What Comes First - Concealer or Foundation


Women have been debating over it for quite some time now and with varying opinions, it is indeed very confusing. The difference between the two, purpose and application, should be recognized after which the decision might be easier.

What to Apply First
Foundation is applied first, followed by a concealer, as the former contours a base for the face and evens the skin tone while the latter covers the blemishes on the face. A small eye shadow brush can be used to apply it and usage of fingers should be avoided. If you apply it the reverse way, you may brush off all your hard work while putting on the foundation.

The Difference
The main difference between the two is the usage. A foundation helps form a base for your face and evens out the skin tone. It is applied all over the face, has a thin consistency and comes in glass bottles or large tubes. The other is applied on blemishes, under the eyes, expression lines and pimples, and generally comes in small tubes.

In case of light concealer coverage, foundation should be painted later as it covers the concealer usage to a certain extent, but when a heavy routine is required it is best to smear it subsequently to the foundation. With this, let's have a quick look at how to apply both the cosmetics.

Applying Foundation
Wash the face, pat dry and rub moisturizer, apply it on the largest areas of the face before the moisturizer gets absorbed. You need to apply it on the forehead, cheek center, and a tiny dot on your chin. Massage it carefully in the direction of your facial fuzz growth, blending it near the jaw line and the hairline. Then apply some on the nose, lips and the eyelids and gently merge it with the rest.

Applying Concealer
You need to first wash off your face. Pat dry and apply a moisturizing face cream. Then start to apply it under the eyes and along the inner eye bone using a makeup brush and a sponge to amalgamate it properly. It should be one shade lighter than that of the foundation and should be used in small quantity as it is thick and can make the face look plastered. Smear some oil-free powder after this to make it last longer. You should avoid using your fingers if you don't want to push it in too much.

Generally, the foundation is applied first, followed by a concealer and then powder. There are no hard and fast rules but to blend, blend and blend is the mantra, though choosing a color that matches the skin tone is essential.

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