Ever wondered how some people achieve that flawless, red-carpet-ready look with seemingly little effort? The secret often lies in the use of two key products: concealer and foundation. But here’s the twist: While they might look similar on your makeup shelf, these two beauty essentials have distinct purposes.
So, how do you know when to reach for your foundation and when a touch of concealer is all you need? Whether you're just starting with makeup or you're a seasoned pro, understanding the difference between makeup concealer vs. foundation is crucial for mastering your makeup game.
In this guide, let’s differentiate these two makeup products, showing you how to use each to achieve a flawless complexion with confidence and ease. Let’s get started on perfecting your beauty routine!
What is a Foundation?
Foundation is your go-to for creating an even, smooth base. It helps to even out skin tone, cover imperfections, and create a unified canvas for the rest of your makeup. If you're also curious about the differences between skin tint vs. foundation, we've got you covered!
Available in various formulas—liquid, cream, powder, serum, airbrush, and stick—foundation can cater to different skin types and desired finishes, from dewy to matte.
Different Types of Face Foundation
Each type provides unique benefits, allowing you to select the one that best suits your skin type and desired look.
Liquid Foundation
Ideal for buildable coverage and suitable for most skin types. It blends seamlessly and can range from sheer to full coverage.
Cream Foundation
This is perfect for dry or mature skin, offering a rich, hydrating texture that provides substantial coverage.
Powder Foundation
Best for oily skin, powder foundations help control shine and provide a lighter, more natural look.
Stick Foundation
Convenient and portable, stick foundations offer medium-to-full coverage with a creamy, blendable texture.
Cushion Foundation
It comes in a compact with a cushion soaked in a liquid foundation. It offers buildable coverage with a luminous finish and is easy to apply with a sponge applicator.
Serum Foundation
Lightweight with a serum-like texture, providing a luminous, natural finish. Often infused with skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, it hydrates and improves skin texture.
Airbrush Foundation
It is applied using an airbrush machine, providing smooth, even coverage that looks natural and radiant. It is often lightweight, buildable, and offers a high level of precision for a polished look. Ideal for special occasions or professional use due to its long-lasting and photo-ready finish.
When to Use a Foundation
Think of foundation as your makeup's starting point. It's typically applied after skincare and before concealer. If you want to create a smooth, even base that lasts all day, foundation is your best friend.
Whether you're aiming for a natural "no-makeup" look or full-on glam, foundation sets the stage for whatever look you're going for.
What is a Concealer?
Concealer is your precision tool for targeting specific areas of concern, such as dark circles, blemishes, or hyperpigmentation. It is thicker and more pigmented than foundation, making it ideal for covering imperfections that require extra attention. Concealers also come in various formulas, allowing for different application techniques and finishes.
Types of Concealer
Concealers come in several types, each catering to different needs and preferences.
Liquid Concealer
Versatile and easy to blend, liquid concealers are great for under-eye areas and offer buildable coverage for various skin types.
Cream Concealer
Providing full coverage, cream concealers are excellent for dry skin as they tend to be more moisturizing.
Color-Correcting Concealer
Ideal for correcting specific color issues like redness, dark circles, or dullness. It comes in various shades, like green (to neutralize redness), peach (to counteract dark circles), or purple (to brighten dullness). It also helps to neutralize unwanted tones before applying regular concealer.
Stick Concealer
Perfect for precise application, stick concealers are ideal for covering small blemishes and specific areas.
Pot Concealer
It comes in a jar or pot and provides full coverage with a thick, creamy texture. Ideal for hiding dark circles, blemishes, and other skin imperfections.
When to Use a Concealer
Concealer is typically applied after foundation. This order allows you to see exactly where you need extra coverage. You can also use concealer for highlighting and contouring by choosing shades lighter or darker than your skin tone. A lighter concealer can brighten the under-eye area, while a darker one can add depth and dimension.
Concealer vs. Foundation: Key Differences
Understanding the differences between concealer vs foundation can help you choose the right products for your makeup routine and achieve the desired look.
Coverage
Foundation provides broad, even coverage, while concealer offers concentrated coverage for specific areas.
