When it comes to applying makeup, the order in which we use certain products can make a big difference in achieving a flawless finish. One question that often arises is whether concealer should be applied before or after foundation. It may surprise you to learn that there is actually a right way to apply these products for optimal results.

The key to achieving a seamless and natural-looking complexion is to apply concealer before foundation. By doing so, you can target specific areas of concern, such as dark circles or blemishes, without ending up with an overall heavy and cakey look. Applying concealer before foundation also allows you to use less product, as the foundation can help to blend and smooth out any unevenness created by the concealer.

what goes first concealer or foundation

What Goes First: Concealer or Foundation?

When it comes to applying makeup, one of the common questions that arises is whether concealer should be applied before or after foundation. The order in which these two products are applied can make a significant difference in the overall outcome of your makeup look. In this article, we will explore the optimal order for applying concealer and foundation to achieve a flawless and long-lasting finish.

The Purpose of Concealer and Foundation

Before delving into the application order, it is important to understand the purpose of concealer and foundation.

Concealer is a highly pigmented product that is used to camouflage imperfections such as dark circles, blemishes, and redness. It has a thicker consistency and is typically available in a range of shades to match different skin tones. Concealer is designed to provide extra coverage to specific areas of the face.

On the other hand, foundation is used to even out the skin tone and create a smooth canvas for the rest of the makeup. It comes in different formulas, including liquid, cream, powder, and stick. Foundation is meant to be applied all over the face, providing a base for the rest of the makeup products.

The Pros of Applying Concealer First

There are several advantages to applying concealer before foundation:

  • Targeted Coverage: By applying concealer first, you can precisely target and cover specific areas that require extra coverage, such as dark circles or blemishes.
  • Blending Ease: Since concealer has a thicker consistency than foundation, it is easier to blend it seamlessly into the skin when applied before foundation.
  • Natural Finish: Applying concealer first allows you to build coverage gradually, achieving a more natural-looking finish.

The Pros of Applying Foundation First

On the other hand, there are also benefits to applying foundation before concealer:

  • Even Application: By applying foundation first, you create an even base all over the face, ensuring a seamless and consistent look.
  • Easier Blending: Foundation provides a smooth canvas for the concealer to be blended into, making it easier to achieve a seamless finish.
  • Less Product Waste: When foundation is applied first, you can often use less concealer as the foundation helps to neutralize some imperfections.

The Final Verdict

While there are valid arguments for both approaches, the consensus among makeup artists and beauty experts is to apply foundation before concealer. Starting with foundation creates a smooth base and allows for a more natural and seamless blending of concealer. This order ensures that the overall makeup look appears cohesive and uniform.

However, it is important to note that makeup application is a personal preference, and you can experiment to find what works best for you. The most important aspect is to properly blend both products into the skin to achieve a flawless finish.

Can You Apply Concealer without Foundation?

Now that we have established the order for applying concealer and foundation, another question arises: Is it possible to apply concealer without foundation?

The answer is, yes, you can definitely apply concealer without foundation. Concealer can be used on its own to target specific areas of concern, providing targeted coverage. This can be especially useful for those who prefer a more natural or minimal makeup look or on days when you only want to address certain imperfections without wearing a full face of foundation.

When applying concealer without foundation, make sure to choose a shade that matches your skin tone to achieve a seamless blend. Blend the concealer into the skin using a brush, sponge, or your fingertips for a natural finish.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Shade

Whether you choose to apply concealer before or after foundation, one crucial factor to consider is selecting the right shade for your skin tone. Using a concealer shade that is too light or too dark can result in an uneven or unnatural appearance.

When choosing a concealer shade, opt for something that matches your skin tone as closely as possible. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to test the shade on your jawline or inner wrist to see how it blends with your skin. Additionally, consider the undertone of your skin—whether it’s warm, cool, or neutral—and choose a concealer that complements your undertone for a more seamless blend.

Conclusion

Key Takeaways: What Goes First, Concealer or Foundation?

  1. It is recommended to apply concealer before foundation.
  2. Concealer helps to cover up specific areas of concern, such as blemishes or dark circles.
  3. Foundation provides an overall even base for your makeup.
  4. By applying concealer first, you can target specific areas and then blend with foundation for a seamless finish.
  5. Remember to choose shades that match your skin tone for natural-looking results.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the world of makeup, the order in which you apply products can make a big difference in the final result. One common question that many people have is whether to apply concealer or foundation first. In this article, we’ll address this question and provide some guidance on the best order of application.

Question 1:

1. Should I apply concealer before foundation?

Answer: Yes, it is generally recommended to apply concealer before foundation. Concealer is designed to cover imperfections such as dark circles, blemishes, and redness, while foundation provides overall coverage and evens out the complexion. By applying concealer first, you can target specific areas that need more coverage and then blend it seamlessly with the foundation.

When applying concealer, choose a shade that matches your skin tone or is slightly lighter. Dab a small amount of concealer onto the areas you want to cover and gently blend it in using a brush, sponge, or your fingertips. Once the concealer is blended, you can proceed to apply foundation over it for a smooth and flawless finish.

Question 2:

2. Can I apply foundation before concealer?

Answer: While it is generally recommended to apply concealer before foundation, there can be instances where applying foundation first may work better for certain individuals. For example, if you have minimal blemishes or discoloration and prefer a lighter coverage, applying foundation first may be sufficient to even out your complexion.

However, if you have specific areas that require more coverage, such as dark circles or hyperpigmentation, it is best to apply concealer before foundation. This allows the concealer to effectively camouflage the imperfections before the foundation is applied for an overall polished look.

Question 3:

3. Is there an order of application for both liquid and powder products?

Answer: The order of application for liquid and powder products remains the same. Regardless of whether you are using liquid or powder foundation and concealer, it is still recommended to apply concealer first and then follow with foundation.

When using powder products, such as powder foundation or setting powder, it is important to apply them after applying liquid concealer and foundation. This helps to set the products in place and prevent creasing or smudging.

Question 4:

4. What are some benefits of applying concealer before foundation?

Answer: Applying concealer before foundation offers several benefits:

Firstly, it allows for targeted coverage. By applying concealer first, you can focus on specific areas that require more coverage, such as under the eyes or around blemishes. This helps to create a more even and flawless complexion.

Secondly, applying concealer before foundation helps to prevent the need for excessive foundation application. By targeting the areas that need extra coverage with concealer first, you can use less foundation overall, resulting in a natural-looking finish.

Question 5:

5. Are there any exceptions to the rule of applying concealer before foundation?

Answer: While applying concealer before foundation is the general rule, there are no hard and fast rules in makeup. The order of application can vary depending on personal preference, skin type, and the desired outcome.

If you find that applying foundation before concealer works better for you and achieves the desired result, there is no harm in adjusting the order to suit your needs. Makeup is all about experimentation and finding what works best for your unique features and preferences.

what goes first concealer or foundation 2

When applying makeup, it is important to know what comes first: concealer or foundation. The correct order is to apply concealer before foundation.

Concealer is used to cover specific areas of the face, such as blemishes or dark under-eye circles. By applying concealer first, it allows for targeted coverage without having to apply a full layer of foundation. Once the concealer is blended in, foundation can be applied to even out the overall complexion and create a smooth base. Remember, concealer should be used sparingly and only on areas that need extra coverage.

Author

  • Maria J. Morrison

    Maria is a professional Beautician and his hobby is beauty & Personal care. she has been for the last 5 years and he loves makeup while on outings as well. Based on his experience with the different types of makeup. She is sharing his opinion about various makeup so that a beginner can get started the right way. Find him onTwitter here. Happy reading.