Makeup is not complex unless you get confused between products that look the same but serve different purposes. We all know primer goes first and setting spray goes last; how about concealer and foundation? What comes first? Is it necessary to apply concealer and then foundation?
We shall be answering these questions in detail in this article. So, read on and learn more about concealers and their functions so that you can have your answer more precisely.
Types of Concealers
Concealers come in different types. You must choose the best formula according to the coverage and texture you like. So, here are the types of concealers below:
Liquid Concealer
Liquid concealer is well known for its best coverage. Its under-eye application hides the dark circles without any noticeable texture.
Liquid concealers are best suitable for dry skin textures. There are liquid concealers that have hydrating formulas that provide a radiant finish. Hydrating formulas are an excellent choice for all skin types.
Avoid applying a matte finish with a liquid concealer on dry skin because dry skin might pop up.
Cream Concealer
Cream concealers are a hybrid sort of product mix of concealer and foundation. It usually comes in potted packaging. Whether you want to cover dark circles, breakouts, dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, a cream concealer can work for your problems. As this concealer is a thick formula, you can apply it all over the face to add brightness.
For sensitive people and those with acne-prone skin, go for a cream concealer that is oil-free, non-comedogenic, and alcohol-free.
Stick Concealer
A stick concealer is as popular as the other ones. Stick concealer has a semi-solid texture that provides coverage for blemishes and dark spots. A stick formula concealer can be stored in a vanity box and used easily while traveling.
We would not recommend a stick concealer for oily and combination skin people because a stick formula can feel heavy on the skin. Thus, it is better to use another formula.
Color-Correcting Concealer
Color-correcting concealers contain different colors, like green, purple, orange, and red, to even out your complexion. Generally, color-corrector concealer is used when you have redness, sallowness, or discoloration on your skin.
A green concealer is used to cover blemishes and redness. Orange can perfectly cover dark circles and spots, correct all the discoloration and dark tones of skin areas, and even out them in the same color.
Concealer Pen
A concealer pen doesn’t conceal the complexion or brighten the skin like other concealers. It serves a different and unique purpose. It has a precise tip that is perfect for doing touch-ups. You can use it under the eye area, highlighting the brow bone and lightening the cupid bow or tops of the cheekbones.
Its precise usage is what we need for a quick touch-up before any event.
The Multi-Functions of Concealer
Concealer is a versatile product that can serve multi-functions. Following are the other functions of the concealer that you can use:
- Concealer can blur fine lines. You must apply a few drops of buildable concealer formula under the eyes and then use your ring finger to gently pat and blend it nicely. It will provide a natural finish and not cake in the fine lines.
- One or two dark shades than your natural skin tone of a concealer can work as a contour. Apply the darker shades to the desired contouring areas and blend them well. A cream concealer formula can work best for such a purpose.
- Using a brightening concealer under your eyes can make the dark circles disappear and make you feel fresh and awake even if you hadn’t slept last night.
- Concealer hides blemishes and helps the acne to cure with its salicylic acid formula.
- Apply concealer to your cheekbones to get a luminous glow all at once. You can enhance this glow using one or two tones lighter than your original one.
- A nice layer of concealer as a base before applying eyeshadow and lipstick can do wonders. It keeps the eyeshadow in place and creates an even look if applied before lipstick.
- For dark-shade lipsticks, apply concealer on the outer line of the lips to keep the lipstick inside the lip boundary. Concealer enhances the lipstick shade if outlined finely.
The Difference between Concealer and Foundation
As the name suggests, the concealer conceals the area where there are dark spots, blemishes, and fine lines and hides all the imperfections. At the same time, a foundation evens out the complexion and makes the skin tone alike before applying the other makeup products.
The primary difference between foundation and concealer is the formula.
- Concealers are more pigmented than foundations.
- Concealers are thicker formulas.
The other difference is the size of the tubes and packing.
- Concealers come in a minor packing than foundation.
- Concealers are used in lesser quantities and are not meant to be applied on the entire face. Therefore, it has a smaller tube.
Concealer is used to provide higher coverage to specific areas.
- People with hyperpigmentation must first conceal on specific areas and not on the entire face.
- You can use a light coverage foundation after the concealer application. If the dark spots appear again, which a foundation couldn’t cover, you can use concealer to hide them on top of the foundation.
