Do I Put Foundation Before Concealer?
Direct Answer: Generally, foundation should be applied before concealer.
This isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, and exceptions exist, but it’s the most common and often best approach for achieving a smooth, even, and polished makeup look. Understanding the reasoning behind this order is key to mastering your makeup routine.
Understanding the Foundation and Concealer Workflow
The Foundation as a Base
Foundation serves as the base layer for your makeup. It provides even coverage, helping to camouflage imperfections and create a smooth canvas for concealer. Think of foundation as the groundwork for the entire face. If you apply concealer first, you risk having it sit atop unevenly coated areas, creating a problematic or uneven appearance.
Concealer for Targeted Spot Correction
Concealer, on the other hand, is designed for targeted correction. It’s for those tiny imperfections like dark circles, blemishes, or redness that foundation may not fully cover. Applying concealer after your foundation ensures the products are carefully used.
Why Apply Foundation First?
- Even Coverage: Foundation evens out the skin tone, creating a level playing field for concealer to do its job. Without a uniform foundation base, concealer can look patchy or cakey, potentially highlighting the unevenness you’re trying to hide.
- Enhanced Concealer Performance: Concealer works best on a smooth, even surface. By applying foundation first, you’re giving concealer a much smoother surface to bind to and blend flawlessly into.
- Reduces Product Build-Up: Applying foundation before concealer often leads to fewer layers being needed. The foundation provides a better base, so the concealer blends and sits well on top.
- Preventing Creasing: Applying the heavier coverage products, like foundation, before the liquid or cream concealers stops crease build-up. This is a very important aspect for longevity purposes and a non-unnatural finish.
Exceptions and Alternative Approaches
Of course, there are situations where applying concealer before foundation might be the better option. These are often unique situations with a unique context. Let’s consider these exceptional cases.
When Concealer Might Come First
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Dealing with Intense Under-Eye Circles: For very dark or prominent under-eye circles, some prefer applying concealer first to address those areas directly. This can allow for multiple layers of concealer if needed to compensate for a heavier amount of pigment under the eyes, and to reduce visible color contrast. This order can be useful for those with highly pigmented or sensitive skin around their eye areas.
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Patchy Skin Concerns: If you have areas of excessive redness or particularly noticeable skin imperfections that extend beyond dark circles, focusing on concealer first gives you some flexibility and control in those specific areas. This can be useful for those with eczema or skin conditions where you might need multiple layers of concealer to solve the issue of discoloration.
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Severe Acne: In cases of severe acne where the blemishes are prominent and inflamed, applying concealer first can also be considered. This way, you focus on covering the blemishes directly and then build from there, especially if you need to apply a thick concealer layer to conceal acne marks or scars.
- Working with a Very Dry Top Layer: For those with very dry and irritated skin, applying a hydrating concealer first can address the skin concern and allow it to be healed before applying a heavier foundation.
Foundation and Concealer Comparison Table
| Feature | Foundation | Concealer |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Even skin tone coverage, camouflage | Targeted correction, concealing under-eye circles, blemishes |
| Coverage | Medium to full; a broad level of coverage | Light to medium; targeted and specific coverage |
| Texture | Varies from liquid to powder | Typically lighter and more liquid consistency |
| Application | Often applied all over the face | Applied to spots or areas requiring correction |
| Order | Generally applied before concealer | Usually applied after the foundation |
Conclusion
While generally, foundation comes first, the best approach depends on your specific needs and desired results. If you’re unsure, start with the foundation then concealer and adjust accordingly. This approach gives you a much more natural look and greater control over the level of coverage you desire.
Experiment with both approaches, looking for the outcome that blends into your skin tone and gives the most natural look. Remember to choose products suited to your skin type and concerns.
- Consider your skin type: Certain skin types might benefit from applying concealer first.
- Think about your makeup look: For a full coverage look, sticking with the foundation before concealer approach will help create continuity.
- Test and adjust: Makeup is about personal preference, so don’t be afraid to experiment to find what works best for you.
By mastering the order of application, you can achieve a smooth, perfectly blended makeup look that enhances your natural beauty.