Contouring and concealing fit in the same category of playing artists with the face and in the beautiful and colorful world of makeup, that happens to be twinning. They possess the ability to change, define, and enhance features of the face into a presentation that looks very appealing and helps elicit confidence.
However, as most of the fans as well as the keen learners of beauty know, there exists a borderline between a contour and a concealer and it is that thin line that most of people tend to cross leading to problems focused on their utility and functions.
This post seeks to address this confusion and explain the two instruments further suggesting how they complement and enhance their effectiveness.
What is Contouring?
Sculpting one’s face has been done for ages, however, it was recently that this form of makeup became a tenderized hype, mostly because of the influence of the famous, television performers and beauty adherents who earned fanning out its charm.
But precisely what is sculpting Contours and Sprays? Essentially sculpting refers to the art of face enhancement leveraging toning and contouring the face with various colors of shades emphasizing areas an individual considers the best.
It’s like creatively using highlights and shadows on the stage where the node of the stage light is your face, where you can catch the best looks you have and change the geometrical addresses of some articles without the surgeries.
Depending on the preferences of users, there are several variants of contour products that may be selected, both in texture and in the final result. For example, a user can use powder, cream, or stick formulations depending on their will and the type of skin they have.
The hues are usually the various cool shades of browns and greys that appear to the wearer as shadows where all the natural shadows on a person’s face are located. In fact, contouring enhancement may ooze those who have strong and high cheeks, smooth jaw lines, or even a narrow nose.
Some of the areas where a contour is commonly used are the depressions of the cheeks, the bone structure of the jaws, the lateral regions of the nose, and the upper parts of the temples. These are the areas that are usually covered with contour make-up in order to give some shape to the face and make it more defined.
What is a Concealer?
Concealers are the quiet champions of makeup as they focus on hiding imperfections and illuminating certain areas of the face. From hiding dark rings to hiding spots, concealers are an instrumental step in getting that perfect skin.
Available in liquid, cream, and stick formats, concealers are designed to match or be slightly lighter than your natural skin tone. Liquids offer lightweight coverage, creams provide more opacity, and stick concealers deliver concentrated coverage for stubborn spots.
It’s common usage of concealers under the eyes in order to reduce the appearance of dark circles and blemishes in order to cover the redness as well as other patches on the skin. The results achieved through the use of a concealer alone will effectively take many years off your face and make you look fully recharged.
Key Differences Between Contour and Concealer
Contouring and concealing are both very important in a makeup routine but their functions are different. They have completely different applications as such. The greatest variances though lie in the expected outcomes. The effect of contouring is dimensionality and shape creation while concealing is for covering and equalizing.
When it comes to the shades and tones of the products contour products are usually darker and cooler because they are intended to create an illusion of shadows while concealers are flesh-toned or slightly lighter than the skin to provide coverage and conceal. This contrast in color ranges and undertones is crucial in understanding their respective functions.
The texture and formulation also vary between the two. Contour products often have a blendable consistency to ensure they mimic natural shadows, while concealers are pigmented enough to effectively cover imperfections.
Application techniques further highlight their differences. Contouring involves strategic placement and blending to achieve a harmonious look while concealing requires precise application and buffing to ensure even coverage.
Common Misconceptions
One of the most popular myths regarding makeup being applied is that there is an interchangeable use of contour and concealer. In other words, some people assume that contour can be used as a concealer while a concealer can also be applied as a contour. However, this is not the case, and it is highly likely that one may not get the desired effect by buying one product and hoping that it will act like the other.
In any case, contour products have insufficient coverage for effective meltdown cover, and their help is often counterproductive because darker shades, for example, highlighting shades create more blemish than conceal. On the other hand, contouring with a concealer can also be a mistake as it might leave the person looking ashy due to the greyish-blue brown spits, which are acceptable at the end of the project.
It is important to know how each product works in makeup for a flawless finish. By learning how they actually work and what they are meant for, you will be able to choose these makeup basics and apply them without making a mistake.
How to Use Contour and Concealer Together
Though contouring and concealing are two distinct processes, they complement each other effectively to give the desired makeup look. Here are useful pointers on how to use and incorporate both products into your routine:
- Start with a Clean Canvas: Apply your foundation first to even out your skin tone. This step provides a uniform surface for both contour and concealer.
- Apply Concealer First: Conceal any spots, redness, or dark circles, then take a concealer and using a damp makeup sponge blend away the edges, or you can also take a brush to do the same.
- Contour Strategically: Contour where you want to contour after you’ve blended out the concealer. The contour needs to focus on the hollows of the cheeks, jawline, and the sides of the nose.
- Blend for Harmony: One of the tricks that help achieve an effortless look is blending. Using a fluffy brush or a sponge, gently diffuse the edges of the contour, concealer, and foundation to create one cohesive base.
- Set the Look: To make the makeup last durably place some translucent powder on the areas where you dumbed concealer on to even out all the makeup you have done.
With these guidelines, you can have a balanced and natural makeup appearance without appearing clumsy but can still manage to enhance the features.
Conclusion
When it comes to makeup, contour, and concealer are a perfect duo to help you highlight the main features of your face. It is therefore important to recognize how these two differ and why they accomplish specific looks, so you know how to accomplish your goal. Contour adds depth and dimension, while concealer provides coverage and brightness.
Knowing how to use both products seamlessly will help you achieve an easy yet sexy makeup look that enhances your features rather than masking them. Be it a novice who has just begun to use makeup or an advanced user, selecting the right products for her particular issues will give her makeup to a new level.
Please feel free to leave your comments or questions on this page. To learn about more interesting makeup tips also browse through our other blog posts like “What is the Right Concealer for Your Skin Type”, “Contouring – A Beginner’s Guide” etc.
Don’t forget that makeup is a creativity that you don’t need to make up on your own instead, you can utilize it in the ways it is meant to be used.