The Great Makeup Debate: Concealer or Foundation First?

When it comes to makeup application, some steps are universally agreed upon—primer begins the routine, and setting spray seals it in place. But one question continues to stir discussion, even among professionals: should concealer or foundation come first? 

While each technique has its loyalists, both approaches offer unique benefits depending on your skin goals, texture, and coverage needs.

Understanding the Core Products: Foundation Versus Concealer

Before deciding which goes first, it’s essential to understand the specific role each product plays. 

Foundation is designed to even out the complexion, neutralise tone variations, and create a uniform surface. Concealer, on the other hand, delivers concentrated coverage—ideal for addressing areas that need more correction, such as pigmentation, blemishes, or under-eye shadows.

When used strategically, both products work in tandem to enhance the skin’s natural clarity without overloading it. The key lies in choosing the right texture and coverage for your skin needs—and knowing when to let each product lead.

The Argument for Applying Foundation Before Concealer

Applying foundation first is a widely accepted technique among makeup professionals, and for good reason. 

Foundation lays the groundwork for your base, evening out skin tone and addressing minor imperfections. This step alone often reduces the need for excess concealer. And when concealer is applied after, it blends more seamlessly into the skin, allowing for precise correction without disturbing the product underneath. 

Starting with concealer, on the other hand, often leads to over-application and unnecessary layering, increasing the risk of a heavy or uneven finish, according to professionals who align with this approach.

Step-by-Step Guide: Applying Foundation First

Begin by prepping the skin with primer, like JUNGSAEMMOOL's Pro-lasting Prep Primer, to create a smooth, long-wearing base. Follow with a thin, even layer of foundation, blending it seamlessly with a sponge or brush to unify the complexion. 

Next, apply concealer, like JUNGSAEMMOOL's Skin Nuder Concealer, sparingly on targeted areas—such as under the eyes or around blemishes—where additional coverage is needed. Finish by setting those points with a finely milled loose powder. For best results, ensure both formulas share similar consistencies to maintain a refined, natural finish.

The Argument for Applying Concealer Before Foundation

There are certain instances where applying concealer before foundation offers greater control and precision. In photography or on-camera work, for instance, layering concealer first helps prevent high-coverage areas from catching light unnaturally—especially under flash. 

This approach is also effective for spot-concealing when the concealer shade isn’t a perfect match, allowing the foundation to subtly blend and correct tone discrepancies. Colour-correcting formulas are another exception—peach for dark circles, green for redness—these are designed to be layered beneath foundation to neutralise uneven tones at the source. 

In these scenarios, concealer becomes less about coverage and more about targeted correction.

Step-by-Step Guide: Applying Concealer First

Begin by prepping the skin with a lightweight primer to ensure longevity and smooth adherence. Next, apply concealer directly onto areas that require correction—such as discolouration, blemishes, or under-eye darkness—and blend gently using a sponge or brush. 

Once diffused, follow with a sheer layer of foundation to unify the complexion without disturbing the coverage underneath. Lightly set the concealed zones with loose powder, like JUNGSAEMMOOL's Pro-lasting Finish Powder. For added dimension, finish with a touch of lighter concealer to highlight key points of the face.

Key Takeaways and General Advice

In most cases, applying foundation before concealer creates a more balanced and natural-looking finish. However, there are certain scenarios where reversing the order is more effective—particularly in photography, colour correction, or when your concealer doesn’t perfectly align with your base tone. 

The key lies in tailoring your technique to your specific needs: start with a well-prepped canvas—clean, moisturised, and primed—then build your base thoughtfully. Whether you're working with BB cream, tinted moisturiser, or a full-coverage base, the right order of foundation and concealer should always support your desired outcome.

If you're refining your routine or exploring new techniques with Korean makeup products, explore JUNGSAEMMOOL’s curated range of Korean beauty products to discover formulas that align with your artistry—designed to help you define, enhance, and reveal your natural beauty with intention.