Today’s post is sponsored by Lunchbox.
The NEW Abreva® Conceal™ Invisible Cold Sore patch allows you to apply make-up to your cold sore so you can conceal it with confidence!
What is the Abreva Conceal Invisible Cold Sore Patch?
Abreva already sells a well known medicated cream for speeding the healing time of cold sores, but this product is different. It’s a non-medicated patch designed to provide an instant cover up. Now, you don’t have to wait days for your sore to heal, you can hide it instantly with Abreva Conceal.
How does it work?
When the need arises you simply remove a patch from the outer envelope and then carefully peel off the film labeled “1″. Next, hold the patch by the tab that appears and peel off the film labeled “2.” Then, press the patch against your skin for 15 seconds and peel away the backing tab. Since the patch is clear it needs to be covered with makeup in order to conceal the cold sore.
Testing Abreva Conceal
Since none of the Beauty Brains had the misfortune of having a cold sore at the time of this writing we found a brave volunteer who allowed us to create a fake cold sore with a blotch of lipstick. Watch the video below to see her experience with the product.
Positives about the patch
The patch is comfortable to wear and not difficult to remove although there is a slight skin pulling sensation. It stays on surprisingly well even while showering. You have to pull on it firmly to remove it but it isn’t painful like a bandage can be. (I don’t know how it would feel on the delicate skin around a sore.) We’re not aware of any other product technology that can adhere such a thin, flexible film to skin. This is nothing like using a bandage – it’s much more like your real skin.
The amount of coverage the patch provides depends on the type of makeup you apply and how much you use. A single dabbing of a liquid foundation was enough to conceal most of our test blemish but even then you could still see the fake sore. Heavier application of makeup gave better coverage but it started to look caked on. Part of the problem is that the patch material is glossy rather than matte which makes it harder for the makeup to adhere. That also tends to make the circular outline of the patch more visible. In any case, you’ll need to play around to get the degree of coverage you want without looking overly made up. In a perfect world I’d like to see Abreva medication formulated into the patch and have it available in different colors to match your skin tone. That would make achieving a successful coverup less reliant on your make up skills.
Concerns about Conceal
The product has a few other issues as well. First, you have to be very, very careful with the patch application. The plastic film is so delicate and sticky that it can easily fold over on itself rendering it useless. That wouldn’t be a big deal except these things are so darn expensive. You only get six in a box and you don’t want to waste them. The good news is that after you’ve applied one or two you get the hang of it. Second, you have to make sure you keep pressure on the patch for a full 15 seconds while applying it. Otherwise it tends to come off when you pull away the applicator tab. Third, while the patch will stick for hours the makeup will easily smear long before then. That means you may have to reapply foundation to ensure your cold sore stays concealed.
The bottom line
This product is a brilliant idea for those who need for an emergency cover up, even though its execution has some issues. It’s unlikely that you’d wear this product for the entire duration of your cold sore (usually eight or 10 days) but it may be worthwhile to get a box of these and keep them stashed away just in case you do have to make that big presentation, attend a party, or even have your picture taken on the same day that you have a nasty flareup.
You can buy Abreva Conceal here: see.walmart.com/abreva/?
You should know that we were compensated for this post but all opinions are our own.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Everyone should have patches like this free from the gov they dont spread they damn shedding herpies to everyone! ewwwww. Not saying people with c.sores are gross but the sores themselves are nasty. This is a good idea. Funny I imagined something like this. (i know that sounds dumb but i did)
The patch does look like it gets the job done, I like it.
By the way Rozy, I think you are overreacting just a little bit, yes the sores are nasty, but we all get them from time to time, and I think we need to be more understanding to one another…
Great post. Cold sores are a bane on my existence. I don’t get them too often but when I do it is THE MOST inopportune time.
so how is this different than simply applying a piece of sellotape or liquid band-ad?
I’m not sure what sellotape is. (Same as Scotch tape?) But this technology is designed to allow air to pass through the patch so the healing process is not interrupted.
Jimmy no not everyone gets them, u have to be infected, I dont. I think the reason herpies are such a big problem has to with rape and men feeling entitled to womens body in every way. If men would stop raping there would be a lot less infections in general. Also forgive me for being mentally ill and having phobias especially of something that can hurt you.
Something like this has been a long time coming. Cold sores can be a real nuisance especially when you take pride in your appearance.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sellotape
So presumably one could poke some holes in some tape, band-aid, etc, and use it? What about liquid band-aid?
Check out these products for treatment of cold sores. I personally get the L-lysine. http://www.coldsoreproductreview.com/ Pretty cool little website with awesome reviews.