Some makeup enthusiasts still ask the question, “Is Concealer The Same As Foundation”? This is a common query among those who are new to makeup. But other longtime makeup users are also confused. Maybe because they haven’t bothered incorporating concealer in their makeup routine yet. If you’re one of them, you won’t be in the dark anymore after reading this article.
What’s confusing to most is that concealers look almost the same as how foundation does. The texture is almost the same, plus the range of shades too! Although concealers also come in cute shades of green, yellow, purple, blue, pink/peach, and orange. Yes, because they are both makeup bases that are used to create a smooth canvas for applying color makeup (blush, eyeshadow, etc.) afterward.
What is the difference between foundation and concealer?
Depending on the thickness and coverage, they can both cover imperfections like redness, dark spots, and other skin blemishes. The other similarity is a DIY or makeup hack sort of thing. If you run out of foundation, you can mix concealer with moisturizer and use the mixture as a substitute.
Make sure that the shade is close to your skin tone and blend it down to your neck. Otherwise, you will look as if your head is separate from your neck and body.
Depending on the thickness of your concealer, mix it with enough moisturizer to get a foundation-like consistency. Then, you’ve got yourself an alternative foundation. One of the concealers that can be used for this purpose is Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer.
You should do this makeup hack for emergency purposes only. They are for those times when you run out of your favorite foundation. But if you have both products on your vanity table, then why would you resort to this? Well, unless you want to experiment, right? I know I do, sometimes.
Well, the similarity ends there. The other answer to the mystery of foundation being the same as concealer is No. The likeness between them is minimal, while the differences are extensive.
So, what really is the difference?
Can you use foundation as concealer? How about the other way around?
I’ve already answered the latter question above. For the other way around, you can also use foundation as concealer. You would want to check the coverage and consistency of your foundation. It should provide enough coverage and the right thickness depending on the imperfection that you want to conceal.
Where to apply
The next thing we should consider is the area where to apply them. Concealers are used to cover small areas of imperfections like blemishes and dark under eye circles. Whereas, foundations are applied all over the face and neck to even out the skin tone and make the skin appear smoother.
There are even those that are designed to be used for the body. Both have shades that are close to our skin tones. However, as I’ve mentioned above, there are also colorful shades of concealers like yellow, purple, pink/peach, orange, green and blue.
Concealers are mostly sold in small packages as compared to foundation. A great example is the ever popular NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer which comes in a tube packaging like that of a lipgloss. On the other hand, a foundation usually comes in a bigger bottle like this holy grail.
The major difference between the two lies in how to they are used. We’ve already gathered that they have different functions and uses. So when you use them for their specific use, you will be maximizing their potential.
Which Should Go First: What Goes First? Foundation or Concealer?
So, we’ve established that they’re not exactly the same. Now comes the million dollar question of which goes first. The question is almost as popular as the question, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?”
You can search the internet for months or even years, but you will always get varied answers. You might wonder why. Well, the answer is very simple, it depends on the situation. For example, should you use concealer before or after powder foundation? Concealers are usually either in liquid or cream formula. Naturally, it should be used first before topping it with powder foundation.
The key when using concealer first is to be careful when you apply foundation or other makeup on top of it. This is to make sure that it will not be rubbed off. You should also prep your face with moisturizer and the best primer for a smooth application of concealer. When using other types of foundation, though, it should be the foundation first before concealer.
This way, you won’t have to put concealer on imperfections that the foundation has already covered. Always remember to set the concealer with powder for better and lasting results.
Wrapping It Up
Knowing how these 2 makeup tools differ from each other is just the first step. What you need to do now is practice what you’ve just learned. Choose the perfect brush to apply them for a flawless look.
If you are not sure which one you should get, you can try foundation and concealer in one like this one from Clinique. This way, you get to apply both concealer and foundation at the same time.
Final Words
In the past, I have received a request to do a concealer vs foundation makeup experiment. It is pretty much doable. But, if you’re going to do it for a real-life event, then you would be better off using them for each of their purposes.
Now, will you still ask the question, “Is concealer the same as foundation”? After reading this article, I hope not!