This question “what is the difference between concealer and foundation” is popping in every girl’s mind.
A guide to choosing the right concealer and foundation for you, as well as how to apply them.
There are so many different types of face-covering makeup that it’s easy to get them all mixed up. We’re talking about primers, foundations, concealers, BB creams, and a slew of other new products hitting the market. Even though they belong in the same cosmetics category, they are not interchangeable.
There are obvious distinctions between each of them, as well as a particular sequence in which you should use them. Even concealer and foundation have distinct characteristics. To assist you with your makeup application, I’ll provide you with an outline of them, as well as the distinction between concealer and foundation.
Let’s figure it out
Table of Contents
What Is the Difference Between Foundation and Concealer?
What Is the Definition of Foundation?
Foundation is usually the first step in your makeup procedure after a primer. It’s a kind of full-coverage makeup that’s meant to cover your whole face. To help balance out your complexion, it’s as similar to your natural skin tone as possible. The primary goal of a foundation is to give your skin a more consistent look and texture. A smooth canvas for faultless makeup application is also created by applying foundation.
Foundations are available in powder, liquid, and cream forms, with different formulations for different skin types. Powder foundations often have a matte texture, which is perfect for oily skin. For older or dry skin, cream and liquid foundations are preferable. A brush, sponge, or clean fingers may be used to apply and mix foundation.
Foundations range from very light coverage for a natural appearance that blurs out minor flaws (think fine lines and acne scars) to full coverage for a flawless look that covers all regions of skin (like dark spots and wrinkles).
What Exactly Is Concealer?
Concealer performs precisely what its name implies: it hides sections of your skin that you don’t want to be seen!
Dark circles and other patches or imperfections are often associated with this. To lighten up dark patches or shadows, you should pick a shade lighter (just slightly) than your natural skin tone. Apply concealer after you’ve applied your foundation and before you apply any additional makeup.
Other concealers, such as color correcting concealers that target more particular flaws like reddened skin and hyperpigmentation, are also available. Green concealers, for example, are ideal for concealing rosacea or reddish pimples—the colors orange and pink help to hide dark circles.
Concealers generally provide medium to full coverage and are available in powder, liquid, or cream form. They may already have an applicator brush, which you can use to sweep the cream onto your face and then smooth out with a brush or clean fingertips.
What Is the Difference Between Concealer and Foundation?

In general, foundation is intended to even out your skin tone, while concealer is used to target specific areas of concern. That’s why you should always apply foundation first, then the best concealer on any places that need more coverage.
When picking a foundation, choose one that is as near to your natural skin tone as possible; otherwise, the contrast between your face and neck will be too noticeable!
The remainder of your makeup is essentially built on top of the foundation, providing an even and long-lasting application.
To adequately cover black spots and under-eye bags, however, you need to use a somewhat lighter concealer than your skin tone. To color correct your complexion, use a different color concealer (such as green or purple).
Which Option Should I Go With?
Both of you’re looking for a dressed-up appearance!
Foundation is essential for ensuring that the remainder of your makeup goes smoothly, and the best concealer is required to cover up any areas where your foundation went missing. Apply your foundation and mix it evenly over your face. Then apply concealer on top, making sure it blends in flawlessly with your foundation for a beautiful finish. Apply the remainder of your makeup, such as eye and contouring makeup, after that.
If you want a more natural look on a daily basis and want to achieve a more youthful appearance, a natural foundation is the best option.
But what if you’re dealing with dark circles and a nasty breakout?
A concealer should be your priority. Concealers generally provide broader and thicker coverage than foundations and may be used alone.
Did you know that concealer may also be used in a few other beauty tricks?
They’re not simply for concealing flaws, though. To get those sleek chiseled brows, use some around your brows or around your lips to highlight your cupid’s bow. Because concealer is thicker and more opaque than foundation, it may pull off these feats.
Is It Possible to Exchange Them?

I don’t recommend using concealer as a foundation since it’s heavier and harder to apply across a broader area. In most cases, concealer will not blend in with the rest of your skin.
What About Concealing Using Foundation?
If it has a larger surface area, you can accomplish this in a pinch!
Just make sure you apply foundation all over your face, or at the very least, blend it thoroughly into your skin to prevent a patchy appearance.
Conclusion
To summarize what is the difference between concealer and foundation, there are a few fundamental distinctions between a concealer and a foundation. That prevent them from being used most of the time interchangeably. Who knows what new cosmetics hybrids may emerge from beauty businesses!
I’ll post what is the difference between concealer and foundation and primer, what is the difference between primer concealer and foundation, and what is the difference between foundation concealer and powder in my next post. To read more similar articles, keep scrolling the Best Concealer blog 😉
Can I use concealer without foundation?
You Can Go Without Foundation If You Use Concealer
Concealer is similar to your favorite skin-care serum in that it isn't visible but does a lot of work behind the scenes. It chameleons those unwelcome pimples, dark spots, and traces of redness away once blended beneath your foundation.
Concealer is similar to your favorite skin-care product in that it isn't visible but performs a lot of work behind the scenes. It chameleons those unwelcome pimples, dark spots, and traces of redness away once blended beneath your foundation.
Which one is better concealer or foundation?
Since foundation evens out your skin tone and reduces the appearance of imperfections, you'll want to apply it as a base. When it comes to covering up blemishes, you should always use your concealer over your foundation.
You can also use concealer the same way you would use a full coverage foundation.
Concealer is kind of like your favorite skin-care serum: You can't see it, but it does some heavy lifting behind the scenes. Once blended under your foundation, it chameleons those uninvited pimples, dark spots, or bits of the redness away.
Can I use concealer on my entire face?
If required, you may always add a bit extra. This is one of the most important aspects of concealer application. You also don't want to cover your whole face with concealer; that's what foundation is for. Only use it on crucial areas, which we'll go over in greater detail later.
However, not all concealers are designed to be used alone. Some are so thick that they wrinkle without setting powder, while others have an off-kilter color tone that need foundation to even it out. Rather, opt for a concealer that matches your skin tone.
Do you put concealer on before or after foundation?
To decrease general redness, discoloration, and tiny imperfections, use foundation first. If you use concealer first, you may find yourself wiping some off while applying foundation or using much more product than is required, resulting in a thick, cakey appearance.
Although concealer may be applied before foundation, many cosmetic artists advocate doing it to prevent seeming cakey and creasing. Before you start covering, use your face makeup first to create a smooth, blendable foundation.
When you have a lot of blemishes to cover and require a lot of thick, corrective concealer for coverage, I suggest applying concealer before foundation. Then, for further coverage and blending, softly stipple or dab foundation on top of the concealer.
Can a concealer be used as a foundation?
Concealer is a multi-purpose product that may mask dark circles, conceal spots like foundation, contour, and even tinted moisturizer. Concealer is a multi-purpose product that may hide dark circles, hide scars, as a foundation, outline, and even a tinted moisturizer. You'll want to use foundation as a basis since it will balance out your skin tone and hide blemishes. When it comes to concealing imperfections, always layer your concealer over your foundation.