Among cosmetic products, there are many products that are not so easy to understand. For example, concealer and highlighter - what's the difference? Very often girls confuse these names for the simple reason that both products are designed to work with skin imperfections. In addition to the fact that both of these tools are the most effective assistants in camouflage, each of them has features and rules of use. Let's look at all the nuances in more detail in this article.
Skin Features
After applying foundation and powder to the face, it becomes matte, loses its natural volume, and visually looks “flat.” The unnatural appearance is due to the fact that the curves of the face that form the relief (cheekbones, brow ridges, bridge of the nose) become faded. A highlighter is used to highlight these facial features. This is a cosmetic product that gives radiance and volume to the skin, it also hides fine wrinkles and greatly refreshes the face. The question arises: “Concealer and highlighter - what is the difference?” It's very simple: the concealer is designed to correct skin imperfections. Such as pimples, for example, or bruises under the eyes. This cosmetic product is available only in flesh shades and looks like foundation. In general, the range of cosmetic products in these areas is very diverse; we will consider what these products are and how to use them below.
What is the difference between highlighter and concealer?
To use a product that has the best aesthetic effect, you need to distinguish between the purpose of concealer and highlighter. They are often confused due to the fact that both of these products may contain reflective additives and each of them masks imperfections to one degree or another.
The concealer hides imperfections such as circles under the eyes, age spots and redness. It combats skin imperfections through color correction. For example, to get rid of dark circles with purple or blue undertones, use a product with yellow pigments, redness is neutralized with a green tint, and brown spots are neutralized with lavender-lilac. You can choose any color from the palette of liquid concealers with Concealer Wand applicators from NYX Professional Makeup.
The concealer can be applied to large areas of the skin and can also be used for contouring. It has a fairly light and plastic texture, while the corrector, which also masks defects, is denser and is used only spot-on. Under the concealer, always apply foundation first. Then only those imperfections that she could not cope with will have to be corrected.
Highlighter is a product that gives the skin radiance. Its secret is a large concentration of reflective particles, which make minor imperfections in facial tone less pronounced. Also, the highlighter allows you to create more harmonious proportions by placing the right light accents.
You can apply highlighter to different areas of the face:
- to the area under the eyebrow line - to make it more raised;
- on the back of the nose - so that it appears visually narrower and neater;
- above the upper lip - for a sensual and natural volume effect;
- on the inner corners of the eyes - to make the gaze appear more open;
- on the cheekbones - for “light” correction of the face shape and strobing.
The type of highlighter can be almost anything. Liquid and gel textures, like Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator, are easier to blend. The creamy stick is convenient for quick and precise application. A powder or loose formula like Away We Glow Illuminating Powder can create a subtle, smoky glow. The color of this product can be chosen freely. For a cold color type, silver and pink tones are ideal, for a warm color type - almond and golden. For a bright “rainbow” make-up, use multi-colored highlighters, modeling a smooth gradient transition of shades. An ideal option for such experiments is the Love Ypu So Mochi Highliting Palette from NYX Professional Makeup.
Concealer
This is a relatively new but very popular product. It is used point-by-point to correct minor skin defects. Many women confuse it with foundation. And when it is necessary to solve the problem of masking redness, age spots, facial wrinkles and other nuances, most often they choose a foundation, sincerely believing that there is no difference between these products. However, the concealer has a denser texture and it is thanks to this feature that it better masks imperfections. Foundation is most often applied after concealer and highlighter are applied. What is the difference between primer and concealer? This question often arises. The fact is that a primer is a product that prepares the skin for applying makeup. It contains moisturizing components and silicone, all this makes the skin smooth, well-groomed and ready for applying decorative cosmetics. It is believed that the concealer partially works as a highlighter. It contains reflective particles, making the skin look fresh and glowing.
Highlighter - blackout
If we turn to the source, the word “Highlighter” has English roots. It is based on the definition of Highlight - a light glare or light effect. It is the play of light that is the main technique with which this cosmetic product can transform your appearance.
Thanks to its dense texture, which also contains reflective microparticles, the highlighter can advantageously highlight the prominent parts of the face. This will give the face a natural glow and delicately disguise minor imperfections on the skin.
What is it needed for?
As a rule, our skin is not immune to the appearance of dark circles under the eyes, age spots and other imperfections. Concealer is used to correct precisely such imperfections. Among makeup artists, it is rightfully considered the most necessary of all concealer foundations.
In addition to decorative concealers, there are medicinal ones. Depending on their formula, they not only even out the tone, but also fight acne, moisturize, and cope with local redness. It is necessary to soberly assess the characteristics of your skin before choosing concealer and highlighter. What is the difference? Depending on the form of release of corrective and concealing products, different problems are solved. Concealers may vary in coverage and are suitable for different skin types.
How to use?
The product can be applied to completely clean skin, over foundation or primer. If pressed powder is used as a base, then the concealer is applied first.
