Do I Use Concealer or Foundation First?
When it comes to achieving a flawless, even-toned complexion, the choices of concealer and foundation can be overwhelming. Two popular options, both serve distinct purposes, but which one should you apply first? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of makeup and provide you with the answer to this burning question.
Direct Answer: You should always apply foundation first before applying concealer.
Why Apply Foundation First?
Applying foundation first serves several purposes:
- Evens out skin tone: Foundation helps to even out your skin tone, creating a smooth canvas for your makeup. It’s essential to apply foundation first to create a uniform base.
- Provides coverage: Foundation provides sheer to medium coverage, which can help to:
- Hide pores and imperfections
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Even out skin tone
- Protects skin: Foundation can contain SPF, which helps protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
Why You Shouldn’t Apply Concealer First
Applying concealer first can lead to:
- Uneven coverage: If you apply concealer first and then apply foundation, you may end up with uneven coverage. Foundation can easily strip away the concealer, leaving your skin looking patchy and uneven.
- Cakey texture: Consecutive layers of concealer and foundation can result in a cakey, heavy texture that’s difficult to blend and transit.
- accentuates imperfections: Concealer can accentuate imperfections like pores, blemishes, and fine lines, making them more noticeable.
The Proper Application Order
Step 1: Apply foundation as your first layer
- Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone and type (liquid, cream, or powder)
- Apply foundation to your face using a brush, beauty blender, or your fingers
- Blend, blend, blend! Make sure to blend the foundation well, especially around the hairline, jawline, and edges of your face
Step 2: Apply concealer as your second layer
- Choose a concealer that’s one shade lighter than your foundation
- Apply concealer to specific areas of concern, such as dark circles under the eyes, blemishes, or redness
- Blend, blend, blend! Make sure to blend the concealer well, feathering it out towards the hairline and edges of your face
Tips and Tricks
- Less is more: Remember, a little goes a long way. Apply concealer sparingly and blend, blend, blend!
- Buildable coverage: Concealer is designed to be built up, so start with a small amount and add more as needed
- Combination products: Some foundations and concealers are combination products, offering both coverage and skincare benefits. Look for these multi-tasking formulas to simplify your routine
Conclusion
In conclusion, applying foundation first and then concealer is the key to achieving a flawless, even-toned complexion. By following this order, you’ll be able to:
- Even out your skin tone
- Provide sheer to medium coverage
- Protect your skin
- Avoid uneven coverage, cakey texture, and accentuating imperfections
Remember, the key to a successful makeup routine is blending, blending, blending! Take your time, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different products and techniques until you find what works best for you. Happy makeup-ing!