Concealer is one of the few products that can be a total game-changer in your makeup routine. It can help to brighten up your under-eye area, cover blemishes, and even out your skin tone.
With so many different types and formulas of concealer on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
If you’re on the hunt for a new concealer, you may be wondering whether to go for a liquid or cream formula.
Here’s a comparison between cream and liquid concealer to help you determine which is suitable for your skin type.
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Liquid Vs Cream Concealer: Which One Is Better?
The difference between liquid and cream concealer comes down to texture and coverage. A liquid concealer has a thinner consistency and offers light to full coverage, while a cream concealer has a thicker consistency and provides an opaque coverage.
Both formulas have their advantages and disadvantages, so it depends on your skin type and needs as to which one is better.
Cream and liquid concealers are available in different formulas to suit all skin types. For example, dry skin types can use a liquid or cream concealer as long as it contains hydrating ingredients, while oilier skin types may prefer a matte liquid concealer or an oil-free cream concealer.
Before we explain the pros and cons in more detail, keep in mind that no matter which type of concealer you choose, be sure to prepare your skin first with a good skincare routine to get the best makeup look.
Tip: Avoid applying makeup on dry skin as it can accentuate dryness, flakiness, and fine lines. Use a lightweight moisturizer to help hydrate the skin and create a smooth base for your concealer.
Liquid concealers are the most popular type as they have a water-based formula which makes them lightweight and easy to blend. They also come in various finishes, from matte to dewy, which makes them suitable for all skin types.
They are often used under the eyes to brighten up the area and cover any dark circles. They can also be used to cover blemishes, redness, and other skin imperfections.
Cream concealers are ideal for covering up blemishes, scars, and other imperfections as they provide medium to full coverage. They might not last well on oily skin as they can slip or separate during the day, so be sure to set them with a translucent powder.
You can use both types of concealers after foundation to cover any areas that need more coverage. Some types of concealers are also available in different colors and they are called “color correctors.”
For example, if you have dark circles, you can use a peachy toned concealer to cancel out the blue tones. For redness, you can use a green concealer or color corrector to neutralize the skin tone.
Now that you know the main differences between liquid and cream concealer let’s look at each type.
What Is A Liquid Concealer?
A liquid concealer comes in a tube with a wand or a brush applicator, and it is typically made with water, silicone, and pigments.
Liquid concealers are available in various finishes, from matte to dewy, so there’s one to suit every skin type. They offer light to full coverage and can be used to cover all skin imperfections, from dark circles to blemishes.
They are typically easy to blend with just your fingers, although you can also use a makeup sponge for a more flawless finish.
An example of a popular liquid concealer is the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer. It has a lightweight, buildable formula that offers medium to full coverage, and it comes in a wide range of shades to suit all skin tones.
Liquid Concealer Pros:
– Lightweight texture that’s easy to blend
– Comes in a variety of finishes to suit all skin types
– Can be used under the eyes and on blemishes
– Available in a range of shades
Liquid Concealer Cons:
– Might not last as long as a cream concealer on oily skin
– Some formulas might crease under the eyes
How To Use Liquid Concealer?
Step 1: Start with a clean, moisturized face.
Step 2: Choose the correct shade of concealer. For the under eyes, the concealer should be one shade lighter than your foundation. For the face, the color should match your skin tone or foundation.
Choosing a very light concealer can cause your under eyes to look ashy. Also, using a dark color can make your concealer look orange.
Step 3: Apply the concealer to any areas that you want to cover up, such as under the eyes, on blemishes, or on scars.
Step 4: Let the concealer sit on the skin before blending to get the most coverage.
Step 5: Dot the concealer onto any areas you want to cover up.
Step 6: Use your fingers or a makeup sponge to blend the concealer into your skin until fully blended.
Step 7 (optional): Set the concealer with a setting powder to help it stay in place and last longer.
Read More: Does Concealer Make Your Eyes Look Smaller?
What’s A Cream Concealer
A cream concealer comes in a small compact or palette, and it has a thicker consistency. It is typically made with waxes and pigments. Some formulas like this Soft Matte Complete Concealer can be oil-free making them an excellent choice for oily skin. Other formulas like this Natural Finish Concealer might contain ingredients like coconut oil to help hydrate the skin.
