Say Farewell to Red Spots With These Expert-Approved Color Correctors

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Sometimes even the best foundation and the best concealer fail to give us the flawless, even complexion we are after. The best color corrector can help you achieve even-looking skin by covering circles under your eyes, acne scars, redness, dark spots, and more.

“Color correctors are makeup products designed to neutralize discoloration in the skin by using basic color theory,” explains Kierra Lanice, celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert. “They come in various shades, each targeting a different color concern.” Using cream or liquid products in shades like green and orange might seem scary, but Lanic explains that complementary colors (colors that are opposite of each other on the color wheel) can successfully cancel out unwanted discoloration (like darkness or redness).

Meet the experts: Kierra Lanice, celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert; Kasey Spickard, a celebrity makeup artist based in New York City; Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D., double board-certified dermatologist with Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ

Before choosing a color corrector, it’s important to understand what’s causing the discoloration. Redness from rosacea, acne, and post-acne marks (all due to inflammation in the skin) are often what individuals look to conceal, according to Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D., double board-certified dermatologist with Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ. Dark circles, a type of hyperpigmentation that is often genetic, are another skin concern many look to cover.

“A lot of patients with fair skin types who suffer with acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation notice that the skin is very red,” Dr. Lal explains. “That is not always the case in patients with darker skin. Their hyperpigmentation tends to be more pronounced, and takes on a more reddish-purple color.”

Our top picks

Ready for a more even complexion? Ahead, find the best color correctors for different concerns, plus learn how to choose and use the right one for you.

Magic Vanish Color Corrector in Medium

This full-coverage color corrector comes in four shades and can be used anywhere on the face, making it an extremely versatile product. “They have such a buttery feel, it makes it easy to correct your complexion before layering with your foundation,” Lanice explains, noting that these color correctors are a “personal and professional kit staple.”

User review: “Definitely the best under-eye color-correcter I’ve ever tried, I could literally just use this and skip concealer,” one Sephora reviewer wrote. “Very impressed. Nice texture, easy to blend, also a little goes a long way.”

Conceal + Perfect Undereye Brightener

This transparent color corrector helps to brighten the undereyes before you apply concealer. According to Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Analyst Chiara Butler, “it feels hydrating on skin and subtly corrects dark circles,” due to ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. “I like that it comes in four different brightening shades for skin tones from deep to fair, so it takes some of the guesswork out of picking the right color for your skin tone.” It’s important to note that Butler says the product offers light coverage, meaning it won’t provide the opaque color correction that some may need.

User review: “I love how easy this is to use. It spreads very easily with fingertips, a sponge, or a brush. Definitely a keeper if you want to brighten up any area of your face!” one Amazon shopper wrote. “And the price is an added bonus!”

Camo Color Corrector

This affordable option comes in five shades. “Bright and vivid colors upon first glance but they are incredibly versatile. I love that they are hydrating, easy to blend, and layer well with other products,” Lanice explains. “And for only $4, you can't beat it!”

User review: “I’d been wanting a color corrector for some time and looked at the variety of correctors available. Since I have mild redness on my cheeks I wanted something fairly transparent where the green didn’t bleed through my foundation. This is the one! It’s perfect for me, and it’s cruelty free—and the price!” one Ulta reviewer wrote.

Correct & Perfect All-In-One Color Correcting Palette

When it comes to dark spots, a custom approach is usually best. After all, “the color corrector you need depends on your skin tone and severity of your discoloration,” explains Kasey Spickard, a celebrity makeup artist based in NYC. Thankfully, this palette from Stila offers an all-in-one solution with a variety of full-coverage shades to help you conceal and correct nearly any unwanted spots.

User review: “I bought this palette desperate for help with my dark spots,” wrote one Sephora reviewer. “I’ve tried all types of foundations and concealers and all they did was turn my dark spots gray. I used the peach cream on my spots and then applied my foundation, and I was amazed at the results.”

Radiant Creamy Color Corrector

Lanice says that this option from NARS is “ideal for under eyes and spot correcting specific areas.” It comes in four shades based on different skin tones, and claims to be crease-proof and non-acnegenic. “I love that it’s really hydrating especially for under the eyes, layers well with other products, and doesn’t alter the performance of your foundation and concealer,” Lanice adds.

User review: “Amazing. Goes on smoothly and somehow its color matches as it’s applied. I can wear it alone to cover my dark circles without any additional coverage because somehow it matches my skin once blended on,” one NARS shopper wrote. “It’s magic.”

Rescue Balm & Red Correct Post-Blemish Recovery Cream

For those with a more red- or pink-toned complexion, a green-hued color corrector can do wonders for creating a more even appearance. “As someone with pale skin and very pink undertones, toning down my face’s redness is a top priority when it comes to my makeup routine. I had previously relied on concealers and foundations to hide the color, but this product is a game-changer,” says Madeleine Haase, Prevention’s assistant editor. “I apply it to my face directly after my skincare products, and I can instantly see the difference in my skin’s luminosity and evenness. Now, I find myself reaching for the concealer a lot less!”

