Women are always looking for ways to improve their look, but with so many options it can be hard to know where to start. For instance: concealer vs. foundation. What’s the difference? And what order should they go on your face? Well, this article will answer all of these questions and more!
What’s a Concealer?
A concealer is actually used for more than just covering up blemishes. It typically provides great coverage, but it’s not often recommended to be worn alone. Ideally, a concealer should not replace your foundation or powder.
It should only be applied to areas that need additional illumination—like under the eyes and around any acne spots.
What’s a Foundation?
A foundation usually gives fuller coverage to even out your skin tone. It provides a clean and matte look, but unlike a concealer, it won’t hide any imperfections you may have on your face.
Although some women prefer to use a stick foundation to provide more coverage, it’s not recommended because these often come with more additives and preservatives. Liquid or cream foundations give a cleaner and smoother look without unnecessary powders and chemicals that can be harmful to your skin.
Concealer vs. Foundation: Which one is better?
Although concealers and foundations are both used to tone and color the skin, they’re not exactly interchangeable with each other. There are distinct nuances between the two, as well as a specific order in which you apply them.
First, foundation should always go on first because it provides a clean base for your face. It evens out your skin tone using a matte or pore-refining finish, so you don’t need to worry about masking imperfections that may have been covered up by the concealer.
Next, it’s time for concealer. This step further evens out any discoloration and fills in fine lines and wrinkles, while diminishing the appearance of dark circles. It’s very important to choose a concealer that’s an appropriate shade for your skin tone, otherwise, it could end up looking obvious or even worse—caked on.
And lastly, you can apply any excess foundation that may have gotten applied to the area under your eyes. This will further even out your complexion and give a more natural look to your face.
It’s important to remember that both concealer and foundation should be used in moderation. Either one can look too heavy if more product is applied beyond the necessary areas.
So, why not have a clear complexion by using a simple cleanser? You may think that you need all of these products to get a flawless face, but that isn’t the case at all. It can be hard to know where or when to use each of these products or if you would even benefit from using them.
How to Apply Concealer and Foundation
Here are some quick tips for applying both concealer and foundation. Remember, these products should not replace your daily facial cleanser!
Step 1: Using a moisturizer or primer, apply all over your face to give an even base. This is especially important if you have dry skin because it will help the foundation go on smoother and look more natural.
Step 2: Using a concealer brush, apply your desired amount of concealer to the areas that need extra illumination. The area under your eyes and any acne spots should be carefully covered up with only a small amount of product. Do not overdo it! And remember, blending is key here.
Step 3: Using your fingers or a sponge, apply your desired amount of foundation in small circles all over your face. This is an easy way to ensure that the product goes on evenly and all over the necessary areas without being too heavy-handed.
And there you have it! If you follow these simple steps, you’ll be using your concealer and foundation like a pro in no time.
FAQ
What is the difference between liquid and cream foundation?
There are distinct differences between liquid and cream foundations that each serve their specific purposes. Cream foundation provides a more sheer coverage than liquid foundation but it will allow your skin to breathe better and keep moisture in.
Liquid foundations give medium-to-fuller coverage as well as a matte or pore refining finish so you won’t have to worry about masking imperfections with concealer after this step.
What is the best way to apply foundation?
There are many different ways to apply foundation, depending on what you’re trying to achieve with it. You can choose whether or not you want a matte or pore-refining finish, how sheer of a coverage you need, etc., so it all depends on your needs and preferences.
One of the easiest ways to apply this product is by using your fingers in small circles all over your face that gradually get bigger as you move down toward your neck. You can also use a beauty blender for more enhanced blending capabilities.
Can I use concealer after applying foundation?
No! It might seem like an easy step but it isn’t the best way to do things. Liquid foundation and concealer should be applied before powder because you won’t get such a smooth finish on top of anything else. If you try to apply your liquid foundation after your concealer, for example, then it will simply look like one big mess since they don’t blend very well together.
Should I use my fingers or a sponge when applying foundation?
It completely depends on what kind of coverage you need and how creamy your product is. For instance, creamier foundations work better with fingers so you can have more control over the application process whereas water-based products tend to go on best with sponges.
When can I use concealer after applying liquid foundation?
Only if you are trying to cover up tattoos or spots where the liquid didn’t fully saturate the skin. Otherwise, it doesn’t really matter because both products are applied all over your face already although concealer should never be applied before liquid foundation.
Conclusion
Concealer should always be applied before foundation so you don’t have to worry about it sinking into your pores or getting caky no matter what kind of formula you use. Liquid foundations are perfect for providing coverage all over the face but creamier products are best suited for combination to oily skin types since they can keep both matte and moisture in the skin.
No matter what kind of foundation you prefer, always keep blending in mind because it is key no matter how much coverage you need! Just remember to choose wisely since concealer should only be used if absolutely necessary.