Q: If you’re using both foundation and concealer, which goes on first?
A: How you perfect your complexion ultimately comes down to personal preference. For those with few or no blemishes, a light dab of concealer before foundation might be just enough. However, for makeup artist Daniel Martin, foundation always comes first because it allows him to see which areas on the face need more coverage.
Even with bigger, raised spots he’ll spackle the area with concealer after applying foundation. This ensures the color matches while also building enough coverage to make every mark disappear completely. He suggests the best method for concealer application over foundation includes dotting the product on with a brush first, then seamlessly melding it into skin with fingers. “Body heat will warm up thicker concealers,” he says of industry favorite Cle de Peau. For the under-eye area, especially during the winter, he advises on the importance of hydration when laying foundation and concealer on complexions. “It’s the thinnest area of the skin so always moisturize before laying down product or else it’ll end up looking dry and cracked.”