Should You Apply Concealer or Foundation First?

Are You Applying Your Makeup Correctly?

Practice doesn't always make perfect.

You've probably been casually honing your beauty skills since you were relatively young. It might have started when you watched Mom at her vanity, and then continued when you and your friends began experimenting with lipglosses and body glitter in middle school. (Remember that trend?!) Now, you're probably bombarded with more Insta beauty tutorials than you could ever have time to watch.

But: Have you picked up the right tips and tricks over the years?

Using too much makeup, applying the incorrect products, or even using the right things in the wrong order, for example, can make it hard to get a fresh, flawless look. Take this quiz to find out if your makeup skills are on point or if there's room for improvement. Plus, pick up some smart tips to nail your next look.

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The answer: Typically, foundation first.

If you use a cream-based foundation or a BB or CC cream, apply your foundation first and your concealer second. Why? Foundation is meant to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of blemishes and discoloration. Until it's applied, it's tough to tell how much concealer you need to lighten and brighten.

However, if you use a powder foundation, go ahead and put on your concealer first. Doing it the other way around could result in a look that's less even and smooth.

💄Pro tip: “You can actually use concealer as a foundation if you’re in a pinch,” says Grace Lee, Makeup Artist for Maybelline. “Just sheer it out with a little bit of moisturizer or serum first. My favorite for flawless skin is the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer.” File that away in Hacks to Know for the Morning After.

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The answer: It depends.

Sponges are really having a moment—and for good reason. Applying foundation via a makeup sponge makes it easy to get a smooth, airbrushed look. (Pro tip: Wet the sponge first for even better blending.) Plus, the squishy, tear-drop ones are affordable and easy for beginners to use. Cheap makeup brushes, on the other hand, may not give you a flawless final result.

If you’re using quality makeup brushes (or even your fingers!) and getting the look you want, though, then you do you.

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The answer: Less is more.

The answer: Less is more.

If this is a special occasion (i.e., You’re a bridesmaid or bride and about to be in photos that will actually get printed and framed), then yeah, it might be best to hire a pro. But otherwise, you've totally got this!

A little bit of foundation or concealer can go a long way. Our main makeup tip is that you want to define your face and features. (And we mean define in the most low-key way—nothing harsh or dramatic.) Here are the four main things you should do:

💋 Wiggle on mascara (starting at the root and going up) so your lashes look bigger.

💋 Use concealer to cover blemishes and brighten the under-eye area (we like Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer)

💋 Apply bronzer or blush on the tops of your cheeks.

💋 Apply a lip balm for healthier-looking lips.

Stop there for now, and smile to yourself when people try to figure out what’s different about you today. “Did you cut your hair?” 💁🏻‍♀️

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The answer: False.

When it comes to highlighter, less is more. Apply it only to the high points of your face (i.e., the cheekbones, nose bridge, brow bone, and cupid's bow of the lips). Dusting it all over your face will make you look way too shiny. 

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The answer: Use a primer and a setting spray.

The answer: Use a primer and a setting spray.

Blending your makeup along your jawline and onto part of your neck is critical for anyone applying a full coverage look. To prevent makeup from transferring onto a white tee or sweater, there are a few things you can do:

💋 Be sure to choose products that are oil-free.

💋 Always use a primer, which will grip your makeup so that it won't transfer onto your clothing.

💋 For good measure, spritz on a setting spray when you're done applying your look.

💋 Use blotting papers throughout the day if you’re still super worried about it.