Should You Use Concealer or Foundation First?
Here is exactly how to sequence your favorite foundation and concealer
Content Summary
The debate over whether to apply foundation or concealer first depends heavily on your desired finish and the specific product textures you choose. While applying foundation first remains the standard method for creating an even, natural base with less product, certain techniques like color-correcting, underpainting, and using powder formulas require reversing the order. In this article, you will discover the right order for your routine and choose the right formulas.
Deciding whether to apply your concealer or foundation first can completely transform the outcome of your makeup routine. These face makeup products are often used in alternating orders, which has sparked some debate over the best way to apply them.
Knowing what you want from your makeup look is the key to determining which application technique is best for you. Understanding the dynamic between concealer vs. foundation helps you build a flawless base that stays put all day. Below you will find a complete breakdown of when to switch your order, how to choose your perfect formulas, and the best way to map out your complexion routine.
The Best Order for Applying Foundation and Concealer
Applying foundation first is the standard method recommended by most makeup experts. When you smooth your foundation across your skin first, you create an even canvas that immediately reduces overall redness and discoloration. This means you will naturally need to use less product when figuring out where to put concealer later, preventing a heavy or cakey appearance.
This classic order works exceptionally well when you want a clean, natural finish for your everyday look. By letting your foundation do the heavy lifting across the broad areas of your face, your skin maintains a fresh and lightweight texture.
When Concealer Should Go On First
There are several instances when the standard routine needs to be flipped to achieve specific results. Understanding what concealer is used for in targeted applications allows you to adjust your steps based on your coverage needs.
Color correcting
If you are dealing with dark spots or redness, putting your concealer over or under foundation makes a massive difference. Color-correcting formulas are designed to neutralize discoloration based on opposing tones on the color wheel. You want to apply these colorful correctors directly to the skin before your foundation so that your base makeup can seamlessly mask any leftover hints of color.
Underpainting
Underpainting is a popular technique where you apply your sculpting products, blush, and brightening layers directly onto your skin or primer before adding foundation. When you practice this method, you map out where to use concealer to highlight and define your features early. Layering a thin liquid foundation over these pre-sculpted areas blends everything together for an incredibly seamless, lit-from-within glow.
Powder foundation routines
When your routine involves a powder base, you must always determine if your steps line up by product texture. Applying a liquid or cream formula on top of a dry powder causes immediate pilling and patchiness. For these routines, you will always blend your liquid concealer into targeted areas first, let it set completely, and then sweep your powder foundation over the top.
Spot correcting before sheer skin tints
If you’re wondering whether concealer goes on before foundation or skin tint for a minimalist look, the answer is yes. Starting with spot correcting is your best option for an even application. Using a high-coverage concealer directly onto isolated blemishes allows you to blur specific imperfections seamlessly. You can then layer a sheer tint across your entire face without disrupting the hidden areas, giving you maximum coverage only where you truly need it.
Foundation First vs. Concealer First
Choosing the correct order—concealer or foundation first—depends entirely on your desired finish and the specific makeup products you choose to use. The table below outlines the ideal application sequence for various everyday makeup scenarios.
| Goal | Best order |
| Everyday makeup | Foundation followed by concealer |
| Full coverage | Foundation followed by concealer |
| Cover dark circles | Foundation followed by concealer, then brighten |
| Color correcting | Corrector followed by foundation, then concealer |
| Underpainting | Concealer followed by foundation |
| Powder foundation | Concealer followed by powder foundation |
How To Apply Foundation and Concealer Step by Step
If you’re still wondering whether to apply concealer or foundation first, here’s an essential step-by-step for a basic makeup application. To ensure your complexion lremains fresh and vibrant, follow this application process:
- Prep skin: Cleanse and moisturize your face thoroughly to build a smooth, hydrated base.
- Apply primer: Smooth a dedicated face primer across your skin to blur texture and extend the wear of your makeup.
- Apply foundation: Even out your skin tone by spreading your liquid or cream foundation from the center of your face outward.
- Blend: Use a damp makeup sponge or a buffing brush to press the foundation into your skin for a seamless look.
- Conceal targeted areas: Apply your concealer to specific areas that require extra coverage, such as under the eyes or over blemishes.
- Set: Lock your layers in place with a translucent setting powder to prevent creasing.
- Finish makeup: Complete the rest of your look with your favorite blush, bronzer, and the L'Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist for up to 36 hours of flawless wear.
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How To Choose the Right Foundation
Choose the right shade
Before deciding on a formula, you will need to choose the right shade based on your skin tone and undertones.
