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Insight Horizon Media

Should foundation go on before concealer?

Author

John Castro

Published Mar 09, 2026

Should foundation go on before concealer?

But in most cases, it’s actually better to apply foundation first—even if it’s just a light layer on the areas that need it most. “I only recommend using concealer before foundation when you have a lot of blemishes to cover and you need to use tons of thick, correcting concealer for coverage,” Quynh tells us.

Do you wear concealer under or over foundation?

While you can apply your concealer before your foundation, many makeup artists recommend applying concealer after to avoid looking cakey and to avoid creasing. Applying your face makeup first gives you a smooth, blendable base to work with before you get to covering.

When applying makeup what goes on first?

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.

In what order do you put on concealer?

Start by laying on your foundation first. The only exception is when using a treatment concealer for blemishes or scarring. In that case, you will apply a color corrector or a thin layer of concealer first. Otherwise, it’s foundation and then concealer.

Should concealer be lighter than foundation?

Select the right shade. “You can’t have a concealer that’s too light,” she said, adding that women should choose concealer that’s one to two shades lighter than the color of their foundation.

What is the best way to apply foundation?

Whether you’re using a foundation brush (synthetic bristles are best) or your fingertips, apply foundation in a stippling motion, which means gently tapping it into your skin. Avoid any wiping or rubbing motions because that will only push the foundation around and cause streaks.

What are the steps of applying makeup?

How to apply makeup, step-by-step

  1. Start with moisturizer.
  2. Apply primer.
  3. Apply foundation.
  4. Apply concealer.
  5. Apply bronzer + blush.
  6. Apply highlighter.
  7. Apply eyeshadow.
  8. Apply eyeliner.

How do you use concealer for beginners?

How to Apply Concealer

  1. Apply several dots of concealer under the eyes close to the lashes.
  2. Using the pad of your middle finger or your brush, tap in the concealer (always tap, never rub).
  3. Apply concealer on other uneven spots on the face — including the chin, and around the nose and mouth if need be — and tap in.

Should I put concealer on my eyelids?

Never put concealer or foundation on your eyelids as a base, it will cause your eye makeup to crease. Use your fingers to apply your foundation if you want sheer coverage and a brush for medium to full coverage.

Should concealer be same shade as foundation?

What do you put on before foundation?

Whether you’re planning on applying a light coat of foundation or a full face of makeup, primer is an important first step. Using primer under your makeup will make your look last longer.

What should be applied before foundation?

You’ll need to prepare your skin for makeup first by cleansing and applying a moisturizer. You can also add primer and concealer or color-corrector too. When applying foundation, you want to start with a small amount and apply it to the center of your face, blending outward.