Consiler vs foundation: when what to use? Tips of make-up artists

16 Aug 08:09

6 min. read

The difference between a concealer and a foundation

Tonal cream <TAG1> is the basis of makeup, which:

Aligns the overall tone of the skin.
Hides slight redness, unevenness or minor flaws.
Creates a uniform coating for further application of other products.

It is applied to the whole face to create a «canvas» for makeup. The foundation is usually lighter in texture and less pigmented compared to the concealer.

Consiler <TAG1> is a concentrated means for local correction:

It has a denser texture and higher pigmentation.
Designed for masking dark circles under the eyes, pimples, pigment spots or scars.
It is used pointwise, not on the entire surface of the skin.

Makeup artist's advice: Tonal cream — is the base and concealer — is the tool for final grinding. Use them together for natural and professional results.

When to choose a foundation

Tonal cream is perfect when needed:

Create an even skin tone: for daily makeup or special events.
Hide minor flaws: slight redness, unevenness or dullness.
Prepare the skin for makeup: The foundation creates a base for blush, bronzer or highlighter.

Choosing a shade is critical: it should match your natural skin tone. For inspection, apply the product to the jaw line and evaluate in natural light. Avoid shades that create the effect of «masks» — too light or dark.

For whom it is suitable:

For all skin types, if you choose the right formula (for example, matting for oily skin or moisturizing for dry skin).
For those who want a light coating for every day or a denser one for evening makeup.

When you need a concealer

The — concealer is your assistant when you need to deal with local problems that the foundation cannot completely hide:

Dark circles under the eyes: Choose a concealer with a peach or pink undertone to neutralize blueness.
Pimples or postacne: spot-on helps mask inflammation.
Pigment spots or scars: high pigmentation concealer effectively conceals them.
Alignment of contours: for example, to illuminate the area under the eyes or emphasize the cheekbones.

Makeup artist's advice: Apply the concealer after the foundation to see where the correction is really needed. Avoid applying to large areas so as not to get the effect of «plaster».

How to correctly combine concealer and foundation

For flawless makeup, follow this algorithm:

Prepare the skin: Clean your face, apply moisturizer and primer to keep your makeup longer.
Apply foundation: Use brush, sponge or fingers for even distribution. Start at the center of your face and blend to the edges.
Add a concealer: apply it pointwise to problem areas (under the eyes, for acne or pigment spots). Blend with a damp sponge or brush for a natural effect.
Record makeup: Use clear or light powder to secure the result and avoid shine.

Makeup artist's advice: For the area under the eyes, apply a triangle-shaped concealer (the top is directed downwards), rather than a semicircle —, this creates a lifting effect and refreshes the eye.

Choice of texture and shade

Texture

Liquid formulas: Light, suitable for dry, combination or normal skin. Ideal for daily use and under-eye areas.
Cream formulas: Denser, better mask flaws, but can look difficult if overdone.
Joints: compact, travel-friendly or quick correction. Suitable for spot application on pimples or pigment spots.

Shade

For foundation: Choose a shade that matches the tone of your skin as much as possible.
For the concealer:
- Under the eyes: a semitone or tone lighter than the skin for a glow effect.
- To mask imperfections: exactly in the skin tone or with a neutralizing subtone (green for redness, peach for dark circles).
Testing: Check shades in natural light, avoid artificial light stores.

Tips from make-up artists

Less than — is better: Too much concealer can roll or accentuate wrinkles. Apply in a thin layer and add as needed.
Use tools: wet sponge (eg beauty blender) provides natural shading and brush — precision application.
Moisturizing — is the key to success: dry skin emphasizes the texture of products. Always use a moisturizer and primer.
Adapt to the season: In summer, give preference to light tonal creams or BB creams, and use the concealer for local correction. In winter, you can choose a denser coating.
Color neutralization: For complex flaws (such as bluish circles or red acne), use colored concealers before the main product:
- Green — for redness.
- Peach or orange — for dark circles.
- Purple — for dull skin or pigmentation.
Fixation for stability: After applying the concealer, powder the area under the eyes to avoid rolling during the day.

Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Wrong shade: Too light a concealer under the eyes can create a «panda» effect. Test the product before buying.
Application on dry skin: without moisturizing, products emphasize peeling. Always cook your skin.
Excessive layering: A thick layer of concealer or foundation looks unnatural. Apply in thin layers.
Ignoring skin type: for oily skin, choose matting products, for dry — moisturizing.

Where to find quality tools

To choose a concealer and foundation, contact verified stores. For example, international platforms such as Notino or Makeup offer a wide selection of products from luxury and mass market brands. Pay attention to reviews, product composition and recommendations for your skin type. Popular brands:

Suite: Estée Lauder, Lancôme, Dior.
Mass market: Maybelline, L'Oréal, NYX.
Niches: Fenty Beauty, Too Faced.

Conclusion

The — concealer and foundation are not competitors, but ideal partners for creating flawless makeup. The foundation aligns the tone and creates a base, and the concealer spot solves local problems. The right choice of shade, texture and application technique will help you achieve a natural look without the effect of a «mask». Follow the advice of makeup artists, experiment with products and enjoy the perfect makeup every day!