While your foundation creates a solid base, a concealer hides dark circles, dark spots, blemishes, and color-corrects. It gives you a targeted layer of protection that you can't create alone with foundation and works to brighten and lighten areas.
The answer is simple. Foundation is the base of any makeup look and Concealer is meant to conceal blemishes and skin discoloration. If you have an even skin tone but you need to cover some minor blemishes and dark circles, then go with a good coverage concealer.
If you're looking for a lighter-weight alternative to foundation but don't want to rely on a tinted moisturizer or CC cream, we recommend using concealer alone. It's true, with the right long-wearing or hydrating concealer formula, you'll be able to cover imperfections, even out and keep your complexion looking fresh.
Think of foundation as a full coverage solution for your face, and concealer as a targeted solution for specific areas of discolouration or minor imperfections. Foundation will go first to avoid rubbing these specific areas free of concealer after application.
Applying foundation first creates an even base to reduce overall redness, discoloration and minor blemishes. If you apply your concealer first, you may end up wiping some off when you apply foundation or using a lot more product than necessary, which can create a heavy, cakey look.
“You can't have a concealer that's too light,” she said, adding that women should choose concealer that's one to two shades lighter than the color of their foundation. “One to two shades … the right color blends itself. It makes a big difference."
Concealer works just as well when you want some all over coverage. It whisks away the bad and leaves you with skin that's glowing, fresh and “un-made up”. And there's more than one way to wear it. Concealer is super-versatile, and can do everything from covering up blemishes to carving out killer cheekbones.
Concealer is similar to foundation except it's generally thicker and hides dark circles, age spots, blemishes and more by hiding pigments and blending these imperfections into the skin. You should always apply concealer on top of your foundation so it doesn't smudge.
If you prefer using your fingers to blend your makeup, then this technique is for you. What you need to do is apply a dab of concealer over the blemish you want to hide, and then with your ring finger (it's the weakest finger), tap the product into your skin.
A brighter, healthier complexion, as well as fewer clogged pores and potentially even less blackheads, pimples, and breakouts. The longer your skin goes without makeup, the better it will be able to stabilize sebum or oil production, hydration levels, and its natural mechanism for exfoliating dead skin cells.
Generally, concealers tend to have heavier and thicker consistency than foundation. They provide medium to full coverage which makes them harder to remove with just water. Like foundations, concealers also come in different types and textures.
For Better Performance
When your makeup sponge is damp, it makes product application way easier. It goes on more smoothly and ends up in an even, streak-free finish. This is an especially good method if your skin is dry, as there's no brush creating flakes across the surface. Your skin will love the extra moisture!
To “bake your makeup” means to let your concealer sit on your face for 10 to 20 minutes before blending it, so that your own body heat enables the makeup to melt into your skin and cause it to change color and texture. This allows for the concealer to be blended more easily for a flawless coverage.
Fingers are best for a quick and natural application; sponges are good for achieving a flawless finish; and brushes are ideal for full coverage.
So, do you use concealer before or after foundation? The proper way to apply the two products is to first smooth on a foundation and then apply your concealer. Foundation will create that even canvas we talked about earlier, and then concealer can be used to spot correct any outstanding areas that need extra coverage.
When it comes to choosing the best colour of concealer, you should look for one that is “the same shade as your skin tone to cover anything on the face, and then go one or two shades lighter on the under-eye area,” says Urichuk.
Fingers are best for blending cream products - think concealers, foundations, cream blush, etc. This is because your body heat will blend and disperse better than a brush. The team at BIRCHBOX says it's all about the warmth. The warmth generates slip and movement of the product.
Concealer is extremely versatile, and can be used to spot treat, to conceal dark circles, as foundation, as contour, and even as a tinted moisturizer.
According to board-certified dermatologist Michele Green, MD, makeup itself doesn't age your skin.
Look refreshed with yellow tones
To conceal dark circles, the same color wheel principle applies. People with fairer skin may opt for yellow, peach, or pink colored concealers. Darker skin may benefit more from an orange shade.
You will want to swatch the concealers somewhere on your face, like your jawline. Next, examine the area under natural light. If it looks like it blends, you've found the right shade. However, if the concealer sticks out and looks too light or too dark, you may need to try again.
After foundation and concealer, go in with contour, blush, and highlighter.