How to use concealer as a foundation

You’ve probably used concealer to hide blemishes, dark circles, or redness, but what if we told you that it could also double as a foundation?

We’ve never thought of using concealers as a base, but it can work wonders for a natural, lightweight finish. This technique is perfect if you want a more focused coverage that reflects light beautifully without the heaviness of traditional foundations. So, if you want a bit of change in your regular makeup regimen, here’s how you can switch it up with a concealer.

Five tips for using concealer as foundation

Select the Right Concealer for Your Skin

Look for concealers with a creamy, full-coverage formula that blends easily. These face concealers typically provide a smooth finish, which makes them ideal for use all over the face. If you opt for a thicker, stick-type concealer, it may be more difficult to blend over larger areas, but it may help you with spot coverage. Lastly, look for buildable concealers, which you can apply gradually and still get a natural look.

Prep Your Skin

Good makeup always starts with well-prepped skin. Before applying concealer, make sure your skin is cleansed and primed. Using a primer will ensure that your makeup doesn’t cling to dry patches. Depending on your skin type, use a primer to create an even surface – mattifying primers for oily skin, hydrating ones for dry skin. Proper skin prep helps the face concealer glide smoother and last longer without settling into fine lines.

Try spot correcting

Before applying concealer as foundation makeup, try spot-concealing a few blemishes or imperfections first. This allows you to target specific areas and build coverage where you need it the most. Once the spots are covered, you can apply the face concealer all over your face with a flat brush and blend it evenly. This approach can give you better control and ensure that you’re only using as much product as you need while keeping your skin looking natural and not overdone.

Apply a Light Layer and Build Gradually

When using concealer as foundation, the key is to start with a light hand. Apply a small amount to targeted areas—your cheeks, chin, and forehead—and blend it out gently with your fingers, a brush, or a makeup sponge. It’s easy to get carried away with face concealer, but less is more. Start with a thin layer around your T-zone and blend outward. The goal is a seamless finish, so avoid overapplying, which could lead to a cakey texture.

 Use concealer to highlight and contour

One of the hidden benefits of using concealer as foundation makeup is that it allows you to experiment with contouring and highlighting subtly. After applying the concealer across your face, you can use a slightly darker concealer for contouring along your cheekbones, jawline, and nose. A lighter shade can be used to highlight the high points of your face, like the bridge of your nose, under your eyes, or along your brow bone.

Using concealer as foundation makeup is a great way to create a light, natural finish without the full coverage of a traditional foundation. By selecting the right face concealer, prepping your skin, applying in light layers, blending thoroughly, and setting with powder, you can achieve a flawless complexion that feels comfortable and looks effortless. With these simple tips, you can master the art of using concealer as foundation and enjoy a fresh, even complexion with minimal effort.