10 Best Foundation And Concealer Combos for a Smooth Makeup Base

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Jun 05, 2024
Best Foundation And Concealer Combos
Best Foundation And Concealer Combos
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Beautiful, dewy skin is what attracts the eyes of many people, especially makeup enthusiasts all over the world. And having the best foundation and concealer combo at your disposal makes the task of achieving radiant skin in the blink of an eye easy. In the realm of makeup, foundations, and concealers can be described as magic wands, possessing the ability to hide blemishes, dark circles, age spots, and other skin imperfections. 

As a makeup expert, I can vouch that the vanity bag of every person who loves makeup will definitely have a foundation and a concealer. However, for the unversed, let me tell a bit about these 2 makeup staples and how they differ from each other. While both these products help your skin get a luminous finish, concealers work better to hide dark circles and pigmentation whereas foundations provide excellent coverage to make the skin look even-toned. When used together, they do wonders in making your skin shine like a star. 

Now for those who don’t like to clutter their makeup bag and love using 2-in-1 products, we have with us the best foundation and concealer sets! Using a foundation with concealer can help you be ready for any event in a jiffy, and well, it saves the cost of buying 2 products, too! So without any further ado, let’s take a look at my top recommendations and take your makeup game to another level!

Best Foundations And Concealers

This foundation and concealer from Milani Cosmetics is perfect for those with dry skin. Its rich creamy formula glides like butter onto the skin and camouflages imperfections in just a few strokes. Whether you want to hide pesky dark spots or under-eye dark circles, it works for all, seamlessly. Customers rave about the excellent coverage it provides with a natural matte finish that makes the skin look radiant.

One happy customer writes, “I love how this acts as both a concealer and foundation. It cuts down on steps. It feels light on the skin but also gives the most coverage I’ve ever had for a foundation of this price range. The color match is phenomenal as well.” Plus, it's waterproof and sweatproof, which adds to the reasons to add this to your makeup routine. Moreover, being available in 45 different shades, to help you find the best one that suits your skin tone. 

Coverage: Medium-to-full

Finish: Semi-matte

Size: 1 fl oz

Pros
  • Cruelty-free
  • Oil-free
  • Easy to use
  • Smoothes dry skin
  • True to the color
  • A wide range of shades to choose from
Cons
  • Thick consistency
  • Best Lightweight Texture

    Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer

    Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer
  • Just like its name, this product from Clinique truly works beyond its way to make skin look even-toned. Suitable for oily and acne-prone skin, this foundation and concealer covers skin flaws without clogging pores, helping you get bright skin without that unwanted shiny look. When I tried this product, I loved how the color stayed true, despite spending time in hot and humid conditions. Additionally, upon testing the product, I found out that it has a rich pigment level which makes the shades appear deeper when first applied. All these features make this people’s favorite concealer! 

    Coverage: Full

    Finish: Natural

    Size:  5.1 fl oz

    Pros
    • Feels light on the skin
    • A little goes a long way
    • Lasts all day long
    • Moisturizing properties
    Cons
    • Hard to blend
  • Best Antioxidant-rich Formula

    PÜR 4-in-1 Love Your Selfie Longwear Foundation & Concealer

    PÜR 4-in-1 Love Your Selfie Longwear Foundation & Concealer
  • Grab everyone’s attention wherever you go with this little beauty from PÜR. This is a really good foundation and concealer for those with acne-prone skin. Infused with skin-nourishing ingredients, such as ginseng, green tea, and vitamin B,  it not only helps cover skin imperfections but also refines skin texture, making your skin look and feel young and rejuvenated from within. 

    Featuring polysaccharide film, the formula works to defend the skin against environmental aggressors. What made me go gaga over this product is that it comes in a plethora of vegan shades to choose from — so be assured there is a shade that flatters your skin tone!

    Coverage: Buildable

    Finish: Matte

    Size: 1.2 fl oz

    Pros
    • Rejuvenates skin
    • Antioxidant-rich formula
    • Hassle-free application
    • Great coverage
    • Doesn’t look cakey
    Cons
    • Runny consistency

    Pro Tip:

    Since this product contains AHA, it may increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Make sure to use sunscreen when using this product.

  • Most Affordable

    Physicians Formula Butter Believe It! Foundation + Concealer

    Physicians Formula Butter Believe It! Foundation + Concealer
  • When it comes to skincare and makeup, products from Physicians Formula never disappoint! As the name suggests, this foundation-concealer combo melts like butter into your skin, helping you achieve a flawless complexion on the go. Crafted with the goodness of murumuru, cupuacu, and tucuma butters, it nourishes the skin from within. 

