Apply Concealer Under Your Foundation To Better Cover Dark Spots

Most of us who wear makeup on the daily have a fixed makeup routine we follow (we know it's not one size fits all!). This routine has probably been perfected over years of trial and error and is based on our particular needs. However, every once in a while, it's worth taking stock of what makeup experts believe, just so we can improve our techniques and the way makeup looks on us.

One such technique that we could use expert advice on is the application of concealer before foundation, especially if we have dark spots or other problematic areas on the skin to cover up.

"People have to understand why they are wearing makeup to begin with," makeup artist and founder of her eponymous makeup brand, ​​Jacque Mgido, shared with The Pioneer Woman. According to her, concealer must be applied before the application of foundation on skin that needs extra coverage because it has dark spots or other problems. This helps cover the hyperpigmentation better.

To cover dark spots or the greenish-blue hue that typically denotes dark circles, it is advisable to use a color corrector or pink concealer under your foundation. This is because both of these products serve a different purpose. While a foundation is a product that provides an even base for the rest of your makeup application, a concealer is meant to cover up any imperfections on the skin. It can do this because its formulation is packed with a greater amount of pigment compared to a foundation.

In fact, celebrity makeup artist and co-founder of Veil Cosmetics, Sebastien Tardif, believes in applying two layers of concealer depending on the severity of the problem. He isn't afraid to apply color corrector under the foundation and concealer over the top of it to mask extremely visible dark circles under the eyes. "The benefit of applying concealer first is that it goes exactly to the root of the issue," Tardif told Real Simple. "Foundation doesn't really do anything for concealing discoloration or fatigue around the eyes, so having a color-correcting base can effectively neutralize the appearance of fatigue."

Despite the advice shared above, most experts in this field believe that the question of whether concealer or foundation should be applied first must be answered on the basis of an individual's needs. "By adding concealer first and then highlighting and contouring, you're putting the tones of the skin back in, but in a more precise and controlled manner," makeup artist Robert Sesnek told Real Simple.

Trinny London states that concealer should be applied first because the skin around that area is thinner and heavy foundation may emphasize creasing there. It recommended not applying foundation to that area — even on top of the concealer — to avoid a cakey look.

On the other hand, many experts argue for the application of a foundation before concealer because it results in a more natural, seamless makeup look. "Foundation is meant to even out your skin tone and reduce the appearance of blemishes, discoloration, and excess redness, so until you've applied your foundation, it's hard to judge how much concealer you actually need to use," makeup artist and founder of Beauty is Boring, Robin Black told Allure.

Many makeup artists agree with this reasoning. Unless you have some major dark spots to conceal, it may be in your best interest to apply foundation first and enjoy a flawless makeup look.