What is the difference between concealer, contour, primer and foundation?

[TheMoroccangirl]

And when you apply, doesn't that get messed/mixed up in some way (by putting layers)? Just wondering

[barbie]

What Is The Difference Between Contour And Concealer?

Two well-liked makeup products, contour and concealer, are used to highlight facial characteristics and lay a faultless foundation for further cosmetics. Despite having a similar appearance at first glance, each one has its own special qualities and functions.

Defining and sculpting the facial features on the face by using makeup to create shadows and highlights on the face is referred to as contouring. The products used for contouring are typically darker than the natural skin tone and applied to the hollows of the cheeks, temples, jawline, and nose to create the illusion of depth and structure. The most commonly used products for contouring are matte powders, cream-based products, and bronzers.

But concealer is generally used to cover up flaws, blemishes, dark circles, and other skin discolorations. When applying concealer, the natural skin tone is usually lighter than the areas that need to be covered. It comes in a range of shades and formulations, including liquid, cream, and stick, and can be used alone or under foundation.

Although concealer and contour can both be used in the same makeup routine, their functions are actually different and their application methods differ. While concealer can be applied with a brush, sponge, or even the fingertips, contouring involves using a contour brush or sponge to blend the product seamlessly into the skin.

The Main Differences Between Contour And Concealer

Like I said before, contouring is a technique that involves using darker shades of makeup to create depth on the face, emphasizing certain areas and creating a you know, more sculpted look. This is often done using powders or creams in shades darker than your natural skin tone, and is typically applied to the cheekbones, jawline, and nose.

Contrarily, concealing is a technique that entails applying lighter makeup hues to hide skin defects including pimples and dark circles. This is often done using liquid or cream concealers that match perfectly your skin tone or are slightly lighter, and is typically applied to areas like under the eyes, around the nose, and on any blemishes or spots.

Where Do You Apply Contour On Your Face?

Well, especially if you're new to contouring, you may naturally be wondering where exactly you should apply it to get the best results.

The cheek hollows, the temples, the jawline, and the sides of the nose are the most popular locations for contouring. These areas naturally have shadows or dips, and applying contour in these spots can help create the illusion of depth and structure.

Make a fish face and apply the contour powder or cream in the hollow immediately below your cheekbones to add contour to your cheeks. To produce a shadow that looks natural, blend the makeup upward and toward your temples smoothly.

To contour your temples, apply the product in a circular motion to the outer corners of your forehead, blending it out towards your hairline. Apply the product in a straight line along your jawbone to contour your jawline, blending it down toward your neck for a more defined appearance.

Lastly, to contour your nose, just apply the product in a thin line along the sides of your nose, blending it outwards to create the illusion of a slimmer bridge.

Everybody has a unique face, so it's important to experiment to determine what suits you the best. And for a finish that looks natural, don't forget to blend, blend, blend my dear!

Where Do You Apply Concealer On Your Face?

Concealer is a makeup product that is the best to hide blemishes, dark circles, and other imperfections on the face. For the best results, you should know where to use this wonderful product.

One of the most common areas to apply concealer is under the eyes. To do this, you can just apply small dots of concealer in a triangular shape under each eye, with the point towards your cheek. Use your fingers or a brush to blend the product in, being careful not to rub too hard on this delicate area.

Another common area to apply concealer is around the nose. This can be especially helpful for covering up redness or blemishes.

But if you have any other blemishes or spots on your face, you can of course apply concealer directly to those areas as well. Use a small brush or your fingertip to dab the product onto the blemish, and then blend it outwards to create a seamless finish.

What Goes First Concealer Or Contour?

You know, when it comes to applying makeup, the order in which you apply your products can make a huge difference in the final result.

Applying concealer first can be a good strategy, especially if you're using it to hide blemishes or dark circles. In this method, before using any contouring products, you can use the concealer to provide a neutral base. Once you've applied your concealer, you can then move on to applying your contour.

Another approach is to apply your contour first, especially if you're going for a more dramatic or sculpted look. By applying your contour first, you can create a more defined shape on your face before blending in any concealer.