Concealer or Foundation, Which Should You Apply First?
What should you apply first? A concealer or a foundation? It’s a primary question being asked. Both orders are good to go! Because both have their pros and cons. Some people always put on the foundation first and then concealer. Others go with time and skin conditions. Well, we are here to guide you on this topic.
When Applying Foundation, First
Foundation is the foundation of the makeup, after which you can decide what area requires attention. It even outs the skin tone and hides all the imperfections. If the foundation is light coverage, then concealer is applied on top of it to hide all the blemishes.
When Applying Concealer, First
Applying concealer first is not wrong at all. It is best suitable for an event where people will photograph you. The concealer will accentuate those points where you applied concealer upon flashing. This technique is better for editorials, photoshoots, televisions, and studios where high beam lights wash out the features due to lousy makeup techniques.
We recommend you apply foundation first because, after its application, you can quickly determine which part of your face requires more coverage. Apply a small amount of concealer on those areas. This way, you will save your concealer product with a more finished look.
There is a scenario where you need to use concealer first. If you are using color-corrector concealers, they are applied before the foundation application.
Steps When Applying Concealer
There are seven easy steps while applying concealer. Take these tips to be a pro at makeup application.
Start with a Clean Slate
Deep cleaning of the skin is an advantage if you are going to put on makeup. Cleanse your skin nicely if you are removing makeup and then exfoliate it. Skin exfoliation helps the makeup to blend evenly. Now, apply a moisturizer, sunblock, and eye cream for hydration.
Don’t Skip Makeup Primer
Skin prep is the key to getting an even look. Prep it by applying face primer that can hold the concealer for longer. It will help keep the foundation and grip the concealer for the day.
Apply Your Base
You can apply foundation first and then concealer. That way, you will use less product in the areas where you need it. (You can apply concealer first if you want)
Brighten Your Under-Eyes One of Two Ways
If you don’t have dark circles, then applying the concealer on the inner eye side and the outer corner can create a lifted look. Otherwise, draw a triangle underneath the eye and fill it with the concealer. Now blend and dab the product using your finger or a concealer brush. Do not overdo the triangle to avoid a cakey look.
Spot-Apply on Any Blemishes
A full-coverage concealer will help you to conceal the blemishes throughout the day. To hide blemishes, use the same color of concealer as the foundation. Blend the concealer flawlessly with the foundation to hide the blemishes and have a natural finish.
Nix Redness, and Don’t Forget Your Nose
A pro tip for concealer application is that you need to dab it using your finger on the blender. Do not drag it. Apply concealer around the nose and on all the red spots. Dab the concealer using your finger and then take a damp beauty blender and dip it in a loose powder. It will help the concealer to set and will provide a finished look.
Set It All with Powder
Setting powder helps to lock the look and refrain from creasing. Apply setting spray once you have applied loose powder. It will provide a glow and radiant effect to the skin.
Mistakes When Applying Concealer
Using the Same Concealer for Dark Circles and Pimples
Dark circles and pimples require color-corrector concealers. Orange or salmon concealer helps to hide dark spots and dark circles, whereas green concealer help to conceal pimples.
Not Using the Right Color to Battle Your Dark Circles
Using the same toned concealer as your foundation won’t help hide the dark circles. Use color-corrector concealer for best results. Or if the dark circles are lighter, then a lighter shade of concealer can also work. Use the triangle shape concealer application under the eyes.
Relying on Your Fingers Alone
Stippling and tapping are techniques where concealer stays put more finely than applying with the fingers alone. Use these techniques using a concealer brush and fingers to have a more prolonged effect.
Not Setting Your Concealer with Powder
Always remember to finish off the concealer with setting powder. It will stay longer and in place, not even in the heat and sweat.
Keeping Your Concealer Past Its Expiration Date
Using concealer past its expiration date can be critical to your skin. It will lose its texture and all its good features. Check the expiration date or if the smell has changed, then stop using the product immediately.
Conclusion
Now, you know the purpose and use of concealers. You can better decide what will work best for you. The foundation is the base, and the concealer hides imperfections after the foundation application. Get flawless makeup using these tips, and be confident if it is the time when you have pimples and blemishes.