Concealer vs. Contour — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 16, 2024
Concealer is a cosmetic product used to hide imperfections like dark circles and blemishes, while contour is used to define and shape facial features by creating shadows and highlights.
Difference Between Concealer and Contour
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Concealer is primarily used to cover blemishes, dark circles, and other imperfections on the skin, providing a more even complexion. It is typically applied after foundation and can come in various forms, such as liquid, cream, or stick. Contour, on the other hand, is used to enhance the natural structure of the face by creating shadows and highlights. It helps define features like the cheekbones, jawline, and nose. Contour products are generally a few shades darker than the user's skin tone and are applied to specific areas to create depth and dimension.
While concealer aims to hide and correct, contouring focuses on enhancing and sculpting. Concealer is often blended into the skin to seamlessly hide flaws, whereas contour requires precise application and blending to achieve a natural-looking definition.
Concealer is versatile and can be used alone or with other makeup products to achieve a flawless base. Contour, however, is part of a more advanced makeup routine, often combined with highlighter to create a balanced look.
Concealers are chosen based on their ability to match and blend with the user's skin tone to mask imperfections effectively. Contour products, however, are selected to contrast with the skin tone, adding depth and definition to the face.
Both products play essential roles in makeup application but serve distinct purposes: concealer for correction and contour for enhancement.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Hides imperfections, evens skin tone
Defines and shapes facial features
Color
Lighter than skin tone
Darker than skin tone
Application
Applied to blemishes, dark circles
Applied to cheekbones, jawline, nose
Form
Liquid, cream, stick
Powder, cream, stick
Function
Corrective
Enhancing
Compare with Definitions
Concealer
Skin-toned cream or liquid applied to problem areas.
He dabbed concealer on his pimples before the meeting.
Contour
Makeup technique to define facial features.
She used contour to accentuate her cheekbones.
Concealer
A product for brightening and evening out complexion.
Applying concealer gave her a more awake look.
Contour
Method of sculpting the face with makeup.
He contoured his jawline for a sharper appearance.
Concealer
A makeup product used to cover blemishes and dark circles.
She used concealer to hide her under-eye bags.
Contour
Cosmetic to enhance natural bone structure.
Contour cream added depth to her makeup look.
Concealer
Cosmetic that masks skin imperfections.
The concealer effectively concealed her acne scars.
Contour
Product used to create shadows on the face.
Contour powder gave her face more dimension.
Concealer
Makeup for spot coverage on the face.
She used concealer to cover the redness around her nose.
Contour
The outline of a figure, body, or mass.
Concealer
A concealer or color corrector is a type of cosmetic that is used to mask dark circles, age spots, large pores, and other small blemishes visible on the skin. It is similar to foundation, but thicker and used to hide different pigments by blending the imperfection into the surrounding skin tone.
Contour
A line that represents such an outline.
Concealer
One that conceals.
Contour
A contour line.
Concealer
A facial cosmetic used to cover blemished skin.
Contour
A varying characteristic or quality of something, such as a melody.
Concealer
(countable) Something that, or someone who, conceals.
Contour
(Linguistics) The distinctive rising and falling patterns of pitch, tone, or stress.
Concealer
A cosmetic designed to cover blemishes.
Contour
To make or shape the outline of; represent in contour.
Concealer
One who conceals.
Contour
To build (a road, for example) to follow the contour of the land.
Contour
Following the contour lines of uneven terrain to limit erosion of topsoil
Contour plowing.
Contour
Shaped to fit the outline or form of something
A contour sheet.
Contour
An outline, boundary or border, usually of curved shape.
The low drag contour of a modern automobile
Contour
A line on a map or chart delineating those points which have the same altitude or other plotted quantity: a contour line or isopleth. Category:en:Curves
Contour
(linguistics) a speech sound which behaves as a single segment, but which makes an internal transition from one quality, place, or manner to another.
Contour
(figurative) A general description giving the most important points.
Contour
(transitive) To form a more or less curved boundary or border upon.
Contour
(transitive) To mark with contour lines.
Contour
(intransitive) To practise the makeup technique of contouring.
Contour
The outline of a figure or body, or the line or lines representing such an outline; the line that bounds; periphery.
Titian's coloring and contours.
Contour
The outline of a horizontal section of the ground, or of works of fortification.
Contour
A line drawn on a map connecting points of equal height
Contour
Any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline);
He could barely make out their shapes through the smoke
Contour
A feature (or the order or arrangement of features) of anything having a complex structure;
The contours of the melody
It defines a major contour of this administration
Contour
Form the contours of
Contour
Technique for adding definition and structure.
She learned contour techniques from online tutorials.
Common Curiosities
What is concealer used for?
Concealer is used to hide imperfections like dark circles, blemishes, and redness.
How is contour different from concealer?
Contour defines and shapes facial features, while concealer hides imperfections.
What forms do concealers come in?
Concealers are available in liquid, cream, and stick forms.
Is contouring necessary for everyday makeup?
Contouring is optional and often used for more defined, sculpted looks.
What is the purpose of contouring?
The purpose of contouring is to create depth and enhance facial structure.
Can contouring be done with different products?
Yes, contouring can be done with powders, creams, or sticks.
What is the best type of concealer for dry skin?
Cream or liquid concealers are generally better for dry skin.
How can you prevent concealer from creasing?
Set concealer with a translucent powder to prevent creasing.
How do you choose the right concealer shade?
Choose a shade lighter than your skin tone for brightening and covering imperfections.
Can concealer be used without foundation?
Yes, concealer can be used alone to cover specific areas without full foundation.
Where is contour typically applied?
Contour is applied to areas like the cheekbones, jawline, and sides of the nose.
Can you use foundation as a concealer?
In some cases, a thicker foundation can be used as a concealer.
Is it necessary to use both concealer and contour in makeup?
It's not necessary; it depends on the desired look and personal preference.
Should contour products be matte or shimmery?
Contour products are typically matte to create natural-looking shadows.
How do you blend contour products?
Use a brush or sponge to blend contour products seamlessly into the skin.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