Cream concealers offer medium to full coverage, and they are ideal for covering up blemishes and scars as they provide more opaque coverage.
You can also use them under the eyes to cover any dark circles, but they might crease due to their thick formula.
Cream Concealer Pros:
– More opaque coverage that’s ideal for blemishes
– Can last well on the skin
Cream Concealer Cons:
– Might crease under the eyes
– Not suitable for oily skin as they slip and clog the pores
– Some formulas might be too thick and can look cakey
How To Use Cream Concealer?
You can apply cream concealers with a concealer brush or your fingers. I like to use my fingers for the under-eye area as their warmth helps to blend the product better. To hide any blemishes on my face, I prefer to use a small precise brush as it gives me more control.
Step 1: Start with a clean, moisturized face.
Step 2: Apply the concealer with a brush or your fingers, depending on the area you want to cover. The key is to use a small amount of product and build it up gradually if you need more coverage.
Step 3: Blend the concealer with your fingers or a makeup sponge by dabbing gently into the skin until it is fully blended. Avoid dragging the product as it can cause the concealer to look patchy.
Step 4 (optional): Apply a setting powder to help the concealer stay in place and last longer.
Should You Use Liquid Or Cream Concealer For Under Eyes?
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to using liquid or cream concealer under the eyes. It depends on your preferences and what works better for your skin type.
In general, liquid concealers can work better under the eyes as they are easier to blend and don’t crease as much. They are also the best choice for makeup beginners as they are easy to use.
If you have oily skin, you might want to choose a matte or semi-matte formula like this liquid concealer. A satin or dewy concealer can be a better choice for dry skin.
Cream concealers can hide very dark circles as they provide opaque coverage. If you have oily skin, choose an oil-free formula like this matte concealer to avoid the concealer from separating during the day.
If you have dry skin, look for a hydrating cream concealer like this natural finish concealer that won’t accentuate any dry patches.
I prefer to use a liquid concealer under my eyes as it is easier to blend, and doesn’t crease as much. I also have dry skin, so a satin formula works best for me. I like to use a cream concealer for blemishes as it provides more coverage.
Do You Need Both Liquid And Cream Concealer?
You don’t necessarily need both liquid and cream concealer, but it can be helpful to have both in your makeup collection. You can use them for different purposes depending on the coverage you need and the area you want to cover.
If you only want to buy one, I would recommend a liquid concealer as they are more versatile and can be used for both the under-eye area and blemishes.
Is Cream Concealer Good For Dry Skin?
Yes, cream concealer can be good for dry skin as long as you choose the right formula. Look for a hydrating cream concealer that won’t accentuate any dry patches. Avoid too thick or matte formulas, as they can cling to dry areas and make them look worse.
Some formulas like this cream concealer contain hydrating ingredients like coconut oil to help moisturize the skin. These can be a good option for dry skin as they help conceal and hydrate the skin at the same time.
If you have very dry skin, you can also apply a hydrating eye cream or primer before your concealer to help create a smooth base.
Stick Vs Liquid Concealer
Stick concealers are similar to cream concealers as they are both thick and provide opaque coverage. They come in a sleek tube packaging which makes them great for travel or touch-ups. They can be a good choice for covering blemishes, but they might not be the best option for the under-eye area.
Stick concealers can be difficult to blend and they can also accentuate any dry patches if you have dry skin.
An example of a good stick concealer is this one from Bobbi Brown. It provides full coverage and comes in a range of shades to suit different skin tones.
Liquid concealers are thinner in consistency and can be either matte or dewy. They are easy to blend and can be a good choice for both the under-eye area and blemishes.
Final Thoughts
Both liquid and cream concealer have their pros and cons and it depends on your preferences and what works better for your skin type.
In general, liquid concealers can work better under the eyes as they are easier to blend and don’t crease as much. Cream concealers can provide more coverage for hiding blemishes, but they can be more difficult to blend.
They both work for all skin types, but it’s essential to choose the right formula for your skin. If you have dry skin, look for a hydrating cream concealer like this natural finish concealer or a liquid concealer with a satin finish like this lightweight concealer.
For oily skin, choose an oil-free cream concealer like this matte formula to prevent the concealer from separating during the day, or look for a matte liquid concealer like this full-coverage concealer.
Do you prefer liquid or cream concealer? Let me know in the comments below!
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