Before we even begin to fine-tune our contouring and strobing skills, it’s important to settle the on-going beauty conundrum of base layering. In particular, addressing which comes first: foundation or concealer? The answer may just surprise you…

If you’ve always wondered whether the chicken or the egg comes first, it’s time to clear this makeup confusion once and for all.

Our answer:

Foundation first, then conceal.

Why:

Think of your face as a completely naked canvas. Of course you want to start with a clean slate right? Not one marred by uneven-tone and blemishes. So, the first step in creating your masterpiece is to make sure your canvas is primed and prepped with foundation. Only after foundation evens your complexion and blurs imperfections, then you’re ready to apply concealer. You’ll want to pat concealer onto the places you’re foundation wasn’t able to completely conceal (like dark circles, blemishes, and redness). Layering your concealer on top of foundation also makes your base appear less cakey.

How to apply:

  1. Using a dime-sized amount of foundation, dot product around your entire face (forehead, nose, chin, cheeks, and neck).
  2. Buff makeup with a foundation brush or pat with a beauty blender to really blend into your skin.
  3. Apply concealer to the places where you need the extra coverage like dark spots, blemishes, and under eye circles.

How to keep your base fresh all day:

Once you’ve got your base covered, dust loose translucent powder over your makeup to set it. You can use a setting spray after you’ve finished.

Here’s a look at some of our favourite foundations and concealers that work really well together:

Source: Maybelline

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation (Source: Maybelline)

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation (Source: Make Up For Ever)

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation (Source: Make Up For Ever)

L'Oreal True Match Liquid Foundation (Source: L'Oreal Paris)

L’Oreal True Match Liquid Foundation (Source: L’Oreal Paris)

Source: Giorgio Armani Beauty

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (Source: Giorgio Armani Beauty)

Source: Chanel

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation

Lakme 9 to 5 weightless foundation

Lakme 9 to 5 weightless foundation

Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick (Source: Bobbi Brown)

Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick (Source: Bobbi Brown)

MAC Studio Pro Conceal Correct Palette

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit (Source: Bobbibrowncosmetics.com)

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit (Source: Bobbibrowncosmetics.com)

The Body Shop Concealer All In One (Source: The Body Shop)

The Body Shop Concealer All In One (Source: The Body Shop)

Lakme Absolute White Intense Concealer Stick

Lakme Absolute White Intense Concealer Stick

e.l.f Concealer (Source: e.l.f Cosmetics)

e.l.f Concealer (Source: e.l.f Cosmetics)

So, are you all about that base? Let us know what order you prefer in the comments below!