When choosing a product, you need to focus on its color, composition and texture. For example, an antibacterial concealer stick is ideal for covering up pimples. For thin, transparent skin, a product with a liquid texture is appropriate. Apply it with a sponge or brush and gently blend. It should be noted that makeup artists do not recommend using both highlighter and concealer over the entire face area. We noted the difference between concealer and foundation. And therefore, if applied completely, the dense texture of the product will give the face an unnatural appearance. In addition, concealer cannot replace a full-fledged foundation; only a skillful combination of these two products gives a perfectly even complexion and skin.
When purchasing this product, select the color by applying a sample to your face, not your hand. Products in jars and palettes are intended for the correction of large areas. Such products are especially relevant for people with strong pigmentation and other similar nuances.
Important: the color of the concealer should be exactly the opposite of the color of your problem. So, pimples are corrected with a green tint, bruises with orange or yellow.
Highlighter
This is another new and unusual product for us, which has also won recognition from makeup artists. Analyzing all the nuances of this product in detail, we can finally understand how highlighter and concealer differ, what is the difference between them. So, translated from English, highlight means “to bring to the fore, to emphasize.” The product is designed to highlight certain areas of the face and make them voluminous. It is not a concealer; rather, on the contrary, it emphasizes enlarged pores, acne and other imperfections. But there are times when highlighter is used instead of concealer. For example, to camouflage signs of fatigue on the upper eyelid. When applied to these areas, the concealer can roll off, but the highlighter, thanks to its dry texture, will stick perfectly and, moreover, with its reflective effect, will distract attention from blood vessels and redness.
How to use?
So, we have defined what a highlighter is and what it is needed for. What is the main reason why not a single makeup artist can do without this product, while ordinary women rarely use it? The fact is that there is one simple nuance in using the product. It can be expressed in one word - moderation. If you apply highlighter in the wrong places, your face begins to shine as if it was smeared with fat. This completely discourages the desire to use the product.
To give your face a sleek, healthy look, apply the product in a thin, transparent layer. A small amount of the product applied on the sides of a narrow forehead can visually expand it due to its radiance. Can be applied to the apples of the cheeks and cheekbones. Never apply highlighter to areas where shine may appear.
What does a highlighter do for the face?
Where to apply highlighter
Highlighter is needed for the following purposes :
- Give your face radiance and healthy color
- Hide wrinkles
- Visually change the oval of the face
- Visually enlarge your eyes
- Make the eyes on your face expressive
- Visually enlarge lips and reduce or enlarge the nose
- Emphasize eyebrows
The main areas for applying highlighter are:
- Eyes, for their visual enlargement . Apply a couple of dots of highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes, and rub them in with your finger - this will give the impression that you have large eyes, and to make them even more radiant, you need to place a dot in the middle of your eyelids with a liquid or cream highlighter.
- Cheekbones to give your look a fresh look . Apply highlighter to the highest points of your cheekbones using your fingers or a brush.
- Forehead (for those with dry facial skin), to give freshness to the face . Dots are applied on the forehead and between the eyebrows. This area is not suitable for women with oily skin; it may give the impression that you have a sweaty forehead.
- Nose . A large nose can be visually made shorter and thinner. You need to run your finger with the highlighter along the bridge of your nose, not reaching the tip. A small nose can be visually enlarged by applying subtle highlights on the sides of the nose.
- Around the eyebrows . By passing a brush with highlighter over the eyebrow, an apparent lifting of the eyebrows and eyelids hanging over the eyes is achieved, and a wide look under the eyebrow is achieved.
- Lips to give them apparent volume . Place highlighter dots above the upper lip, in the place of the dimple, and on the lower lip in the middle.
Important . During the day a matte highlighter is used, in the evening - with glitter.
Which highlighter shade should you choose?
- For fair skin – with a pearly tint
- For dark skin - with golden, bronze and warm copper undertones
- For pinkish skin – with a reddish tint
Makeup with highlighter
Common mistakes when applying highlighter :
- Do not apply highlighter to dark areas: temples, under the cheekbones, tip of the nose and wings.
- Avoid applying highlighter to your chin, as this can make it look like you have a double chin or a heavy jaw.
- Too much highlighter can make your face look oily.
Rules for applying highlighter
Now that the difference between highlighter and concealer has become clear, let's look at the main areas of application. Before using this product, the face must be prepared: cleansed, moisturized, covered with tone, since it is used to create the finishing touches in makeup. Highlighter is applied:
- on the cheekbones, but not on the cheeks;
- on the back of the nose, but not on its tip (if the nose is short, apply a small amount of product on the sides);
- on the outer edge of the eyebrows (on the brow ridges), the skin under them, this makes the look open;
- to the middle of the upper lip.
The product is applied to these areas if there are no obvious skin defects. You can also mix highlighter and concealer to lighten dark circles under your eyes. What is the difference, we have looked at the differences. It is worth noting the main nuance that distinguishes them: the brightener is not capable of masking defects, it only highlights the skin.