User review: “It’s super lightweight, it’s not greasy at all, it color corrects beautifully, and my skin actually feels great during and after wearing it. I think it might be my new go-to,” one Amazon reviewer wrote.

Clear Coverage Color Correcting Concealer Makeup

This color corrector helps soothe blemishes thanks to niacinamide, while correcting and concealing in just one step. Neutrogena formulated the product with acne-prone skin in mind. “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,” explains Good Housekeeping Institute assistant Nik Greenwald. This corrector provides full coverage and may be difficult to blend, so it’s best to only use a small amount of product.

User review: “It is buildable, lightweight, and perfectly diminishes dark spots on skin. It can be used before foundation to reduce the appearance of dark spots and blemishes,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “It is good for sensitive skin and is oil free. Pretty sleek design that is perfect to carry in a bag.”

Foundation Adjuster Palette

“The red corrector in this palette is my go-to corrector for my clients with very deep skin tones,” Spickard explains. That’s because for those with darker tones, a red color can help correct olive and green tones in the skin, as those colors are opposite of each other on the color wheel, according to Lanice. Plus, this palette gives you the ability to customize for the perfect shade. It includes white and black to lighten or darken, and yellow and blue to make a more orange, green, or purple color.

User review: “As a beginner in makeup artistry I have to say this is a staple item. I love the coverage it gives, and you can use it to adjust, color correct, and make your own foundation,” one Camera Ready Cosmetics reviewer wrote.

Under Eye Brightening Corrector

As a makeup enthusiast, I’m always in search of products that not only look good on the skin but feel good too. I’ve been using this color corrector under my eyes for years, and I love the beautiful, brightening effect it gives along with its radiant finish. Plus, it blends into the skin very easily and I find it layers well under concealer and can even be worn alone on my fair skin.

User review: “Best under-eye corrector I’ve ever used. It’s thick so you don’t need a lot, and you need to use it with your finger so the warmth blends it out,” wrote one Sephora shopper. “I swear my under eyes look so much more smooth and bright with this stuff!”

Studio Fix Conceal and Correct Palette

“This palette contains four concealers and two correctors making it easy to have flawless skin,” Lanice explains. “While the palettes can be used for any skin tone, they are extremely emollient and best for dry to normal skin. They’re also medium to full coverage so you can use it with or without foundation.” Plus, there are a total of six palettes available based on skin tone.

User review: “Hands down one of the best items MAC has ever made! I absolutely love this product! It's silky, smooth, blendable, natural looking, and easy to use,” wrote one MAC Cosmetics customer. “Generous portions—this palette lasted a whole year!”

Skin Corrector Stick

These color corrector sticks are Spickard’s “go-to” product for “mature skin,” offering a natural finish that’s both long-wearing and easy to apply. “They are hydrating and the formula doesn't settle into fine lines and wrinkles,” Spickard adds. “They have a fantastic shade range as well!”

User review: “The Bobbi Brown corrector stick is the best thing I have found for lightening shadowy under eyes without looking like you have a ton of concealer on. If you want to brighten your under eye without caking and creasing, this is what you need! I also love that the product is a stick versus a pot as it's considerably less messy to use,” wrote one Sephora shopper.

HD Pro Corrector Concealer

If you feel like your complexion is looking a bit dull, a purple corrector can help brighten the skin as well as reduce yellow tones in more fair skin tones, Lanice says. This fan-favorite option from L.A. Girl in the shade lavender is lightweight and buildable, according to the brand. Plus, there are also a variety of other shades that can help correct and brighten other skin concerns.

User review: “As a professional makeup artist for over 20 years, I have relied on these for as long as they've been around,” one Ulta reviewer wrote. “They have everything from peach to orange, green, and yellow, a lilac for brightening, and a white to lighten any shade.”

Huestick Corrector

These versatile color correcting sticks are available in six shades to complement all skin tones, are buildable and blendable, and contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane to nourish the skin. “Live Tinted Huesticks are definitely a staple in my kit!” Spickard says. “What I love about the Huesticks is that the formula is multipurpose so they work great as correctors but also fantastic as lip and cheek sticks!”

User review: “As someone who has struggled with hyperpigmentation for my entire life, the huestick really came in clutch and allowed me to have such a flawless makeup base. I always recommend this product to others,” wrote one Ulta reviewer.

Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment

“This is my favorite product recommendation for clients with dry skin and suffer from redness or rosacea,” Lanice explains. “This treatment soothes irritation and treats redness like magic. It’s very moisturizing and is even infused with sunscreen!” Plus, reviewers love how easily it applies and that it leaves their skin looking natural and even.

