How to Know When To Apply Foundation Vs Concealer
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Most of us have a hard time deciding which is more important: our morning coffee or our makeup routine, to apply foundation first or concealer. But if we had to choose between concealer and foundation, which one would win?
Foundation vs concealer is a battle that has been in existence since medieval times, lol. Every person suggests different ways and techniques to use them, leaving us normal average human beings who just wanna get our minimal office or college makeup look right confused.
Let’s shut the doors to concealers and foundations once and for all by clearly defining what each product is meant to do and how to use them rightly!
What’s the difference between foundation and concealer?
When it comes to makeup, there are a few key products that every woman needs in her arsenal. Foundation and concealer are two of the most important, but many women don’t know the difference between the two. Here’s a quick primer: foundation is a cosmetic product that is used to create an even skin tone, while concealer is used to cover up blemishes or dark circles.
Let’s dive deep into what each product is and how they are used for the best results!
What is a foundation?
A foundation is like a blank canvas that you can build your entire look on top of. Yes, just like the base of a building, it is the base of your makeup. It evens out the skin tone and provides a smoother ground for other products to layer upon. Foundation comes in many different formulations, from liquids to powders to creams, so you can choose the one that works best for your skin type.
Not only that, they have variations as well – full coverage, medium coverage, sheer coverage, one with SPF, BB, or CC creams, etc. There’s something made for every skin!
It’s important to find a foundation that matches your skin tone exactly, otherwise, it will be obvious that you’re wearing makeup. The best way to do this is to go to a beauty counter and test out different shades until you find the perfect match.
Once you’ve found your perfect foundation, apply it evenly all over your face with a brush or sponge, starting from the center of your face and working outwards. Be sure to blend well, so there are no lines or streaks. If you need more coverage, you can always add another layer of foundation. And if the skin is well-prepped, it won’t crease or look patchy.
[ Oh, btw if you’re looking for a fantastic list of the best drugstore powder foundations, here’s a one that you’ll LOVE! ]
What is a concealer?
I think of concealer as that little miracle worker that helps you fake a good night’s sleep. But what is concealer, really? At its most basic level, concealer is a type of makeup that is used to cover up blemishes, dark circles, and other imperfections and brighten the area instantly. It can be applied directly to the skin or mixed with foundation to create a more even skin tone.
Concealer is available in a variety of formulas, including cream, liquid, stick, and color correctors. And while it can be used on its own for a very minimal subtle makeup look, it’s often best used in conjunction with other makeup products, such as foundation and powder.
What are color correctors? Are they concealers only?
Color correctors are these magical shades that help cancel out imperfections and leave you with an even tone and flawless skin color. For instance, if you use an orange or peach color corrector before concealer over your dark circles, you won’t be able to see the black-blue color of dark circles after concealing.
Green color correctors are used to cancel out skin redness due to acne or rosacea. Purple ones help neutralize yellow skin tone.
In short, color correctors are basically concealers that, when used together with normal concealers, can give a flawless, clean makeup base.
Are concealer and foundation the same?
At first glance, it might seem like these two are the same products just in different bottles, and serve the same purpose: to cover up blemishes and give the skin a more even tone. However, there are actually some key differences between these two products.
Concealer is usually lighter in texture and coverage than foundation, and it is typically used to target specific areas of the face, such as under-eye circles or pimples. On the other hand, the foundation is meant to provide a more all-over coverage and can help to even out the skin tone across the entire face.
What comes first, foundation or concealer?
If there is one question as confusing as the “what comes first: hen or egg?” one, it is this!
The answer to this age-old question is actually quite simple: it all depends on the desired look. Experts usually recommend using foundation first to even out the skin tone and then adding concealer to hide any blemishes or imperfections that are still visible, but there’s not really a right or wrong way here. You do what suits you!
Can I use concealer before foundation?
Why not! If you think you need to hide your dark circles, acne scars, or any other skin textures or feel the need to color-correct them, you must use concealer before foundation. But if you are using your concealer to brighten the undereye area or high points of your face, you would want to apply foundation first.
Do you need both concealer and foundation?
For a proper, full glam look, yes, you need both: foundation and concealer. How can you make a gorgeous base for your makeup without foundation? But if you are going minimal everyday look, you can totally just use your concealer.
I like to use concealer under my eyes, nose, forehead, cheeks, and chin, basically a little all over the face. I also love to mix it with moisturizer for a blinding glow that looks super natural and minimal.
Can you just wear a foundation without concealer?
Yes! You absolutely can wear foundation without concealer and still look like a radiant goddess. Is it the most ideal situation? Perhaps not. But if you’re in a pinch and need to save some time or product, then don’t be afraid to rock a full face of foundation.
Now, that being said, there are a few things you should keep in mind if you go this route. First, make sure your foundation is well-blended and even. Second, choose a formula that provides good coverage. And lastly, don’t forget to set your makeup with powder to help it stay put throughout the day.
wrapping up: foundation vs concealer
I think the battle of foundation vs concealer is ever going. There’s no right or wrong answer. And makeup is one thing that we don’t need right or wrong answers to. We just wanna have fun with colors and brushes!
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