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If you have dark circles, red pimples or any other blemish you want to hide, look no further. We bring you some of the best color collectors in our post to make your selection easier and quicker. Before that, you need to use a wheel to determine which color can hide your blemishes. It works on the principle that opposite colors on the wheel nullify each other. For example, green can help hide red pimples, while orange shaded concealers can hide dark circles of bluer tones. So before you venture out to buy a color corrector, go through our list of makeup artist-approved color correctors and make an informed decision.
Top Picks
17 Best Color Correctors In 2024
1. Best For Correct Discolorations:NYX Professional Makeup Concealer Color Correcting Palette
This professional-grade color correcting palette has six concealers that work together to hide the problem areas on your skin. These colors, chosen to work together, can conceal discolorations and camouflage imperfections.
Pros
- Lightweight formula for a smooth finish
- Makes skin soft and supple
- Different colors are helpful for different purposes. For example, red can be used for acne, yellow can fight dullness, purple or pink can brighten the skin, and green can cover redness.
- PETA-certified cruelty-free product.
Cons
- Not suitable for people with dark skin tones
- Could be difficult to wash off and clean
- A little waxy to use
"I use this palette daily, and I am happy that it hasn't caused any breakouts so far. It helps hide imperfections and even hickey marks! The palette offers great coverage, and it is super creamy and buildable."
2. Best For Crease-Resistant:L.A. Girl Pro Conceal Set Orange, Yellow, Green Correctors
The L.A. Girl Pro Conceal Set of correctors is a crease-resistant, creamy, and lightweight textured color corrector for the skin. It is popular in the color mixture makeup industry for its ability to cover dark circles.
Pros
- Long-wearing formula
- Camouflages dark circles and lines under the eyes
- Gives a natural-looking coverage
- Evens skin tone with its opaque coverage
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- The concealer may not blend in well with all skin types
- The tube might not release colors well
- Colors might appear too strong
3. Best For Hyper-Pigmentation:Stila Correct And Perfect All In One Color Correcting Palette
Stila’s all-in-one color-correcting palette contains five cream color correctors that help mask dark circles, hyper-pigmentation, redness, and veins. The kit is scientifically formulated using a trademarked mineral complex. It also has two pressed-setting powders for an even and bright skin tone.
Pros
- Easy to blend
- Cream formula feels hydrating
- Translucent effect
- Includes a user-friendly booklet
Cons
- Might settle on fine lines or wrinkles
- Texture might feel thick to some
"Unlike my experiences with other correctors, using this concealer is simple as it blends smoothly into my skin and covers dark circles. Some shades remain unused, which felt a bit wasteful. Nevertheless, I would recommend it to minimal makeup wearers."
NYX Professional Makeup Concealer Color Correcting Palette | L.A. Girl Pro Conceal Set Orange Yellow Green Correctors | Stila Correct And Perfect All In One Color Correcting Palette | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All | All | - |
| Color | 04 COLOR CORRECTING | 04 COLOR CORRECTING | - |
| Dimensions | 0.55 x 3.06 x 3.01 inches | 0.55 x 3.06 x 3.01 inches | 3.62 x 0.59 x 3.7 inches |
| Weight | 0.32 Ounces | 0.32 Ounces | 4.62 Ounces |
| Batteries | - | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 17,239 | 6,478 | 79 |
| Price | $10.28 | $9.85 | $45 |
4. Best For Pigmentation:Latorice One Step Color Corrector
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 2,407 good reviews on Amazon.
The three-in-one corrector acts as a gel, serum, and primer. It contains a helix formula that includes green, peach, and lavender color-correcting pigments that help smoothen the skin and make it glow.
Pros
- Contains 15 minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants
- Acts as a sunscreen
- Acts as a skin barrier
- Hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin
- Does not feel cakey
Cons
- May not feel moisturizing to some
- Contains scent
"While it took me a bit to figure out the right amount to use, this color corrector proved its worth. It evens out blotches and acts as a great makeup base that grips well. Remember to blend it properly to avoid a mask-like effect."
5. Best For Dark Circles:Hanskin Apricot Blemish Cover Concealer
Bid goodbye to creasy and cakey concealers as Hanskin’s blemish cover concealer can cover your dark circles and correct sports and mark smoothly. This tried-and-tested concealer can be blended with foundation for an even, pink-toned look.
