Foundation vs. Powder vs. concealer?

emcee

Okay. So I'm kind of a noob when it comes to makeup and stuff...so my question is, what is the difference between foundation and like oil-blotting powder and concealer? Do you need to wear foundation?

I have really clear skin, and I rarely break out so I THINK I don't need any foundation...but I was wondering what its purpose is. And what exactly is primer? Do you use it on top of your moisturizer, and then put foundation and all that stuff on top?

Is it a good idea to wear foundation or is it okay for you to just wear makeup without any?

Hahha THANKS IN ADVANCE GUYS!

-Sophie · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 5:37 pm Post subject:

It's definitely okay to wear make-up without foundation. It depends on your skin or personal preference.

Foundation can come in different forms: liquid, powder, cream-to-powder, stick, etc. Most people use it to hide blemishes and imperfections or to even out their skin-tone. Depending on the formula you get, you'll get a certain amount of coverage. For example, my co-worker has really bad skin so she wears a layer of cream-to-powder foundation because the coverage is full, while I have really clear skin but I wear a powder foundation to even out my skin tone and to eliminate shine (I also have a liquid one for bad skin days).

Powder is something a lot of people use to "set" their make-up. You apply it after your foundation or alone to finish off the look and to eliminate shine and make the make-up last longer.

Concealer is a potent foundation, if you will. It also comes in different formulas, the most common are liquid and stick or cream-to-powder. Instead of using it all over your face like you would a foundation, you use on difficult spots like zits, blemishes, eye circles, basically anything you want to cover up.

You were right about the primer: you put it on over your moisturizer and under your foundation and other stuff. Some primers have built-in moisturizers so you can skip that step. A primer basically evens out your skin texture; it is usually clear. It eliminates the look of pores and fine lines so that your make-up can go on smoother. It also makes your make-up last much longer. You don't NEED this, but some people like to use it on big occasions like prom of weddings because it makes your make-up last just that much longer.

Phew! That was a lot. I hope I explained everything Happy

emcee · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 7:07 pm Post subject:

^ Wow, that was a GREAT explanation and really thorough! Thanks. I own concealer (cause I figured that I should get some in case of spot blemishes)...though it's not great. Does anyone know of a concealer that's really good? I've heard Bare Minerals just makes good face products in general so I might try theirs.

SUGARR* · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 10:28 pm Post subject:

since your skin is good, i wouldn't reccoment using any face makeup unless you really need it =)
as for concealers, i like mac studio finish, the one in the pot. if you dont need so much coverage, ive heard good things about the liquid one from mac too!
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_TNA_ · Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 5:42 pm Post subject:

I try to stay away from face make-up's, as I have naturally clear skin, and I don't want to disrupt that, just like you.
So I would not recommend wearing foundation, unless you just so happen to be dancing on a bright stage in your near future.
I only use concealer when I have failry noticeable under-eye-nags, and it has never caused me to breakout, which is fab.

And in regards to explaining everything? Sophie did it all perfectly!
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emcee · Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 5:23 pm Post subject:

^ Yeah, I think that's a good idea. What kind of concealer do you use?

_TNA_ · Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2008 4:23 pm Post subject:

^I have a couple. I usually use the Sephora one (its like a pen, I believe it is $10) and it works amazing and its my fave. (Easy application!)
Sometimes I use the CoverGirl one (it looks like a lipstick, and it actually works well!)
The Benefit Erase Paste is also really good. (I think it is around $20ish, but it last a really long time)

I try to only use them when my bags are really noticeable. But none of these have ever caused me to breakout. Obviously, make sure you take it off before bed!
_________________

"Fashions fade, style is eternal.”
~Yves Saint Laurent