User review: “This has become my go-to product, for a natural ‘no-makeup makeup look.’ It does just enough to balance out the redness in my complexion and make me feel polished and ready for the day, and I now completely skip foundation unless I'm doing something fancy,” wrote one Sephora shopper.

The Neutralizer Pencil

This pencil from Jones Road Beauty (Bobbi Brown’s latest beauty adventure), comes in a whopping nine shades to cover discoloration. It has a super-creamy formula that offers just the right amount of coverage and gives you tons of control over where you place the product. For those new to makeup or for those who love a “no makeup makeup look,” this is the product for you.

User review: “I got to try this out ahead of the release and I am not looking back. I use the shade Light Fair/Pink and it glides on smoothly, has a lovely creamy texture, and neutralizes the (way too) dark circles under my eyes. I love that I can wear it on its own or add a concealer on top,” says Emily Goldman, Prevention’s deputy editor. “I find that it sometimes a bit if I wear it on a super-long day—BUT this can be remedied by adding some eye cream and letting it dry before applying. Simple fix I should be doing in the first place.”

Step 1 Primer

For those looking for a more lightweight option, a color-correcting primer may be what you need. “My face, especially my nose, tends to be on the red side naturally. This green color corrector helps neutralize redness, and it moisturizes skin to boot. I use it before applying concealer and foundation,” explains Christie Calucchia, Prevention’s senior commerce editor.

User review: “This primer is amazing! It helps tone down the redness in my skin and feels moisturizing. It goes on smooth and is so easy to blend in and doesn’t make my face look green,” one Sephora shopper wrote. “It also extends the wear of my foundation and makes it look even better. I can use less concealer and foundation with this primer because I don’t have as much redness showing to cover.”

Redness Relief Color Correcting Moisturizer

This innovative product combines a color corrector with a moisturizer, allowing you to skip a step and potentially avoid makeup altogether. It calms and hydrates skin while neutralizing red or irritated skin for a more even, healthy-looking complexion. Plus, it contains ingredients like panthenol to strengthen the skin barrier, green algae to soften the skin, and Cica to soothe the skin and camouflage redness.

User review: “I have very fair, sensitive skin, and rosacea,” wrote one Ulta reviewer. “I got this a few days ago and used it as the last step in my routine.. I couldn't believe my eyes when I walked by a mirror after class. My skin was totally clear with no redness. This doesn't have any kind of tint or coverage, so it doesn’t cover, it just truly neutralizes redness.”

How do you know what color corrector to use?

You’ll want to consider the color wheel when figuring out what shade of color corrector you need, according to Lanice. Whatever color you want to neutralize on your face will need a product that is on the opposite end of the color wheel.

As a general rule of thumb, Lanice says that fair to light skin tones will need pastel pinks, purples, and peachy correctors; medium to tan skin tones will need yellow, peach, and occasional red correctors; dark to deep skin tones will need peach and orange correctors.

Additionally, green correctors can help neutralize redness, purple can help correct dullness and yellow tones, and blue can correct overly warm or orange tones.

How to choose the best color corrector

After you determine the best shade of color corrector to use, Lanice suggests considering the following:

✔️Keep your skin type in mind. If you have a drier skin type, try a product that is more emollient and hydrating to avoid creasing or dry patches. But if you have oily skin, a product that is less emollient and offers a more natural or semi-matte finish may be more beneficial for longevity.

✔️Consider the texture. Look for products that offer enough coverage for your needs, but that blend easily and layer well with other products to create a natural finish.

How to use the best color corrector

Below, Spickard explains how to apply your color corrector for the most flawless finish:

✔️Less is more. Try using your ring finger to apply a small amount of corrector on the under eye, blemish, or area of hyperpigmentation. Be sure to blend slowly and add thin layers as you go if needed. This light application will keep your makeup from looking “cakey” or heavy.

✔️Set with powder. Next, apply a thin layer of translucent powder to keep the corrector from moving around.

✔️Apply foundation on top. Finally, apply the rest of your foundation, concealer, and other complexion products. While doing so, use gentle tapping or stippling motions to keep your color corrector in place.

How we chose the best color corrector

We tested the Hero Cosmetics Rescue Balm, Smashbox X Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector, Jones Road Beauty The Neutralizer Pencil, and Makeup Forever Redness Corrector. We spoke with Kierra Lanice, celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert; Kasey Spickard, a celebrity makeup artist based in New York City; Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D., double board-certified dermatologist with Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ. We also sifted through countless product reviews to select the best color correctors available.

The Best Drugstore Color Corrector and the Best Color Corrector for Acne were chosen based on recommendations from Good Housekeeping Institute analysts in their most recent coverage of color correctors.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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