In the end, the decision is yours to make and will rely on your preferences and the final aesthetic you want to achieve. While some makeup artists like to start with concealer, others like to contour first. To achieve a natural-looking finish, it's crucial to ensure that everything is flawlessly blended together.

You should try with both methods if you're new to makeup to determine which one suits you best. Try new ideas and just enjoy yourself when doing your makeup!

Can I Use Concealer As Contour?

Concealer and contour are two different makeup products with distinct purposes, but some people do use concealer as a substitute for contour. While it's not necessarily recommended, it is possible to use concealer as contour if you're in a pinch or if you prefer a more natural look.

If you're using concealer as contour, you'll want to choose a shade that's a few shades darker than your natural skin tone. Apply it in the same areas where you would normally apply contour, and blend it out carefully to create a seamless finish.

Concealer can be used as contour in an emergency, however it's not the best option. Due to the different textures of the two products, using concealer as a contour can produce a less defined or dramatic appearance than using a specific contour product. Concealer can be used as a contour, though, if you're in a rush or just want to keep things simple. What color concealer for contouring will completely depend on your skin tone and the look you're going for.

For those with fair skin tones, a cool-toned taupe or grayish-brown shade can work well for contouring. If you have a medium skin tone, a warm, caramel-toned shade can create a beautiful sculpted look. And for those with deeper skin tones, a rich, chocolatey brown shade can work well for contouring.

Always keep in mind that there are no absolute guidelines when it comes to cosmetics. Have fun with your makeup regimen and experiment with various hues and application methods to find what suits you the best. Hope this helps! 😊

[CubsterShura]

I'll go one by one:
1) Primer is like the base coat of nail polish. It is just a layer that acts as a barrier between your skin and your makeup , and it also smooths your skin out so that the foundation looks even.
2) Foundation is meant to even out your skin tone and hide general uneven-ness a d discolorations etc. It is the main base or 'foundation' for your makeup, hence the name.
3) Foundations do not always cover all blemishes and some are still a bit visible so you use a concealer over that. Again, it conceals blemishes. It is popularly used to conceal dark circles under the eyes and discoloration around the mouth. Recently using a lighter concealer in high points of your face has become more popular. So now it serves two purposes: concealing and highlighting. Mainly applied under the eyes in triangles, on the bridge of the nose, forehead and top of the lips.
4) Contour, again, is what the word says. It is usually a dark cream or powder used on the contours/shadows of your face to emphasize them, especially cheekbones and jawline to create a more chiseled, structured face. Added with the highlight that I mentioned earlier, they together add dimension to your skin (that previously got flattened out by foundation). It used to be done on models for pictures but now even common girls do it, especially for special occasions when many pictures will be taken.

Hope I could explain :)

[TheMoroccangirl]

Thank you for your time, it is clear now!

[CubsterShura]

You're welcome :)

[taytayasks]

Concealer: It usually will come in two different kinds: one that is meant to be lighter than your normal skin tone and highlight areas of your face you want accentuated (like cheekbones) the other kind is the kind you use on pimples, red areas, dark circles, etc. for colour correction.
Contour: Meant to be darker than your natural skin tone and essentially make things look smaller or more pushed back, like underneath your cheekbones or around your natural nose lines.
Primer: it is usually a colourless product you rub or gently dab into your skin before putting on any other product. It's purpose is to make sure the skin products don't crease, crack, or wear down as the day goes by as well as give you a more poreless, flat surface to work with. If you use this make sure you let it dry for a few minutes before applying anything.
Foundation: it is mostly there to correct the overall skin tone and uneven parts of your face. Usually you will want a foundation the same colour as your neck so no lines or awkward colours show up.
Most people will apply these things in this order: primer, let set. Then swipe on contour and concealer, blend. Then blend on foundation over top. Sometimes people will apply foundation first then the contour and concealer, but its mostly personal preference.

