, or if I was able to prevent them from clogging my pores because I was using acids and retinoids in my skincare routine. Since I’ve changed up my skincare recently, I’m only using UnCoverup around my eye area for now, and applying some of the newer acne-safe foundations (like Ere Perez) on the rest of my face.

Final Verdict

Here’s what I love about RMS Beauty UnCoverup Concealer:

• Skin-like finish: This product really does give you the most natural-looking, “your skin but better” effect. It blends seamlessly and lightly covers while letting your own skin still show through. (That’s why it’s called “UnCoverup,” after all!)
• Multi-purpose: It conveniently does the job of both a concealer and a foundation in one. Plus, if you happen to be shade 11.5, 22.5 or 33.5, they work as colour correctors, too.
• Hydrating: It always makes your skin look supple and moisturized—not dry or dehydrated.
• Natural ingredients: This is the ultimate “clean” concealer. No silicones, no fragrance; just a blend of natural oils and pigments.

But here’s why this product might not be for you:

• Potentially comedogenic: Since it contains three ingredients known to clog pores (coconut oil, beeswax and cocoa butter), I would be careful about using this product on acne-prone areas. You can always use it around the eyes. If your skin has cleared, you can test to see if you tolerate it on other areas.
• Minimal coverage: It may not be ideal if you need more coverage on areas of redness or discolouration. It’s only buildable to medium coverage at best. 
• Dewy finish: You won’t get a matte, perfected look with this product—instead, it has a slightly dewy sheen.
• Not long-lasting: How many hours it lasts will depend on your skin type, oil production, climate and activity level, but in general, UnCoverup doesn’t have the longevity of conventional makeup. Fortunately, you can extend the wear time with the ReEvolve Primer and/or UnPowder.

Similar Products

Looking for dupes? These are the best alternatives to RMS Beauty UnCoverup Concealer:

• Glossier Stretch Concealer: This formula also comes in a pot, but it’s more sheer and lightweight, with a broader shade range. 
• Ere Perez Lychee Crème Corrector: This tube of concentrated creamy colour is your best bet if you have acne-prone skin.
• Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick: This multitasking product comes in stick form, and can be used as both a foundation and a concealer.

Where to Buy

• Credo Beauty
• Dermstore
• Nordstrom
• Amazon
• The Detox Market
• RMS Beauty

Sources

1. ^{Burney, C. (2023, July 24). The Interview: RMS Beauty's Rose-Marie Swift on being a rebel and a clean pioneer. TheIndustry.beauty.}
2. ^{Agero, A. L. C. & Verallo-Rowell, V. M. (2004). A randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis. Dermatitis. 2004 Sep; 15(3): 109-16.}
3. ^{Nakatsuji, T., Kao, M. C., Fang, J., Zouboulis, C. C., Zhang, L., Gallo, R. L. & Huang, C. (2009). Antimicrobial property of lauric acid against Propionibacterium acnes: its therapeutic potential for inflammatory acne vulgaris. The Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2009 Oct; 129(10): 2480-8.}
4. ^{Final report on the safety assessment of Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glyceryl Ricinoleate, Glyceryl Ricinoleate SE, Ricinoleic Acid, Potassium Ricinoleate, Sodium Ricinoleate, Zinc Ricinoleate, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Ethyl Ricinoleate, Glycol Ricinoleate, Isopropyl Ricinoleate, Methyl Ricinoleate, and Octyldodecyl Ricinoleate. International Journal of Toxicology. 2007:26 Suppl 3:31-77.}
5. ^{Nong, Y., Maloh, J., Natarelli, N., Gunt, H. B., Tristani, E. & Sivamani, R. K. (2023). A review of the use of beeswax in skincare. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2023 Aug; 22(8): 2166-2173.}
6. ^{Katz, D. L., Doughty, K. & Ali, A. (2011). Cocoa and Chocolate in Human Health and Disease. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling. 2011 Nov 15; 15(10): 2779–2811.}
7. ^{Gad, H. A., Roberts, A., Hamzi, S. H., Gad, H. A., Touiss, I., Altyar, A. E., Kensara, O. A. & Ashour, M. L. (2021). Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity. Polymers. 2021 Jun; 13(11): 1711.}
8. ^{Keen, M. A. & and Hassan, I. (2016). Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal. 2016 Jul-Aug; 7(4): 311–315.}