12 Best Color Correctors to Help With Discoloration
After evaluating cream and liquid formulations, these are our top recommendations.
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If you experience redness on your skin, dark circles or hyperpigmentation, then you know that sometimes even the best foundation and concealer isn't able to provide optimal coverage. Color correctors, however, are formulated to address these concerns and help you achieve your desired makeup look.
Available in various shades depending on your needs, color correctors are "used to neutralize and balance out discoloration or unwanted tones on the skin," says celebrity makeup artist Elizabeth Seropian. They use the principles of color theory, "which involves using complementary colors to cancel out specific tones on the skin," she adds. In other words, you'll want to pick shades that are opposites on the color wheel to neutralize.
Experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab have decades-long experience evaluating almost every makeup category you have on your vanity. When it comes to researching the best color correctors, we blend knowledge from testing adjacent categories with personal recommendations from professional makeup artists and GH staffers.
Pros
- Blends well into skin
- Nice texture
- Formulated for all skin tones
Cons
- Formula may feel a little thick
Size: 0.35 oz | Shades: 6 | Formula: Liquid
Who it's best for: Shoppers who want a creamy liquid formula that is available in a range of shades including yellow, green and peach.
Why our experts love it: Sold in six different shades, Exa's creamy color correctors blend onto skin to cancel out unwanted pigmentation on all skin tones. The super creamy formula melts into easily into skin (but can be a little thick if you use too much — a little goes a long way) and is one GH beauty editor's favorite color corrector.
"I use the green shade almost every day to cover up any redness from breakouts, and I also love the peach tone to hide my dark circles," she says. "Sometimes color correctors are too pigmented or don't blend well on my light skin tone, so the color still shows, but this product doesn't ever do that."
Catrice Cosmetics Ultimate Camouflage Cream
Pros
- Affordable
- Brightens undereyes
- Non-comedogenic formula
Cons
- Some online reviewers noted creasing
Size: 0.1 oz | Shades: 6 | Formula: Cream
Who it's best for: Anyone shopping on a budget will appreciate the $6 price tag that goes even lower when on sale.
Why our experts love it: For about the same price as a cup of coffee, wake up your eyes in a different way with this brightening camouflager. "When I use this product, I use less concealer, which I love," says celebrity makeup artist Emily Gray. "It really refreshes and adds life to the undereyes.”
The putty consistency of this layers well under concealer, but some online reviewers feel it shows creases by the end of the day. The brand says you can add a setting powder to improve the product's longevity. We appreciate its non-comedogenic formula that won't clog your pores.
HUDA BEAUTY #FAUXFILTER Under Eye Color Corrector
Pros
- Offers a blurring effect
- Helpful chart matches you to the correct shade
- Natural, sheer coverage
Cons
- Only available in pink, peach and orange shades
Size: 0.3 oz | Shades: 6 | Formula: Liquid
Who it's best for: If you are new to using color correctors, Huda Beauty helps you find the right shade so you can successfully cover various types of discoloration.
Why our experts love it: Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler tried the cherry blossom shade and found it offered sheer to medium coverage for a natural look that online customers confirmed. "This corrector starts out very fluid but blends out into a velvety, blurring finish," reports Butler. She appreciated that the brand offers guidance on finding the best shade for you based on both your skin tone and undertone. A chart breaks down which shades are best for cool and warm undertones and includes further descriptions of which skin tones are best suited for each shade.
Note that this color corrector is only available in pink, peach and orange shades. Butler recommends using the product to help conceal dark undereyes if you have a lighter skin tone as well as dark sports if you have a deeper skin tone.
Pros
- Brightens and primes skin
- Gives a "no-makeup makeup" look
- Blends easily into skin
Cons
- May irritate acne-prone skin
Size: 2 oz | Shades: 2 | Formula: Liquid
Who it's best for: If you prefer a natural-looking finish, this two-in-one formulation will check all your boxes (and save you some money down the line).
Why our experts love it: As the name suggests, correct and prime skin in one step with Stila's color-correcting brightener. "I love that this color corrector is a primer that can be applied all over the face to blur imperfections and brighten," says Senior Beauty & Style Director April Franzino.
It has a light gel-like formula that can be worn "alone when I don’t want to wear foundation," she adds. The product blends easily into skin, melding "perfectly with my medium skin tone, making me look pulled-together and more radiant yet not 'made-up,'" she shares. Take note that some reviewers with acne-prone skin reported it can be irritating.
