Concealer vs. Foundation: What’s the Difference & When to Use Each?

Written by Madiha Patel

Table of Contents

• What is Foundation?
• What is Concealer?
• Key Differences Between Concealer and Foundation
• When to Use Concealer vs. Foundation
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Bonus Tips to Keep in Check
• Finally,
• FAQs

Makeup can be confusing sometimes especially when you see two extremely similarly looking products with different names. Concealer vs Foundation is a hot topic in the makeup world. Both the products are used to conceal a hide away blemishes, discoloration and blemishes but they still differ in their formulation, use and benefits.

We're here to explain the difference between concealer and foundation and guide you on how to use them correctly.

What is Foundation?

Foundation is a makeup product that is designed to create an even skin tone and enhance your overall appearance. It is applied all over your face for an even finish. When you apply the right shade of foundation, it blends into your skin and creates a base for your other makeup products and makes them look more flattering. Foundations come in a variety of formulas and finishes that provide a matte, dewy or luminous appearance.

Foundation also has varying levels of coverage including light, medium and full. Light coverage foundations are a little more effective than tinted moisturizers and bb creams. While full coverage completely hides all blemishes and dark spots.

What is Concealer?

Concealer is a product that is used as spot coverage to cover up dark spots or pigmentation. It is used on specific areas of the face like under eyes, nose and forehead to hide uneven skin tone, redness and blemishes.

Concealers are meant to be a shade lighter than your natural skin tone so that it brightens the area on your face. It can also be used as contour to create depth. There are also color correcting concealers that treat skin tone irregularities.

Concealers are more pigmented than foundations which allows extra coverage and are available in liquid, cream, stick and compact pot formulations. Concealers should be applied in thin layers and blended well so that it doesn't look fake or too bright.

Key Differences Between Concealer and Foundation

When to Use Concealer vs. Foundation

We know what each is, now we need to understand what to apply first! Generally you apply foundation first followed by concealer as foundation helps cover 90% of the blemishes and thus  requires lesser product when applying concealer. Foundation hides all discoloration or redness on your face and concealer is used to color correct darkness under your eyes and around your mouth. If you're someone who has deep dark areas on your face then it would be more beneficial to use a concealer first. This will neutralize the discoloration and then you can apply foundation on top.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overdoing foundation

Applying too much foundation can make your makeup look cakey and make your face feel heavy. It also becomes difficult to blend which can make you look unnatural.

Improper blending

When you do not properly blend in your foundation or concealer it can create an unpolished appearance. Use a damp sponge or lightly mist your face before blending in makeup for a seamless look.

Choosing wrong shade

When selecting foundation, always use a shade that perfectly matches your skin tone. This will help create an even base. And for concealer, you can either choose a shade that matches your skin tone or one shade lighter, depending on what makeup look you're trying to achieve.

Not prepping your skin

You can achieve a flawless makeup look only if you do proper skincare before applying foundation or concealer. Skipping this step can make your makeup look dry, patchy and uneven textured.

Bonus Tips to Keep in Check

Applying primer

Primer plays an important role in flawless makeup. It helps set the skin and helps your makeup last longer. It creates a smooth canvas for applying foundation and concealer and keeps your makeup put.

Product formulation

Choose a makeup formulation that suits your skin type. If you have oily skin, use a matte foundation and concealer and if you have dry skin opt for a dewy finish foundation and concealer.

Colour corrector

If you have dark spots on your face, then you can apply a red, peach or orange-toned color corrector before applying concealer. This will help neutralize the darkness and even out the skin.

Setting makeup

Once you have applied both foundation and concealer, set the makeup up with powder. Use a translucent powder to lightly dust your skin which will help avoid creasing.

Finally,

When to use concealer and foundation is a matter of preference and depends on what makeup look you're trying to achieve. Both are essential makeup products for achieving a blemish-free and even appearance. Understanding the role of foundation and concealer can help you decide which one is best for which kind of makeup look. Foundation will provide a full coverage for when you want long-lasting makeup and concealer will provide a natural coverage that is sufficient to hide small blemishes.

FAQs

Should I apply concealer or foundation first?

Typically, it is recommended to apply foundation first and then a concealer to avoid over-applying products. Foundation helps even out the skin tone and create a smooth base. Then a concealer wll target specific areas like under eyes, redness or blemishes.

Can I use concealer instead of foundation?

Yes! You can use concealer instead of foundation if you want light coverage for your blemishes or want to hide specific blemishes only.

Can I use foundation as a concealer?

No, a foundation will not provide the benefits of a concealer. Foundation is used to create an even skin tone all over your face and will not be effective in brightening specific areas on your face.

How do I choose the right shade of concealer and foundation?

To choose the correct shade of foundation and concealer you need to consider your skin tone. For foundation select a shade that blends seamlessly into your face and neck. And for concealer choose a shade lighter than your skin tone to get a brightening effect.

Can I use a powder foundation with a liquid concealer?

Yes, you can use powder foundation with a liquid concealer if applying it in the correct sequence. Apply liquid concealer first and then powder foundation for a flawless application.

Should I use a matte or dewy foundation with concealer?

Whether you should use a dewy or matte foundation depends on your skin type. A dewy foundation will suit dry patchy skin to give it a healthy glow and a matte foundation will help control and balance oily skin.

How do I make my foundation and concealer last longer?

You can use a primer before applying makeup, set it with translucent powder and use setting spray at the end to make your foundation and concealer last for a longer duration.