Foundations and concealers are useful products that even out the skintone and hide any imperfections our skin may have, thus allowing us to present a flawless complexion to the world. But many women are sill confused about what product should be applied first: concealer or foundation? As it often happens when it comes to makeup, there really isn’t a right or wrong answer. It just depends on your personal preference and the products you use. Here are my thoughts on the debate:
Concealer before foundation
This is the method I used when I was in high school. I have very pale skin so finding a concealer light enough for me that wouldn’t break my already quite broken bank was a mission impossible. So I was forced to buy concealers too dark for me and apply them under foundation so not as to look ridiculous! But you don’t have to be a broken pale princess to apply concealer before foundation. If you don’t like wearing foundation or are lucky to have good skin that doesn’t need much coverage, you may start by applying concealer on those areas that need to be camouflaged (such as dark circles or blemishes) and follow up with a light layer of foundation where needed to even out the skintone. You may even find out you don’t need foundation at all! In any case, if you use powder or cream foundations, you should always apply concealer first to avoid blending disasters and look unnatural and cakey!
Foundation before concealer
Now that I’m older, wiser (at least I hope I am!) and with a bigger budget, I buy concealers that are the same, or slightly lighter, shade than my skintone so I can apply them after foundation. I have to say I prefer this method. I think it looks more natural (at least on me) and, because a layer of foundation has already evened out my skintone and helped minimize imperfections, I have to apply concealer only on those areas that need some extra camouflage. This way, I actually use less concealer than I used to. And while any type of concealer can easily be applied on top of liquid foundation, powder concealers should be applied only afterwards to avoid looking cakey and unnatural.
What about you? Do you apply concealer or foundation first? And why?
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Corrector, Concealer, then setting powder. No foundation on top.
Jamilla, lucky you that don’t need foundation and that concealers and correctors are enough for you.
I did the same thing as you in high school. Concealer first. Now I don’t use it at all.
Trisha´s last [type] ..Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Keratin Intensive Treatment Review
Trisha, that’s great that you need to use it anymore, lucky you!
I think concealer over foundation works better. Sometimes when you apply concealer first, and then foundation over the top, some of the concealer rubs away.
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Makeup Morsels, that’s a good point. I think concealer over foundation works best too.
I use concealer after foundation so that I know which part of my face I should cover.
Mostly the blemish like under eye area ,scars and freckle …
oh well basically all over my face XD
Adia, lol.
I think this way you also use less product as the foundation has already helped to minimize the imperfections a bit.
For the same reason as you (student) I use concealer first. If I us it after, I look like an owl:)
Marie, I so know what you mean lol.
But this method is effective too. 
Foundation and then concealer, so that I know which areas still need covering up. It really depends on which foundation I use.
I guess it kind of depends on the concealer as well.
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K, yes, it depends on what products you are using and their texture. I use mostly liquid foundation and cream concealers so foundation first and then concealer works best for me. Like you said, that way you know what area need more coverage and end up using less concealer.
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