Diva Tips: Difference between Foundations and Concealers

Monday, July 10, 2017

Diva Tips:
Differences between Foundations and Concealers


Hi Divas

Have you ever done something out of habit or because everyone else is doing it, you do it too? That is how I feel sometimes when I apply makeup or see others applying makeup on their faces. When it comes to the beauty world, we as makeup fanatics tend to follow Youtube gurus religiously and copy everything they do. After all they are looking flawless and we want to be beautiful too. Do you ever question why we do what we do? Why do we need a concealer if we have a full coverage foundation? When do we apply concealer? How does everything work together? For someone who does not have a clue about makeup application maybe puzzled by all the 200 steps we do everyday to achieve a gorgeous face. In today's blog post I am going to break it down for you. This post is for those who are curious and new to the makeup realm. Of cause if you are a makeup connoisseur yourself, feel free to leave any tips below. Here we go!



What is a Foundation?
Foundation is a colour correcting base that is meant to even out skintone and give you an overall perfect complexion. It is applied all over the face and neck area with either hands, a brush or makeup sponge depending on the type of base. There are many different formula's of foundations like liquids, creams and powders all catered to your specific skin concern. Women who have oily skin tend to love powder foundations as it gives a matte finish. Women with very dry skin go for liquid luminous foundations for an all day hydrated glow. It is important to always buy a foundation that is suited to your specific skin type and not only the skin colour. This will give you the most natural finish and optimal skin benefits.

What is a Concealer?
Concealer is a more concentrated form of foundation. It is packaged in smaller tubes or jars and has a higher pigmentation. Concealers are meant to spot correct any areas on the face that need slightly more coverage. Areas such as dark under eye circles, eye puffiness and blemishes around the face. Since concealers are packed with higher concentration of pigments it covers imperfections easily. You only need a tiny amount on an area to blend and have excellent coverage. Concealers can be blended out with fingers as the warmth of your hands help blend it out seamlessly. You can also use a sponge or foundation brush.


Why don't we just use Foundation or Concealer only? Why do we need both? 
As mentioned above, foundations are lighter in coverage than concealers. To fully cover blemishes or under eye darkness and puffiness, it is going to take a lot of foundation layers. When applying foundation you want to look as natural as possible and not like a cake layered in icing. In order to cover certain areas, foundation will need to be layered on. Even if you are spot layering, the skin will still crease, flake and look like a mess. I have seen women layering foundation to cover blemishes and it never has a happy ending. The face always looks textured and not even toned. I do agree that there are many high coverage foundations on the market that can cover any sin you ever did. Always remember to use those sparingly and not cake the face. The same concept applies to concealers. Since concealers are heavily pigmented, applying it all over your face can end up making you look like you are wearing a full on mask. If you do not blend it out correctly it can crease heavily on the forehead area especially. Plus concealers do not come in an array of shades like foundation. It will end up being a little too light or dark for your actual skin tone. To even out your entire complexion it is best to find a foundation that matches your skin completely.

When do I apply Concealer?
There is much debate about which comes first, foundation or concealer? I personally prefer to use concealer after I apply foundation because I use it to not only cover my dark circles but to clean up any eyeshadow and eyeliner marks around my eye area. Concealer can be used to correct makeup mistakes and used as a primer before applying eyeshadow. I think it is your personal preference on using either one first. If you are going to be using a powder foundation it is important to always apply liquids and creams before hand. Applying liquids and creams on top of powder can lead to difficulty blending out and heavy creasing. Use the powder to set your concealer and make it last longer.



So where do you go from here?
Firstly, find a foundation and concealer routine that works for you. This will be by trial and error and sometimes money wasted. Trust me, once you find something that works for you, you will never regret it. There are so many different types of foundations and concealers that are excellent which will suit your budget and skin needs. Do remember, not every thing works for everybody. I personally love BB creams and liquid foundations with a little bit of concealer and a mattifying powder all over the face. On the other hand my mom does not like liquids on her face every day. she prefers to use concealer first and dust a foundation powder over her face to set everything. You want to have natural beautiful radiant skin. Do what works for you and makes you happy.

*****

I hope this super long post was helpful. Feel free to leave any tips below.
Thank you so much for reading!
Divalicious kisses.
Xxxx



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14 comments

  1. This was brilliant Desle! I use both and I apply my concealer after my foundation as well. I learned that a couple of years ago and it really helps it stay in place and not move around the face. I'm covering concealers this week on my blog. Different one's I've tried. Loved this post! Great job!
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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    1. Thank you with all my heart Kim. It means so much to me. I really enjoyed your concealer revies this week. Lots of love. xoxoxo

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  2. Great post! I have dark circles and I like to put concealer after my foundation but I use a colour corrector before foundation. It's fun to figure out techniques that work for you. Http://www.mrsqbeauty.com

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    1. I still need to test and try colour correctors. I will be doing that soon. Thanks for your tip ;-)

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  3. This was a really good post Desle. I learned so much. I like to apply my concealer after foundation too. I have dry skin so I like dewy foundations and don't use a lot of powder.

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    1. Thank you so much Bianca. Yes, I find that applying concealer after my foundation works much better for my skin too. Xxxxx

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  4. This article is very helpful. Initially I was lazy and only used a BB cream, but realized concealer makes a huge difference. A make-up artist gave me a tip,to minimise steps I now mix my moisturizer with foundation, it seems to have a lasting effect.

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    1. I love bb creams too. I like to wear it on lazy days. Yes, concealer makes a huge difference especially under the eyes. That is such a great tip. I going to try mixing foundation with my moisturiser too. Mwah xxxx

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  5. Thanks, Diva Desle, for a very useful and educational blog post. I was always confused about the difference between concealer and foundation, and when to apply them. I like simplicity, so I always go for a product that would save me the most time and effort. I would like to find a product that functions both as a concealer and foundation in one, something I can use in one easy step. Do you know of any products like these?
    Thanks, Diva Desle, your post very helpful. :)

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    1. Essence came out with a product recently called Camouflage 2 in 1. It's supposed to be a high coverage foundation and concealer all in one step. I have not tried it yet so I cannot give you my thoughts. Will review it soon. There are not much products on the market like this but there are a few. Hope I could help you out. Essence is super affordable too. Lots of love. Xxxx

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    2. Thanks, Diva Desle! This is very helpful. I must try this Essence product, Camouflage 2-in-1. It can make my life easier. :D

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  6. Such a great informative post. I like some foundation or bb cream - but I skip concealer on most days (except if I haen't slept at all or feel sick .. lol then I need tons and tons of concealer.

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    1. I totally understand you! There are days when I feel like I need to cover my whole face in concealer, LOL. I like wearing bb creams everday too for natural coverage. Xoxoxo

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