Concealer VS Contour: Which One Should You Go For?

When it comes to makeup, every product in your kit has a specific purpose. Understanding these purposes can improve your beauty regimen. Two essential products that people often confuse are concealer and contour. Although both are essential for enhancing facial features, they serve different purposes. So, which one should you choose? Let's explore concealer and contour in depth so that you can help you make the right choice for your makeup routine.

What is Concealer?

Concealer is the best way to achieve flawless skin. Its main job is to hide imperfections like dark circles, blemishes, redness, and pigmentation. Available in many forms, such as liquid, cream, and stick, concealer comes in shades close to your natural skin color or slightly lighter.

Benefits of Using a Concealer:

• Hide Dark Circles: A lightweight liquid concealer works wonders for the under-eye area, instantly brightening tired-looking eyes.
• Hide Blemishes and Spots: Choose a full-coverage concealer to hide acne scars, redness or pigmentation.
• Brighten Key Areas: Use a lighter shade to add a subtle highlight to the centre of your forehead, under the eyes or on the bridge of your nose.

Types of Concealers:

• Liquid Concealer is ideal for dry or combination skin. It provides buildable coverage and is perfect for delicate areas like under the eyes.
• Cream Concealer: Best for medium to full coverage and works well on dry or mature skin.
• Stick: Concealer is known for its portability. It provides quick touch-ups and is excellent for normal to oily skin.

How to Choose the Right Concealer:

• Choose a shade close to your natural skin color for blemishes.
• Choose a one or two shades lighter concealer to brighten the under-eye area.
• Choose a specific formulation based on your skin type, such as a hydrating formula for dry skin or a matte finish for oily skin.

What is Contour?

Contour is a makeup technique used to shape and define the face. Unlike a concealer, which matches or brightens skin tone, the contour is usually slightly darker than the natural skin color. Its goal is to add depth and dimension while enhancing facial features by creating the illusion of shadows and highlights.

Benefits of Using Contour:

• Define Your Features: Contouring emphasises your cheekbones, slims your nose, and sharpens your jawline.
• Enhance Symmetry: Contouring can subtly balance asymmetrical facial features, creating a more harmonious look.
• Add Depth to Your Look: It brings dimension to your face, making it look more symmetrical and camera-ready.

Types of Contour Products:

• Powder Contour: This is ideal for beginners or those with oily skin. It's easy to blend and gives a natural matte finish.
• Cream Contour: This is perfect for a dramatic or dewy look. It blends seamlessly into the skin, making it great for dry skin.
• Stick Contour: Convenient and precise, stick contours are great for on-the-go touch-ups and easy application.

How to Choose the Right Contour Shade:

• Choose a shade two to three tones darker than your natural skin.
• Cool-tone contours are suitable for a shadow effect, while warm tones give a bronzing effect.
• Match the contour formula with the finish of your foundation for a uniform look.

Concealer VS Contour: Understanding the Differences

Purpose

• Concealer: The primary purpose of concealer is to correct and hide imperfections such as dark circles, blemishes, redness, and pigmentation. It also focuses on evening out your skin tone and providing a smooth base for makeup.
• Contour: Contour shapes and defines your face by giving it depth and dimension. It aims to accentuate your facial natural features by creating the illusion of shadow.

Shade

• Concealer: This usually matches your skin tone or is one to two shades lighter, depending on whether you're hiding blemishes or brightening a particular area.
• Contour: This is two to three shades darker than your skin tone to mimic natural shadows on the face.

Application Areas

• Concealer: Typically applied under the eyes, over blemishes, and areas of redness or dis-colouration. It can also highlight the forehead's centre, the nose's bridge, and the chin.
• Contour: Applied to the hollows of the cheeks, sides of the nose, jawline, and hairline to define and shape the face.

Texture and Finish

• Concealer: This product comes in liquid, cream, or stick form. It provides a smooth, natural finish that blends seamlessly into the skin.
• Contour: This product is available in powder, cream, or stick formulations. The finish can range from matte to dewy depending on the product and desired look.

Tools and Techniques

• Concealer: Best applied with a small brush, beauty sponge, or fingertips for precision and seamless blending.
• Contour: Applied with an angled brush or blending sponge to achieve a natural, shadow-like effect.

End Result

• Concealer: Creates an even and radiant complexion, hiding imperfections and enhancing your skin's natural beauty.
• Contour: Adds dimension and structure to your face, making the face appear more sculpted and glowing.

Understanding these key differences will allow you to confidently choose the right product to achieve your desired makeup look.

When Should You Use Concealer?

Concealer is a versatile product that fits easily into any makeup routine. Here are some scenarios where concealer is your best option:

• To Hide Dark Circles: Lack of sleep at night can cause dark circles under the eyes. A brightening concealer can erase signs of fatigue.
• To Hide Blemishes: Acne scars and redness often require targeted coverage. A full-coverage concealer provides a flawless finish.
• To Highlight the Face: A lighter shade of concealer can double as a subtle highlighter, brightening areas like your forehead and chin.

When Should You Use Contour?

Contour is the secret weapon to add drama and depth to your makeup. Here are some situations where contouring can make a difference:

• To Shape Cheekbones: Applying contour under your cheekbones can give you a sharper, more defined look.
• To Slim the Nose: Applying contour to the sides of your nose gives the illusion of a thinner nose.
• To Define the Jawline: Contouring along your jawline brings out a shapely face.

Using Concealer and Contour Together

Combining concealer and contour is best for those who want a polished and professional look. Here's how:

• Start with Concealer: Use concealer to perfect and brighten after applying foundation. Focus on areas that need coverage or highlighting.
• Add Contour: Apply contour to the hollows of your cheeks, the sides of your nose, and your jawline.
• Blend for a Seamless Finish: Use a beauty blender or brush to blend the concealer and contour smoothly into the skin.
• Set the Look: Use a setting powder or spray to keep everything in place for all-day wear.

Tips for Beginners

• Use the Right Tools: Use high-quality brushes and sponges for precise application.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Start with a light hand and gradually achieve a natural look.
• Consider Your Face Shape: Customize your contour placement to enhance your unique facial structure.

Which One Should You Choose?

Your choice between concealer and contour depends on your makeup goals:

• Choose Concealer: If you want to create an even skin tone, hide imperfections, or brighten certain parts of your face, choose concealer.
• Choose Contour: If you want to add dimension, define your features, or create a sculpted look, choose contour.

Concealer is sufficient for a daily makeup routine. But for special occasions, the two products can be combined to create a more glamorous look.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Using Concealer and Contour

• Using the Wrong Shade: Make sure your concealer matches your skin tone, and your contour isn't too harsh.
• Over-Contouring: Less is more! Start lightly and build up gradually.
• Not Blending Properly: Its harsh lines can ruin your makeup. Blend well for a natural finish.

Final Thoughts

Both concealer and contour are indispensable tools in your makeup arsenal. Understanding their unique roles and mastering their use can drastically enhance your look. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned beauty enthusiast, practising and experimenting with what works best for you is essential.

At Milagro Beauty, we believe in empowering you to feel confident and glow. Explore our professional makeup brushes and tools – perfect for flawless concealer and contour application. Step up your makeup game today!

Do you have any questions or tips on using concealer and contour? Share your thoughts in the comments below. We'd love to hear from you!