How To Use Concealer as Foundation

As the no-makeup makeup and clean makeup aesthetics continue to dominate the trend cycle, influencers and beauty lovers keep searching for ways to make their makeup routines easier. Using concealer as foundation—in other words, skipping foundation and only spot-concealing as needed—is among the best ways to achieve a natural, fresh-faced finish. While forgoing foundation may seem unconventional, especially if you’re used to full-glam looks, it’s possible to get a full-coverage finish with concealer, depending on the products you use and your application method. Ahead, learn why you should be using concealer as foundation to streamline busy mornings and discover how to do it for a flawless-looking base. 

Why Use Concealer as Foundation?

Concealer and foundation are both makeup products used to even out skin tone and cover imperfections, but they serve slightly different purposes. Foundation is typically used to even out your entire complexion, while concealer is used to spot-treat specific areas of concern (like dark under-eye circles). However, you don’t need both—not always, anyway. For days when you want to even out your complexion quickly, using concealer as foundation delivers coverage where you need it without feeling heavy. It’s perfect for covering blemishes, redness, or under-eye circles, and you can build it up for a natural finish or more coverage. Plus, its quick application makes it ideal for busy mornings or a fresh look on the go. For those who prefer a more effortless, “no-makeup” makeup vibe, concealer can become their best ally.

How Do You Use Concealer as Foundation?

If you’re still on the fence about merging your foundation and concealer steps into one, keep reading. Ahead, we’ll explain how it’s done and share tips and techniques for a gorgeous-looking base.

Step 1: Prep your skin for a smooth finish

Before using concealer as foundation, you need to prep the skin and apply your products in a certain way for the best results. It’s best to start with clean, hydrated skin to ensure a smooth application. If it’s daytime, remember to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen before starting your makeup routine. 

Step 2: Apply concealer starting at the center of your face

Once your skin is hydrated and prepped, begin dotting your concealer onto areas of your face that need coverage, such as your under-eyes or over any blemishes. If you’re aiming for a full-faced look, dot your chosen concealer onto your forehead, cheeks, and chin, then use a wet makeup sponge to blend the formula out toward the perimeter of your face. This helps ensure you get adequate coverage where you need it most, but don’t end up looking like you’re wearing a mask of makeup. If you find your concealer starts to set before you’re able to blend it out completely, spritz your face with a facial mist to help ensure a smooth blend. 

Step 3: Set your concealer

To help keep your concealer in place all day, we suggest setting your base just as you would with foundation. If you normally use a powder to set your makeup, lightly dust it onto your face, taking care to brush off any excess to avoid a cakey-looking finish. For a more radiant, glowy look, skip the setting powder and use setting spray instead. 

Our Best Concealers To Use as Foundation

If you’re looking to streamline your routine and replace your foundation with concealer, we suggest opting for a creamy, blendable formula that you can build up as needed. Here are a few of our top picks.

L’Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer

For medium coverage with a lightweight, breathable feel, reach for this hyaluronic acid-infused concealer. The skincare-makeup-hybrid helps hydrate the skin for up to 24 hours and provides medium coverage with a radiant finish—perfect for natural makeup looks. The dermatologist-tested formula is especially useful for concealing dark circles and puffy under-eyes, but you can use it as a full-face option on busy mornings, if desired. 

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer up to 24H Full Coverage

This is more than an under-eye concealer—it can also be used on the face and body to cover up imperfections and minimize the appearance of stretch marks, bruises, and scars. Its waterproof, pigmented formula provides full coverage with a flawless matte finish that lasts for up to 24 hours without creasing or settling into fine lines. Keep in mind, though, that a little goes a long way—you’ll only need to apply a couple of dots if you’re using this concealer as foundation.

L'Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer

This is the Swiss army knife of makeup products—while not technically a concealer, it’s an incredible multitasker and can be used to moisturize, prime, highlight, or even bronze your face. The shea butter and glycerin-infused formula feels hydrating on the skin, and it comes in five luminous shades to complement a variety of skin tones. If you’re using this as foundation, we recommend applying it like you would any other tinted moisturizer. Just keep in mind that the coverage is light, so it won’t conceal significant discolorations or blemishes.

How To Choose the Right Concealer Shade To Use as Foundation

• Match your skin tone closely: Unlike using concealer for brightening or contouring, when using it as foundation, choose a shade that matches your natural skin tone exactly. Avoid going too light—doing so can make your skin look ashy or washed out.

• Consider your undertone: For a seamless look, you’ll need to select a concealer that has the same undertones as your skin (cool, warm, or neutral). If you’re not sure what your undertones are, check out our article How To Identify Your Skin’s Undertones.

• Adjust for seasonal skin changes: Sun exposure can alter your skin tone—many of us are tanner in the summer and slightly fairer in the winter. Consider keeping a couple of different concealers on hand to account for your skin’s changing needs throughout the seasons. 

• Test in natural light: Always check the shade on your jawline or cheek in natural daylight to ensure a good match. Avoid relying solely on artificial store lighting, as it can distort colors.

• Choose the right formula for your coverage needs

• Light to medium coverage: Opt for a lightweight, hydrating concealer for a more natural-looking finish.

• Full coverage: If you want to replace your foundation completely, go for a thicker, high-coverage concealer.

• Consider oxidation: Some concealers darken slightly after they are set. Wait a few minutes after applying a test swatch to see if the shade changes. If your concealer oxidizes, opt for a slightly lighter shade to compensate.

• Use lightweight setting products: Whether you’ve only applied it to your under-eyes or opted for a full face, it’s always a good idea to set your concealer. To help brighten your skin and blur the look of imperfections, snag the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blur-Fection Longwear Loose Setting Powder. It smooths, blurs, and sets, all while helping to lock in makeup for up to 24 hours. If you prefer setting sprays, you can’t go wrong with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist. The lightweight formula helps extend makeup wear for up to 36 hours while leaving the skin with a fresh, natural-looking finish. 

Next Up: How To Fix and Prevent Cakey Makeup

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris