which goes first concealer or foundation

Learn the differences between concealer vs. Typically, foundation and concealer work best when used together instead of individually. Two-in-one products combine the benefits of foundation and concealer to save time during your makeup routine. These products come in different varieties that have their own separate benefits, such as hydrating the skin or reducing eye circles. While foundation and concealer play similar roles, each product has a distinct purpose. Others assume they only need one of these items. Some people use foundation and concealer interchangeably or have trouble figuring out which product to apply first. The products look alike and, on the surface, seem to have similar results. Generally, concealer is thicker in consistency than foundation, so if you want your makeup to look as natural as possible, it's probably in your best interest to listen to the experts and only use it where you think it's needed.Foundation and concealer provide a blank canvas, evening out skin tone to create a backdrop for the rest of your makeup.

This allows you to see what areas still need to be addressed, and which ones you can leave alone. While there's nothing wrong with using concealer first, the majority of these makeup artists would advise applying a light layer of foundation beforehand to even out the complexion and reduce the appearance of blemishes. 'I would personally create a clean canvas with foundation and then spot conceal any areas that need more attention,' she explains. 'I love skin to shine through, so I try not to let it look like there is too much makeup on.'Įven if you're someone who prefers a full-coverage finish, Estabrook says using foundation first is the way to go.

Noto also stresses the importance of going easy with foundation or tinted moisturizer before applying concealer on any blemishes, as she says this is what gives the most natural-looking coverage.

'That way, everything blends together seamlessly.' 'The foundation and concealer shades should be a perfect match with your skin tone and similar in texture to one another,' she advises. 'Concealer is meant to conceal, while foundation is meant to be the base, or foundation, of your look - similar to how when you build a house the very first step in creating it is building the foundation.' Additionally, she notes that if you're using the right foundation formula for your skin's needs, it should ideally do most of the concealing for you.ĭenno says she always likes to start by applying a light layer of foundation, beginning in the center of the face and blending outwards, then following up with concealer only where needed. 'Using concealer first is a waste of product and creating more work for you, as then you just have to go over the area again,' explains Stiles. Makeup artists Katey Denno, Gloria Noto, Fiona Stiles, and Rachel Estabrook are all riding the same wave as Black. Black also points out that the act of blending foundation over concealer often results in moving the concealer off of the area you originally intended to apply your coverage to, adding that this rings true regardless of which application tool you use.

Which goes first concealer or foundation