Do You Put BB Cream On Before Concealer?

Yes, BB cream should be applied before concealer.

After getting light coverage from the BB cream, you can conceal any problematic areas, such as (but is not limited to) acne, under-eye circles, and hyperpigmentation, that are still visible.

If you switch the order and use concealer first, the concealer will be smudged. It will be difficult to recognize the areas that need target application when your BB cream is applied on top. Then, you will not get the makeup results you want and waste your concealer.

Why You Should Put BB Cream On Before Concealer

BB cream provides users light coverage, evening out their complexion and hiding small imperfections. It is like painting over a canvas to start anew.

Specifically, it will cover the majority but some of the old paint can still be visible and this is where the concealer comes in. The concealer will do spot covering for all those still-visible parts.

Understanding it this way, it will be better to use BB cream first, then concealer. The BB cream will create a good foundation, covering unwanted imperfections in a matte form and evening out the skin tone. Then in the next step, the concealer will treat the remaining spots.

If you do the opposite (concealer first, then BB cream), it will be difficult to know which parts really need concealer and which do not.

So, you will probably end up with too many thick and overlapping layers, which not only wastes concealer but also leaves you with a cakey result.

So, it is best to remember: apply BB cream first, then concealer. 

How To Use BB Cream 

Step 1: Find the right product 

The right BB cream for you depends on your skin type and skin shade.

You need to get a BB cream that is suitable for your skin type.

• Dry Skin

You need to find a BB cream that is formulated to nourish and hydrate. Usually, a good one will contain ceramides and humectants. You should avoid ones with a thick or creamy consistency since those can cause excess dryness.

• Oily Skin

An oil-free BB cream with a matte finish is ideal. You can also consider one with oil-controlling properties and make sure the formula is not heavy.

It is also important to take into account your skin shade.

Try to pick a BB cream that has the closest shade to your skin complexion. If you pick one that is drastically different, the difference between your face and neck can make you look odd.

There are a lot of brands that offer varied shades. So, you will certainly find one that fits your skin shade.

When you visit a brand, you can ask for a BB cream shade guide or chart.

Tip: When considering a certain BB cream, you can ask for a sample and do a patch test. This way, you can decide if the shade is appropriate. 

Simply swipe a bit of the cream on your jawline and compare it with your neck and face. If it disappears when you pat and blend it, it is the right shade for you.

Step 2: Prepare an applicator 

You can apply BB cream with a brush, sponge, or your fingers. The choice is up to you.

If you use your fingers, you will have more control. Some users also claim that fingers blend better, as the heat from the fingers melts the cream a bit.

However, you will get a smoother result if you use a brush or sponge. If you ask a makeup artist, he or she will tell you to go for a brush or sponge as the BB cream melts unevenly and when applied by fingers, can slip to reveal your veins.

A brush can give you a tighter foundation layer; the bristles can go into the pores so the adhesion of the cream is better and movement is limited. But a weak point is that the cream can dry quickly and reveal the brush patterns on your skin.

If you decide to use a brush, a flat top or dome top one is your best bet.

A sponge can provide more natural and smoother coverage. Plus, compared to a brush, it is easier to use. The downside, though, is there is still some degree of shifting when you work a sponge, and it can absorb quite a bit of product, so you waste more cream and end up having to spend more.

If you have oily skin, a sponge is preferred because your fingers can add more oil to your skin. In this case, you can use either an egg-shaped or a wedge sponge. The better one is the one that you can handle better.

Step 3: Dispense the BB cream 

Dispense just a small, dime-size amount on the back of your hand.

Step 4: Dot the BB cream on your face 

Dot it in the middle of your forehead, the tip of your nose, two cheeks, and chin. Ensure that the dots are sized similarly.

Step 5: Blend the BB cream into your skin 

Using your fingers: 

Tap the BB cream into your skin using circular motions but do not use strokes or strides. Make sure you apply light pressure and spread the cream evenly.

You should start from your forehead and work downward. Thus, the order is the forehead, then the nose, chin, and cheeks.

Using a brush

Rub the BB cream into your skin using outward strokes and more pressure.

From the middle of your forehead, brush the cream outward to the sides. Then, brush the cream on your nose up, the cream on your chin to the sides, and the cream on your cheeks in all directions.

Using a sponge:

• Spritz the sponge with a facial mist 

You should spritz lightly with a moisturizing facial mist because a sponge throws off the moisture levels of your skin. It will also prevent the BB cream from being “sucked up” by the sponge and help you spread the cream more smoothly.

• Rub the BB cream into your skin 

Take the sponge and rub the BB cream into your skin. Make sure you use firm, outward strokes and spread the cream evenly. Just as when you use your fingers to apply, start from your forehead and go downward.

Step 6: Work the BB cream around your eyes 

Go around your eyes gently. No matter the applicator you are using, it is very important that you use light pressure, as the skin surrounding your eyes is much more sensitive. If you apply a lot of pressure, you can damage the skin and cause it to develop fine lines.

Step 7: Wait for the BB cream to dry 

Now, give it a few minutes to be absorbed and to dry. As you wait, you can rinse off the cream on your fingers and prepare for your next makeup steps.

How To Use Concealer 

After putting on BB cream, you can apply concealer to target problem areas. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Find the right product 

As with BB cream, your concealer needs to fit your skin type and skin shade.

• Dry Skin

You should opt for a stick concealer with a satin finish. Do not get ones that are liquidy with matte finishes because they can emphasize dryness. You can also consider using a cream concealer if you do not like the stick type.

• Oily Skin

Similar to BB cream, you should get a concealer that is light, oil-free, and has a matte finish. A non-comedogenic one is also essential if you want your pores to stay unclogged.

Concealers, like BB creams, come in many shades.

You need to find a concealer that is as close to your skin shade as possible, so it can blend seamlessly and conceal the parts that you want to keep hidden.

Another way color plays a role is through correctors, which can be paired with a concealer. You can use it to neutralize the color first. Then, achieve your desired coverage with concealer.

Generally, there is red or peach, pink, yellow, green, and purple or blue.

• Red and peach: Correct blue and purple hues and dark spots.
• Pink: This can help you brighten yellow and mild green parts.
• Yellow: Can help you correct pink and subtle red spots.
• Green: Can help you correct red spots.
• Purple and blue: Tone down yellow and orange hues.

Note: You can get a palette with all the colors or a single color, depending on your correcting needs. 

Step 2: Prepare an applicator 

Your options include a brush, sponge, or your fingers. In some cases, a concealer comes with its own (accompanied or built-in) brush.

If you are using a brush, make sure yours contains thick and firm fibers. It is even better if they are short and bundled closely together. This type of brush will give you precision while applying concealer.

As for sponges, use one that is not too porous. Consider if you want one with a flat side, which can make it easier to apply concealer to certain corners.

Step 3: Apply the concealer 

Dot the concealer under your eyes, near the lashes, and the inside corners of your eyes. 

Then, tap the concealer into your skin with the pad of your finger (any finger will do) or a brush, and make sure you blend it in well so there are no apparent lines between your skin and the concealer.

In addition, we recommend using stipple motions. This allows you to layer lightly, which is key to preventing your concealer from looking cakey.

You can also apply it on other uneven spots on your face, like the chin, around the nose, or the corners of your lips.

Conclusion 

Now, you know that you should put BB cream on before concealer. If you put BB cream on first, then concealer, you can take full advantage of what each product is made for.

You will not smudge the concealer and take away its spot-covering power nor will you have to use extra BB cream and use it up quickly. Hopefully, this has helped you solidify your makeup routine and proceed with ease.

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