Applying foundation first creates an even base to reduce overall redness, discoloration and minor blemishes. If you apply your concealer first, you may end up wiping some off when you apply foundation or using a lot more product than necessary, which can create a heavy, cakey look.
The general rule of thumb is that you should always opt for a shade lighter than foundation when choosing your concealer colour. Doing so helps to mask darker discolouration, but be careful not to over-correct! Knowing how to pick the right concealer is essential to ensuring that your look does not appear ghostly.
To avoid drawing unwanted attention to the area, many makeup artists would recommend not applying too much, if any, foundation around the eye. Instead, they suggest using a hydrating, lightweight concealer that has been designed specifically for the under eye area.
So, do you use concealer before or after foundation? The proper way to apply the two products is to first smooth on a foundation and then apply your concealer. Foundation will create that even canvas we talked about earlier, and then concealer can be used to spot correct any outstanding areas that need extra coverage.
Never put concealer or foundation on your eyelids as a base, it will cause your eye makeup to crease.
If you're looking for a lighter-weight alternative to foundation but don't want to rely on a tinted moisturizer or CC cream, we recommend using concealer alone. It's true, with the right long-wearing or hydrating concealer formula, you'll be able to cover imperfections, even out and keep your complexion looking fresh.
Always use foundation before applying concealer. Apply it with a beauty sponge from the center of the face to the outwards. You can also use it as a base to make your lips stand out. Set the concealer with powder to prevent creasing and do not over-apply as it may look cakey.
Things You Should Know
Wash and moisturize your face and apply primer before adding foundation. Clean, hydrated skin makes for a smooth and even foundation layer. Put on concealer before powder foundation. Use a fluffy brush to dab and blend powder from the middle of your face outward, then set with spray.
First, primer goes on. Next, concealer is applied in order to cover flaws and discolorations. Then comes foundation, followed by loose powder in order to keep your makeup in place.
HOW TO PICK A CONCEALER SHADE. 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.
WHERE TO APPLY CONCEALER PLACEMENT #1: ALL OVER FACE. Take a concealer shade that matches your skin tone and draw vertical lines down your face as you would a normal foundation. Blend it all out with a sponge, then layer on more concealer in any areas that need more coverage.
Use a Base. After your primer, opt for a tinted moisturizer, foundation, CC, or BB cream. If your choice of base is foundation, for under-eye circles, apply concealer first, then foundation. For blemishes and pimple coverage, apply foundation first or the concealer could be rubbed away in the foundation application.
You'll use the lighter shade around the areas of your face that naturally catch light (like your cheekbones and T-zone) and the darker shade in softer areas (like your forehead and jawline). Blend it all out with a buffing brush for a smooth, natural finish.
Yes, you read that right, ladies. Applying a concealer around your brows is a great way to highlight, shape and define your brows, without plucking out a single stray hair *yay*.
Some people choose to pencil their brows on before foundation and concealer so they can later use concealer to carve out their shape and ensure there are no jagged edges. However, nine times out of ten, when you go to apply foundation after that, you're going to get some on the hairs of your perfectly outlined brows.
In the class of makeup best practices 101, makeup artists recommend applying eye makeup first before moving on to face makeup with foundation first and then (and only then) concealer.