Concealer vs. Primer: What to Use, When, and Why
When I first got into makeup, I used to mix up concealer and primer all the time.
I’d hear makeup artists talk about a “smooth base” and “flawless finish,” but honestly, I didn’t know which product was doing what. Do you put concealer first? Do you need both? And where does an eye primer come into play?
If you’ve ever stood in front of your mirror with beauty products scattered across your counter, wondering what goes on your face first, you’re not alone.
Over the years, I’ve tried different makeup products — bb cream, cc cream, liquid concealer, and so many face primers — and I’ve learned the specific purpose of each one.
Primer and concealer have different functions, but when you know how to use them, they can completely change your makeup game. So, let’s break it all down in a simple way, so you’ll never be confused again.
What Is Primer?
Primer is the first thing you put on your clean skin before you reach for foundation or concealer.
Think of it as your makeup’s secret weapon. Its primary function is to create a smooth canvas so everything else blends better.
There are face primers for different skin types. If you have oily skin, a mattifying primer can help keep that shiny look under control. I’m loving the Kiko Milano primer. It’s affordable and does a great job of preparing the skin for foundation.
If you have dry skin, a hydrating primer with something like hyaluronic acid can keep your makeup from clinging to patches.
And if you’re like me and deal with combination skin, you might even use two primers on different parts of your face.
Eye primer or eyelid primer is another type I never skip when I’m planning a more dramatic eyeshadow look.
It grips eye shadow, helps pigments show up in natural light, and keeps them from creasing on the eye area.
It’s one of the easiest ways to make your eye makeup look like a professional makeup artist did it.
What Is Concealer?
Concealer has a very different purpose from primer. Instead of covering your entire face, concealer is designed for specific concerns.
I usually use it for dark circles under my eyes, little dark spots from old breakouts, and minor imperfections that foundation doesn’t quite cover.
Concealers come in various forms: liquid concealer, creamy concealer, and even solid formula concealer. Each has a slightly different consistency.
A creamy formula feels nourishing and works well on sensitive skin, while a waterproof formula is my go-to in the summer.
A liquid product blends beautifully with a makeup sponge or damp beauty sponge, and gives you a natural look without caking up.
The best concealer really depends on your skin tone, skin color, and specific needs.
For under-eye concealer, I’ve found that using my ring finger or a small brush to tap it into the eye area gives the best results without tugging on fine lines.
If I need extra coverage on blemishes, I’ll use a concealer brush and a powder foundation on top to lock it in place.
Concealer vs. Primer: Key Differences
Here’s where the confusion usually happens, so let’s clear it up.
- Primary Function: Primer is all about prepping your skin and creating a smooth base. Concealer is targeted coverage for specific problem areas.
- Application Order: Primer always goes on clean skin before foundation or cc cream. Concealer comes after your foundation (or bb cream) to cover dark under-eye circles, dark spots, or blemishes.
- Consistency: Face primers usually have a lightweight, serum-like or cream texture. Concealers can be creamy formula, a liquid product, or a solid formula concealer with a similar consistency to foundation but designed for more pigment and coverage.
- Coverage vs. Prep: Primer doesn’t give you extra coverage; it just makes makeup application smoother. Concealer is all about covering — it’s the makeup product you grab when you need to hide something.
So, while they might seem like they overlap, they’re really serving different purposes in the art of makeup.
Do You Need Both?
This is the big question: do you actually need both primer and concealer in your makeup routine? It depends on your skin type and your makeup goals.
If I want a natural look for daily basis wear, sometimes I’ll skip primer and just use my favorite concealer with bb cream.
But if I’m going for a flawless makeup look with a long wear time, primer is the best way to keep everything in place.
A makeup primer under matte foundation, followed by concealer, can give you an even base that lasts through long days.
For oily skin, primer is almost non-negotiable because it helps with longevity. For dry skin, the right formula of hydrating primer can keep concealer from creasing under your eyes.
If you have specific skin concerns like dark under-eye circles, you’ll definitely want to keep under-eye concealer in your bag.
Common Mistakes I’ve Made
When I first started, I made some classic mistakes:
- Using Concealer Before Primer – This made everything look uneven because primer needs to be the second step after skincare.
- Applying Too Much – With concealer, a little goes a long way. Piling it on just made fine lines more obvious.
- Not Setting Concealer – Without translucent powder or setting powder, my concealer creased in the eye area within hours.
- Wrong Shade for Skin Tone – Picking the right formula and shade matters. A concealer too light for your skin color can make you look tired instead of bright.
- Skipping Eye Primer – My eye shadow never lasted until I started using eyelid primer. Game-changer.
How I Use Concealer and Primer in My Routine
Here’s my simple routine for when I want that flawless look:
- Clean Skin & Eye Cream – I always start with moisturized skin and a light eye cream for hydration.
- Primer – Depending on my skin type that day (oily vs dry), I choose the right formula. Sometimes it’s hydrating, sometimes mattifying.
- Foundation or CC Cream – I apply a light layer for an even base.
- Concealer – With my ring finger, small brush, or beauty blender, I tap concealer on specific problem areas: dark circles, dark spots, blemishes.
- Setting Powder or Spray – A translucent powder or setting spray locks everything in for a flawless finish.
This order works for makeup beginners and pros alike. It keeps everything in the right place without sliding around.
Concealer vs Primer: Final Thoughts
Concealer vs. primer isn’t really about which one is better. It’s about understanding their different purposes and how they work together.
Primer sets the stage with a smooth canvas, and concealer gives you the targeted coverage to create a flawless look.
Whether you’re covering dark circles, fine lines, or dark spots, or just learning new makeup techniques from makeup tutorials, using primer and concealer correctly can completely change how your makeup feels on your skin.
And trust me — once you find your favorite concealer and your go-to primer, your makeup game will never be the same.
Check out more makeup guides:
- Bronzer vs Highlighter: A Complete Guide to Mastering These Makeup Essentials
- Lipstick vs Lip Gloss: What’s the Difference and What Should You Choose?