    Once applied, it stays on for a long period of time and provides buildable coverage to make you look drop-dead gorgeous throughout the day. Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free, making it the best foundation and concealer combo for environment-friendly people. Cherry on the top — it’s hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so people with all skin types can use it. 

    Coverage: Buildable

    Finish: Natural

    Size: 1 fl oz

    Pros
    • Dermatologically-tested
    • Clinically-tested
    • Gluten-free
    • Glides easily on the skin
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Strong fragrance
  • Best Waterproof Pick

    Phoera Long Wear Liquid Foundation

    Phoera Long Wear Liquid Foundation
  • Perfect for all skin types, this liquid foundation and concealer from Phoera is truly a game-changer for those seeking a smooth, matte finish in a few dewy strokes. Not only does this liquid foundation and concealer provide full coverage for skin imperfections but also soothes the skin, all thanks to its unique blend of aloe vera and chamomile. 

    Be it wrinkles, acne, dark spots, birthmarks, or tattoos — it covers all flawlessly without making the skin look cakey. The application process is also a breeze — one light layer is all you need to get a luminous, smooth finish. I adore the cute little packaging of this liquid foundation and concealer and love the fact that it’s portable. 

    Coverage: Full

    Finish: Matte

    Size: 1 fl oz

    Pros
    • Waterproof and sweatproof
    • Allergy-tested
    • Dermatologist-tested
    • Easy to blend
    Cons
    • Not suitable for people with skin sensitivities
  • Best Creamy Texture

    Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day Foundation & Concealer

     Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day Foundation & Concealer
  • With an air-light texture and long-wearing formula, this foundation and concealer from Stila truly live up to its name. It boasts a potent Arclay Youth Revival Bio-Available Mineral Complex feature, a blend of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals to promote healthy skin. 

    Plus, it offers remarkable full coverage and a dewy finish that lasts all day long. What’s more to love about this product from Stila? It delivers high-definition and oil-free results, making you captivate everyone with your charm and beauty. 

    Coverage: Buildable

    Finish: Dewy

    Size: 1 fl oz (foundation), 0.04 fl oz (concealer)

    Pros
    • Offers 12-hour wear
    • Feels natural on the skin
    • Excellent coverage
    • Stays true to color
    • Creamy texture
    Cons
    • Expensive

    Quick Tip:

    Dispense the pump and apply the foundation on your forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose. Blend using a sponge. Concealer is included in the cap; to use it, take a brush and tap onto areas of concern and blend well.

  • Best for Sensitive Skin

    Jolie Ultra Longwear Skin Foundation & Concealer Stick

    Jolie Ultra Longwear Skin Foundation & Concealer Stick
  • Jolie’s foundation and concealer stick is here to make all makeup enthusiasts look and feel ‘jolly!’ The formula is perfect for acne-prone skin and makes skin look glowing with its velvety coverage and creamy finish. 

    This simple-to-use concealer stick is perfect for those who are always on the run — just a single dab and you are all set to make a lasting impression! What is truly impressive is that it comes with an SPF formula to protect your skin from sun damage. 

    Coverage: Buildable

    Finish: Creamy, sheer

    Size: 0.64 ounces

    Pros
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Creamy finish
    • Easy to carry
    • Suitable for all skin types
    Cons
    • Not true to shade
  • Best Long-wearing Formula

    Kiko Milano Full Coverage 2-in-1 Foundation & Concealer

    Kiko Milano Full Coverage 2-in-1 Foundation & Concealer
  • There’s a reason why this makeup product has been rated 5 stars by a lot of people — and let me tell you that the reasons are multifold. First things first, it gives superior coverage to camouflage all flaws that have been taking away the charm of your beauty — dark spots, age spots, blemishes, fine lines, discoloration, you name it and they are gone with this little beauty! 

    Second, it has a feather-like texture that feels oh-so-smooth on your skin that you’d feel like you are wearing nothing on your skin. Last but not least, the even distribution of pigments in the formula makes sure your skin is toned properly. Icing on the cake? It’s dermatologically tested, too!

    Coverage: Superior 

    Finish: Matte satin

    Size: 0.845 fl oz

    Pros
    • Ophthalmologically-tested
    • Great foundation and concealer for oily skin
    • Natural finish
    • Good staying power
    Cons
    • Poor pump dispenser
  • Best Oil-free Formula

    ANGLICOLOR Full Coverage Foundation Soft Matte Oil Control Concealer

     ANGLICOLOR Full Coverage Foundation Soft Matte Oil Control Concealer
  • The rich, creamy formula of ANGLICOLOR foundation and concealer blends seamlessly without caking, creasing, or causing oil buildup. With its impeccable matte coverage and a formula that hides imperfections for hours, you are bound to make heads turn wherever you go. 