In general, if you are not a professional, it is better to handle highlighters carefully. It is better to apply less product than more, use it delicately, without excess. If you still overdo it, you can apply loose powder on top, it will remove the excessive radiance of the face.
What are concealers and what are they for?
The key to successful makeup depends on the foundation. The skin of the face needs to be brought into proper shape, given the desired tone, make the structure more matte, and only then begin to draw the remaining areas.
Concealers will help us with this - means for masking various flaws.
Such as:
- Inflammatory processes.
- Pigmentation.
- Cuperosis.
- Circles under the eyes.
- Expression wrinkles.
- Scars and other blemishes.
These products contain antiseptic or brightening agents, and may also contain vitamins and antioxidants.
As for the ideal shade, makeup artists advise choosing a concealer that is the same shade as your skin color or half a tone lighter.
It is much more difficult to determine the consistency of the product.
Natural and friable is a substance that contains mineral powder and other natural ingredients. These cosmetics are perfect for sensitive skin prone to allergic rashes. It not only removes imperfections, but also heals during use.
If you need to correct some minor areas of your face, such as the shape of your nose, then feel free to use solid correctors. They are not able to disguise inflammatory elements in the form of comedones, but they perfectly mattify the skin. However, this product is not durable.
Liquid blends well, but can clog pores, leading to breakouts.
Creamy ones require a special application technique, which sometimes there is simply no time to use.
To disguise imperfections, you will have to:
- Apply the product precisely
- Blend it well with a cosmetic brush or sponge.
- Work the remaining product into the skin with your fingers.
If one layer does not hide all the redness, the application technique can be done again.
Whatever product you choose, remember one very important rule (which many people neglect) - accuracy and a sense of proportion. You won't be able to do good makeup if you apply makeup in the wrong places, even if the shade is chosen perfectly. Therefore, use products only on those areas that really need masking.
Many girls apply concealer over foundation. This is done to hide minor defects. In this case, do not forget to set it all with powder, otherwise all your makeup will quickly be erased. A mineral veil is perfect for this. It will create an incredibly thin matte layer, and you won’t feel all the layers of your makeup.
Highlighter, shimmer, concealer, bronzer - what's the difference?
In simple terms, all these products, except concealer, are needed to give your skin radiance. Even though these products can be listed under the same cosmetic category, they still differ in their effects and effects on the face.
So, shimmer is not an independent product, but the property of individual products, for example, blush, powder, to provide a discreet glow. Such products are appropriate for evening or holiday makeup. They are saturated with a large number of reflective particles and perfectly illuminate the skin. Unlike highlighter, they have a more intense shine.
Bronzer is most often a tan-colored powder. It is used to sculpt the face. Sometimes bronzer is applied over powder to give the face a light tan.
Cream concealers
So, you bought a palette that has 15 colors. What to do with them? Silver gives the skin a shimmering glow. It can be used in eye makeup, under eyebrows. Green, we already know, will hide pimples and blood vessels.
Lilac concealer - will hide orange, yellow and brown spots on the face, for example, bruises, freckles. The remaining colors can be used depending on the color of the epidermis; they can be applied as blush, or to create a tan.
If you don’t need all 15 colors, then a concealer palette consisting of 4 colors will suit you. The main thing is that color palettes are easy to apply and stay on the face for a long time.
No brushes are needed for application. Just take the desired shade on your finger and tap your fingers on the desired area of the face, and then blend well. If the makeup is slightly “smudged”, then blend it again with the pads of your fingers and you are beautiful again.
Dear readers. Today you learned how to use new products to give your face a fresh, natural glow. Share with our readers your impressions and feelings, whether you use a facial highlighter or concealer. Many visitors to my blog are waiting for this important information.
Concealer and corrector: what is the difference, how to choose?
Very often there is confusion between concealer and corrector. They have the same function - masking, but the mechanism of their operation is different. Concealer works by applying a large amount of pigment. Its consistency is always dense, due to which a good camouflage effect is achieved.
The corrector is capable of masking completely different skin imperfections due to the ability of colors to neutralize each other. The tone of each corrector is selected in accordance with the shade of the “problem”. Both products - concealer and corrector - are used spot on, and a foundation is applied on top of them.
In this article, we looked at modern popular products for concealing and correcting the face: shimmer, bronzer, corrector, concealer, highlighter. There are differences between them, although at first glance it may seem that these products are very similar. As makeup artists say, you need to know how to use these products correctly and practice several times to achieve a good result.
Concealer release forms
The variety of textures and shapes of concealer packaging can satisfy the desires of the most demanding user. Their differences are primarily due to the method of application and the purpose of the adjustment method.
- Liquid product with a brush applicator.
- A wooden or plastic pencil with a twist-out lead. Ideal for spot correction.
- Creamy concealer in various colors. Shades of the brown spectrum mask bright spots, yellow – bruises in the eye area, and green – pinpoint inflammation.
- Dry concealing powder made from mineral components. Has a healing effect.
- Corrector with moisturizing properties. Used to disguise minor imperfections in the eye and eyelid area.
- Lip concealer.