Pros
- Feels lightweight
- Has a creamy formulafor proper coverage
- Leaves a semi-matte look
- Skin feels moisturized after application
Cons
- May not be suitable for darker complexions
- Amount of product might seem less
"The tube is quite small, but a little goes a long way, and the formula provides solid coverage. Initially, it left my under-eyes dry, but when mixed with my regular face oil, the results improved. I have found it efficient in covering dark circles, and it pairs well with an eye cream."
Did you know?6. Best For All Skin Types:Glo Skin Beauty Under Eye Concealer
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 169 reviews on Amazon.
The result-driven under-eye concealer by Glo Skin Beauty offers two shades for a customized blending and makeup finish. This under-eye color corrector can be used for color correction and mixed with a lighter shade for a glowy and bright effect.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Applicable for any skin type
- Not tested on animals
- Protects and nourishes the skin
- Long-lasting coverage
- Semi-matte finish
Cons
- Can become cakey
- May require a lot of product for a single application
"I'm a consistent user of Glo Skin foundation and concealer. It provides unbeatable coverage, smoothly hiding under-eye circles. I love that each tube comes with two shade options."
7. Best Cruelty-Free:Bobbi Brown Corrector, Light Peach, 0.05 Ounce
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 369 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
Bobbi Brown color corrector makes the skin bright and neutralizes under-eye discoloration. The celebrity-endorsed product highlights your eyes by hiding the dark circles and lines around and under them.
Pros
- Smooth coverage
- Blends easily with the skin tone
- Creamy and lightweight formula
- Gives a lift to the eyes
Cons
- Might crease on oily skin
- May not work on the skin of older women
- Suitability for dark skin tones is not clear
"This corrector has been my balm against my blue/purple under-eye circles for quite some time now. It is a lightweight formula that can be layered, and it responds well to both sponge and fingertip applications. The compact can be a bit hard to open."
8. Best For Light Skin Tones:Pixi By Petra Correction Concentrate 0.10 oz Brightening Peach Waterproof
Pixi by Petra is a dark circle concealer for under-eye dark patch reduction and to enhance facial beauty. This hypoallergenic color corrector doesn’t just minimize dark circles but also nourishes the skin with its natural ingredients.
Pros
- Reduces dark circles
- Good for light skin tones
- Waterproof color corrector
- Contains vitamin C, vitamin A
- Free of parabens, petroleum, phthalates, oil, and SLS
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Might not give the exact color
- Could make the skin look oily
- May not blend well with all skin tones
"This concealer has proved to be the best by far. It needs a touch-up at least once, but it covers well, and a little goes a long way. With proper hydration before application, it delivers well."
Quick tip9. Best For Patches:jane iredale Corrective Colors
These corrective colors by Jane iredale are filled with natural ingredients and can be used to conceal dark eye circles and other problem areas of the skin. It works as a hyperpigmentation concealer too by camouflaging dark circles, bruising, and patches.
Pros
- Contains tea leaf extract
- Protects and calms the skin
- Can reduce hyperpigmentation
- Camouflages dark skin patches
Cons
- Tends to dry out in less time
- Might be noticeable on fair skin
- The quantity might not be enough
"This makeup kit has helped me cover bruises that regular makeup cannot disguise. A gentle pat using the brushes and setting it with loose powder works wonders. It has also helped in reducing the appearance of large pores. All in all, the kit is awesome and a must-have."
10. Best Expert-Tested Skin-Safe:Maybelline New York Cover Stick Concealer, 190 Corrective Yellow, 0.16 Ounce
The New York Cover Stick Concealer by the celebrity-endorsed brand, Maybelline, is a product to blemish your dark circles and skin imperfections. The color corrector stick is tested by experts so that it is completely safe on the skin.
Pros
- Waterproof formula
- Glides smoothly and blends with the skin
- Gives a natural coverage for skin
- Does not clog pores
- Dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic
Cons
- Might dry out soon
- The colors tend to cake up soon
- Might not cover completely
"While I am not a makeup pro, I have recently incorporated the Maybelline stick into my routine. It blends well under my eyes, especially after a dash of tinted moisturizer. Its green tint pairs well with different foundations without caking. It's now my go-to solution for those pesky under-eye circles."
11. Best For Full Coverage:Bobbi Brown Corrector, Light Peach, 0.05 Ounce
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 369 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
Bobbi Brown Corrector offers full coverage to your skin and brightens it too. It blends well in the skin and does not crease either.
Pros
- Offers good coverage under the eyes
- Works well for aged skin too
- Does not settle into creases
- Leaves a good color on the skin
Cons
- The quantity may be insufficient for some
- Might not stay for long
12. Best For Medium Skin Tone:Liquid VO2 Undereye Color Corrector And Concealer By VASANTI
Liquid VO2 is an orange under-eye color corrector cum concealer that minimizes dark circles on warm to medium skin tones.
