This $7 Concealer Will Make Your Angry Red Pimple Disappear

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Color theory isn’t just for art class—you can use it when doing your makeup, too. Anytime you have redness across your skin (read: active pimples, broken capillaries, acne scars, sunburns, all types of inflammation, or even a hickey), reach for something green. Yes, really.

Green concealer masks uneven colors on skin tones because green is a complementary color (aka across the color wheel) to red, meaning it’s able to neutralize the fiery shade. And while they make look intimidating the tube, most green concealers go on sheer, so you never have to worry about looking like The Wicked Witch of the West.

Aliana Lopez, New York-based celebrity makeup artist (Eva Chen, and Emily Weiss are clients) advises, “If you need help with covering a super red break out, I would reach for a higher coverage green concealer and spot conceal as needed; first layering the green concealer then topping it with your foundation, any discoloration that still peaks through can easily be covered with your normal concealer. If your needs are for neutralizing a larger area of redness, a primer or tinted green moisturizer may be a better option. The best thing to keep in mind is less is more, so thin layers of the product will result in a more natural, seamless look.”

Now that we’ve convinced you not to live another moment without one, we’ve rounded up the 13 best green concealers (all top rated on the internet!) so you can find the perfect one for you.

Shape Tape Corrector in Green

One of America's favorite concealers has now been reborn in a color-correcting format. The thin, matte potion balances out redness across your face so your base looks more even.

Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “Very little is required to make this work! The corrector is thin and doesn't add texture. It's long lasting, and while it sets matte, and it is not drying."

Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30

For that healthy, glowy look devoid of redness, look no further than Dr. Jart's Color Correcting Treatment. Plus it offers you an ever-so important layer of mineral SPF 30 protection.

Sephora rating: 4/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “I basically just use this in place of foundation now and it’s great at covering up redness!”

Teint Idole Ultra Wear Camouflage Color Corrector

Use this all over your face if you've got ruddy tones that need some evening out. It can also be applied for on-the-spot coverage.

Macy's rating: 3.9/5 stars

A Macy's reviewer says: “This camouflage corrector worked very well for me. Only a very small amount is needed and it is easy to apply. The coverage lasted all day!”

HD Conceal High Definition Concealer

A top Reddit recommendation, this wonder product can cover dark circles and unwanted tones and textures. And, let's be real, at such an affordable price, what do you have to lose?

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “If you have dark circles like I do this is perfect for you.”

HD Photogenic Concealer

If you're looking for a product that'll get the job done, may we suggest NYX's HD Photogenic Concealer?

Ulta rating: 4.1/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I have severe enough rosacea and sensitivity, so I've tried everything to minimize that redness and embarrassment. Happy to report the search is over; this is strong enough that only one or two of swipes on problem areas neutralizes the discoloration, and creamy enough that it doesn't cakeify on my very dry skin. It also holds up beautifully beneath all sorts of base products from concealer to full-coverage foundations.”

Color Correcting Liquid Concealer

ULTA knows a thing or two about what makes a great beauty product. You'll see what we mean when you try this waterproof Color Correcting Liquid Concealer. After all, it is a spin off of their best-selling Full Coverage Liquid Concealer. Expect creamy, lasting pigment.

Ulta rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I have an olive complexion and wear glasses so I have the worst dark circles. Concealer only does so much so the color corrector is fantastic because it covers them and gives me a flawless base around my eyes before I apply the rest of my makeup.”

Cover Stick Concealer

Eliminate redness with the swipe of the hand. Apply a small amount of concealer and easily blend the hypoallergenic formula with your fingers. Bonus: It’s waterproof.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I've used this product for years. Dependable quality.”

Step 1 Primer Color Corrector

This all-over anti-redness primer can be worn alone or before a full beat.

Sephora Rating: 4.3/5

A Sephora Reviewers Says: "I have rosacea, when it flares up and I want to tone it down, but don’t want to wear makeup, I use this. It really makes a difference."

CC Red Correct

Velvety, hydrating, and blendable, Erborian's CC Red Correct is your answer to lightweight color-correcting coverage that flatters every skin tone. Plus, it features SPF 25.

Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “My nose has a perpetual pink tint to it for some reason, probably from burning by the pool too many times as a kid. Regardless, this dreamy creamy tube of fix-it glides on to undo the pink before I put on my makeup. It's lovely and does the job!”

Color Correcting Concealer

Swipe away any redness with Neutrogena's velvety color correcting concealer—it's oil- and frangrance-free, giving you the coverage you need without the cakiness.

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I have a couple large dark spots on my face. This product has great coverage to even out my skin tone and cover the dark spots.”

Infallible Total Cover Color Correcting Kit

This L'Oreal palette has got your back—neutralize redness, discoloration, dark circles, and dullness all at once.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “This is my 3rd repeat purchase. It works well to cover up and camouflage discolorations and flaws, and it is not expensive like some other brands I've tried.”

PhotoReady Color Correcting Pen

We can all agree our zits are our Public Enemy No.1—target them with this precision brush for easy application anytime, anywhereHigh-Definition Filter Technology (TBC) captures and transforms any light, to blur and soften flaws, leaving the perfect app filtered look.

Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Amazing blending power. PERFECT for blending minor blemishes. Put just a dab on them and blend VERY gently with a sponge. I found that that gets me the best results.”

Correct & Perfect All-in-One Color Correcting Palette

Gone are the days of lugging around a million products everyday—Stila's Color Correcting Palette brings you everything you'll need for flawless skin in one sweet little compact. It's easy, buildable, and blendable.

Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Gives as little or as much coverage as you need and has a perfect texture.”

Meet the Expert

Aliana Lopez is a New York City-based celebrity makeup artist.

How does green concealer work?

It's color theory! Colors across the color wheel from each other cancel each other out. So green will help to neutralize any red pigments showing up on the skin.

How do I use green concealer on a zit?

"First layering the green concealer then topping it with your foundation, any discoloration that still peaks through can easily be covered with your normal concealer," Lopez says.

How do I use green concealer to cover a rash, hickey, or inflammation?

"If your needs are for neutralizing a larger area of redness, a primer or tinted green moisturizer may be a better option," Lopez says. "The best thing to keep in mind is less is more, so thin layers of the product will result in a more natural, seamless look."

Why trust ELLE Beauty?

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items.

You Might Also Like

• The 15 Best Organic And Clean Shampoos For Any And All Hair Types

• 100 Gifts That Are $50 Or Under (And Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are)