Texture and Consistency
Foundations are generally thinner and designed for easy blending over large areas. Concealers are thicker and more pigmented, making them perfect for targeted application.
Application Areas
Foundation covers the entire face, creating an even base. Concealer is used on specific problem areas like under the eyes, around the nose, or on blemishes.
Purpose
Foundation evens out the skin tone, while concealer covers specific imperfections and enhances facial features
Shade Matching
Concealer is typically a shade lighter than foundation to brighten and highlight, while foundation matches your skin tone for an even look.
To achieve a flawless finish, match your foundation to your neck and chest. For concealer, use your skin tone for blemishes, but choose a shade one or two shades lighter for under-eye brightening.
Formulation
Concealers may include additional ingredients for specific needs, such as brightening agents for dark circles or treatments for acne-prone skin, while foundations are formulated to address different skin types and needs, like oil-free options for oily skin or hydrating formulas for dry skin.
Finish
Concealer can have a matte, dewy, or satin finish, depending on the formula and desired effect, while foundation offers a range of finishes, including matte, dewy, satin, or luminous, based on personal preference and skin type.
Recommended Products
To perfect your concealer and foundation game, consider these standout products:
Pixi CC Crayon (Bright Underye): This velvety smooth crayon is designed to instantly brighten and enliven your look, providing a versatile solution to neutralize darkness under the eyes. The soft peach shade is perfect for fair to tan skin tones. Its compact size makes it perfect for on-the-go touch-ups, ensuring you always look refreshed and radiant.
Pixi CC Crayon (Bye Underye): Tailored for tan to deeper skin tones, this revitalizing apricot shade helps achieve a fresh and smooth finish effortlessly. Its crayon design offers easy and mess-free application, perfect for busy mornings or quick touch-ups throughout the day.
Pixi Correction Concentrate (Brightening Peach): Perfect for erasing dark circles and fine lines instantly, this paraben-free correction concealer blends seamlessly into your skin for a naturally beautiful look. Its creamy consistency allows for smooth application and long-lasting wear, making it perfect for all-day coverage.
Pixi Correction Concentrate (Awakening Apricot): Revitalize and brighten your under-eye area with this luxurious formula, infused with rosehip extract, vitamin A, and vitamin C. These potent ingredients work together to improve skin elasticity, providing an anti-aging effect while also concealing dark circles and fine lines.
Do You Apply Concealer or Foundation First?
One of the most common questions in the makeup world is whether to apply concealer or foundation first. The answer largely depends on the type of look you're aiming for and your personal preference.
However, the consensus among makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts is to start with foundation and then apply concealer. Here's why:
Foundation First
Applying foundation first helps to even out your skin tone and covers up minor imperfections. This initial layer allows you to see where you still need additional coverage, helping you use less concealer.
Starting with foundation also prevents the concealer from being moved around during application, which can happen if you apply foundation on top of it.
Concealer After
Once your foundation is set, you can apply concealer to areas that need more coverage, such as dark circles, blemishes, or redness.
By using concealer after foundation, you can precisely target and conceal any remaining imperfections. This method also helps prevent a cakey appearance, as you're less likely to over-apply concealer.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are a few exceptions to this general rule, particularly when it comes to color-correcting concealers. If you're using a color-correcting concealer to neutralize specific discolorations (like green for redness or peach for dark circles), you might want to apply it before foundation. This technique helps to neutralize the discoloration first, allowing your foundation to go on smoothly and evenly.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to apply concealer or foundation first depends on your skin's needs and the products you're using. Feel free to experiment with both methods to find what works best for you. Remember, makeup is an art, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach. The key is to find a routine that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
Mastering Your Base Makeup Routine
Mastering the art of using concealer and foundation can enhance your beauty routine and give you the confidence to shine. Whether you're looking to cover up a sleepless night, hide a blemish, or simply create an even base, understanding what is concealer vs. foundation can make all the difference.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different formulas, techniques, and tools to find what works best for you. Whether you prefer a dewy finish or a matte look, the key is to blend thoroughly and build coverage gradually to avoid a cakey appearance.
Remember, makeup is a form of self-expression, so have fun with it and enjoy the process of discovering what makes you feel your best.