Pros
- Conceals dark shadows
- Offers excellent coverage
- Re-balances dark spots
- Looks natural and feels weightless
- Easy to use and blends well in the skin
Cons
- Might be very dry
- Consistency might be very runny
- Very light in weight
- Might not cover up dark circles
"I love how this product helps with my dark circles when combined with my regular concealer. On its own, though, it falls a bit short of offering flawless coverage. I'm impressed that it does not leave any orange hue that similar products usually leave behind."
13. Best Brightening Concealer:Charlotte Tilbury Magic Vanish! Color Corrector
The professional-grade Magic Vanish! Color Collector by Charlotte Tilbury, can help conceal dark circles and discoloration and leaves a brightening effect to make your eyes and face look fresh. It can neutralize and balance your skin tone.
Pros
- Feathery and creamy powder formula for easy application
- Travel-friendly design
- Leaves a natural finish
- Helps conceal redness
Cons
- May not be suitable for dark complexions
- Might feel greasy to some
"While the Charlotte Tilbury powder corrector did not fully conceal my dark circles as hoped, it has its strengths. For instance, it sets my makeup with a remarkable, flawless finish, delivering all-day freshness. I'd recommend pairing it with a foundation."
14. Best Imperfection Eraser:Temptu Perfect Canvas Airbrush One Step Concealer & Color Corrector Starter Set
Temptu is a range of color correctors that are pigmented and weightless to cover all imperfections of the skin.
Pros
- Gives perfect complexion to the skin
- Smooth for a good coverage
- Can be worn for long hours
- Weightless formula
- Can work for fair to dark skin tones
Cons
- The formula might not blend perfectly with your skin
- You may need a touch up after 12 hours
"These correctors have enhanced my makeup kit to the next level. The set allows me to mix colors to tackle different pigment issues, and it doubles as a foundation, too. The entire kit is travel- and vacation-friendly."
15. Best For Age Spots:PÜR 4-in-1 Correcting Primer, Dark Spot Corrector
This is a tried-and-tested color correcting primer that corrects dark spots, age spots, etc. It is peach in color, gives you a good skin tone, and makes your skin look fresh and young.
Pros
- Neutralizes visible dark spots, blemishes, freckles
- Smoothens uneven skin tone
- Lightweight, silky formula
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Might not hide the dark spots completely
"I have grappled with unwelcome skin redness for years, but I finally found a solution in this lightweight and effective color corrector. Here's another reason why it is my go-to option—the shea butter keeps my skin moisturized."
16. Best Fragrance-Free:Neutrogena Clear Coverage Color Correcting Concealer
The result-driven formula from the dermatologist-recommended brand, Neutrogena, helps neutralize dark spots on medium to deep skin tones. It comes in a deep peach shade and helps you get an even complexion in minutes. It is a fragrance-free color corrector.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Free from fragrance, parabens, and phthalates
- Moisturizing formula
- Lightweight texture
- Does not look cakey
- Does not cause creases
- Buildable coverage
Cons
- May not be suitable for covering bruises
- May not last long
"The medium-coverage peach shade corrector helps conceal my dark circles without getting into my creases. It is suitable for layering under the foundation, as it is neither too thick nor too thin, providing the right lightweight and non-cakey consistency."
17. Best Dual Side Corrector:AmazingCosmetics Corrector
Amazing Cosmetics offers a creamy and pigmented corrector that works well to hide undereye discoloration.
Pros
- Dual-sided corrector
- Covers all spots of the face
- Contains vitamin E, antioxidants
- Hydrates and moisturizes skin
- Never tested on animals
Cons
- Might come out clumpy
- The brush might be too small to use
How Does Color Correction Makeup Work?
Color correction involves covering blemishes with an appropriate hue and then lightly layering your skin with a foundation. Color correctors cover the problem areas with the appropriate color as per the color wheel. For example, when covering dark eye circles with orange or pink, apply the color corrector first and then add a regular concealer on top. Blend it with a damp beauty blender.
Different colored concealers work for different problem areas of the skin, as described below:
- Green color corrector is used for redness, acne, and rosacea. In the color wheel, green is the opposite of red. Therefore, it is perfect for hiding any redness on your skin, be it pimples or acne scars, and giving a base for applying foundation.
- Orange concealer is for dark skin tone, for dark circles under the eyes
Orange is seen opposite blue in the color wheel. If you have a darker skin tone and bluish dark circles, orange color will hide the unevenness. People with light skin tones should use peach instead of orange.