    I loved using this one as it features an oil-free and silicone-free formula that makes it safe to use for my skin. For glam beauties who love using foundation and concealer without burning a hole in their pockets, this is the right pick! It offers long-term results and is affordable!

    Coverage: Full

    Finish: Matte

    Size: 1.01 fl oz

    Pros
    • Lightweight feel
    • Doesn’t make skin look shiny
    • Reduces the appearance of fine lines
    • Good staying power
    Cons
    • Poor pump dispenser
  • Best Buildable Coverage

    JORDANA Complete Cover 2-in-1 Concealer & Foundation

    JORDANA Complete Cover 2-in-1 Concealer & Foundation
  • Last but definitely not least, we have in our list of the best foundations and concealers with us this amazing product from JORDANA. It has an oil-free formula and provides full coverage with a creamy texture to make your skin look flawless. The formula blends easily into the skin and hides all the imperfections seamlessly. 

    Best suited for light to medium skin tones, it truly deserves a spot in your makeup bag. What’s noteworthy is that it comes in a convenient tube container to make the application a hassle-free process. 

    Coverage: Full

    Finish: Natural

    Size: 1 fl oz

    Pros
    • Buildable coverage
    • Budget-friendly
    • Natural finish
    • Easy to use
    Cons
    • Might not suit people with oily skin

    These were my top picks for the best foundations and concealers — pretty tempting, right? Now that you have taken a look at these products, let me take you through my buying guide to help you pick the right one for you.

    How to Choose the Right Foundation And Concealer?

    1. Assess Your Skin Tone:

    Before you pick any foundation and concealer combo, make sure it pairs well with your skin tone and undertone. The choice of shade will completely be different based on your skin undertones, namely warm, cool, and olive. Pick a shade accordingly. 

    2. Pick the Right Formula:

    Do you have an oily T-zone or does your skin stay dehydrated all the time? Pick a formula that caters to your skin concerns. A creamy formula is the best for those with dry skin issues whereas a non-comedogenic product works wonderfully for those with acne-prone skin. A hypoallergenic foundation and concealer is the best choice for those with sensitive skin. 

    3. Determine the Coverage:

    Do you like lightweight coverage or full? Based on your personal taste and preferences, choose a product accordingly. 

    A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use Foundations And Concealers:

    Step 1: Always clean your skin and apply a foundation concealer on moisturized skin. 

    Step 2: Use a primer to create a long-lasting base. 

    Step 3: When using a foundation and concealer, make sure to cover all the areas on your face and neck. 

    Step 4: Keep blending until the product melts onto your skin. 

    Step 5: Finish with a banana powder or compact. 

    Tada! You are all done to rock and roll!

    Conclusion

    With the best foundations and concealers stashed in your purse, you can create lovely and glamorous makeup looks on the go and steal all the limelight. Foundations and concealers are makeup staples that work together to create a smooth canvas for other makeup products and blur imperfections to help you achieve a radiant-looking complexion. 

    But it’s important to pick a product that complements your skin type and skin tone to prevent allergies. For those with dry skin, the Milani Cosmetics Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation Concealer would be the best pick whereas the Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer would be an ideal choice for those dealing with oily skin and acne.

    FAQ's

    How to cover acne scars with a foundation and concealer?
    First, apply a foundation, then use concealer on acne scars or on any discolored areas surrounding the scar to get even-toned and blemish-free skin.
    Can foundation and concealer be used for contouring and highlighting?
    Yes, a stick concealer can be used to contour and highlight.
    How to prevent foundation and concealer from creasing?
    After you’ve applied foundation and concealer, seal it with a setting powder and it will help prevent creasing or caking.
    Is it okay to use foundation and concealer without using primer?
    Yes, foundation and concealer can be used without priming the face first. Having said that, using a primer sets a perfect base for further makeup application and prevents it from settling into fine lines.
    How to remove foundation and concealer without causing any skin irritation?
    Using micellar water is one of the best ways to remove makeup without irritating the skin.
    Is it necessary to set foundation and concealer with setting powder?
    Even though not necessary, makeup experts advise using a setting powder to help keep your makeup in place.
    Are foundations and concealers effective in covering tattoos or body blemishes?
    Yes, full coverage and high-quality foundations and concealers can help cover tattoos and blemishes.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Sayantani, our makeup expert, loves using both foundation and concealer to get even-toned skin and rock makeup looks on the go. She prefers using foundations that come with concealers to save time. After trying and testing various best-selling products, she came up with the list of the best foundation and concealer combo — these products provide excellent coverage and conceal imperfections quickly and easily. You can choose any of the products to elevate your makeup routine. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More