Foundation vs. Concealer: When To Use Which?
There are lots of different kinds of makeup products out there so it can be a little confusing to understand which products you need, what order to use them in, and how to get the best results from your daily makeup routine.
Take foundation and concealer, for example. These products are clearly different but also have some similarities, and there are situations where you might not know which one is best to use. So, in this guide, we’ll take a look at foundation vs concealer, covering the uses of each product and letting you know when to use each one.
What Is Foundation?
Foundation is a commonly used makeup product that is generally applied all over the face and provides a "base layer" for other makeup products to be added on top.
Foundation can come in various forms, including liquid, powder, and cream. Each form is different in terms of texture and application method, but they all serve the same purpose of evening out the skin tone and helping to cover blemishes or surface-level imperfections.
It's also worth noting that foundation comes in a plethora of different finishes like matte, satin, or radiant to suit each person's tastes and preferences
What Is Concealer?
What makes concealer different? Well, as the name suggests, concealer is a makeup product that is designed to conceal or spot treat blemishes, imperfections, scars, or other marks on your skin that can’t be covered up with foundation alone. While foundation is aimed at application all over the face, concealer is designed to be used sparingly and applied to certain target areas on the face. It can be dabbed gently onto the skin and blended in to cover up imperfections for a flawless look.
In terms of types and forms, concealer can be found in liquid, cream, or stick form. You can also find innovative hybrid concealer forms, like powder to cream, that start out as a loose powder but when applied to the skin, turn into a cream, covering imperfections smoothly and evenly while providing hydration. The many forms available ensure you can find a product that makes application easy, meets your needs, and gives you the desired end result!
Foundation vs. Concealer
While foundation and concealer have similarities and are both used on the face to address uneven skin tone, when applied correctly, they should be used in different ways and at different times in your makeup routine.
Here are some of the main differences that separate foundations and concealers:
● Texture- One of the main ways in which concealer and foundation differ is in texture. Since concealer is usually aimed at providing high levels of coverage to make spots and marks disappear, it tends to be thicker, while foundation may feel lighter or thinner in form.
● Application - The method of application should also differ when it comes to foundation and concealer. In general, it's best to use a small amount and blend using a detailing brush or even your fingertips, while foundation can be applied with a damp sponge or a dense large complexion brush for even coverage.
● Purpose - Foundation and concealer also differ in terms of their general purpose. Foundation is aimed at providing a base layer of makeup across the entire face to even out your skin tone and provide a canvas to apply other makeup on top of, while concealer’s main purpose is to conceal or cover up blemishes and marks.
● Color - When choosing foundation, you should pick one that matches your skin tone. When choosing a concealer, it's possible to use a slightly lighter shade to help brighten areas or to choose a shade that h
as an undertone that will color-correct, like peach, to address dark undereye circles or green to counteract and conceal redness.
Should I Use Concealer or Foundation First?
Now that you know the key differences between foundation and concealer, you may be wondering which product should be applied first. When it comes to foundation and concealer, you can alternate the order based on your skin needs.
In most cases, you would typically use foundation first, and then spot-treat with concealer. However, if you have more pronounced problem areas or discoloration, some makeup artists and experts recommend using concealer first to conceal dark circles and imperfections, then apply your foundation to even everything out, before finishing with an additional layer of concealer on areas that may need extra coverage, if desired.
When it comes to makeup, we recommend testing out the two different methods to find what works best for your unique skin needs and provides you with your desired end result.
Do I Need to Use Both Foundation and Concealer?
The beauty of makeup is that it’s customizable. If you find you just have a few spots you’d like to treat and don’t want a full face of makeup, use concealer in just the areas you need it. If you are using concealer in this way, it’s recommended that you select a shade that’s closest to your natural skin tone and always ensure you set your concealer with powder to avoid creasing and ensure long wear. If you don’t have areas of concern and just want an even skin finish, you can use foundation to create a seamless base, skip concealer, set your makeup with powder, and continue with the rest of your routine.
If you want the benefits of using both concealer and foundation, but are looking to reduce the number of steps in your routine, there are amazing hybrid complexion-perfecting products that are multi-functional and can even skin tone, while concealing blemishes and even self-set in just one step!
Now that you know when to use foundation vs. concealer, their fundamental differences, and the many products out there that can meet your skin needs, check out the full line of Westmore Beauty products and makeup. From foundation and concealer, to powder, lipstick, eye makeup, and more, we have every inch of you covered.