[SlowRoast]

Primer :
It Goes on first , it is very important because not only does it keep your foundation on for longer time and give it a smooth canvas for your face - but it also protects your skin against the aging effects of your makeup. (Especially cheap non-natural foundations at the drug store)

Concealer:
It is used to cover up blemishes or dark under eye area. Like if you have brown acne scars you put them on before your foundation to "conceal" or hide them.

Foundation:
Personally I love foundation because I have little skin insecurities, but the RIGHT foundation makes your skin look glowing and fresh , even skin tone , covers imperfections, flawless and amazing in photos.

Contour:
Usually the color brown or darker than your skin tone and is used under your cheek bones, on the bridge of your nose to enhance your face and make it look slimmer and more defined. If done correctly it looks awesome, you want it to appear natural , so your face looks slightly lifted.

[bekah864]

Primer- it makes your pores smaller and leaves your skin less oily and red and will keep your makeup on longer. And u apply it with ur hands
Concealer- u only put this on blemishes/pimples and under your eyes or around ur eyebrows to make them sharper and rub it in with a beauty blender or brush or fingertips
Contour- this goes on your cheeks right below ur cheek bone (highlighter goes on the check bone) and Contor can also go on the top of your forehead where your hair line is all lining ur forehead and also on the side of your face above the cheek bone and on both sides of your nose to make it small, and rught ur jaw line to make to sharper. Apply with brush.
Foundation- I don’t use this but it makes your skin look more perfect and it goes on with a beauty blender or brush but it can cause red and breakouts.
Hope that helped lol

[lineenil]

Primer is what goes on before everything. It helps all the makeup stick to your face well.

Foundation goes on top of that. It is a close skin color match that basically blends with your natural skin tone to cover up and blemishes etc.

Concealer is a much thicker product that accomplishes the same thing as foundation, but you will probably have better luck covering up say some acne. Often times it isn't your exact skin color to better cover up any nasty blemishes or discoloration.

Contour is a little darker than your skin tone, and highlight is a little lighter. There are plenty of tutorials on which parts of your face should be contoured and which should be highlighted, but ultimately it helps your cheekbones and facial structure to really pop.

Hope that helps (: all from a guy learning makeup myself lol

[TheMoroccangirl]

Thanks for your explanation, I kind of get it and I'm actually impressed that a guy is explaining me this

[hasrett]

I'm impressed. Couldn't have said it better myself.

[AlexEfron]

Whoosh and the words swirl in front of my eyes and I have no f*cking idea on how to differentiate

[TheMoroccangirl]

Same buddy, same, that's why I'm wondering

[AlexEfron]

@CubsterShura maybe you could help?

[CubsterShura]

Yes I can :)

[GeeklyChique]

First, you'll use any primer to apply on your face. The purpose of this makeup product is to keep makeup sticking for smoothness and time spent wearing it.
Next, you'll add foundation that closely matches your skin color. The purpose of this makeup product is to cover up any blemishes, acne, scars, etc.
Then, concealers and contours are applied to reshape your face for better structure and definition. This helps give you a natural skin tone. I've used my concealers to cover dark circles under the eyes. I've used my contours (with highlights) on my nose, forehead, chin, and cheekbones.

[kendall16]

Concealer-thick and covers blemishes or lightens up under eyes. Should always be a shade lighter than your skin tone

Contour-gives more definition to the shadow see your face like cheek bones or Jawline

Primer-sets an even textured silky finish for your skin and allows makeup to sit on their easier and last longer

Foundation- Evens out your skin tone and provides a base.

The correct order is primer, foundation, concealer, contour. You may also add in color correcting after primer, blush after contour, and a finishing spray after everything

[silverqueen]

Concealer- you apply it under your eyes (to lighten up the darker skin) and on your flaws to CONCEAL them

Contour- you apply it under ur cheekbones, your jawbone and the sides of your forehead to make your face look more angular / less chubby

Primer- apply it before foundation for it to absorb any oils in ur skin

Foundation- to even out your skin tone. People have different skin tones throughout their face so foundation makes it a one tone skin tone. Also if it has heavy coverage it can act as a concealer as well.

