Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms

Difference Between Concealer and Foundation

Concealer vs Foundation
 

The difference between concealer and foundation is mainly in the primary use of each cosmetic product. Foundation and concealer are used to hide flaws in the skin. Concealers are use to hide dark spots, pimples, and other unwanted marks on the skin by blending the blemished area with the skin tone. As far as foundations are concerned, they are generally used for wider skin areas to even out the skin tone. Women, generally, use concealers on the facial area and are the most users, but lately, men have also begun using concealers. Foundation, on the other hand, has been around for generations. There have been records showing the use of foundation as far back as the Egyptian era.

What is a Concealer?

Concealers are usually pigmented, with a wide range of colors for pigments. They do a better job of concealing skin flaws than foundations because of their pigmentation colors. Concealers work well with a wide range of skin colors. It is generally a good addition if you were to use a concealer along with a foundation. Not only do concealers hide skin flaws, concealers also augment skin color if used in conjunction with a foundation. When used as such, they magnify skin color, adding several effects to a person’s appearance. With the wide range of pigment colors, concealers are preferred by most users, especially when used along with a foundation.

What is a Foundation?

Foundation has been useful for hiding wide areas of skin flaws, but its primary use is evening the skin color. As we all know, most people have different skin tones in different parts of the body. Even on face, some areas can be fair while others are darker. In such a situation, a person has to use a foundation. So, a foundation can be used to enhance skin complexion, especially among those people who are naturally pale. Foundations work even better when used with concealers, as foundations do not give as much pigment as concealers do.

One popular type of foundation is Aqua Tofana. It is said that during the Middle Ages, women were told to go to Signora Tofana for instructions on how to use the Tofana powder. However, there were cases of women dying of poisoning because of the venomous effects of the powder. King Louis XV of France made the foundation a fashionable item for men during the 18th century. Foundation was also used by women in the 18th century to gain a pale complexion, as it was believed back then that women with a fair complexion belong to a lower social rank as compared to women with pale complexions.

The bottom line is that both cosmetic items do well in hiding skin flaws. Each would complement the other’s skin blending capabilities. But with the concealer’s wide range of skin pigment colors, it is more generally used in a specific skin area while the foundation is used on a wider skin range. It is really up to the user how he/she would blend the two cosmetic products together in a harmonious way. No matter what the usage is, both cosmetic items have similarities but are also diverse when it comes to skin pigment color and opacity.

What is the difference between Concealer and Foundation?

Definitions of Concealer and Foundation:

Concealer: Concealer is a type of makeup that is created for a special purpose.

Foundation: Foundation is the basic makeup that we use when we are using cosmetics.

Function:

Concealer: Concealer is used to hide flaws and blemishes on someone’s skin.

Foundation: Foundation is primarily used to even the skin tone of a person’s skin.

Consistency:

Concealer: Concealer is thicker in consistency.

Foundation: Foundation is lighter in consistency.

Variation:

Concealer: Concealer has a lot of variation from which a person can select.

Foundation: Foundation also has a selection, but it is not as wide as that of the concealer.

As you can see, both concealer and foundation make important parts of a person’s makeup. However, just applying both will not make your makeup good. You will have to apply them beautifully and accordingly on your skin. If you succeed in doing so, you will have a good appearance.

 

Images Courtesy:

  1. Concealers by earthlydelights (CC BY 2.0)
  2. Foundation on skin by Jen (CC BY-SA 3.0)