Is it good to put moisturizer on before foundation? Not only is it good, it's also a necessity. Moisturizer does two very important things: First, it smoothes skin's surface for a more even foundation or concealer application and can even help makeup to stay on longer.
Moisturizer (or sunscreen) should always be the last step in your skin care routine. Primer should always be the first step in your makeup routine.
Your makeup won't look so flawless.
Those will look worse if you don't hydrate your face before applying base makeup. "Makeup sticks to dry areas on the skin and even seeps into fine lines," warns Dr. Bowe.
It is always better to apply foundation before concealer as a foundation provides a little coverage, and you won't need as much concealer later. Then, depending on how much extra coverage you need, you can go ahead and apply concealer to create that perfect base.
If you skip out on your skincare routine before applying makeup, it might result in uneven, patchy coverage of skin that wears off way too soon. A well-prepped skin before applying makeup not only makes the skin more smooth for the application of foundation, but it also helps the makeup to stay much longer than usual.
Sprinkle recommends working with a synthetic brush if you're applying liquid foundation, as they're easier to sanitize, and create a smooth, even finish. "A sponge is great for sheering out creams and liquids," he adds.
According to her, it's A-okay to put moisturizer on over your foundation—as long as you're doing it the right way. "Pat an oil based moisturizer on top, which will protect your skin," she says, noting that the same goes for an oil.
Moisturizer
Before applying makeup you will want to use a light moisturizer to not make the base oily. Make sure you use a moisturizer that suits your skin-type, and offers an all-day hydration. One way to apply it is to press the moisturizer on to your skin instead of rubbing it in.
Moisturizer and primer are two different products so using a moisturizer as primer won't give the same effect as a real primer. Depending on your skin type, you can skip primer and use moisturizer. If you have uneven texture or big pores, you need a pore-minimizing or smoothing primer like this affordable one.
To lighten the foundation shade
If you already have a foundation that's dark for your skin tone, you can mix it with your moisturizer to correct the shade. Mixing the foundation with moisturizer can make it lighter. That way you don't have to buy another foundation to get the right shade for your skin.
So, do you use concealer before or after foundation? The proper way to apply the two products is to first smooth on a foundation and then apply concealer. Foundation will create that even canvas we talked about earlier, and then concealer can be used to spot correct any outstanding areas that need extra coverage.
Goldenberg's go-to recommendation for timing between serums and moisturizers is about one minute. This wait has the same reasoning: Sixty seconds — give or take — gives each product a moment to delve into your pores.
You want to wear sunscreen underneath your foundation — it actually provides a better base for your makeup application.” He also recommends waiting a few minutes before applying your foundation to allow your sun protection to set. So, yes, your morning routine should include applying sunscreen before your makeup.
You don't wait for your foundation to dry.
Liquid foundation is just that: a liquid. Aka it takes a little time to completely dry once you've applied it.
To lock in moisture and set your dewy foundation base, lightly mist Lasting Performance Setting Spray over your face. It contains hydrating glycerine and refreshing cucumber extract, which help to cool the skin and add an extra layer of moisture in one.
One trick I like to do is 'damp' whatever I'm using to apply my liquid foundation. So I would wash my foundation brush to clean it from the old foundation from the day before, then apply my liquid foundation while the brush is damp.
No matter what tool you're using—a foundation brush, a BeautyBlender, or your fingers—buff (or bounce, if you're using a sponge) the foundation into your skin as opposed to “painting” it on to build coverage smoothly and avoid streakiness, says Park.
"To prep the skin directly before applying makeup, a moisturizing gel can help smooth the skin and allow for more even makeup application by acting as a humectant, attracting water and moisture to the top layer of the skin," she explains, adding that one of her favorites is Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Gel-Cream Extra-Dry.
Never put concealer or foundation on your eyelids as a base, it will cause your eye makeup to crease. Use your fingers to apply your foundation if you want sheer coverage and a brush for medium to full coverage.