There’s no universal rule regarding the order of application. Some makeup artists suggest starting with foundation to create a consistent base and then using concealer for specific areas. However, it’s important to note that your personal preference, individual skin type, and the particular makeup look you’re aiming for should be the ultimate factors guiding your decision.
One more thing: You should never go back. It makes a huge difference; your face will look more natural when you don’t need to retouch your makeup. Even your friends will notice and ask you what you did to your face. What goes first, concealer or foundation? Yes, the correct order of application will make you love your look, giving you the confidence of a flawless, natural appearance.
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What is the Difference Between Concealer and Foundation?
Concealer and foundation serve different purposes in makeup application, and they have distinct characteristics:
1. Purpose
Concealer
Concealer conceals imperfections like blemishes, dark circles, redness, or discoloration. It has a thicker consistency and higher pigment concentration than foundation, providing more coverage for targeted areas.
Foundation
The foundation covers your entire face to create an even base for makeup. It helps you even out your skin, minimize the appearance of pores, and provide a smooth canvas for the rest of your makeup. The foundation typically has a lighter consistency and lower pigment concentration than concealer.
2. Coverage
Concealer
Concealers offer higher coverage to conceal your skin’s imperfections effectively. Formulated to be more opaque, they effortlessly cover specific areas of concern.
Foundation
Foundations vary in coverage levels, from sheer to full coverage. They provide more general coverage for your face, helping to even out your skin tone and providing a base for other makeup products.
3. Consistency
Concealer
Concealers often have a thicker consistency than foundation. This thicker texture helps them adhere better to specific areas and provide better coverage.
Foundation
Foundations typically have a lighter consistency, ranging from liquid to cream to powder formulations. Their design makes them effortlessly blend into your face without leaving a heavy or cakey feel. Before that, you must invest in a good foundation.
4. Application
Concealer
Usually, people sparingly apply concealer to targeted areas that require extra coverage. Depending on your preference and desired makeup look, you can use it before or after the foundation.
Foundation
Brushes, sponges, or fingertips generously apply the foundation across the face. It serves as the base layer of makeup, providing an even complexion.
What Goes First Concealer or Foundation?
People use concealer to cover imperfections like blemishes, dark circles, or redness. Applying it before the foundation allows you to target these areas directly, giving you more time to work.
Contrarily, you apply foundation after concealer to even out your skin tone, serve as a base for the rest of your makeup, and create a smooth canvas. Apply it after the concealer so you don’t accidentally wipe away or disturb the concealer you’ve used.
Are you applying foundation over concealer because the reverse trend puts you in doubt somewhere? Whether concealer or foundation goes first, there’s no one way to do anything. Variety is the spice of life. Most makeup artists admit that concealer is best under foundation. Don’t think you were losing your mind because your makeup never looks correct with concealer on top of the foundation. Remember, makeup is about self-expression and creativity, so feel free to experiment and find what works best for you.
Benefits of applying foundation first
You may have difficulty blending your concealer over foundation, to the point of skipping concealer. However, applying foundation first has its own set of benefits, depending on personal preference and makeup style:
Even Base
The foundation provides a uniform canvas for the rest of your makeup. You can create an even base that smooths your skin tone and texture.
Blending
Applying concealer ensures a smooth transition between harsh lines or edges.
Sheer Coverage
If you’re using a lightweight or sheer foundation, applying it lets you achieve more natural-looking coverage. So, it’s time to decide whether concealer or foundation should go first.
Setting the Stage
Foundation can act as a primer for the rest of your makeup, helping it to adhere better and last longer.
Adjusting Shade
Foundation can sometimes alter the appearance of concealer. Applying foundation first gives you a better idea of how much coverage you need from your concealer, allowing you to adjust the shade and amount accordingly.
Benefits of applying concealer first
For the first time, your makeup will look flawless for a long time, so use concealer first. The benefits of applying concealer before foundation are plenty:
Targeted Coverage
It addresses specific imperfections such as blemishes, dark circles, or redness. It allows you to target these areas directly, ensuring maximum coverage where needed most.
Less Foundation Needed
Addressing specific imperfections with concealer first, especially if you prefer lighter coverage, may require less foundation overall.
Prevents Overapplication
Starting with concealer helps prevent the temptation to apply too much foundation and cover every imperfection, which can lead to a heavy, cakey look.
Buildable Coverage
You can start with a light layer of concealer and add more if needed, followed by a foundation for additional coverage that helps you avoid a heavy, mask-like finish.
Blending Ease
Concealer tends to have a thicker consistency than foundation, making it easier to blend into the skin when applied first.
Color Correction
Applying color-correcting concealers to neutralize specific discolorations (e.g., green for redness, peach for dark circles) before foundation ensures they are fully covered and blended into the skin.
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When Can You Apply Foundation Before Concealer?
You can apply foundation before concealer, depending on your preference, makeup style, and the specific look you’re trying to achieve. Here are some scenarios where applying foundation before concealer might be suitable:
1. Sheer Coverage
If you’re using a lightweight or sheer foundation that provides minimal coverage, applying it first can create a natural, even base for additional concealer. This is especially suitable for those with relatively clear skin who only need light coverage.
2. Even Skin Tone
If your main goal is to even out your overall skin tone rather than targeting specific imperfections, applying foundation first can provide a uniform canvas without the need for concealer.
3. Blending Seamlessly
This can help ensure the concealer seamlessly blends into the foundation without creating harsh lines or edges.
4. Color Correction
Suppose you’re using color-correcting techniques with your foundation (e.g., applying a green or peach color to neutralize redness or dark circles). In that case, using foundation first allows you to address these concerns at the initial stage of makeup application.
5. Minimal Makeup Look
For a more natural or minimalist makeup look, applying foundation before concealer can provide a subtle enhancement to the complexion for additional layers of product.
The Final Verdict
Start experimenting today! Experimenting with application techniques can help determine what works best for you and achieve your desired makeup look. The most significant difference is that when you put concealer on first, your eyes look brighter, and your bronzer makes your face look more defined. Everyone’s skin is different, and there are several ways to do makeup. Do what works for you.
