Concealer vs. Corrector — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 27, 2023
Concealer is a makeup product used to cover blemishes and imperfections on the skin, while a corrector is used to neutralize specific skin tone discolorations like dark circles and redness.
Difference Between Concealer and Corrector
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Both concealer and corrector play pivotal roles in achieving a flawless makeup look, but they serve distinct purposes. Concealer works to hide imperfections, including blemishes, pimples, or scars. In contrast, a corrector, often colored in shades like peach, orange, or green, neutralizes skin discolorations.
Choosing the right concealer shade is essential to match one's skin tone perfectly. Its primary objective is to blend imperfections seamlessly with the surrounding skin. On the other hand, the corrector doesn't necessarily match the skin tone; its color is chosen based on the type of discoloration being addressed.
While applying makeup, a corrector is typically used before a concealer. By first neutralizing discolorations with a corrector, the concealer's task becomes easier, ensuring a smooth and even coverage. Both concealer and corrector can be layered for optimum effect, with blending being key.
Makeup enthusiasts and professionals alike value both concealer and corrector for their unique attributes. A concealer can even out minor skin imperfections, giving a polished finish. Meanwhile, a corrector is the hero behind the scenes, working to counteract pronounced discolorations and ensuring a flawless base.
In the vast landscape of beauty products, the distinction between concealer and corrector is crucial. While they may seem similar, their individual roles in makeup application ensure that they're complementary, not interchangeable.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Covers blemishes and imperfections
Neutralizes skin discolorations
Shade Selection
Matches skin tone
Chosen based on discoloration type
Order of Application
After corrector
Before concealer
Overall Effect
Blends imperfections with surrounding skin
Neutralizes pronounced discolorations
Interchangeability
Not interchangeable with corrector
Not interchangeable with concealer
Compare with Definitions
Concealer
Often set with powder to ensure longevity.
After applying concealer, she dusted on some setting powder.
Corrector
Used before applying concealer.
After using the corrector, she layered on her concealer.
Concealer
A makeup product to cover imperfections.
She used a concealer to hide her blemishes.
Corrector
Essential for pronounced discolorations.
For her prominent dark circles, a corrector was indispensable.
Concealer
Provides varying levels of coverage.
For photoshoots, a full-coverage concealer is ideal.
Corrector
Available in various shades for different issues.
A green corrector counters redness on the skin.
Concealer
Blends with the skin tone.
The concealer shade matched her skin perfectly.
Corrector
Neutralizes skin tone discolorations.
The peach corrector effectively hid her dark circles.
Concealer
Can be liquid, cream, or stick form.
She prefers a liquid concealer for its lightweight feel.
Corrector
Part of the pre-foundation makeup routine.
The corrector was the first step in her makeup application.
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.
Corrector
A corrector (English plural correctors, Latin plural correctores) is a person or object practicing correction, usually by removing or rectifying errors. The word is originally a Roman title corrector, derived from the Latin verb corrigere, meaning "to make straight, set right, bring into order." Apart from the general sense of anyone who corrects mistakes, it has been used as, or part of (some commonly shortened again to Corrector), various specific titles and offices, sometimes quite distant from the original meaning.
Concealer
One that conceals.
Corrector
To make or put right
Correct a mistake.
Correct a misunderstanding.
Concealer
A facial cosmetic used to cover blemished skin.
Corrector
To remove the errors or mistakes from
Corrected her previous testimony.
Concealer
(countable) Something that, or someone who, conceals.
Corrector
To indicate or mark the errors in
Correct an exam.
Concealer
A cosmetic designed to cover blemishes.
Corrector
To speak to or communicate with (someone) in order to point out a mistake or error.
Concealer
One who conceals.
Corrector
To scold or punish so as to improve or reform.
Corrector
To remedy or counteract (a defect, for example)
The new glasses corrected his blurry vision.
Corrector
To adjust so as to meet a required standard or condition
Correct the wheel alignment on a car.
Corrector
To make corrections.
Corrector
To make adjustments; compensate
Correcting for the effects of air resistance.
Corrector
Free from error or fault; true or accurate.
Corrector
Conforming to standards; proper
Correct behavior.
Corrector
One who corrects.
Corrector
(obsolete) A proofreader.
Corrector
(obsolete) A director or governor.
Corrector
One who, or that which, corrects; as, a corrector of abuses; a corrector of the press; an alkali is a corrector of acids.
Common Curiosities
How does shade selection differ between concealer and corrector?
Concealer should match the skin tone, while corrector shades are chosen based on the type of discoloration.
What is the primary purpose of a concealer?
Concealer is used to cover blemishes and imperfections on the skin.
Why would one use a corrector?
A corrector neutralizes specific skin tone discolorations like dark circles and redness.
Is it essential to use a corrector before a concealer?
While not always necessary, using a corrector before concealer can offer more flawless coverage.
Can a concealer be used in place of a corrector?
No, they serve different functions; concealers cover, while correctors neutralize.
Can a corrector be worn alone?
Yes, but it's typically followed by concealer or foundation to blend and match the skin tone.
Can men use concealer and corrector?
Absolutely! Both products are suitable for anyone seeking skin tone correction.
Should I set my concealer with powder?
Setting with powder can help increase the longevity and prevent creasing.
How do I know if I need a corrector?
If you have pronounced discolorations that aren't covered with concealer alone, a corrector might be beneficial.
How do I choose the right corrector shade?
Choose based on the discoloration: peach for dark circles, green for redness, etc.
Are there different types of concealers?
Yes, concealers come in various forms, including liquid, cream, and stick.
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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.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
