One of the most common beauty inquiries you’ve probably asked yourself too: concealer or foundation, which comes first? Many makeup lovers have been debating that complex question, but we will settle this once and for all. We tell you everything you need to know and give the long-awaited answer to the age-old question: do you put concealer on before or after foundation?
Do you put concealer on before or after foundation?
To put it shortly: always apply your foundation first. Foundation creates an even base and evens out your skin tone to reduce redness, blemishes and discolouration. Concealer is a product intended to conceal and provides targeted coverage to areas that need a bit more attention than the rest of your face.
Tip: If you want your foundation and concealer to blend seamlessly, your foundation and concealer shades should be similar in texture to one another.
The proper way to apply foundation and concealer is to first smooth on the foundation and then apply concealer. Foundation creates an even base and concealer covers those areas that need extra coverage. When you apply foundation first, you only need small dabs of concealer on the areas that require extra coverage.
Blending foundation over concealer results in moving the concealer of the area you wanted to cover. Using concealer first is a waste of time and money; it’ll only create more work for you as you have to go over the targeted area again.
There is one exception to the rule: a colour-correcting concealer is meant to be used first before you apply foundation. If you have dark circles or redness, always use a colour-corrector as a cover-up. Then use a foundation to even everything out. Do your blemishes still need covering? Then use another light layer of concealer and finish with a setting powder to set your makeup in place.
How to choose the right type of foundation
For a flawless look, it’s essential that you choose a foundation formula that best suits your needs. There are three different kinds of foundation on the market:
- Liquid foundation: The most common type of foundation that’s perfect for all skin types. If you have dry or dehydrated skin, then opt for a moisturizing liquid foundation. If you have normal to oily skin, the oil-free formula works best for you.
- Cream foundation: Cream foundation can be worn as both a concealer and a foundation. It’s perfect for someone with high-coverage needs like vitiligo and melasma.
- Powder foundation: Powder foundation comes in both a pressed and loose powder and works wonders for absorbing excess oils. You easily build the coverage from sheer to full.
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How to apply foundation
Before you put any makeup onto your skin, be sure that your skin is clean and hydrated. Brushes and damp blending sponges are perfect for applying liquid foundation. If a powder foundation is your go-to, then use a special kabuki brush to build your desired coverage. If your skin needs a very high coverage and you want to use a cream foundation, then your fingers will do the trick.
How to choose the right type of concealer
We strongly recommend that you choose a concealer that matches your foundation and needs. There are four different concealers to choose from.
- Liquid concealer: A liquid concealer is the most common type of concealer and suitable for most skin types. The soft and thin structure easily blends into your skin and is not likely to crease into fine lines.
- Cream concealer: A cream concealer has a thick structure and offers very high coverage. It’s perfect for covering strong discolourations.
- Stick concealer: The solid structure of stick concealer looks like lipstick. It has medium to high coverage, but the wax ingredients don’t cover acne.
- Powder concealer: The powdery structure of powder concealer brightens the skin, covers pigmentation and is perfect for hiding flaws. It’s only suitable for normal skin.
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How to apply concealer
When you apply concealer, you can either use your fingers as an applicator, a damp makeup sponge or a brush depending on your kind of concealer. It’s essential that you use the right shade of concealer that matches your skin tone and foundation. To brighten the under-eye area, choose a concealer shade that is two shades lighter than your foundation. Simply draw a triangle pointing down under your eye and blend. For covering up blemishes, use a concealer with the same shade as your foundation onto the spot and blend out using your fingers, a damp makeup sponge or a brush.
How to get a flawless look: Step-by-step tutorial
Now that you know the answer to the complex concealer-foundation question, you can use this step-by-step tutorial to get a flawless look.
#1 Prime, prime, prime
Before you reach for your foundation and concealer, you first turn to primer. That will create the perfect canvas for your makeup and increases the lifespan of your makeup.
#2 Foundation to create an even base
Add a bit of foundation to your palm, brush or sponge and dab it onto your skin starting at the centre of your face. Blend it to the sides so that the foundation seamlessly melts into your skin.
#3 Concealer for extra coverage
Grab a concealer in a shade that closely matches your foundation. Apply several dots of concealer on uneven spots on your face. Use the pad of your favourite finger to tap in the concealer. (don’t rub!) Make sure you blend it well. If you need more coverage, you can always apply another layer.
#4 Set your makeup in place
To keep your makeup looking fresh and flawless all day long, use a fluffy brush to dust loose powder over your face. If desired, you can finish with a setting spray. Simply spritz all over your complexion and you’ll be the best looking version of you!
