When it comes to applying makeup there are various ways of doing things, but should you use concealer or foundation first? Find out the best order to follow.​

WHAT GOES FIRST: CONCEALER OR FOUNDATION?

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Do you put concealer on before or after foundation? Most people have their own preference, but which order is actually best for your face? ​

Here, we’ll take a look at the best order and look at some of our best foundations and concealers too. So, is it concealer or foundation first? Let’s find out. 

CONCEALER VS FOUNDATION

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The main difference between concealer and foundation is simple: concealer is used to hide or reduce the appearance of particular imperfections, whereas foundation is designed to be used across the entire face to create an even complexion. ​

As a result, concealers will often come in smaller containers and be thicker and more pigmented. Foundations usually come in larger containers and are applied to the entire face – you might decide to use a full coverage or high coverage foundation.

DO YOU PUT CONCEALER ON BEFORE OR AFTER FOUNDATION?

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Most of the time concealer should be applied after foundation, targeting any imperfections after you’ve applied foundation to your face. Here, we’ll look at the optimal skin care routine that incorporates both foundation and concealer:

STEP 1: PRIMER

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First off, start by priming your face, creating a canvas for your makeup and helping to keep it in place. Try our Touche Éclat Blur Primer, which contains the optimal light diffusion technology of our Touche Éclat Illuminating Pen in a gel format to illuminate your face and smooth the texture of your skin.

You may also want to consider our Nu Glow In Balm, an oil-in-water priming moisturiser containing light reflecting pearls to provide up to 24 hours of hydration and an instant glow effect. There’s also our Nu Blotting Lotion, which offers up to 24 hours of hydration and reduces the appearance of pores. It gives your skin a mattified look that lasts all day, and the breathable formula won’t dry out your skin. 

STEP 2: COLOUR CORRECTION

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After primer, use a colour corrector like our Nu Tone Corrector. This colour-correcting tint feels light on your face, and contains pearls to give you brighter, more even-looking skin. It’ll make your skin feel moisturised and hydrated for up to 8 hours and is enriched with vitamin E and verbena extract. 

It comes in three shades to target different concerns and to suit varying skin tones: rose, green and golden. Our rose tone corrector is ideal for light skin tones and boosts radiance, whereas our green tone corrector helps neutralise redness and creates an even base for makeup. Finally, our golden tone corrector is best-suited to medium-deep skin tones and gives you a luminous, even-looking complexion.

STEP 3: FOUNDATION

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Before you apply concealer, use a full coverage foundation. Try our Touche Éclat Le Teint Foundation, a high coverage foundation that offers up to 24 hours of breathable coverage for a natural, healthy glow. With a weightless feel and a flawless, non-cakey finish, it’s ideal for covering your face and creating an even complexion. ​

With a buildable coverage formula, you can gradually layer the foundation to move from light to medium to full coverage as you wish. Plus, with SPF 22 you’ll have protection from UV rays too. Use with the Y-Brush, pumping two drops into the ‘Y’, and then dabbing onto your cheeks, forehead, and chin, blending in circular movements from the centre of the face outwards. ​

Alternatively, why not try our All Hours Foundation? This full coverage foundation offers a up-to-24-hour luminous matte finish and a weightless feel, while its formula is waterproof and transfer-resistant. It’s suitable for all skin types and comes in a range of shades to suit different skin tones. Simply apply a thin layer using your fingertips. ​

The next step is concealer – apply it immediately after your foundation. Use our Touche Éclat Illuminating Pen, which brightens your facial features for a natural yet radiant look. Finish off your makeup routine by applying where needed to improve dullness or hide blemishes or imperfections. 

Now you know whether to use concealer or foundation first, browse our range of foundations and concealers for your flawless finish.