A lot of confusion prevails, among makeup beginners, regarding the difference between Primer, Foundation and Concealer. Although these 3 products sound quite similar yet each one of them satiate a different need. Of late, I was asked the difference between them by one of my very dear cousins, who will soon join the bride clan :dancydancy: . She was doing her bridal shopping when you got confused guessing the purpose of these three products. I feel I have answered her query quite satisfactorily as she has bought these products of exorbitant brand. Her next task would be to learn the art of their usage; we will come to that later ;-) . But as of now let’s just stick to the difference between Primer, Foundation and Concealer.
Before starting off with the difference, let me preface a word or two about makeup base. Makeup base is an art of perfecting and preparing your skin for makeup. It provides an even clean surface, which is free of blemishes, imperfections and wrinkles. It also helps to absorb oil, and controls shine throughout the day, which increases makeup longevity. Primer, Foundation and Concealer are all part of makeup base in that order. But experts do not recommend using all these products, because too much makeup can possibly clog the pores. Depending upon your skin condition you may skip some or all of them.
What Is The Difference Between Primer, Foundation and Concealer
Primer:
Usually, primer is the first makeup step after applying moisture. It acts as a basis of makeup base that enhances longevity by providing better grip of makeup to skin. People who have wrinkles or substantial redness or blemishes on the face, applying a concealer can provide a plane canvas to make it easier to cover these things up. One can go for either a tinted or no-color primer. Anyhow, primer shade does not make any difference if you are applying a foundation on top. In case, you are planning to wear it alone then I would suggest going for a tinted primer to cover up the imperfections.
In the market, you will find separate primers just for eye-shadow makeup. But I tend to use the same primer for my face and eye-shadow makeup, and it works quite well. For eyes, primer is used to provide long-lasting crease-free look. It also brings out the best pigmentation of less pigmented shades.
Foundation:
After primer, foundation is the second makeup step. Some people also prefer to swap the order of these two steps (concealer and foundation) but in general it all depends on the way you like to create your makeup base. Either of the steps would work great as long as you are satisfied and comfortable with your makeup look. Foundation is a skin colored cosmetic. Its main job is to create an even skin tone, to hide flaws and to change the natural skin color. Depending upon skin type and complexion you can go for the most suitable foundation. For example, water based or powdery foundations are good for oily skin, cream or oil based foundations are good for dry skin. People with normal skin can go for any foundation. Also, if your skin is a lot uneven and blemished then you should go for a foundation that provides medium to full coverage. In case your skin is even (or partially even) and devoid of imperfections then you can give go for ‘low to medium’ coverage foundation as well. Foundation shade should not go beyond 1-2 degrees in contrast (lighter or darker – the way you like it) to your natural skin color.
Concealer:
Ideally, concealer comes in as third makeup base step. But if you are skipping any of the above steps or even both steps then its position shifts up in that chronological order. There is no point of applying concealer if you’re just going to blend it all away by putting foundation or primer on top. So remember, concealer is the last step of makeup base. Concealer’s main function is to hide stubborn/deep scars that require last minute touch ups. Unlike foundation, concealer is not applied on entire face but just on the areas that require touch ups. Usually, I dab it on under eye area, acne scars and chickenpox scars to hide them from the spotlight ;-)
I have tried my best to highlight the differences between Primer, Foundation and Concealer. In case I have missed out something or you want to add something to this post, please feel free to do so in the comment section below
You might also like reading these related topics
Make up Academy (MUA) Matte Perfect Complexion Balancing Primer Review
Basic Makeup Brushes For Beginners
How to apply liquid eyeliner on top eye lid – Makeup Tutorial
How To Do Black Smokey Eye Makeup – Makeup Tutorial
Very informative post! You have covered all the important points!
Awww.. thats so kind of you Lana !
An year back or so, I had this confusion :P
Now I am pretty much clear
Good info ya
Also
Thanks for the comment :)
Thanks Appu !
Nice info…will be helpful to many :)
Fingers crossed Shivi !
When I was starting with makeup i had similar concerns and barely knew how these make a diff.. :P ..
Well detailed post dear :)
Thanks Poo for your encouraging words !
Thanks a million, you cleared my confusion.Big up
Glad, I could be of some help!
very well explained
todays world so many different products in the market :)
Yups, you are absolutely right Kirthi !
Such a useful post, you got so many points clear..
Thanks Arzoo !
Very informative post!!
Every expert has a beginning, you have helped the budding experts with this post!!
Awww.. thanks a lot Amisha :kissi:
was realli helpfull!! thanks a ton for the post :good:
People with normal skin can go for any foundation. Also, if your skin is a lot uneven and blemished then you should go for a foundation that provides medium to full coverage. :bye:
Too good yaar….. Ue such a big cosmopedia.. Perfect!!! Thanx a lot :-)
hi…please suggest any one how to hide my scars and prons on my face.i have my cousin marrage i need to hide…its really look horrible…can anyone tell me which is the best concealer for hide thescars and pores…plz suggest me
Thank u so much.. Its really helpful..
Confusion gone.. :yahoo: :ThankYou:
Mind Blowing
Brilliant! You cleared the confusion :)
:good: plz tell me which primer I have choose? I have weatish oily to dry skin
Thank you so much for sharing your ideas.
U hv explained the concept in the simplest yet descriptive way.
👍
Thank God of your post this was very informative for a beginner like myself :yahoo: :heart: :ThankYou:
Tnx …gud info fr beginners
Thanks :-)
Very good job ! :ThankYou: Very imformative! Been doing itwrong the wholeee time😂
Very useful article. Can you tell which of the three is best for hiding facial hair?
ver useful…..thanks