Foundation & Concealer

Foundation and Concealer, two words that probably many of you hear, 

but wonder the difference between the two and if both are really necessary.

For starters the difference between foundation and concealer is simple:


Foundation is a product that is typically applied throughout the whole face to achieve a unified base. Concealer is usually used as a target product,  meaning you usually would only use it on problem areas like dark circles and blemishes.


It is easy to remember what both of these products are used for because when you hear the word foundation you might often relate it to a house. A house's foundation is the first layer of the house set in order to build the rest. This is the role foundation plays as well with your face. It is used to even out your skin and create a, once again, unified base for the rest of your make-up to be applied on.


When one hears the word conceal they relate it to hiding or covering something. This is the same when it comes to concealer. It is used, like stated before, to target and hide flaws throughout the face whether it be under eye circles, acne, or any problem area.


Concealer tends to be a little thicker than foundation as well. Since you apply foundation to your entire face it tends to be of a lighter consistency than a concealer.

Choosing The Right Foundation and Concealer

A common thing to remember when picking both of these products out is skin tone. Many people make the mistake of buying a foundation that is too dark for their skin just because they want to look tanner. NOTE: DO NOT DO THIS!! You will look like a mess! Instead, get a foundation that matches your skin tone and then use the proper bronzer to achieve your sun kissed glow.


When it comes to picking out a color of concealer I usually tend to pick out two shades, one to match my skin tone and one a few shades lighter. I like to use the skin toned one for any blemishes on my face and then use the lighter one to brighten my under eyes and right below my eyebrow on my brow bone.


With a concealer it does not tend to matter what type of a complexion ("the natural color color, texture, and appearance of the skin, especially the face (Wiki)") you have, but when looking for a foundation it definitely does. If your complexion is usually on the oily side you want to make sure that you purchase an oil free foundation. If your skin is on the dryer side then it is best to get a minimal oil level foundation. Remember though to not over apply either way. You don't want to over clog or dry out your pores.


Last, it is always important to look for a foundation that is actually helping your skin while it is on your face. One of my favorites is Superbalanced Foundation by Clinique. This is great for both oily and dry complexions because it adds moisture where it is needed and absorbs oil wherever there is an excess. 

Favorite Foundations and Concealers 

                  

bareMinerals
Powder Foundation
$27.00
(*Has SPF!)
@Sephora

Cliniques Superbalanced
Foundation
$23.00
@Sephora

                  

Right: Erase Paste by benefit concealer $26.00 @Sephora

Left: e.l.f's Concealer & Highlighter stick 

$3.00 @Target

Save Your Skin, Use A Bronzer!

Since the weather outside is heating up, it is the perfect time to discuss alternatives to destroying your skin trying to obtain that sun kissed look. With all the great bronzers out there, it is crazy to risk your beautiful face just to have the summer glow. 

A big mistake that many people make when looking for a bronzer is selecting one that has shimmer or glitter in it. This is a HUGE mistake. Often when choosing a bronzer with shimmer/glitter your skin will look fake and greasy. The whole point of make up is to aide in looking natural and to enhance your natural beauty, shimmer will do the exact opposite. The main word to keep in mind to avoid this problem is matte. A matte finish means a finish with a non-glossy look, which is exactly how you would want your face to appear. I mean lets get real, who wants a glossy looking face?!  

Some of my favorite bronzers are equally as great, affordable, and long lasting. 

* My first pick is Sun Disk by Sephora. This bronzer is huge, lasts forever, and gives your skin the perfect subtle glow. I usually use this as my base bronzer and then use the others as detail and contour bronzers. For only $22.00 at Sephora this is a GREAT find. Sadly, Sephora has recently changed their original Sun Disk to one called Aruba that, I hate to say it, has shimmer! So, this being said if you do decide to go this route look for the previous Sun Disk that says Soleil Cuivre on the back. 

* Second on my list is amazing, not only because of how it looks, but also how it smells! Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder by Too Faced can be found at Sephora and retails at $29.00. Although you may think that it is a little pricey, it last a long time because you only need to apply a small amount in order for it to be effective. A bonus is that this bronzer smells wonderful. It is made with real cocoa and when applied to the face is a pleasant surprise to the nose. This bronzer is great all over, but i usually use is as a contour after I have applied the Sun Disk. By a contour I mean I use it to make my cheek bones more defined and add a touch also to the bridge of my nose.

* Third is a bronzer that really will give you that beach glow, naturally tanned skin tone look. Warmth All-Over Face Color by bare Minerals is a fantastic way to enhance your skin tone. It can be found anywhere that sells bare Minerals and also at Sephora for $19.00. This is a great price for such an amazing quality product. A bonus is also that it lasts for a very long time since a little goes a long way. To use this bronzer you swirl your kabuki brush in the cap of the container, tap the brush, and then apply.

* Last is a choice if you are looking for something longer lasting than make up. I usually would not suggest a self tanner because many tend to make your skin look orange, but I promise you I have found a winner! L'Oreal's Sublime Glow Spray (not wipes) works awesome and looks natural. It is one of my favorites to apply when I'm on the go to the beach or errands and just don't feel like applying any make up. You can also use in underneath your make up as well, but just make sure it drys fully before you apply. All in all it gives you a nice glow without looking fake. Just make sure to not over apply and hold it about 5 inches from your face when applying. I usually spray it in a circular motion until my face feels covered. This can be found at any supermarket or drug store and retails at $11.00.

Note: Keep an eye open for later blogs on proper brushes for bronzer application and the proper way to apply it.