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Even the most fabulous skin isn't totally flawless 24/7, so when a skin emergency pops up, smart cosmetistas reach for the concealer. If you're fresh out, layered dots of foundation can conceal most flaws. But there are important differences between concealer and foundation. Just because you can use foundation as concealer doesn't mean that using concealer as foundation will also work.
Concealer Facts
Concealers come in several forms, including creams, liquids, pencils and powders. Concealers are designed to give maximum coverage that lasts, so they not only contain more pigment, they tend to be both thicker and drier than foundation makeup.
Foundation Facts
Foundation makeup is designed to even out skin tones and to give your accent makeup, like blush and eyeshadow, something besides bare skin to cling to. Foundations are also available in lots of forms, and they rend to be more sheer and less dry than concealers.
Technique
If you are having a makeup emergency, thin out liquid or cream concealer with moisturizer, dot it on with your fingertips and blend it very quickly before it dries. Or moisturize your face, use stick concealer on the areas that are most in need of coverage and blend in the edges. Brush a thin dusting of powder over your entire face to help set the concealer and even out your skin tones.
Warning
Never use undiluted concealer to cover your entire face. The more concentrated pigment can give your face a flat, chalky look. Also, the thicker texture and drier consistency can cause the concealer to cake, peel and settle into fine lines.