- Pink corrector : for light skin toned people with dark circles under the eyes.
It comes in salmon or peach tone and is opposite blue, green, and purple on the wheel. This color corrector works best for hiding dark eye circles on lighter skin tones.
- Yellow color corrector: for bruises that are dark purple, dark veins, and undereye circles.
Yellow is seen opposite purple in the color wheel and hence is useful in covering any blemish that is purplish.
- Purple color corrector: to overcome dull complexion, for yellow skin tones
Purple, appearing opposite yellow in the color wheel, is best to remove yellow tones from your face and can be used on the spot to conceal yellow spots.
How To Choose The Right Color Correctors?
Selecting the best color corrector is a tougher task than choosing a lip shade or a nail paint. When trying to choose the best color corrector, you will be swarming in a sea of green, purple, yellow, or peach, among others, that make selecting one difficult. Here, we give you a few tips that could help you decide on the best color corrector for your needs.
1. Determine the color you need
Determine what the problem is that you want to cover. Is it red blemishes, dark circles etc.? From the color wheel, it is clear that complementary colors, any two colors that are directly opposite to each other, will cancel out. And the same goes for the color correcting makeup theory. Once you know which problem you want to fight, determine what color corrector shade will suit best for your problem at hand and then choose that color corrector.
2. Find the perfect formula
By now, you have enough knowledge about what color to use for color correcting. Now you have to decide on using the type of color corrector. There are color corrector sticks, liquids, and powders available. Choosing the right type is as important as choosing the best corrector.
The formula for the corrector depends on the texture of the skin where you will be using the corrector.
For example, use a color correcting cream or gel formula while applying products under the eye as they will blend well and be layered easily with concealer and powder for extra coverage. Liquid color correctors work well on the rest of the face and other problem areas.
Powder-based products can look very chalky and can stick to the skin as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use my color corrector without foundation?
When applied on prepped skin, color correctors will create a smooth canvas for easy makeup application. Yet, you can also use the color correctors on their own if you know how to use them properly. It is important to blend them well into the skin though.
2. Is the color corrector the same as the concealer?
Concealer is a makeup essential to cover up blemishes and imperfections and to lighten up dark circles. Color correctors, on the other hand, use opposite colors to neutralize skin imperfections.
3. Are color correctors necessary?
If you want to hide imperfections, color correctors are a necessary step in your routine. They neutralize skin imperfections and create an illusion of even skin tone. However, you may not need color correctors if you naturally possess even-toned skin.
4. Can lipsticks be used as a color corrector?
Red, orange, and peach lip shades can be used as color correctors to conceal dark circles.
5. Can I use a color corrector under a tinted moisturizer?
Yes, you can apply the color corrector and use a tinted moisturizer instead of a foundation.
6. Are color correctors safe?
Some brands use natural ingredients, which might be better than regular color correctors. Ensure the product is not tested on animals and contains no harsh chemicals that may affect your sensitive skin.
7. How long do color correctors stay?
Color correctors may last all day when used correctly with other long-lasting makeup products. Using a primer before applying the color corrector and blending with the foundation helps the makeup stay long.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a skilled product writer and researcher who has a knack for doing in-depth analyses of beauty products and customer reviews to recommend the best options to her readers. She has curated this list of the best color correctors for different skin tones. Also, she has considered features such as lightweight formulation, key ingredients, coverage, safety, and texture to make this selection. Moreover, Poulami has included a buying guide to help you choose the right corrector and find your perfect color match.
The Bottom Line
It is disheartening to see your makeup turn gray and ashy, making it look drab instead of fab. All you need to do is invest in the best color correctors that neutralize skin imperfections like pigmentation, discoloration, and redness and avoid future mishaps. The above list of color correctors was curated to help you pick the best without any hassles. Before choosing the best one for your skin, choose a color corrector that cancels imperfections rather than highlighting them and find a formula that blends effortlessly on your skin with minimum effort. We recommend the Nyx Professional Makeup Concealer Color Correcting Palette for its versatile and lightweight formula, the Maybelline New York Cover Stick Concealer, which is a dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic product, and the PÜR 4-in-1 Correcting Primer, which helps with dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Infographic: How To Apply Color Correctors Properly?
Color correctors are the ultimate makeup product to achieve an even skin tone. From canceling out redness to counteracting dark circles, these color-balancing formulas help create a flawless complexion, providing a smooth canvas for foundation application. Refer to the infographic below to learn how to apply color correctors like a pro.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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