Is It Better To Use Concealer Or Foundation? Find Differences

August 16, 2024 by Mani Pandey

Foundation Vs Concealer: What's the Difference?

Important: This article is for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer for more details.

For every beginner, it is important to understand the basic differences between different makeup products. Many items in the vanity bag may look similar and are believed to deliver the same result, but most of them are wide apart in their functionality.

In this article, we will discuss the two major makeup products, concealer and foundation. Both these products are often believed to correct the skin by smoothening its imperfections. Still, there are multiple factors that set them apart.

Article Contains

What is CONCEALER?
Types of Concealers
What is FOUNDATION?
Difference Between Concealer and Foundation
Concealer Vs Foundation- What to Apply First?

So, whether you are a beginner or an expert but unable to decide what to use, the comparison of concealer vs. foundation will help you understand.

Keep reading!

What is CONCEALER?

As the name indicates, the purpose of concealer is to conceal or hide the blemishes of the face. It is recommended to apply only at certain parts and not on the full face. It works where the foundation fails to cover the marks or blemishes.

Beside concealing the blemishes, concealer is also effective in covering the dark circles. All you need is to pick a shade lighter to your skin tone to hide them. Often people confuse them with color correctors, but they are also a type of concealer that covers up the pigmentation.

For instance, people with rosacea can use a green color corrector to give an even-tone to the skin. Likewise, the purple color corrector removes yellow undertones.

Types of Concealers

They come in different formulations like-

Liquid concealer
Cream concealers
Stick concealer

What is FOUNDATION?

Foundation is one of the extensively used makeup products that covers skin blemishes. As the name signifies, it is the foundation or the basis for all makeup looks, ensuring you get a smooth surface so that other makeup products can be applied to give an effortless look.

Unlike concealers, foundations are applied on the entire face as well as the neck to bring an even-toned look. The application of foundation hides the blemishes and marks and makes redness, pimples, dark spots, etc., less noticeable.

Types of foundation-

Liquid foundation
Powder foundation
Stick foundation

Difference Between Concealer and Foundation

Below is the table differentiating concealer and foundation under different heads-

Feature	Concealer	Foundation
Purpose	Used to conceal specific imperfections such as dark circles, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation.	Applied to even out skin tone, cover imperfections, and create a smooth base for makeup.
Coverage	Typically offers higher coverage compared to foundation, designed to camouflage imperfections in targeted areas.	Coverage can vary from sheer to full, depending on the formulation, but generally provides more overall coverage for the entire face.
Texture	Often thicker and more concentrated, formulated to provide maximum coverage for specific areas without caking or creasing.	Comes in various textures including liquid, cream, powder, or mousse, designed to blend seamlessly into the skin for a natural finish.
Application	Applied sparingly with a small brush, sponge, or fingertip to targeted areas that require extra coverage.	Applied evenly across the entire face using a brush, sponge, or fingertips, focusing on blending for a seamless finish.
Shade Range	Available in a wide range of shades to match various skin tones, often including color-correcting options for specific concerns such as redness or dark circles.	Offers a diverse range of shades to match different skin tones, with options for undertones to achieve a perfect match.
Longevity	Typically longer-lasting and more resistant to creasing and fading due to its concentrated formula.	Longevity can vary depending on the formulation and skin type, but many foundations are designed to provide all-day wear with minimal touch-ups.
Finish	May have a matte or satin finish, depending on the formulation, but often provides a more matte finish to cover imperfections effectively.	Comes in various finishes including matte, dewy, satin, or natural, allowing for customization based on personal preference and skin type.
Usage	Used as a spot treatment to target specific areas of concern before or after applying foundation.	Applied all over the face as the base for makeup, providing a uniform canvas for further product application.
Makeup Routine	Typically used before foundation application in the makeup routine to address specific imperfections that foundation alone may not fully cover.	Often the first step in makeup application after skincare, serving as the base to even out skin tone and create a smooth canvas for other makeup products.
Common Formulations	Available in liquid, cream, stick, and pot formulations, each offering different levels of coverage and finishes.	Available in liquid, cream, powder, mousse, and cushion formulations, each catering to different skin types and preferences.

Concealer Vs Foundation- What to Apply First?

One of the questions that makeup enthusiasts ask, knowing that concealer and foundation hide blemishes, is what to apply first- concealer or foundation?

Here, it is important that you understand that foundation is the base of every makeup. Beside covering the blemishes, spots and marks, it evens the skin tone which is essential to get a flawless look. Therefore, the foundation should be applied first.

On the contrary, concealer hides specific imperfections, such as dark circles and blemishes that don’t get covered with foundation.

So, apply foundation, followed by concealer, for easy blending of the two products and bringing a smooth surface for further makeup application.

Conclusion

Comparing concealer vs foundation helps beginners and other makeup enthusiasts get a detailed idea about both the products. While foundation even-tone the skin and prepares it for further makeup application, concealer conceals dark circles, spots and other blemishes present at specific areas of the face.

Both of them are equally important to get a flawless makeup look. Make sure you know the correct order and method to apply them to achieve the best result.

Image Source : canva

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