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Base makeup products are pretty straightforward. Contour is meant to sculpt out your face. Blush adds color to your cheeks, while highlighter makes you shine. The difference between concealer and foundation makes it hard to distinguish one product from another since they seem to have the same impact.
Understanding the impact and finish of concealers and foundations helps you become a makeup master. You also get to narrow down what order you want to use them in or whether you want to use them at all.
Concealer and foundation are the fundamentals of makeup. In 2024, about 109.7 million women in the U.S. will use these cosmetics. Their main similarities lie in covering up imperfections and providing you a clear base to put the rest of your face products. You want to match both to your skin tone for a flawless look.
Funnily enough, there are more differences between concealer and foundation than similarities. Identifying these small nuances can help you determine how to use them more efficiently.
Concealer and foundation work together to give a clean slate for the rest of your makeup products. However, they have specific uses. Concealer is meant to cover up pimples, blemishes, and darker areas on your skin.
Meanwhile, the foundation aims to even out the skin tone for a perfect complexion. It still takes care of most imperfections like a concealer, but it’s dependent on the coverage. Its main goal is to make a blank canvas.
Makeup products come in all kinds of formulas. Foundations are varied, and you can find liquid, cream, and stick foundations easily. There’s also a powder foundation to mattify the oiliness on your skin while evening out your skin tone.
Liquid and cream concealers are the most popular variations because they provide more leeway with precise application. Powder ones are also available, but they lack the blemish coverage a concealer is supposed to give.
Consistency
Consistency is another key difference between concealer and foundation, though it varies based on brand and formula. Concealer is generally known for having a thicker consistency than foundation, which provides more coverage.
Granted, there are concealers and foundations thin enough to give your face a light tint rather than pure coverage. You can also use a beauty blender for a more natural finish if that’s the look you’re going for.
Foundation placement is straightforward. You just have to apply it all over the face. You typically start by adding the product to the center of your face and blending it outwards. However, you can always start on the areas you need the most coverage.
The concealer is more meticulous, placed under the eyes, forehead, and chin. It can also cover up blemishes on your face. Makeup enthusiasts also like to use it to carve out their brows or clean up their contour.
Concealer and foundation should both be close to your skin tone. However, it’s especially important for your foundation to match your shade, as it’s meant to go all over your face. Have it match your neck, especially when wearing a tank top.
If you’re using concealer to cover certain blemishes, it should be close to the foundation shade. Some people recommend choosing a product one or two shades lighter for T-zone or any other area for contrast.
People with the same skin tone can have warm, cool, neutral, and olive undertones, so it’s worth considering when choosing your shade. If you’re using a warmer foundation, make sure your concealer also has the same depth for a seamless blend.
One bonus difference between concealer and foundation is application. As mentioned, foundation goes all over your face, even if a little goes a long way. An oval foundation brush can cover your face in less time than smaller tools.
Meanwhile, concealer benefits from those tinier brushes. Use mini concealer puffs to get around the crevices of your nose. If all else fails, tap in the product with your finger and call it a day.
Most people apply foundation first, followed by concealer. This order of makeup products can pinpoint imperfections the former product could not cover. Lighter shades also show up more and blend well with this routine.
However, you can also do the opposite. Underpainting has become a popular makeup trend where your contour and concealer go on first before your foundation. Some people also apply a layer of blush before topping it off with the face product.
Underpainting minimizes product use since you’re layering different cosmetics onto your face. Adding a thin veil of foundation on top can also create a more cohesive look by blending all the colors together.
Yes, you can use concealer over foundation for your base makeup. Plenty of people advocate for this type of routine. Foundations have a reputation for being heavy and cakey, so people tend to gravitate away from them.
Concealer already provides a decent amount of coverage. You can add it to the spots you usually dab foundation on or do your regular application. Use a shade close to your skin tone, as the lack of makeup can make the contrast seem unrealistic.
Another alternative is to find a lightweight foundation or a skin tint. This product can help other cosmetics apply smoothly to your skin. You can also use tinted sunscreen with SPF 30 for a flawless finish and extra sun protection.
In essence, concealer and foundation aren’t exactly necessary in your skincare routine. Minimal makeup enthusiasts love the blush and lipstick combo before heading out.
Understanding the difference between concealer and foundation can clarify the best ways to use both. Feel free to experiment with using one over the other or swapping the steps in your routine. Makeup is meant to be fun, so experiment with what works best for you.
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