Introduction

When it comes to makeup application, one of the most debated questions among beauty enthusiasts is: Should you apply concealer or foundation first? The answer isn’t always straightforward, as it largely depends on personal preference, individual skin concerns, and the type of makeup look you’re aiming for. Some argue that applying concealer first helps target problem areas, while others prefer applying foundation first to create a smooth, even base. Ultimately, both approaches to foundation vs concealer application have their benefits, and the decision may vary based on the makeup products you’re using, your skin type, and specific coverage needs.

General Consensus

The general recommendation from beauty professionals is to apply foundation first. This method allows you to create an even canvas for the rest of your makeup, minimizing the amount of concealer needed. By applying foundation first, you can see how much coverage is still necessary, which reduces the risk of applying too much product. This technique also helps blend the concealer more seamlessly into the foundation, creating a smoother, more natural finish. Furthermore, it prevents the concealer from being disrupted during foundation application, avoiding the patchiness that can occur if concealer is applied too early.

Sources such as L’Oréal Paris and Trinny London support this method, emphasizing how foundation acts as a base that evens out skin tone and reduces the need for excessive concealer.

Benefits of Applying Foundation First

Applying foundation before concealer has several advantages that help achieve a more polished and natural makeup look:

• Even Skin Tone: Foundation is designed to create a uniform base by evening out the skin tone. This allows you to assess which areas need additional coverage and reduces the amount of concealer required. By applying foundation first, you’re setting up a smoother surface for the rest of your makeup.
• Less Product Usage: One of the key benefits of applying foundation first is that it minimizes the amount of concealer you need. Since foundation typically covers minor blemishes and redness, you can use concealer more sparingly on specific areas, resulting in a more natural and lightweight finish.

• Avoiding Patchiness: Applying foundation over concealer can sometimes disrupt the concealer, especially if the concealer is thick or if the foundation has a different consistency. This layering can lead to patchy areas where the two products don’t blend well. By applying foundation first, you avoid this issue and ensure a more even application.
• Better Blending: Foundation provides a base layer that allows for smoother blending of concealer. Once the foundation is applied, any concealer used to cover dark spots or blemishes can seamlessly integrate into the foundation without disrupting the underlying layer. This creates a flawless, well-blended finish that doesn’t highlight any imperfections.

By using foundation first, you not only reduce the risk of applying too much product but also enhance the overall blending and finish of your makeup.

When to Apply Concealer First

While applying foundation first is the most common recommendation, there are several situations where applying concealer before foundation can be advantageous. Here are the key reasons why you might opt for concealer first:

• Color Correction: For those who use color-correcting concealers—such as green for redness, peach for dark circles, or purple for sallowness—it’s often best to apply these products before foundation. Color correction works most effectively when applied directly to the skin to neutralize problem areas. Once the color-corrector is applied, a foundation layer can be used to even out the complexion without disturbing the correction underneath.
• Specific Concerns: If you have prominent dark circles, significant blemishes, or hyperpigmentation, starting with concealer can allow for targeted coverage. Applying concealer first enables you to address specific areas without having to apply a heavy layer of foundation over your entire face. This method is particularly useful when dealing with delicate areas like the under-eyes or breakouts that need focused attention.

• Light Coverage Foundations: When using lightweight or sheer foundations, concealer can be applied first to achieve a more polished look. Sheer foundations might not offer enough coverage for dark spots or imperfections on their own, so applying concealer beforehand helps to even out the complexion while maintaining a natural finish. This method is ideal for those who prefer a minimal, no-makeup makeup look but still want to address certain areas of concern.

In these cases, applying concealer first can provide the benefits of more precise coverage without overwhelming the skin with too much product

Expert Opinions

Celebrity makeup artist Diane Kendal is known for her expertise in creating natural, minimal makeup looks. She suggests that applying concealer first, in specific situations, can help achieve a more natural and understated appearance. According to Kendal, starting with concealer allows for more precision, as you can target areas of concern directly, such as dark circles or blemishes, and then follow with a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer to even out the rest of the skin tone. This technique helps to avoid overloading the skin with product, which is particularly useful for those aiming for a fresh, no-makeup look.

Moreover, many professional makeup artists recommend adjusting the order of concealer and foundation based on your skin’s needs and the type of makeup look you want to achieve. For instance, if your primary concern is under-eye circles or redness around the nose, applying concealer first can help neutralize these areas before foundation is applied to blend everything together seamlessly. On the other hand, if you’re going for a full-coverage, glam look, starting with foundation might be more suitable as it allows you to create an even base and then use concealer to add extra coverage where needed.

Makeup professionals like Lisa Eldridge and Bobbi Brown also advocate for flexibility in makeup routines. They suggest that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and experimenting with both approaches can help you discover what works best for your skin type, makeup products, and desired outcome. The key is to consider factors like the type of concealer and foundation you’re using, the coverage you need, and whether you’re targeting specific problem areas or aiming for overall evenness.

In summary, experts agree that both techniques have their merits, and the decision ultimately comes down to your individual skin concerns and the makeup look you’re striving to achieve.

Conclusion

To summarize, while the general recommendation among beauty experts is to apply foundation first, there are situations where applying concealer first can be beneficial. The foundation-first method, in the context of foundation vs concealer application, typically helps create an even base, reduces the need for excess product, and allows for better blending. On the other hand, applying concealer first is ideal for color correction, addressing specific skin concerns like dark circles or blemishes, and when using lightweight foundations.

Ultimately, personal preference and your makeup goals should guide your decision. The key takeaway is that there’s no definitive right or wrong method—it depends on the look you’re aiming for, your skin type, and the type of coverage you need. Experimenting with both techniques is the best way to discover what works best for you and allows you to tailor your routine to your unique skin and makeup style.

By testing both approaches, you’ll be able to refine your technique and create a flawless look, whether you’re aiming for a natural, everyday glow or a full-glam finish.

That’s it. We hope what we tried to tell helps you understand the concept. For more in-depth information and expert opinions on makeup application techniques, including whether to apply concealer or foundation first, here are some helpful resources:

1. L’Oréal Paris – Concealer or Foundation First?

This article discusses the pros and cons of both techniques and provides guidance on how to choose the right approach based on your makeup goals.

Read more here.

2. Trinny London – Should You Apply Concealer or Foundation First?

Celebrity beauty expert Trinny Woodall offers insights into why foundation first might be the better choice, along with tips for application. Read more here.

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