3 Pro Tips for Pairing Foundation and Concealer With Different Formulas

If you’ve experimented with different makeup techniques and product formulations, then perhaps you’ve felt like it’s all one big puzzle waiting to be solved. Does contouring come before blush? Can you apply creams on top of powders? Can you use powder foundation and liquid concealer at the same time? If the latter is more aligned with your burning beauty questions at the moment, you’ve come to the right place. We spoke with Sir John, celebrity makeup artist and L’Oréal Paris expert, and he shared his tips to nail your foundation and concealer application 一 even when their formulas differ. 

1. Don’t Be Afraid To “Multi-Foundation” 

Just like multi-masking is a great idea if you’re hoping to address several skin concerns, applying different foundations and concealers to various areas of your skin to address your needs can be also effective. “You can multi-foundation or concealer,” says Sir John. “You can use a mattifying foundation in the T-zone perhaps, and you can buff something dewy onto the rest of your skin. Being strategic with both is key.” 

For example, if you’re oily in your T-zone but don’t love an all matte complexion, a great option is to apply matte foundation, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation, to this area. Then, apply a more dewy option, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation, to the rest of your face. 

Editor’s tip: This technique yields the best results when using similar formulas with different finishes 一 like combining the Pro-Glow and Pro-Matte foundations because they’re both liquids but they dry down differently. Products with similar formulas and consistencies will blend together best.  

2. Apply Foundation First 一 Usually 

In terms of order of application, Sir John recommends applying your foundation before concealer. “I always do concealer after foundation,” he says. “Doing it this way allows me to use a lot less concealer than I would have if I started with it.” 

A caveat to this is if you’re using a liquid concealer and a powder foundation. More often than not, applying products with creamy consistencies on top of powder can cause pilling or patchiness. If you’re going to use powder foundation, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear in a Powder, apply concealer first and then top it off with the foundation. 

3. Set Concealer With Lightweight, Loose Powder 

While setting concealer on the face with a powder foundation usually looks great, this isn’t always the case with concealer under the eyes. The skin in the under-eye area is extremely thin and prone to texture, dryness and creasing. Because of this, “All of our [L’Oréal Paris] concealers are emollient by nature because you want [your skin] to stay hydrated,” says Sir John. 

Heavy powders can look cakey and contribute to a textured, dry appearance. Instead, Sir John recommends setting under-eye concealer with loose powder, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Tinted Loose Setting Powder. 

Next: How To Drape Your Blush For A Gorgeous, Flushed Look

Written by: Alyssa Kaplan, Photo Design: Sarah Duvivier