Pros
- Seamless application
- Quickly improves look of dark circles
- Hydrating formula
Cons
- Some online reviews reported the shades weren't the right neutralizing color
Size: Not listed | Shades: 3 | Formula: Liquid
Who it's best for: If you are pressed for time in the morning, this easy-to-apply color corrector from Nars noticeably improves the look of discoloration soon after application.
Why our experts love it: Nars is an iconic makeup brand that we have evaluated in the Beauty Lab over the years. The Radiant Creamy Color Corrector helps balance blue and purple discoloration with its light, medium and medium-deep red shades. It's formulated to be lightweight and goes the extra mile by also hydrating skin.
Our tester, who tends to use color correctors packaged in a pot, appreciated the tube and brush application. "The brush applicator was on the smaller side too which was nice because you could control the amount of product more and really dot it under the eye," they explained. Our tester found the formula to feel smooth on their skin and was impressed with how fast the color corrector created a noticeable effect under their eyes.
Some online shoppers noted that the three shades, especially the light color, didn't offer the right balancing tone to effectively cover dark undereyes, though.
Pros
- Super pigmented
- Gives very full coverage
- Loved by makeup artists
Cons
- May be difficult to blend
Size: 1 oz | Shades: 5 per palette | Formula: Cream
Who it's best for: Those looking for full coverage will quickly become obsessed with this highly pigmented palette. Seropian also recommends makeup artists keep it in their kits.
Why our experts love it: "It is extremely pigmented and has all the colors a MUA would need," explains Seropian. You can hide anything from redness to tattoos with this high-powered corrector. Take note that this product isn't the easiest to blend due to its thicker texture, so non-professionals or beginner makeup users may want to opt for a color corrector that blends more easily.
Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment
Pros
- Formulated with mineral sunscreen
- Corrects redness without feeling heavy
- Can be worn on its own or as a primer for foundation
Cons
- Pricey
Size: 1.7 oz | Shades: 1 | Formula: Liquid
Who it's best for: If you experience redness in multiple areas, this treatment instantly corrects problem spots and can be worn on its own for an easy no-makeup makeup look.
Why our experts love it: Wearing sunscreen is an everyday necessity. Make it even easier to get your sun protection with this color corrector with mineral sunscreen. The green cream turns beige upon contact with skin to brighten and correct without the look of heavy makeup. One GH beauty editor loves wearing this on no-makeup days or under foundation (read: no pilling!).
"This product is the definition of your skin but better," she says. "It gives me a natural glow and evenness while still looking completely natural, as if there's nothing on my face. I love that it has sunscreen in it already and that the mineral formula doesn't irritate my sensitive skin." One jar is pricey at over $50, but our pro tip is to purchase the mini size (0.5 oz) so you can try out the formula before committing to the full size.
E.L.F. Cosmetics Camo Color Corrector
Pros
- Under $5
- Not overly pigmented
- Available in flattering shades
Cons
- May dry down quickly, according to reviewers
Size: 0.09 oz | Shades: 5 | Formula: Liquid
Who it's best for: Another drugstore favorite, the Camo Color Corrector is a must-have for those shopping on a budget and anyone who prefers less pigmentation.
Why our experts love it: At just $4, it's hard to beat the value of these color correctors. To add to the great price, "these are in really flattering colors," says Data Engineer Nik Greenwald, who worked at Ulta back in the day and often helps test beauty products. "They aren't super opaque which is what you want in a color corrector. That way, they just cancel out what you need and you don't have to use a super high coverage concealer or foundation."
While the green option is great for canceling out redness, Greenwald also likes the peach shade. Some online reviewers noted that the formula dries down quickly and can feel drying on skin, so make sure to work quickly when blending.
Neutrogena Clear Coverage Color Correcting Concealer
Pros
- Covers up acne blemishes
- Niacinamide smooths breakouts
- Can help make pimples appear smaller in size
Cons
- May not blend well
Size: 0.24 oz | Shades: 3 | Formula: Liquid
Who it's best for: Formulated with acne-prone skin in mind, individuals with persistent breakouts will appreciate how well this color corrector covers pimples.
Why our experts love it: Featuring niacinamide to help soothe blemishes, this Neutrogena product does double duty to correct and conceal in one step. "I find when I use this over my pimples they tend to appear like they've decreased in size. I find this to be a way more effective acne-correcting color corrector than ones that include salicylic acid," shares Greenwald. Use just a little bit of this product, as it provides fuller coverage than others and may not blend in enough.