- Skin tone: Your skin tone is determined by the amount of melanin in your skin, whereas undertones refer to the natural hue beneath your skin. While your skin tone can be influenced by sun exposure, your undertones never change.
- Skin undertone: Undertones can be either cool, warm, or neutral, and they can greatly impact how well your foundation matches your skin tone.
Choose the right coverage and formula
After pinpointing your most flattering foundation shade, it is time to decide how much coverage and what type of formula you want. Your choice will depend on personal preference and the specific makeup look you want to create.
For a radiant, light-to-medium coverage look, you can choose the L'Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum. This multi-benefit skin tint, infused with pure hyaluronic acid, delivers intense hydration while plumping the skin.
If you prefer a comforting texture, try the new L'Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluron Tinted Balm Foundation. This nourishing tinted balm foundation unifies your skin tone with lightweight coverage while delivering essential daily comfort.
For a radiant, barely-there finish, the L'Oréal Paris Lumi Le Glow Skin Tint is an excellent option. This is a lightweight complexion tint designed to deliver a natural, radiant glow while providing sheer coverage that hydrates the skin.
For medium coverage and a skin-like finish, the L'Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation is a classic staple. This hydrating liquid foundation is formulated with up to six pigments to seamlessly adapt to unique skin textures and undertones.
You can also try the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Cushion Foundation. This is a portable, liquid cushion compact foundation that delivers buildable, fresh coverage on the go with a lightweight texture.
For those who prefer full coverage, go for the L'Oréal Paris Infallible 32HR Fresh Wear Foundation. This is a long-wearing, ultra-thin liquid foundation that provides breathable full coverage for up to 32 hours while resisting sweat and transfer.
You can also try the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Up To 24H Fresh Wear Foundation in powder. This long-lasting powder foundation delivers up to 24 hours of full, matte coverage while resisting water, sweat, and heat.
How To Choose the Right Concealer
Choose the right shade
Select your concealer color based on your skin tone, undertones, and how you plan to use it in your routine.
- Spot correct flaws: Opt for a concealer that perfectly matches your foundation. Swatch-test your concealer on your jawline in natural light to confirm a seamless finish.
- Neutralize discoloration or highlight your skin: You may want to try a concealer one to two shades lighter than your base.
- Contour: Choose a concealer about two shades deeper than your foundation.
Choose the right product
The L'Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer is perfect for deep hydration. This medium-coverage serum concealer, infused with hyaluronic acid, works to de-puff, correct, highlight, or contour for up to 24 hours without creasing.
If you need maximum performance, choose the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Up To 24H Full Coverage. This is a liquid concealer featuring an extra-large applicator that provides a matte, waterproof finish for up to 24 hours to cover blemishes or highlight contours.
For a multi-tasker, reach for the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Skin Ink 2-In-1 Foundation Concealer. This is a versatile, high-coverage complexion hybrid that operates as both a foundation and targeted concealer to mask imperfections with a weightless feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you put concealer on before or after foundation?
If you’re wondering whether you should apply concealer or foundation first, for standard routines, you should always apply foundation before your concealer. This order creates an even skin tone across your face first, meaning you will need far less concealer to hide specific imperfections afterward, which prevents a heavy appearance.
Do you apply concealer before or after foundation on mature skin?
For mature skin, the routine does not change, apply foundation first to ensure a light and even base layer. You can then use a small amount of hydrating concealer only on targeted areas, which stops heavy layers from settling into fine lines.
Should concealer be lighter than foundation?
Your concealer shade depends entirely on what you want to cover. To brighten up dark under-eye circles, choose a shade one to two tones lighter than your foundation, but pick an exact match to cover blemishes on your cheeks or jawline.
Where do you put concealer?
You should place your concealer onto targeted areas that require extra coverage beyond your foundation. The most common areas include the inner and outer corners of the under-eyes, around the sides of the nose, and directly on blemishes.
Can you wear concealer without foundation?
You can absolutely wear concealer on its own for a quick makeup routine. Simply dab the formula onto spots or under your eyes, blend the edges carefully into your bare skin, and set it with a light translucent powder.
What's the correct makeup order?
The standard order for a complete complexion routine begins with skin preparation and primer. Next, you apply your liquid foundation, follow up with targeted concealer, and lock everything in place with the L'Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist for transfer-resistant, sweat-resistant, smudge-resistant results that last all day and night.
Next Up: What is Foundation Makeup and How To Use it
Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris
