Okay, let’s get something straight, bestie: If you’re still applying your concealer before foundation, it’s like walking into Starbucks and ordering a black coffee when there’s a whole secret menu of amazing drinks waiting for you. Like, why not switch it up?!
I was at a shoot last week and asked my client, “Do you do foundation first or concealer first?” and she was like “Wait, what’s the difference? I’ve always done concealer first because… TikTok?!”. Honestly, a lot of us have grown up hearing random beauty rules from places like YouTube or TikTok without questioning them (remember when we all thought matte lipstick was the only lip option?!). But I’m here to break this massive news: it’s time to mix things up and put foundation first! 🙌
So—why exactly does that matter? Okay grab some snacks because we’re gonna TAAAALK!
Why Applying Foundation Before Concealer Is Actually The Move 🚀
Picture this: you’re blending your concealer and foundation like your life depends on it, and it still ends up looking like a patchy mess! You’ve been there, I’ve been there, EVERYONE has been there. But here’s where the magic happens: applying foundation first does 80% (yeah, I made up that percentage but you get it) of the work for you.
Let your foundation uh… lay the foundation for the rest of your makeup. Instead of trying to cover up every single little thing at the start with concealer, you put down that base layer first and only use concealer where necessary after.
Foundation already covers so much of what you’re trying to hide, so concealer should be that little *extra oomph*.
Using foundation first gives you a more natural look—and let’s be real, who doesn’t want their makeup to look like second skin rather than, um, frosting on a cupcake?
The Biggest Issue With Applying Concealer First 😬
If you go in heavy with your concealer before your foundation, you’re kinda setting yourself up. Here’s why: foundation moves. Yeah, it’s not locked in place yet, so when you apply it after concealer? It’s like a bulldozer plowing through all your hard work. Rude, right?
So, you slap on your concealer all bright and glowy, only for your foundation to come in and smudge it into oblivion. It’s like kicking over a sandcastle you JUST spent an hour perfecting at the beach (Huntington Beach vibes, anyone?). Do yourself a favor and reverse the steps!
Your foundation should do the heavy lifting. Concealer is just there for extra support where needed!
But don’t just take my word for it! Let’s talk about some reasons that’ll actually convince you to change your makeup routine.
Why You Should Start With Foundation First 💡
1. You’ll Use WAY Less Product 💸
Pro makeup artist secret: using foundation first = less concealer. Ever scooped out half your concealer pot only to realize you don’t even need THAT much? (Like, what was the plan here?) Applying foundation first already helps cover a lot of blemishes and redness. Then, you only need a tiny bit of concealer to finish off certain areas. Less product = longer-lasting makeup = saving $$$. Win, win, and win! 💰
Less product = longer-lasting makeup = saving $$$
2. Avoid Looking Cake-y 🎂
So, you know how cakes are cute until you overdo the icing and it turns into a Pinterest fail? Well, that’s sort of what happens when you apply too much of both foundation AND concealer. Instead of adding layers and layers of makeup, starting with foundation makes the concealer look seamless and lightweight– no more unwanted build-up.
Cakey makeup is honestly everyone’s nightmare, and concealer-overload is holding the key to your nightmares. 😱 Stick with foundation first to avoid all that drama.
3. Precision Is 🔑
You’re not psychic, right? (Or are you?👀) You can’t predict what parts of your face will be covered perfectly with just foundation until you see it in action. So, applying concealer first is kinda blind luck. You end up putting product in places that may or may NOT need it. Foundation all over your face gives you a clear game plan about where concealer actually needs to go after.
So, start fresh with foundation and then swoop in with your good-ol’ concealer to dot areas that need extra love—I’m talkin’ under eyes, blemishes, redness around the nose, etc. Basically, those little spots your foundation didn’t totally cover.
4. You Can Build Up 👷🏽♀️
Foundation is great for building up! You can start sheer and then add a second layer in spots that need more coverage—this gives you more control over how much makeup you’re working with. When you throw concealer on top after, you’re already super close to your ideal makeup look… and then you just finish strong!
Start small and build it up: it’s easier to add than to take away.
5. Faster & Foolproof ⏲️
Switching to foundation-first will literally speed up your routine. Say whaaaat?! 🎉 Since your foundation is covering so much already, touching up with concealer becomes quick. You don’t need to spend forever blending; your canvas is already prepped and ready. Any little spots after foundation are easy pickings, trust me.
Okay—So How Do We Actually Nail This Flow? 🎨
Wanna ace this? I got you, queen! Here’s your new order of operation to slay every glam look:
Step 1: Start With A Smooth Base 🌊
Before foundation, always prime or prep your skin. Find a good primer (matte? dew? Whatever your vibe is) to help the foundation glide effortlessly. This also keeps your makeup stuck in place all day—and yes, you need that on those oh-so-long concert days, right?
A prepped face is like a ready canvas. More flowy, less patchy!
Step 2: Apply Foundation aka Your Base Coat 🖌️
Whether you opt for a sponge, brush, or fingers, apply your foundation evenly across your skin. Just don’t overdo it! Aim for a good skin-like finish. Get that even coverage but try staying as close to your natural skin tone as possible (especially down your neck because… makeup lines? No thanks). Blend, blend, blend!
Step 3: Now… Time For Concealer! 🎯
This is the key moment: now you go in with your concealer. Apply it to targeted areas like undereye bags, blemishes, or redness around your nose. TIP: use a shade one or two shades lighter under the eyes for a brighter look (trust me, it’s a life-saver). Use a small fluffy brush or pat it gently with your finger!
Step 4: Seal The Deal 🏁
Set those products in place! After blending, grab some powder or setting spray depending on your skin type (dry girls: setting spray is your BFF 🌟). Press the product in lightly, focusing on your T-zone! Don’t go too hard—you want everything to stay fresh but not dry AF throughout the day.
Lock it in, babe. Your makeup should last as long as you do!
Step 5: Go Get That Insta Pic 📸
Because obviously, when you’ve nailed this new foundation-before-concealer routine, you’re giving FACE and need to show it off. 😍
Final Thoughts: Break The Tradition 💥
Let’s just say it out loud: beauty rules are meant to be broken, or at least re-assessed. The concealer-before-foundation tradition needs a little re-think. It’s great to stick to classics, but sometimes a little swap will leave you shook (in the best way). Foundation-first will 100% level up your base game. And listen—makeup isn’t one size fits all! Play around with techniques to figure out what makes YOU feel like a baddie from day to night. At the end of the day, that’s the whole point, right?
Okay babes, that’s the tea on why it’s time to switch up the order of application in your routine! I hope you found this inspo useful for slaying your base face. Now get out there and let your makeup speak for itself! 😘
