What goes on first, primer or concealer?

Author: Joany Becker  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Before you reach for foundation and concealer, it is time to explore the wonders of using a primer. Primer should always be the first step in your makeup routine. Simply put, investing in a primer ensures your foundation and concealer look better for longer!

Do you put concealer on before or after primer?

You should put on the base primer first. Then, you should put on your concealer followed by your foundation. Next goes on the eye shadow primer, and last the eye liner, eye shadow, and mascara.

In what order do you apply makeup?

Everything eyes goes first, so you're not spreading eye product all over your completed base. Eyes first. Then eyebrows. Then base (foundation and concealer). Then extras on base (highlight, contour, blush/bronzer). Setting spray or powder as final step.

Does primer go on first or last?

As mentioned, the answer is simple: moisturizer should always go before primer. The purpose of a moisturizer is to lock in moisture and help keep dryness at bay. Primer, meanwhile, readies your skin for a seamless makeup application.

Do you rub primer all over your face?

DO YOU PUT PRIMER ALL OVER YOUR FACE? Yes – primer is best applied to your entire face to create the appearance of a more even-looking canvas.

How To Apply Makeup Base - Moisture, Primer, Foundation, Concealer, Loose Powder Step By Step

How long should primer sit on face before foundation?

Let the primer set for at least 30 seconds before applying makeup. Apply your Color Correctors and/or Favorite Foundation to your skin and see how much smoother your complexion looks after using a primer first.

What order do you put concealer and foundation on?

Foundation should be one of the first steps in your makeup routine order to give your makeup look a beautiful-looking canvas! Once you've applied your colour corrector, apply your foundation, concealer, powder, bronzer and highlighter.

What to apply after primer?

Check out our step-by-step application guide—along with some of our favorite beauty products—below.
  1. Step 1: Primer & Color Corrector. ...
  2. Step 2: Foundation. ...
  3. Step 3: Concealer. ...
  4. Step 4: Blush, Bronzer, & Highlighter. ...
  5. Step 5: Eyeshadow, Eyeliner, & Mascara. ...
  6. Step 6: Eyebrows. ...
  7. Step 7: Lips. ...
  8. Step 8: Setting Spray or Powder.

What is the best makeup primer?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer+ Hydrating Primer, $42.
  • Best Firming: Beautyblender Boost Firming & Smoothing Peptide Primer, $29.
  • Best Glowy: Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer, $46.
  • Best Moisturizer: Merit Great Skin Priming Moisturizer, $38.

How to do proper makeup step by step?

Here is the correct order of makeup:
  1. Cleanse, moisturise, and apply sunscreen.
  2. Use a primer.
  3. Add foundation.
  4. Cover dark spots with concealer.
  5. Contour with bronzer and highlighter.
  6. Get a natural glow with blush,
  7. Apply eye makeup and lipstick.
  8. Finish with a setting spray.

Do you put moisturizer or primer first?

Moisturiser goes first because it hydrates the skin and creates a healthy base for the primer and makeup. Applying moisturiser before primer allows the skin to absorb essential nutrients and hydration, preventing makeup from looking patchy or cakey.

Where does concealer go?

Where Should You Apply Concealer?
  • The inner corners and underneath your eyes. The under-eye area is probably the most well-known place to apply concealer. ...
  • Above and below your brows. ...
  • Along the bridge of your nose. ...
  • Around your mouth. ...
  • The center of your chin. ...
  • Around each nostril.

What order to apply makeup?

Keep scrolling to discover their best advice and tips regarding your makeup application order.
  1. Step 1: Skin Care. ...
  2. Step 2: Primer. ...
  3. Step 3: Brows and Eyes. ...
  4. Step 4: Foundation. ...
  5. Step 5: Concealer. ...
  6. Step 6: Bronzer, Blush, and/or Highlighter. ...
  7. Step 7: Lips. ...
  8. Step 8: Translucent Powder and Setting Spray.

Should concealer be lighter or darker than foundation?

Your concealer and foundation should both match your skin tone. But this doesn't mean they always need to be the same shade. In fact, for concealers,it's best to pick a shade lighter than your foundation if you're applying it under your eyes.

What is the best concealer for mature skin?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Buildable: Monika Blunder Beauty Blunder Cover All in One Foundation, $52.
  • Best Budget: Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Concealer, $11.
  • Best Glowy Finish: Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Concealer, $95.
  • Best for Dark Circles: Sisley Paris Phyto-Cernes Éclat Eye Concealer, $130.

How long do I let concealer sit?

Dab concealer on anywhere you typically apply it—under your eyes, around your nose, on any blemishes, etc. and let it “marinate” (sit) for two or three minutes. Then use a damp makeup sponge to blend in the concealer, and voilà, full coverage without multiple coats.

What are the disadvantages of using a primer?

When you apply a silicone-based primer to your skin on a daily basis; It makes them greasy and sweaty, which leads to pimples and acne. Also, it may clog your skin pores; This causes many skin problems, especially for oily skin, such as black and white heads, pimples and acne.

Does primer or concealer go on first?

Primer should always be the first step in your makeup routine. Simply put, investing in a primer ensures your foundation and concealer look better for longer!

What is the best concealer for dark circles?

Concealers for Dark Circles
  • CLINIQUEBeyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer26 Colors. ...
  • Bobbi BrownSkin Concealer Stick18 Colors. ...
  • ISAMAYA5 Point Lift Color Correcting Concealer with Caffeine5 Colors. ...
  • Estée LauderDouble Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Longwear Concealer30 Colors. ...
  • Fashion FairCrème Concealer10 Colors.

What is the rule for concealer and foundation?

Does Concealer Go Under or Over Your Foundation? We talk a lot about how there are no rules in makeup and this is another case where that rings true. With that being said, there is a preferred method for makeup order to get a crease-free and smooth texture. For a more natural finish, apply foundation before concealer.

Do you put primer all over your face?

Blend in a gentle, circular motion using your fingers or brush over your entire face or to targeted areas. You can wear the primer alone or under foundation for a smoother, more even application and to prolong your foundation's wear time.

Do you tone up cream or primer first?

There are a variety of different tone-up products from eye cream that reduces the look of dark circles to base primer that balances the skin tone in order to properly prep it for foundation. When using tone-up products, you must keep in mind that they are the last step in your morning skincare routine!

How to apply makeup step by step?

We'll break down each makeup step and explain what order to put on makeup ahead.
  1. Prep your skin with skincare and SPF. ...
  2. Start your makeup application with a primer. ...
  3. Color-correct if needed. ...
  4. Apply your foundation. ...
  5. Add concealer as needed. ...
  6. Apply bronzer, highlighter, and blush. ...
  7. Fill and tame your brows. ...
  8. Apply eyeshadow.

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