When it comes to makeup, one common question often arises: should you apply foundation or concealer first? While certain makeup steps are universally understood—primer before anything else and setting spray at the end—the foundation and concealer order remains a matter of personal preference. Both approaches come with their own benefits, and makeup artists have varying opinions. Here’s what the experts say about the application sequence and the reasons behind it.
The Case for Applying Foundation Before Concealer
Most makeup professionals recommend applying foundation first, as it sets the base for your makeup. Foundation helps even out your skin tone, masking redness, blemishes, or uneven patches. Celebrity makeup artist Kim Baker explains that applying foundation first helps blend concealer seamlessly, ensuring your final look is cohesive. “I prefer to apply foundation first, so when I apply concealer, it blends smoothly into the foundation,” she says.
If you apply concealer before foundation, it might move when blending the foundation, leaving you with a patchy or uneven look. Moreover, applying concealer first can result in using more product than necessary, which might lead to a cakey appearance when foundation is layered over it. Many makeup artists, like Robert Sesnek, argue that applying foundation first minimizes the need for extra concealer. “In most cases, foundation alone is enough to cover imperfections, with concealer added only where needed,” says Sesnek, explaining how this approach keeps the look natural and light.
How to Apply Foundation First
To apply foundation before concealer:
- Start with a primer for a smooth base.
- Apply a light layer of foundation to your face and blend using a beauty sponge or brush.
- If necessary, dab concealer on targeted areas like blemishes or dark spots.
- Set your concealer with loose setting powder to keep it in place.
Ensure that your foundation and concealer have similar textures. For example, avoid using liquid concealer over a powder foundation, as it may result in uneven or cakey application.
The Case for Applying Concealer Before Foundation
Though most professionals recommend applying foundation first, there are situations where applying concealer beforehand may be beneficial. For instance, if you’re preparing for a photoshoot or filming, applying concealer before foundation can help prevent flashbacks. As Robert Sesnek points out, “For photo shoots or TV appearances, concealer first helps highlight the face under bright studio lights, creating a more controlled and balanced effect.”
Concealer first can also be helpful when spot-concealing with a product that doesn’t perfectly match your foundation shade. For example, if your concealer is lighter than your foundation, applying foundation over it helps conceal the mismatch, leaving you with a more natural finish. Kim Baker suggests this technique for those using a shade discrepancy for better blending.
How to Apply Concealer First
To apply concealer before foundation:
- Start with primer for an even base.
- Apply concealer to specific areas that need coverage, like dark circles or blemishes.
- Blend the concealer using a sponge or brush.
- Apply a light layer of foundation to the entire face, blending evenly.
- Set concealed areas with loose powder to prevent creasing.
For a more dramatic effect, you can use a concealer lighter than your skin tone for highlighting purposes after applying foundation. This will add dimension and brightness to specific areas like under the eyes.
When to Use Concealer First
While foundation first is the standard, there are certain situations where applying concealer first makes sense:
- If you’re preparing for a photoshoot or under bright lighting.
- If your concealer is a different shade than your foundation.
- If you’re correcting discoloration, like dark under-eye circles, with a color-correcting concealer.
Remember, concealer is often thicker than foundation, so it’s best to apply it sparingly after foundation for a smooth, natural finish.
Conclusion
While most experts agree that foundation should be applied first, there are occasions where concealer may take precedence. Whether it’s for a photoshoot, to correct color discrepancies, or to manage extreme under-eye discoloration, both methods have their advantages. The key is to apply them in a way that enhances your natural beauty, ensuring a flawless, seamless finish.
