The science isn’t exact by any means, and there isn’t one road to success, but there is one oft-asked (and hotly debated) question that stumps even the most seasoned beauty experts: What goes on first, concealer or foundation? Should you apply your concealer over a layer of foundation, or is it best to spot-conceal before evening out the entire base? Next, she recommends spot-concealing with a fine-point makeup brush to strategically cover up blemishes. Remember: There is a science to concealing raised bumps, versus discoloration, versus fine lines—so make sure to read up on your best plan of action. “Foundation or concealer on top of the corrector will conceal,” Compton once told us about the product. “You want to ensure that you don’t have heavy layers of product that run the risk of creasing or separating with wear.” So in this case, you’ll want to apply your color-correcting concealer, then your foundation, then a more neutral concealer to touch up the brightness, if needed. And while most experts agree that covering up blemishes is most helpful over foundation, under-eye concealer becomes less straightforward. “I think concealer wears better under the eyes when it adheres directly to moisturized skin instead of on foundation that can melt, fade, or move over the course of the day,” notes makeup artist Jenny Patinkin. She still prefers foundation first, but she skips over the under-eye area so she can apply the concealer on bare skin. That caveat being said, here are the experts’ favorite tips: After blush comes highlighter: “I personally like to do my highlighting last,” Mary Irwin once told us about how to apply a pearly number. “I’ll do the skin—foundation, concealer, blush, bronzer—and then look where I still want to add glow.”
