‘Concealer or Foundation First?’ A-List MUA Ruby Hammer Weighs in

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Main image – Victortorres/Stocksy

Ruby Hammer MBE is a celebrity makeup artist, brand founder and regular Live That Glow columnist. She has been providing makeup education for more than 30 years. Here, she advises a reader on the best order to apply base products.

When I’m doing a full face of makeup, should I be applying concealer or foundation first?

Ruby says:

My go-to method is foundation first, then eye makeup, and concealer only where needed. Here’s why:

Even Base First: Foundation provides an overall even tone, reducing the amount of concealer you’ll need. Over-applying concealer first can lead to a cakey or heavy finish.
Eye Makeup Next: If you’re doing a bold eye, applying it before concealer allows you to clean up any fallout without disturbing the complexion makeup.
Spot Conceal Strategically: After foundation, assess where additional coverage is needed. Use a lighter shade for under-eye brightness and a shade that matches your skin tone for blemishes or redness. If you need a colour corrector, apply before concealer.
Blend Thoughtfully: Use a brush, sponge, or fingertips to blend concealer seamlessly into the foundation, keeping everything natural-looking and refined. My favourite method is to apply with a brush and then tap in using the warmth of my fingers to melt the base and concealer together.
Set for Longevity: Lightly press a translucent setting powder over areas prone to creasing, like under the eyes, to lock everything in place.