You generally apply foundation first to even out your skin tone, then use concealer on top for targeted coverage of specific spots like blemishes or dark circles, as this usually requires less product and prevents cakiness. However, some experts suggest applying a color-correcting concealer before foundation for severe discoloration, or using concealer first for a softer, layered effect before a lighter foundation.
If your aim is to even out your skin tone, you'll probably want to apply foundation before concealer. A major pro for applying foundation first is that you'll usually have to use less concealer to perfect your skin's complexion afterward.
Here's a quick overview of the correct makeup routine order you should follow:
Using the Wrong Shade
If your concealer looks too obvious or off in photos, your shade might not be quite right. Under-eye circles usually need something just a touch lighter than your skin tone, while blemishes or redness are better matched exactly.
The "3-1-1 Rule" for makeup (and liquids) in carry-on bags means containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, all fitting into 1 clear, quart-sized, resealable bag, with 1 bag allowed per passenger, ensuring security can easily see and access it during screening. This applies to liquid makeup (foundation, mascara, lip gloss) and other gels, creams, and aerosols, while solid cosmetics like powders or lipsticks in stick form are generally exempt.
The rule of thumb for picking your concealer shade is based on your foundation shade. Beauty experts advise that everyone should have two shades of concealer in their arsenal, one lighter and one darker since daily sun exposure means your skin tone shifts slightly all the time.
How To Apply Under-Eye Concealer Without Creasing
If you prefer a sheer or light coverage look, a brush can help you achieve that by dispersing the product thinly. Conversely, if you desire more coverage, a brush can be used to layer the Concealer / Foundation without disturbing the layers underneath.
We've got you covered – here are all the application tips you need to achieve complexion perfection.
Makeup Steps: How to Apply Makeup Step by Step
BB cream (Blemish Balm) offers light coverage, hydration, and skincare benefits for a natural glow, ideal for minimal coverage days, while CC cream (Color Correcting) provides light-to-medium coverage focused on neutralizing specific issues like redness, dark spots, or dullness with color-correcting pigments for a more even complexion, often containing anti-aging ingredients. BB creams are for enhancing overall skin tone, whereas CC creams target and correct specific color imperfections.
Most well-known cosmetics & make-up brands in the United States 2025. L'Oréal is the most well-known cosmetics and make-up brand in the U.S., followed by Revlon, COVERGIRL, and Avon. Other well-known cosmetics and make-up brands in the United States include Maybelline New York, Estée Lauder, and e.l.f., to name a few.
We'll break down each makeup step and explain what order to put on makeup ahead.
Primer helps to minimize the appearance of pores, fine lines and creases, creating an adhesive-like barrier over the skin that increases the longevity of all makeup products. It's especially important for concealer, as concealer can often fade and appear cakey.
While you don't want to apply concealer all over your face, you can use it in place of foundation, but only in small quantities. It might seem logical that the more concealer makeup you apply, the more you're able to cover up imperfections, but that's not the reality of how concealer works.
Top Concealer Mistakes (And how to fix them!)
How to layer foundation & concealer for a flawless finish
Makeup Hygiene Best Practices
Our Top Picks
A search for “Vaseline under eyes” brings up thousands of people raving about this trick and several experts explaining how it works. You simply dab some onto the fragile skin under your eyes each night in place of eye cream to lock in moisture. The added hydration plumps up skin and can help reduce fine lines.
Most people use a peach color corrector for dark circles in your eye area or a green color corrector neutralize redness, as well as hyper-pigmentation. First, you need to choose the right color correcting formula.
Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer is a good choice for mature skin because of its crease-resistant concealer formula, which helps your makeup not to settle in fine lines and wrinkles.
Here's your cheat sheet: For dark circles with a bluish tint, especially on fair skin, a peach or light orange corrector is magic. On deeper skin tones, rich orange is a good choice to counteract the darkness without looking ashy. For redness from blemishes or rosacea, green is the way to go.