Concealer vs foundation: when to use what? Tips from makeup artists

16 Aug 08:09

6 min. read

The Difference Between Concealer and Foundation

Foundation is the base of makeup that:

Evens out the overall skin tone.
Conceals minor redness, unevenness, or small imperfections.
Creates a uniform coverage for the application of other products.

It is applied to the entire face to create a "canvas" for makeup. Foundation usually has a lighter texture and less pigmentation compared to concealer.

Concealer is a concentrated product for local correction:

Has a thicker texture and higher pigmentation.
Designed to mask dark circles under the eyes, pimples, pigmentation spots, or scars.
Used in specific areas rather than on the entire skin surface.

Makeup Artist Tip: Foundation is the base, while concealer is the tool for final touch-ups. Use them together for a natural and professional result.

When to Choose Foundation

Foundation is ideal when you need to:

Create an even skin tone: for everyday makeup or special occasions.
Conceal minor imperfections: light redness, unevenness, or dullness.
Prepare the skin for makeup: foundation creates a base for blush, bronzer, or highlighter.

Choosing the right shade is critically important: it should match your natural skin tone. To check, apply the product along your jawline and assess it in natural light. Avoid shades that create a "mask" effect — too light or too dark.

Who It’s Suitable For:

For all skin types, if the right formula is chosen (for example, matte for oily skin or moisturizing for dry skin).
For those who want light coverage for everyday use or more dense coverage for evening makeup.

When Concealer is Needed

Concealer is your helper when you need to tackle localized issues that foundation cannot fully cover:

Dark circles under the eyes: choose a concealer with a peach or pink undertone to neutralize bluish tones.
Pimples or post-acne: spot application helps mask inflammation.
Pigmentation spots or scars: a highly pigmented concealer effectively conceals them.
Contouring: for example, to brighten the area under the eyes or highlight the cheekbones.

Makeup Artist Tip: Apply concealer after foundation to see where correction is truly needed. Avoid applying it to large areas to prevent a "plaster" effect.

How to Properly Combine Concealer and Foundation

For flawless makeup, follow this algorithm:

Prepare the skin: cleanse the face, apply a moisturizer and primer to help the makeup last longer.
Apply foundation: use a brush, sponge, or fingers for even distribution. Start from the center of the face and blend outwards.
Add concealer: apply it in specific areas (under the eyes, on pimples or pigmentation spots). Blend with a damp sponge or brush for a natural effect.
Set the makeup: use a translucent or light powder to set the result and avoid shine.

Makeup Artist Tip: For the under-eye area, apply concealer in a triangle shape (with the tip pointing down) rather than a semicircle — this creates a lifting effect and refreshes the look.

Choosing Texture and Shade

Texture

Liquid formulas: lightweight, suitable for dry, combination, or normal skin. Ideal for daily use and the under-eye area.
Cream formulas: thicker, better at masking imperfections, but can look heavy if over-applied.
Sticks: compact, convenient for travel or quick touch-ups. Suitable for spot application on pimples or pigmentation spots.

Shade

For foundation: choose a shade that closely matches your skin tone.
For concealer:
- Under the eyes: half a tone or one tone lighter than your skin for a brightening effect.
- For concealing imperfections: exactly matching your skin tone or with a neutralizing undertone (green for redness, peach for dark circles).
Testing: check shades in natural light, avoiding artificial store lighting.

Tips from Makeup Artists

Less is more: too much concealer can cake or emphasize wrinkles. Apply in a thin layer and add more if needed.
Use tools: a damp sponge (like a beauty blender) provides natural blending, while a brush allows for precise application.
Moisturizing is key to success: dry skin emphasizes product texture. Always use a moisturizer and primer.
Adapt to the season: in summer, prefer lightweight foundations or BB creams, and use concealer for local corrections. In winter, you can choose a denser coverage.
Color correction: for difficult imperfections (like bluish circles or red pimples), use color concealers before the main product:
- Green — for redness.
- Peach or orange — for dark circles.
- Purple — for dull skin or pigmentation.
Setting for longevity: after applying concealer, powder the under-eye area to avoid creasing throughout the day.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Wrong shade: too light concealer under the eyes can create a "panda" effect. Test the product before buying.
Applying on dry skin: without moisturizing, products emphasize flakiness. Always prepare the skin.
Excess layering: a thick layer of concealer or foundation looks unnatural. Apply in thin layers.
Ignoring skin type: for oily skin, choose matte products; for dry skin, choose moisturizing ones.

Where to Find Quality Products

To choose concealer and foundation, refer to trusted stores. For example, international platforms like Notino or Makeup offer a wide selection of products from luxury and mass-market brands. Pay attention to reviews, product ingredients, and recommendations for your skin type. Popular brands:

Luxury: Estée Lauder, Lancôme, Dior.
Mass-market: Maybelline, L'Oréal, NYX.
Niche: Fenty Beauty, Too Faced.

Conclusion

Concealer and foundation are not competitors but ideal partners for creating flawless makeup. Foundation evens out the tone and creates a base, while concealer spot-corrects localized issues. The right choice of shade, texture, and application technique will help achieve a natural look without the "mask" effect. Follow the tips from makeup artists, experiment with products, and enjoy perfect makeup every day!