Primer vs Foundation vs Concealer: What Order Should You Apply Them In?

When it comes to makeup, the order of application isn’t just a matter of routine, it’s the key to unlocking flawless, long-lasting results. Whether you’re going for a barely-there glow or a full-glam finish, understanding the makeup application order ensures every product performs at its best. Let’s break down exactly when to use primer, foundation, and concealer, and how following the right sequence can elevate your best makeup routine steps.

Why Order Matters in Your Makeup Routine

Think of your face as a canvas—layering products in the correct order enhances wear time, creates a smoother finish, and helps support skin health. Strategic makeup layering tips not only prevent creasing, fading, or pilling, but also allow each product to do its job.

A well-prepped base gives you better coverage, fewer touch-ups, and a seamless blend every time. Whether you’re using a pore minimizing primer, a mineral foundation, or a full coverage concealer, getting the order right sets you up for makeup success.

Step 1 – Prime Your Skin First

Start with a primer. Always. Applying primer before foundation is the golden rule for a reason—it smooths texture, minimizes the appearance of pores, and helps your makeup last longer.

Why Use a Skin Primer?

Skin primer extends the wear of makeup, but on top of that, benefits include oil control, hydration, and redness reduction depending on the product you select based on your skin's needs. Try one of our targeted Prime Time® Primers to prep your skin:

• Prime Time® Original Foundation Primer – smooths and controls shine
• Prime Time® Redness Reducing Primer – neutralizes redness for even tone
• Prime Time® Daily Protecting Primer Mineral SPF 30 – defends against sun and pollution
• Prime Time® Hydrate & Glow Primer – plump's skin's hydration

Step 2 – Apply Foundation on Your Primed Canvas

Once your skin is primed, it’s time for foundation. Applying foundation after primer helps even out your complexion while creating a smooth base for additional products.

Choosing Your Foundation Formula

• For buildable coverage and a weightless feel, try our Original Talc-Free Pressed Powder Foundation SPF 15
• For longwear and fuller coverage, go with the BAREPRO® Performance Wear Liquid Foundation SPF 20

Explore our foundation collection here.

Need a few foundation application tips? Use a brush for sheer coverage, a sponge for full coverage, and always blend out toward the hairline and jaw. Foundation glides on more evenly over a set primer, helping avoid patchiness or separation. For more pro tips, text with an artist.

Step 3 – Conceal for Targeted Touch-Up

The final complexion step is concealer. Using concealer after foundation allows you to spot-correct only where you need it, preventing over-application and keeping things looking natural.

Some of our favorites? The BAREPRO® 16HR All-Over Skin-Perfecting Matte Concealer SPF 25 is full coverage concealer covers dark circles, blemishes, and redness while blending seamlessly into your base. Original Liquid Mineral Concealer is a lightweight concealer that perfects skin's tone + texture while delivering all day hydrating coverage.

Where to Apply Concealer

• Under the eyes to brighten
• Around the nose to neutralize redness
• On blemishes or dark spots for extra coverage

When applying concealer, use your fingers or a small brush to gently tap it in—no rubbing or dragging.

Explore all of our concealers here.

Common Makeup Mishaps & How to Fix Them

Even with the right order, mistakes happen. Here's how to troubleshoot common layering makeup mistakes:

• Makeup separation fix: Let your primer fully dry before applying foundation.
• Cakey makeup: Use a damp sponge to press foundation and concealer into skin, not pile it on.
• Too much shine or movement: Finish your routine with the Original Mineral Veil Pressed Setting Powder to lock it all in.

FAQs

Is primer really necessary?

Yes! If you’re wondering "do I need primer?", the answer is absolutely. Primer enhances wear time, smooths texture and can reduce oil throughout the day. The Prime Time Primer line offers targeted primer benefits for makeup longevity and skin prep.

Should I use concealer before or after powder?

Always apply concealer before powder vs after. This ensures your concealer blends into the skin and doesn’t sit on top of powder. One of our top setting concealer tips is to lightly dust powder after concealer to lock it in place.

How long should I wait after primer?

For best results, give your primer a primer setting time of 30 to 60 seconds before applying foundation. If you’re searching “wait time primer to foundation,” this buffer ensures your foundation adheres properly.

Can I apply concealer before foundation?

For most, applying concealer first makes sense only for very minimal makeup days. In general, foundation first gives a clearer view of what actually needs concealing.

Final Tip: Your Flawless Application Routine

For a flawless finish every time, follow this easy P→F→C routine:

1. Primer
2. Foundation
3. Concealer

Try it out for yourself and see how getting the makeup application order right makes all the difference. Ready to level up your routine? Start layering like a pro and let us know how it goes!