Nov 03, 2021

What Comes First Concealer or Foundation?

When it comes to foundation and concealer, many people don't know which one to apply first. If you ask around, you may get different answers from different people. Even makeup artists don't all agree.

However, there is one that seems to be the one more people apply first. We are going to go over the pros and cons of using concealer or foundation first. If you don't use them correctly, your makeup look could suffer.

Once we break it down, it's easier to tell the correct order. If you want to find out which one you should apply first: concealer or foundation, you're in the right place.

Applying Foundation First

Foundation is your first layer of defense against anything you're trying to hide. This product is meant to be the base of your makeup that you can build upon. Its job is to even out your skin tone by diminishing the appearance of imperfections.

There are several benefits to applying foundation first:

You're creating an even base over your entire face and not just certain areas.
You're creating an ideal base to blend out your concealer.
You're reducing the amount of concealer you need, making it easier to achieve natural-looking skin that's flawless.
You're not wasting time applying concealer twice since you'll inevitably need to touch up after applying foundation over concealer.

You start with a thin layer of foundation, and you can add a second if you want a full-coverage look. Use a foundation brush or a damp beauty blender to disperse the foundation. Start in the center of your face and work your way out. Don't forget to work it down your neck and on your ears! You don't want a foundation line.

Once you apply your foundation, it will be easier to see where you need a little extra coverage. You can use concealer to conceal and brighten. You can also apply it over your blemishes to cover them up. Then, grab a slightly lighter shade for your T-zone and under your eyes for a brightening effect. If you start with concealer in these areas, it can make your skin tone look off once you apply the foundation.

Applying Concealer First

When you apply concealer, you want it to cover your imperfections and stay in place. However, if you apply foundation after concealer, it could be counterproductive. There is no real way to guarantee none of the concealer moves off the intended area.

For example, if you cover a blemish perfectly with concealer and then try to blend foundation over it, it will smudge. Having other makeup on before foundation can also make it harder to get a smooth, even finish. You will also have to reapply concealer to blemishes and will end up using more of the product than necessary.

There are some circumstances where concealer first does make sense. If you are going to use a color-correcting concealer under your eyes, you can apply this first. You're only going to blend the foundation to the edge of the color corrector and not over it. Later you will use a skin-toned concealer to cover the corrector.

You can use color-corrector on other areas of discoloration. The corrector is designed to neutralize discoloration. A green concealer can help you cancel out redness caused by a blemish. You will want to apply this directly to the color you're trying to correct and not on top of a layer of foundation.

When you go to blend your foundation over color-corrector, you have to be careful not to smudge the concealer. The best way to avoid this is to use a damp beauty blender to dab the foundation over the corrector gently. If you need it as a final step, you can go in with your skin-toned concealer over top of the foundation.

You can also use concealer first if you're running low on your foundation. You can just mix in a little moisturizer, so it isn't a super thick base. You can only thin it out in this way if you're using a liquid concealer. Try HIDE Premium Concealer. It can cover almost anything and can be your base when you’re in a pinch.

The Final Decision

At the end of the day, it's up to you which one you want to apply to first. However, most experts agree that foundation first and then concealer is the way to go. You can try both ways and see which way you prefer.

However, if you're using a liquid concealer and a mineral foundation, you may want to start with your concealer. When you apply the concealer first, the powder foundation can lock the concealer in place. Applying these products in this order can ensure your concealer doesn't smudge or crease throughout the day.

You should keep in mind that applying powder over a liquid concealer can make it look darker. You can create an uneven skin tone if you're not careful. You may need to use a concealer that's lighter than you think you need to counteract this. You can avoid this issue by applying your concealer second and using a translucent powder to set it in place.

If you're only using concealer under your eyes, it also doesn't matter too much if you're applying it first. You don't blend your foundation onto your under eyes, so there's no chance of removing the product. When you're using foundation and concealer that complement each other, it also makes applying concealer first easier.

When selecting your products, consider getting them from the same brand. You can get the exact shade for both, and you'll know the formulations will work in tandem. When you have a foundation and concealer that work together, it's easier to achieve flawless-looking skin.

Picking the Perfect Foundation and Concealer

You should always consider your skin type when selecting a foundation and concealer. People have normal, mature, oily, dry, and combination skin, and each comes with its own unique needs. If you're using the wrong makeup formulation for your skin, it won't work the way it should.

For example, using a powder foundation when you have dry skin won't be beneficial. The makeup will end up highlighting dry patches on your face. It also won't provide any hydration that your skin needs.

There are many different foundation formulations to choose consider. There is liquid, powder, cream, and stick. People with oily skin may lean towards drier foundations like powder or stick. In comparison, people with combination skin may select a liquid or cream.

We believe that a liquid foundation is a superior choice for any skin type. HIDE Premium Foundation is water-based, semi-matte, and offers buildable coverage. For people with drier skin, it provides hydration. Oily skin types can also use it since it's not oil-based and doesn't have a dewy finish.

Once you find the perfect foundation, you can choose a concealer. You can base your concealer shade off of your foundation shade. Consider having two different concealer shades in your makeup bag. One that's an exact match for your foundation for covering things like blemishes, and once that's a shade lighter for brightening.

The Verdict

When in doubt, use foundation first and then concealer. Foundation is meant to help you create an even base so you can achieve the best-looking skin. When you start with concealer first, you can end up wasting your time and product.

Select a foundation and concealer that go together seamlessly. When your products are compatible, it will make the application that much easier no matter which you decide to use first!