I’ve always followed the traditional makeup order: skincare, foundation, and then a touch of concealer. But after chatting with renowned makeup artist Diane Kendal, I’m ready to shake things up. Kendal, the creative director for Rabanne Beauty, shared a surprising piece of advice: apply your concealer before your foundation. This unexpected twist, she says, is the key to a more natural, less-is-more makeup approach.
“By covering up everything you want to conceal first, you’ll actually need less makeup overall,” Kendal explains. “Your skin will look much more natural.” But the secret to truly seamless concealer application lies in prepping your skin. “Prepping your skin for concealer is the most important step – it’s the only way to prevent texture from showing or settling into wrinkles,” she emphasizes. Kendal’s go-to prep routine involves using rose water as a toner and letting your moisturizer sink in for a few minutes before gently dabbing off any excess with a tissue. This way, your skin is perfectly nourished but not greasy, making it less likely to absorb too much makeup.
Kendal also offers a valuable tip for expertly covering dark circles under the eyes: “Many people make the mistake of applying concealer too close to the lash line, which can make your eyes appear larger or accentuate bags if you already have them.” Instead, she recommends applying three or four dabs of concealer directly to the dark area known as the tear trough, then blending outwards. This targeted approach helps to brighten the area without creating a harsh, noticeable line.
If you plan to follow up with foundation, Kendal cautions against overdoing it. “It’s a misconception that applying a lot of makeup automatically hides imperfections. Too much product can actually settle into raised pimples and accentuate uneven skin texture.” For stubborn blemishes or veins, she recommends using a green color corrector before applying foundation. “This helps to even out the complexion so you need less foundation overall.”
Finally, Kendal shares a backstage secret from fashion week: “Before applying makeup, some models dip their faces in a bowl of ice-cold water for a few seconds. This helps to reduce swelling and minimizes the need for heavy-handed makeup tricks on puffy eyes.” This simple yet effective tip is a great way to give your skin an instant refresh and boost its natural radiance.
By embracing these insider tips from a top makeup artist, you can elevate your makeup routine and achieve a truly flawless, natural look.
