Should You Apply Concealer Or Foundation First? - L'Oréal Paris

If you’ve ever felt stumped on whether to apply concealer or foundation first, rest assured that you’re not alone. These face makeup products are often used in alternating orders, which has sparked some debate over the best way to apply them.

Let’s cut to the chase: There is a standard way to apply foundation and concealer, but there are also instances when the order can be flipped. Knowing what you want from your makeup look is the key to determining which application technique is best for you. Keep reading to learn more about concealer vs. foundation and discover the answer to the million-dollar question: Does concealer go on before foundation?

Foundation 101: What Is Foundation?

Staying true to its name, foundation is a beauty product that acts as a flesh-toned base for your makeup. Liquid and powder foundations are among the most common types, but this has evolved with the ever-changing landscape of beauty products. You can now find foundation in cream, stick, gel, spray, and even foam formulations, as well as a variety of finishes, including matte, radiant, and dewy.

How To Choose the Right Foundation

Consider your skin’s undertones

Before deciding on a formula, you’ll have to select the right color based on your skin tone and undertones. 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. Undertones can be either cool, warm, or neutral and can greatly impact how well your foundation matches your skin tone. Check out our guide, What Skin Undertone Do You Have, to learn more.

Decide on your coverage level

After pinpointing your most flattering foundation shade, it’s time to decide how much coverage you want. Your choice will ultimately depend on personal preference and the specific makeup look you want to create. Many people enjoy a lightweight, buildable option, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation, for medium coverage and a skin-like finish. The hydrating formula adapts to any skin texture and is made with up to six pigments for the most precise match. You can pick between 47 true-to-skin colors.