Alright babes, let’s dive right in: THE ultimate makeup question. What goes first: concealer or foundation? It’s one of those things that’s low-key been debated for what feels like donkey’s years in the beauty world. I get it too because, honestly, I’ve been there. If you’re staring at your makeup brushes, sponges, and products like they’re all about to give you a pop quiz… you’re in the right place!
Okay, let’s just get this out of the way first: people have opinions. Lots of them. But here’s the thing: there’s no one-size-fits-all makeup rule everyone has to follow. It’s all about what works for YOU and YOUR day. BUT, because we’re talking about specific techniques, let’s break down the full tea—what most makeup artists suggest, and what works best for different vibes. You ready? Let’s gooo!
Ways to Do It: Foundation First
This is probably the way most pros roll. You slap on your foundation, let it settle, and then hit it with the concealer where it’s needed. Now, why would someone want to do foundation first? I’m glad you asked, babe. The main reason is that foundation evens out your skin tone. If you start with foundation, it will do the heavy lifting for evening out hyperpigmentation, redness, or general unevenness. Then you just go back in with the concealer for those problem spots like dark circles, blemishes, or some extra snatching under the eyes.
“Foundation first is like the base layer of your makeup sandwich. Then the concealer is just the finishing touches that bring everything together!”
So why foundation first?
Well, consider this: foundation normally has more coverage across the board. Once you put it on, you might realize you don’t even need as much concealer as you thought. 💡 BOOM! Mind blown, right? You’re saving product, saving time, and you get an even canvas to work with.
Pro Tip:
If you’re doing foundation first, let that ish DRY! Like, give it a hot second to settle (go scroll TikTok for a minute, idk). This lets the foundation “grip” the skin better, and honestly, you’ll be less likely to mix the two formulas and end up with a cakey mess.
Who should do this?
Let’s say you’re going for a full glam, night-out look. You want a flawless face where the gods above can see your highlights but also without piling on too much product. That’s where foundation first really shines.
Concealer First: Wait, What?
Okay, so let’s switch it up for a sec. There ARE reasons to flip things and go in with concealer first. Nah no cap, hear me out. Sometimes, you want to target a specific area (those nights where your dark circles are REALLY trying you), and a foundation base might not help as much. So, if you dab on concealer FIRST—think of it like spot-treating—you’re concentrating on the small areas you need most.
I low-key love doing this method when I’m going for a super natural, no-foundation kind of makeup routine. Here’s why: less is more. If I’m just covering a zit or brightening my under-eye, I don’t need to pile on heavy foundation all over my face. It’s like the makeup version of that “no-makeup makeup” moment! 😎
“Sometimes, starting with concealer is the ultimate quick fix for under-eye shadows or breakouts you wanna keep on the DL!”
So what’s the vibe with concealer first?
This method is great when you want targeted coverage. By going in with concealer first, you’re working on stuff like acne scars, dark circles, or random redness before spreading any foundation over it. It’s like giving your trouble spots VIP treatment, ya feel?
Pro Tip:
If you’re using a color-correcting concealer (you know, those greens, peaches, pinks), you definitely want to go in with that before your foundation. Then, foundation can blend it all together and neutralize those color tones without erasing all your work. Boom—flawlessness, achieved!
Who should do this?
I usually recommend this if you’re doing a super light or natural look, or if you’ve got some serious under-eye baggage that needs a little extra love. 👜 Also, if you’re in a straight-up time crunch (or too tired to care), throwing on some concealer and bouncing out the door works wonders.
BUT What About For Acne?!
Alright, PSA real quick: the struggle of covering breakouts is REAL. Acne can have all of us reconsidering the whole “concealer vs. foundation” dilemma like 20 times in one sitting. 😭 But, I gotchu.
If acne is your concern, I usually like doing a hybrid method. Go in with a light layer of foundation first to kinda set the base correct, then spot correct with concealer where needed. Like, I won’t lie: concealer can’t solve every problem (sobbing), but it can definitely do the trick for smaller breakouts.
Sometimes, a FULL coverage foundation might be “too much” and do the opposite of what you want (you know, like emphasizing the texture). You don’t wanna look like you’re wearing a thick mask unless that’s your mood. 💁🏽♀️
If your foundation can’t cover it, hit it with pinpoint concealer blending instead of piling everything on at once!
What Formula Are You Using?
OKAY babes, let’s talk about what you’re actually working with: the formulas. You might already know this, but not every concealer and foundation combo plays nice together. 😅 Sometimes it’s like mixing water and oil—so before you choose the “first step menu,” check that they vibe well. Matte, full coverage, dewy—what’s your sitch??
Some concealers/foundations have certain finishes. If your foundation is super dewy but your full-coverage concealer is drying—UGH, you’re gonna notice. You might end up with a funky, uneven texture around your eyes or other areas.
Pro Tip ❤️:
If you’re obsessed with that glowy dewy vibe, use a hydrating concealer that matches the finish of your foundation. Trust me, you’ll avoid those crusty, creasing situations that nobody likes!
What Do Pro Makeup Artists Do?
OK, we can’t do this convo without spilling the pro tea 🫖💅🏽. Even the best makeup artists all use different techniques depending on the look, face shape, camera work, and well…vibes.
For example, if I’m doing a red carpet level beat? You’re getting foundation first, sweetie. Then I’ll add in that concealer, bake when needed, and everything will be SNATCHED. But there are days, like for bridal or daytime looks, where we go softer/natural, so I’ll do more concealing instead of a heavy layer of foundation.
Moral of the story: there’s no right or wrong way here. If it works for some elite celebrity looks, it can work for that brunch with your girls too. 🌸
So, Which One Should I Try?
Sooo, here’s the T: YOU actually decide based on your goal and mood.
- If you want fuller coverage and a flawless finish that’s ALL blended and smooth: go with foundation first.
- If you’re going for something lighter, more natural, or need to tackle specific problem spots (hello, dark circles): try concealer first.
What About Just Concealer, No Foundation? 👀
Yep, it’s a thing too. By the way—some days, you just can’t be bothered for foundation. And THAT’S TOTALLY OK! Some of my best makeup looks were just concealer + powder to refresh my face. Sometimes it’s honestly easier AND it doesn’t melt off midday, especially in L.A.’s dry heat! 🔥
If you’re blessed with natural GLOWY skin (ugh jealous), then concealer-only days can keep you poppin’ without going OTT.
And That’s The Tea 🍵
So there you have it babes! Whether you’re team “foundation first” or squad “concealer first,” there’s actually no wrong way to slay it. Just gotta find what gives YOU life.
Next time you’re sitting with your makeup bag staring at that foundation and concealer, just ask yourself: What am I tryna give today?
