For many women, makeup is something that becomes a part of our daily lives from a very early age. It’s wonderful, isn’t it? Makeup has the power to lift your spirits (and confidence) by allowing you to put your best face forward. Concealer helps you hide imperfections that annoy you, while foundation can help smooth out any discoloration you may be concerned about. It can also be really good for your skin! If you choose the right natural makeup, you’ll not only create your ideal look, but actually support and promote the quality of your skin!
What is Concealer?
Although most of us apply makeup everyday, it’s surprising how few of us are actually doing it properly. First of all, you should know that concealer is not foundation, and vice versa. There is a big difference. Concealer is thicker than foundation and should be used sparingly to hide blemishes, scars, dark spots, or circles under your eyes. The general rule is that your concealer should be one shade lighter than your foundation and should be applied to the area first, before adding foundation or powder.
Sometimes you’ll notice that a concealer is labeled with a colored tint. Pay attention to this!
- Yellow Tint – This is the most commonly used concealer to help even out skin tone. Most women will find that yellow works for them as long as they aren’t dealing with a large amount of skin discoloration.
- Green Tint – If your skin tends to be more red, then green tinted concealers may be right for you. This tint helps neutralize red spots on your face, such as blemishes or broken capillaries. Just remember – green is for red only – so don’t use it on dark spots or circles.
- Pink Tint – Sometimes you’ll see concealers advertised in a pink tint. Pink is great for neutralizing dark blue or purple areas on your skin. This one is perfect for those who suffer from extra dark circles when they don’t get enough sleep!
- Orange/Brown Tint – This shade is great for helping to neutralize brown and/or black spots that can appear on darker skin tones.
Get More Out of Your Concealer
Concealers are not only great for hiding imperfections, but many are also fortified with natural botanicals for added potential health benefits. Here are just a few helpful ingredients you’ll want in your daily concealer:
- Buckwheat Seed Extract – Helps to support against puffiness.
- Cucumber Extract – Helps soothe tired, irritated eyes.
- Shea Butter – Helps to moisturize and smooth lines and wrinkles.
- Caffeine – Helps to support the skin against fluid retention and puffiness.
What is Foundation?
Foundation, on the other hand, is great for smoothing skin tone and giving your face an even look. Best of all, you are completely in control of how much coverage you want and need! Some opt to use foundation all over the face and add a powder on top – this will definitely give you a full-coverage look, but it will be noticeable (hey, it’s all about your preference). Others use foundation more sparingly in areas where they need a little more coverage than a sheer powder can provide, such as redness or splotches on the chin and cheeks. Foundation is also great for minimizing pores – and if you choose the right natural makeup – it can actually nourish your skin.
How to Choose the Correct Shade of Foundation
A good way to find the right foundation color for your skin tone is to try it out on your chest first. Typically, your face and chest get the same amount of sun-exposure and are usually about the same color because they are generally the spots you apply SPF the most. Check how the foundation color looks outside as well as inside to see how it appears in different light. Also, keep in mind that the shade you use may need to change a bit between summer and winter.
Just like your concealer, natural foundations often come fortified with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that can help nourish, protect and moisturize your face. Everyone’s skin is different – some complexions are oily, dry, or a combination of both – so make sure you’re choosing the makeup that is right for you.
If you’re looking for natural makeup such as concealer and foundation, get started by browsing Natural Healthy Concepts’ selection of products by Jane Iredale and 100% Pure.
Which do you prefer: concealer, foundation, or both? We’d love to hear about your makeup routine! Tell us all about it in the comments below!