RELATED: Best Foundations for Acne-Prone Skin
Erborian CC Red Correct
Pros
- Natural-looking coverage
- Hydrating
- Favorite among GH staffers
Cons
- Contains chemical sunscreen that could irritate sensitive skin
Size: 1.5 oz | Shades: 1 | Formula: Liquid
Who it's best for: Shoppers with light to medium skin tones will enjoy using this color corrector formulated with sunscreen so you cancel out a step in your skincare routine.
Why our experts love it: Achieve full coverage against redness with this green color corrector from Korean skincare brand Erborian. Similar to our pick from Dr. Jart, the CC cream starts out green but transitions into a light to medium skin shade. That being said, it won't match all skin tones.
GH beauty editors love this product, with one sharing that "it cancels out all of my redness (even active breakouts) as well as a foundation, but it looks way more natural. I love to wear it on no-makeup days and it's kept my dry skin hydrated all winter long without any flakiness."
While it's great that this product is formulated with SPF, take note that it contains chemical sunscreen (rather than mineral sunscreen), so it may irritate more sensitive skin.
Smashbox Photo Finish Correct Anti-Redness Primer
Pros
- Helps nourish skin
- Primes skin for makeup application
- Smooth application
Cons
- May not fully correct redness
Size: 1 oz | Shades: 1 | Formula: Liquid
Who it's best for: Those with mature skin who also experience redness will benefit from this two-in-one color corrector that is formulated with nourishing ingredients.
Why our experts love it: Prime skin for makeup and minimize redness thanks to this soothing Smashbox corrector. A favorite of GH editors, it features hyaluronic acid, algae, probiotics and more, all of which help nourish even mature skin.
"I've struggled with redness and haven't been able to manage it without high coverage foundation, but this has been a game changer for me," says GH Institute analyst Grace Wu. "It's helped lessen redness on my face, allowing me to opt for a more natural/no-makeup look."
While the silky texture lets makeup glide on smoothly, some online reviewers wish the formula would provide more corrective benefits, as they feel their face is still red after application.
RELATED: Best Foundations for Mature Skin
How we chose the best color correctors
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab, our scientists have extensively tested concealers, evaluating their coverage, texture, spreadability, bendability and overall ability to make skin look smooth. We reviewed the same aspects when putting together this roundup, including favorites from professional makeup artists and GH staffers. Our pros are constantly evaluating makeup products as part of our Beauty Awards and are always trying out the latest and greatest color correctors the market has to offer.
What to look for when shopping for the best color correctors
✔️ Shade: The right color corrector shade is dependent on your skin tone and the type of discoloration you'd like to cover up. Focus on your concern, advises Seropian. "If you want to brighten your dark circles, then you should either purchase a peach corrector or a pink corrector," she adds. "If you want to address redness, then you should definitely purchase a green corrector."
✔️ Formula: Color correctors come in various formulas, including creams, sticks, powders and liquids, so pick the one that works best for your skin type. "For example, if you have dry skin, you may prefer a cream or liquid formula, while those with oily skin may prefer a powder or stick formula," explains Seropian.
✔️ Applicator: A good applicator can make all the difference when it comes to putting on any makeup, including a color corrector. "It will prevent you from using too much product," says Gray. "I love tiny doe foot applicators. You can easily use it to place the product over the exact area of the discoloration."
How do you know what color corrector to use?
In other words, how do you know which color corrector shade is best for you? There is a wide selection available depending on your skin tone and needs.
Many people have dark circles around their eyes "that is usually a purple hue," says Gray. "In order to correct purple, dark undereyes, we need to use a peach or orange color corrector."
"Green covers redness and is good for concealing red acne breakouts," says Butler. This can also be good for rosacea or any other type of redness on the face.
"Sometimes people have blue veins around their temples that can be corrected by using a yellow color corrector," says Gray. "You just need to use a little product over the discolored area. Do not go haywire with the color correctors or you will have a very colorful face."
"Deep red-orange covers green to blue discoloration and is good for concealing hyperpigmentation in deep skin tones," adds Butler.
Lastly, blue color correctors "could correct discoloration that is too orange or yellow," says Butler. However, they can also "correct foundation that is too orange," she notes.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Former GH Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn curated this list of the best color correctors based on expert advice and recommendations from our own GH Beauty Lab pros and professional makeup artists Elizabeth Seropian and Emily Gray.
Catherine worked closely with Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler, who most recently evaluated color correctors. She conducts on-hand testing for beauty and health products at the GH Institute.
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