The 8 Best Color Correctors, According to Experts and Editors

Cover dark circles, acne marks, and hyperpigmentation in a swipe.

model applying color correcting concealer
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Treat your face like paint by numbers. I know, it’s weird advice. But hear me out: The second I started covering blue spots (read: my under eyes) with red color correctors and red tones (read: pimples and rosacea) with green color correctors, my makeup looked more even than ever before. “Color correctors are really used if there’s any discoloration on someone’s face—whether it’s under eye bags, discoloration, rosacea, or if they have any acne scars,” explains celebrity makeup artist Dani Parkes. You just apply a thin layer before your regular concealer and foundation. So sure: You may look like an art project at the get-go. But the even-toned payoff is well worth it. 

The key to a seamless finish that doesn’t peek through foundation boils down to the product you're using. You’ll likely need a green, a red, and a peach to complete your kit, but the rest of the process is pretty foolproof. Just use a small amount of product on the area that needs to be camouflaged, let the product dry down (this is important, people!!), and then proceed as normal with your concealer. 

To help you get started disguising your dark marks, spots, and under eyes, I’ve tried dozens of different color correctors—and tapped the pros for their favorites—to determine the eight best color correctors in existence. 

What to Look For in a Color Corrector

  • Color

The shade of color corrector you choose means everything. Different colors cancel out different hues in different skin tones,” explains Parkes. “For example, green will cancel out redness, but red will cancel out purple, which is very common under the eyes.” You’ll also want a peachy tone on hand if you’re trying to cancel out any blemishes or acne scars. Yellow is a good go-do if dullness is your concern, too. 

  • Texture 

The key to a good color corrector is finding one that feels lightweight. The last thing you want is to feel like you’re adding an extra layer to your makeup routine. “You put color correctors directly on your face. Then, I’ll apply concealer over top and foundation on top of that,” says Parkes. Find a texture that feels weightless and doesn’t leave a cakey residue behind. 

The Best Color Correctors

Meet the Makeup Artist

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Dani Parkes

Self-taught makeup artist Dani Parkes, also known as Faces by Danii, started doing makeup at the age of 8. At 18 years old she moved to New York knowing no one and started to build her network. Dani is passionate about all things makeup. Her goal is to highlight and extenuate the natural features on one's face, rather than completely changing the way they look. She creates new ideas and draws inspiration from a lot of artists based in the UK and Europe. Their effortless glam and technique is what has shaped Dani’s makeup style. She continues to grow as an artist and hopes to continue to build her network of clients. Dani has glammed up some of your favorite influencers and celebrities including Natalie Noel, Lea Michelle, Emily Lind, and Lauren Wolfe. 

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Samantha Holender
Senior Beauty Editor

Samantha Holender is the Senior Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she reports on the best new launches, dives into the science behind skincare, and shares the breakdown on the latest and greatest trends in the beauty space. She's studied up on every ingredient you'll find on INCI list and is constantly in search of the world's glowiest makeup products. She's constantly tracking the biggest nail and hair trends to pop up in the beauty space, going backstage during fashion weeks, tracking celebrity looks, and constantly talking to celebrity hair stylists, nail artists, and makeup artists. Prior to joining the team, she worked as Us Weekly’s Beauty and Style Editor, where she stayed on the pulse of pop culture and broke down celebrity beauty routines, hair transformations, and red carpet looks. Her words have also appeared on Popsugar, Makeup.com, Skincare.com, Delish.com, and Philadelphia Wedding. Samantha also serves as a board member for the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME). She first joined the organization in 2018, when she worked as an editorial intern at Food Network Magazine and Pioneer Woman Magazine. Samantha has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from The George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs. While at GWU, she was a founding member of the school’s HerCampus chapter and served as its President for four years. When she’s not deep in the beauty closet or swatching eyeshadows, you can find her obsessing over Real Housewives and all things Bravo. Keep up with her on Instagram @samholender.