What Is The Difference Between Contour And Concealer?

The world of makeup is vast and beautiful. There are different techniques and styles to learn. Two makeup products you hear a lot about are contour and concealer. But what's the difference between the two? We've done the research to bring you the answer. 

There are a few differences between contour and concealer. Contour is darker than concealer, helps shape your face, and accentuates your facial features. Concealer is simply formulated to cover up dark spots and other blemishes.

Now that we've provided you with the basic differences, you're one step closer to being a makeup expert. If you still have more questions, don't fret. In this guide, we'll explain more about how to apply contour, how to choose concealer shades, and more. Just keep reading!

The Differences Between Contour And Concealer

Contour and concealer are actually quite different. They're both makeup products, but they do very different things for your face when used as stand-alone techniques.

Contouring is essential for sculpting and enhancing your facial features. Contour makeup kits include a few different shades of makeup that, when blended together, create a flawless look. Highlighters and bronzers are also useful when it comes to contouring your face. Sometimes, different shades of concealer can be used for contouring.

Concealer on its own is used to cover up blemishes. It's a type of color-correcting makeup. You can use as much or as little as you see fit. Acne, dark circles, and scars can be hidden with concealer to create the appearance of unblemished skin. With the help of concealer, you can always look fresh-faced.

If you want to learn even more about contouring, check out our article: Do You Have To Wear Foundation To Contour?

Where Do You Apply Contour On Your Face?

Contour consists of a darker shade and a lighter shade. The darker contour color creates a shadow effect when you apply it to the correct parts of your face. You should apply the darker shade of makeup in three main areas: the sides of your nose, under your cheekbones, and on the edge of your forehead near your hairline.

The lighter shade of contour should be applied to the areas of your face that you want to highlight. Apply your lighter contour shade to the high points of your face: the bridge of your nose, in between your eyebrows, and on the point of your chin.

Lastly, you should apply a light color under your eyes. It's even a good idea to use a shimmery light color for this area. This will help to brighten up your under-eye area and help you look much more awake and luminous.

How Do You Apply Contour?

Applying contour will definitely step up your makeup game. But it is super important to contour correctly. You could end up looking muddy if you use the wrong makeup products or apply the products incorrectly.

InStyle put together an excellent video tutorial for how to apply contour in 5 simple steps. Follow along to learn how to contour your face correctly and avoid that dreaded muddy look:

Pop Your Point

Use a light concealer to make the high points on your face stand out. The concealer should be lighter than your skin tone and the foundation that you use so that your high points are highlighted. Your high points are usually the tip of your nose and the point on your chin.

Sculpt Your Jaw

Sculpt your jaw to make your face appear thinner. Apply the concealer along your jawline to make your jaw stand out create a streamlined look. Sculpting your jaw is a great example of enhancing your natural features.

Shine A Strobe Light

Highlight to make your good point stand out. Apply a shimmering product to the bridge of your nose. This technique will make your nose look thinner. This makes your face look especially good in pictures.

You can also highlight your face by using a bright and light concealer on your forehead in between your eyebrows and under your eyes. Using a bright makeup product under your eyes makes a huge difference in your makeup look. You will look bright, dewy, hydrated, and younger just by brightening up under your under eyes.

Cast Shadows

You can cast shadows to enhance your features and make your face look more flattering. To cast shadows, use a product that is much darker than your skin tone and the foundation that you wear. Apply the makeup product under your cheekbones to emphasize your bone structure. Applying this product on the edge of your forehead will also help to create a flattering shadow look.

Erase The Streaks

Quite possibly the most important step in the contouring routine: blending. If you do not blend in your contour shades, your face will look unnatural and muddy looking.

Should You Use A Brush Or Sponge For Concealer?

When it comes to deciding between using a brush or sponge, it really depends on personal preference. We will provide you with all of the information necessary to make an informed decision. Ultimately, choose the tool that will work the best for you, your skin type, and the makeup products that you use.

Makeup brushes are always a good go-to when it comes to applying your concealer and foundation. There are many different kinds of makeup brushes to choose from so it is easy to find one that will work with your skin type and the type of concealer you use.

Energy Makeup Concealer Brush

This is a smaller brush, making it a good choice for applying light concealer under the eyes and on the bridge of the nose. 

Click here to see more on Amazon. 

Makeup sponges are the most effective tool for blending your makeup, including your concealer. Using a makeup sponge will create a more natural, flawless, and smooth look for your face. It's harder to tell if someone is wearing foundation and concealer if they used a makeup sponge to apply it. If you use a cream concealer, it's best to apply it with a makeup sponge.

Aesthetica Makeup Sponge

The teardrop shape allows you to apply concealer to all of the important areas of your face with a single sponge. It's easy to clean with soap and water.

Click here to see more on Amazon.

Sometimes it's a good idea to use both a makeup brush and a makeup sponge to apply your concealer. You can put concealer on your face with a brush so that you're able to contour correctly, placing the concealer in more specific areas. After applying the concealer to your face with a makeup brush, you can blend in the product with a makeup sponge. Ending the contour process with a sponge will ensure that everything is blended in and flawless-looking.

What Color Concealer To Use For Dark Spots?

If you suffer from dark spots, use a purple- or blue-colored concealer. Purple and blue concealers will cancel out yellow and dark spots. You can even blend a few colors for the best color-correcting formula.

NYX Color Correcting Concealer

The six colors in this palette can cancel out any problem areas you might have. You can mix them together to create even more shades to better match your skin-correcting needs. The formula is lightweight, creamy, and buildable to create the appearance of flawless skin.

Click here to see more on Amazon. 

What Color Concealer To Use For Under-Eye Circles?

If you suffer from under-eye circles, use an orange concealer. Orange will cancel out the purple and blue colors of your under-eye circles.

First Aid Beauty Concealer

This concealer from First Aid Beauty is full-coverage, long-lasting, and nourishing. Apply it under your eyes if you want to look more awake, brighter, and younger.

Click here to see more on Amazon.

How Do You Choose A Contour Shade?