[Pinknpouty]

Concealer- you put under your eyes to hide dark circles and on blemishes it usualy comes on a stick like form.
Foundation- you but all over your face before the concealer and it makes your whole face appear fresher, and more 'perfect'
Primer- goes on before any of your makeup and it covera your pores to that the foundation applies smoother and allows the makeup to last longer
Contour- basically makes your face appear more chisseld and thinner. Its basically like putting bronzer on the sides of your nose, on your cheek bones and sometimes along your jaw line.

The makeup is supposed to blend together otherwise it will, look too fake

[Hollywood-Glam]

Primer is for prepping, it allows the makeup to last long. It's the base just like foundation and concealer. Foundation and concealer are pretty much very similar in terms of what they do. Both of them are face make up, they're the base/canvas. They cover imperfections, the difference is, which is a big one, is that concealer is used for more coverage and brightening in areas which using only foundation isn't enough. As for contour, it's totally different from the others, unlike the others it's not used in order to achieve a blemish free 'canvas', but to sculpt or add more definition to the face. Things do not get mixed up when applied correctly, especially with contouring. Primer first and foundation second are applied as usual, then the key thing to do is to conceal/highlight before you contour. Once the concealer is fully blended, contouring is next. You just keep blending the contour to the max so that it doesn't look muddy and unnatural.

[cupidkisses]

Conclear: a flesh-toned cosmetic stick used to cover spots, blemishes, and dark under-eye circles.

Contour: Contouring is when you use a matte (read: not shimmery) powder, cream, or pencil product that's two shades darker than your skin tone to shade areas you'd like to define or reshape, like your nose, forehead, chin, and cheekbones.

Primer: Makeup primer is a base for foundation or face makeup that allows it to go on smoother and last longer.

Foundation: The skin colored makeup used as a base on the face before other makeup is applied.

[JulieXO]

Primer has no pigment, it's basically face cream that you out under foundation.
Foundation serves to correct any large miscolorations and gives you face a uniform look. I find wearing other make up without foundation looks odd.
Concealer is basically a smaller lighter version of foundation, that you put in specific places, like on blemishes or under the eyes.
Contour is usually darker than the other products, and is used to immitate a shadow and shape your face.

[goddess87]

Primer goes on before anything. Then you want to conceal any blemishes like pimples. (I know some people put concealer on after foundation, but the color won't blend as well this way.) Then you put on foundation. After that you start contouring for shape and highlighting if you so choose. You don't have to do all of these steps if you don't want to.

[Purple_Babe14]

No you have to use setting powder to make sure they don't mix. Concealer goes up under your eyes in case you have bags, contour is for highlighting your features, Primer is like the very first thing you put on your face before you start any of your make up, it's kind of like lotion. Foundation matches your skin tone, and is what you spread on the uneven parts f your face, or your whole face to make sure you cover up any bumps or blemishes.

[Katy16]

No. The layers don't mess each other up.

Primer goes on first to create a smooth base.

Then the foundation evens out your skin tone.

Concealer covers blemishes and any imperfections left.

Contouring is used to create a shadow effect to make cheek bones stand out and your jaw line. It can also slim the nose and slims your face in the process.

.

[PunkinPie]

Isn't primer what you put on walls? Lol. I only dab a little concealer over blemishes and use powder. anything else makes me break out.

[stillagoodgirl]

Contour is dark tones, highlight and concealer are lighter. Foundation is your base which should match your complexion. Primer is like a setting lotion so the makeup stays on all day long

[pink1980]

I don’t really know. I’ve always just called it coverup. I can’t wear to much face makeup. I look ridiculous. I think I just wear primer.

[CriiBBY]

Primer comes first
Then foundation
Then concealer on spots or to brighten up certain areas like undereyes
Contour is to carve out features like cheekbones forehead and nose

[PoliceLivesMatter]

I wish I knew but I’m a guy

[TheMoroccangirl]

I'm a guy in this too

[HeAintMe]

I don't know, but I love you.

[TheMoroccangirl]

Because I'm confused? :0