It’s better to apply concealer after foundation. This can prevent the concealer from getting cakey, and show the areas where it’s needed.
Concealer is used to cover up the most pigmented areas of the skin. For many people, it’s primarily used on the under-eye.
Dark circles have an annoying habit of showing through layers of foundation, making you look perpetually tired. Concealer is generally a thicker formula that provides a heavier covering.
As concealers are heavier, this can make the application more difficult. Makeup needs to be blended, otherwise, it sits obviously on the skin’s surface. A heavy concealer that isn’t blended will quickly go cakey, drawing attention to fine lines.
When the foundation is applied first, the concealer is easier to blend out. Foundation acts essentially as a base layer.
While it does even out skin tone, it also gives a surface for the rest of the makeup to cling to. Concealers will then sit on the foundation, rather than the skin. This softens the effect and helps the concealer stay in place for longer.
A layer of foundation also stops the concealer from creasing on the skin. Creasing occurs when makeup settles in the lines of the face. While the best way to prevent this is with good hydration and setting powder, the order of application can help.
Perhaps most importantly, applying concealer first tends to lead to a waste of product. Concealers should only be used in targeted areas. Because it’s a heavier formula, it isn’t suitable for use all over the face.
When concealer is applied initially, you can’t be sure which areas need to be targeted. When applying foundation, small areas of pigmentation will be well covered. The concealer is only needed for what’s left. So, by applying concealer first, you’re covering areas that don’t need it.
Finally, when the foundation goes on after the concealer, it smudges the product around. This means you’re likely to need to apply concealer again, to sort the problem out.
Can I just use concealer under my eyes?
Yes, you can just use concealer under the eyes. This will brighten the appearance, and cover up any dark circles. If just using concealer, find a type that blends easily and matches your skin tone.
Concealer does a lot of hard work for the face, and anyone with dark circles will attest to that. Concealer is hardly the showiest of products, and it doesn’t come in particularly exciting options.
Many of us will find a concealer we like and stick with it until something better comes along. While concealer may not be the same base layer as foundation, just a small amount pulls a lot of weight.
Because it’s needed to cover, concealer often comes in a thicker formula. Without other products, this concealer can be too thick.
Concealers can be prone to creasing, as the heavy consistency sits in the little lines surrounding the eyes. Many counteract this by using powder. Setting powder prevents creasing, and keeps the concealer in place.
However, if you plan on only using concealer, you need a formula that works well without setting powder. This may be lighter, with a liquid consistency rather than a cream base. A cream concealer can still work, but be sure that it blends out easily.
Also, be careful when choosing a shade. Many choose concealer that’s a lighter shade, as it brightens up the eye area. Without the surrounding makeup, this can give a strange ghostly appearance. If anything, it draws attention to the under-eye area, which defeats the point.
Having applied a lighter concealer, you may find yourself adding mascara and foundation just to diminish the obvious effect.
By using a natural shade, concealer blends into the skin, rather than sitting on top.
Once the natural concealer is applied, you should look fresh-faced and awake! Concealer doesn’t need to be accompanied by mascara, foundation, or setting powder. Applied correctly, it should look as if you have no makeup on at all.
Can concealer be used without foundation?
Concealer can be used without foundation if you want to cover up small areas of pigmentation without much effort. When wearing concealer without foundation, it’s important to choose a formula that blends easily and sits naturally.
Concealer is a vital tool in any person’s makeup bag. A small application can work wonders at disguising late nights, busy days, and sudden surprise pimples. Unlike other parts of the makeup kit, concealer doesn’t need to be a long and drawn-out application.
The primary function of foundation is to even skin tone, but it also provides a base layer. Foundation gives other makeup something to cling to and blend with. This is why concealer is generally applied after foundation – so it can blend out naturally.
However, that doesn’t mean that foundation is necessary. While it can help the concealer blend, the formula of the concealer itself is incredibly important. A light concealer can blend into the skin without the need for a foundation base.
Concealer is used across different parts of the face, with many of us choosing to use it in areas with pigmentation or redness. Often, a light foundation isn’t enough to cover this up.
When using concealer without foundation, it’s important to choose a shade that closely resembles the natural skin tone. This way, it can be blended easily onto the natural skin.
There are many reasons why you may choose to wear concealer without foundation. Most often, it’s when a quick trip out is stymied by the sudden eruption of a pimple.
Or when a persistent cold has left the nose looking a little red. Concealer can be applied directly to the area, lightly blended outwards, and layered up until the covering is consistent. Concealer can also be worn on the under eyes without needing foundation.
If wearing just concealer, you may wish to use a setting powder to keep it all in place. However, a good concealer should last long enough, without any extra products.
