What Is the Difference Between Primer, Foundation, And Concealer?

If you are new to the world of makeup and looking for a take-off point, the right place to start will be to understand the difference between beauty products like primer, foundation, and concealer. Yes, there is plenty to explore in the makeup game, and, as a newbie, you are excited to know it all as soon as possible. But, starting from the initial steps of makeup is your best bet. Build your base and go on from there to delve into the multitude of products, makeup techniques, beauty tips, looks, and more. Check out this article for all you need to know about the holy trinity of makeup: primer, foundation, and concealer. Scroll down!

Keep In Mind

• Technique: A primer is used to create a smooth base for makeup products. A foundation is used to even out the skin tone and provide coverage. Use a concealer to cover blemishes, dark circles, and other imperfections.
• Skin Type: Choose hydrating products for dry skin. Opt for oil-free products for oily skin. Use a blend of both these products for combination skin.
• Skin Tone: Match your foundation and concealer to your skin tone, to create a flawless, natural-looking complexion. Cool skin tones have pink or blue undertones. Warm skin tones have yellow or golden undertones. Neutral skin tones have a mix of both warm and cool undertones.
• Coverage: If you prefer a more natural-looking finish, use only a primer and concealer.. You can spot-conceal areas that need more coverage and skip foundation. For more coverage and a polished look, use all three products to achieve a flawless complexion.

Primer – The Best Beauty Prep

When applying makeup, what goes on first? Want your makeup to last longer and look 3x times better? Use a primer. But what is a primer? A primer creates a smooth base for your foundation and other face makeup. This often-neglected essential can blur pores, smoothen fine lines, correct discoloration, and magically set your makeup in place for hours. You must always apply primer after moisturizer or your last skincare step and before your makeup.

One primer we absolutely recommend is the Porefessional Primer from Benefit. It’s silky, lightweight formula is oil-free, translucent, and complements all skin tones.

• Serum Vs. Primer

Both, serums and primers, serve distinct purposes – serum for nourishment and treatment and primer for a polished look. A serum provides targeted skincare benefits; it penetrates deep, addressing specific concerns like fine lines or dark spots. A primer, on the other hand, creates a smooth canvas for your makeup, blurring imperfections and ensuring a flawless finish.

Clearly, a serum and primer are not interchangeable and serve very different purposes. While serums provide your skin with hydration, glow, and long-term enhancement from the inside, a primer helps you with your immediate cosmetic needs for a flawless makeup look. You may use a serum, followed by a moisturizer and sunscreen before applying a primer for any makeup look.

Trivia

Coconut oil, milk of magnesia, B.B. creams, and CC creams are other alternatives to primer.

[ Read: Top 15 Makeup (Foundation) Primers And Their Reviews ]

Foundation – The Second Skin

Are you unsure whether to apply concealer or foundation first? Applying foundation is the second step in a typical makeup routine. The right foundation formula can help cover imperfections, even out skin tone, and give your skin the desired finish, like dewy, matte, satin, or natural. It can also help other makeup products – such as blush, highlighter, and concealer – go on much more smoothly.

Christine, a beauty blogger, shares her makeup application method for a flawless base. “I have quite the dark circles around my eye area. After I prime, I apply my foundation with a sponge. I use a light coverage foundation as opposed to a full coverage product as you can always cover blemishes with concealer (i),” she observes.

To avoid the dreaded “cakey” look, apply your foundation using a damp beauty sponge. It absorbs products, allowing you to add the ideal amount of foundation to your skin gradually. It is also important to not add too many layers of foundation to avoid looking “cakey.”

There is a wide variety of foundations available in different shades, coverages, and compositions. The three main categories include liquid, cream, and powder foundations. If you are a beginner, we recommend trying Maybelline’s Fit Me Foundation. It comes in both matte and dewy finishes in over 45 shades for a diverse range of skin tones.

Fun Fact

Ancient Greek women from 200 BC were known to use chalk and white lead powder as a foundation.

[ Read: 10 Of The Best Foundations For Combination Skin ]

Concealer – A Magical Quick-Fix

Once you have your primer and foundation on, your skin can look quite amazing. However, nobody’s perfect, and we all have days where our skin refuses to cooperate with us. From angry zits to redness and dark circles to spots, concealer comes in handy to fix all your skin issues instantly.

Use a concealer brush or your fingertips to apply concealer. If you want it to look natural and undetectable, make sure you blend it out thoroughly.

No matter what your skin type, it is a good idea to have two concealers on hand – one to cover spots, and one to cover dark under-eye circles. We recommend NYX’s HD Photogenic Concealer for spots and Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Eraser for dark circles.

Note: You can apply concealer before foundation in order to cover ‘problem spots’ to reduce the amount of foundation you use in the end and create a more natural look.

Did You Know?

Erace by Max Factor is believed to be the first commercially available makeup concealer. The product was launched in 1954.

[ Read: Best Liquid Concealers Available In India – Our Top 10 ]

Check out the difference between foundation and concealer, concealer vs foundation.

Concealer vs Foundation vs Primer

Infographic: Primer Vs. Foundation Vs. Concealer: What’s The Difference?

Applying makeup can be a difficult task. If you are just starting out, you might be wondering what the difference is between primers, foundations, and concealers. It turns out that these three items have diverse purposes and should be employed at varying stages while applying makeup. We take you through them in the infographic below to help you identify these nuances. Take a look!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use concealer without applying primer?

Yes, you can. However, if you wish to conceal stubborn spots, using a primer will help the rest of your makeup stick to your face better and last throughout the day.

Can I use concealer without foundation?

Yes. If you want a minimal look, you can skip the foundation and use concealer for a light, fresh-looking complexion.

Can I use moisturizer instead of primer?

No. A moisturizer has a different function from a primer and won’t give the same effect and results. However, both are crucial steps in makeup application. You need a moisturizer to hydrate the skin and a primer for better and longer coverage.

Can I mix my primer and foundation?

Yes. You may mix your primer and foundation to prepare a thin base for your makeup. This will help you achieve a lighter and more natural look.

Is primer better than CC cream?

No. Both are different products and have different purposes. A complexion corrector cream is tinted and can hide skin discoloration. Primers usually don’t have pigments and are meant to fill pores and let the makeup stay for long. However, you can skip primers when using cc creams.

Is primer good for oily skin?

Yes. A primer can control the excess oil and keep the oily sheen off your face when applying makeup.

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Favour AkinjiyanMakeup Artist

   

Favour is a certified makeup artist with 5 years of experience and a lover of all things science and beauty. She is also the founder of Favoured Beauty, a brand committed to creating an inclusive community in the beauty space and developing science-backed solutions for hyperpigmentation. Favor is currently in the last year of her PhD at Washington University in...more

Esha SaxenaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Esha Saxena is a writer and journalist with over 3 years of experience. She holds a master’s degree in media and mass communication from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and firmly believes that makeup is nothing less than art. Combining her love for writing with her passion for makeup, she brings to you reviews, techniques, and her ever-growing knowledge...more

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