The Best Color Correctors of 2024
Color correctors are specifically designed to help neutralize discoloration in your skin before applying concealer or foundation. They can balance out your skin tone or conceal redness, discoloration, or dark circles. Color correctors are great for “no-makeup” makeup looks and can even be used on their own. We reviewed several of the best color correctors and considered factors like coverage level, buildability, and color variety. The NYX Professional Makeup Color Corrector takes the top spot because of its color variety, buildable formula, and highly pigmented colors.
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Best Overall
NYX Professional Makeup Color Corrector
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Best for Dry Skin
Stila Color Corrector
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Most Budget-friendly
Wet N Wild Color Corrector
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Ideal for Acne-prone Skin
L’Oréal Paris Color Corrector
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Most Versatile
L.A. Girl Color Corrector
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The Best Color Corrector Buying Guide
Color correctors are the unsung heroes of the beauty world. With just a swipe, they can cover dark circles, redness, and sallowness. To help you choose which color corrector is right for you, we’ve put together this buying guide of things to remember and tips on using color correctors!
Things to Consider Before Buying Color Correctors
Skin Problems
Before buying a color corrector, think about what you’re trying to conceal/correct. Do you have acne scarring? Dark circles? Sunspots? Freckles? Redness? Identifying these things will directly correlate with the specific color corrector that’ll work for you.
The Formula
You’ll want to look for a creamy and blendable formula. Ideally, it should also be formulated without fragrances, which can irritate sensitive skin types. For dry or mature skin, look for a hydrating formula with added emollients like shea butter or jojoba oil. If you have oily skin, opt for an oil-free option instead.
What do the different color corrector colors mean?
Different types of color correctors are designed around the principles of color theory. Complementary or opposite colors neutralize each other. This is called hue cancellation, and it applies to makeup as well as the art world! Here's a basic breakdown of what each color in color correction typically addresses:
- Red/Pink: Pink or red correctors are beneficial for brightening dull skin and adding a healthy glow. They're also suitable for neutralizing greenish tones in the skin.
- Orange/Peach: Peach or orange correctors are ideal for neutralizing dark spots on the skin and dark circles under the eyes, especially for individuals with blue or purple-toned under-eye circles. They can also help brighten up dull or sallow skin.
- Yellow: Yellow correctors are versatile and can help neutralize purple or blue undertones in the skin. They're suitable for concealing bruises, veins, or mild under-eye circles.
- Green: Green color correctors counteract redness in the skin. They're effective for reducing the appearance of blemishes, rosacea, or any other redness-related skin concerns.
- Blue: Blue color correctors are great for mixing with foundations that are too warm. Mixing them together can neutralize the foundation color or make it cool-toned.
- Purple/Lavender: Lavender or purple correctors counteract yellow tones in the skin, making them particularly effective for brightening up dull or sallow complexions.
Tips for Using a Color Corrector
Color correctors are a miracle product for many people, but they can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing. Here are some tips for using and making the most of color correctors:
- Don’t apply the color corrector in broad strokes across your face. This will cause uneven coverage and may worsen the problem. Instead, apply it in thin layers and build until you get the coverage you want. Color correctors are designed to be buildable, so add a small amount of coverage until you get your desired coverage!
- Always apply primer before applying a color corrector to achieve more even coverage and improve the product’s staying power.
- Try applying the color corrector only where needed. For example, if you have acne scars on your cheeks but no blemishes on your forehead, concentrate on covering those areas instead of applying them all over your face. If you apply too much color correction, you may change your foundation color entirely rather than covering the problem areas.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades. They’re usually labeled “for redness” or “for dark spots,” but they may also work well on other types of problems.
Comparing the Best Color Correctors of 2024
NYX Professional Makeup Color Corrector
Pros
- Non-greasy, lightweight formula
- Optimal coverage with minimal effort
- Smooth, mess-free application
- Works with different skin tones
Cons
- Doesn't come with an applicator
The NYX Professional Makeup color corrector is an excellent option for both amateurs just starting out or professionals looking to add to their arsenal. Featuring six colors, this game-changing palette is formulated to conceal a wide range of skin imperfections, including acne scars, sun spots and dark circles, while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The range of shades also allows you to customize your look by blending them together to create a one-of-a-kind color.
This product’s correctors have a smooth, creamy formula, making it easy to apply and blend for optimal coverage. Thanks to the matte finish, it won't leave you feeling greasy or shiny, making it perfect for everyday wear. Even better, it’s free from harmful chemicals like parabens and sulfates, so you don’t have to worry about breakouts or allergic reactions either. PETA-certified and cruelty-free, this product is sure to meet the ethical standards of any conscious consumer.
Stila Color Corrector
Pros
- Conceals redness and dark circles
- Moisturizes and brightens skin
- Three colors in one
- Ideal for aging skin
Cons
- Must be used with a foundation or concealer
The Stila One-Step color corrector is a revolutionary product that can help tackle your skin issues in one easy step. Formulated with 15 skin-nourishing vitamins and minerals, this triple-swirled helix serum can prime the skin for makeup application while adding some needed hydration. It also color-corrects discoloration and dark spots on the face with three blended colors for a more even complexion without sacrificing its natural brightness.
This color corrector features a silky, blendable texture that delivers a sheer wash of color to neutralize unsightly marks, so you don’t have to worry about it settling into fine lines or emphasizing your skin’s texture. This one-step color corrector features a convenient pump that makes it easy to use without spilling, making it a great choice for those who travel frequently. The formula is also paraben-free and cruelty-free, so you can feel good about using this product every day.
Wet N Wild Color Corrector
Pros
- Hydrating, lightweight formula
- Evens out skin tone and hides pores
- Provides medium to full coverage
- Available in two colors
Cons
- May not be suitable for oily skin
Say goodbye to dark circles, blemishes, redness and fine lines with the Wet N Wild color corrector. This pick is infused with shea butter and Vitamin C that help hydrate and brighten skin for an instantly perfect complexion. Available in green and yellow shades, this product helps neutralize red tones while covering blemishes and dark circles.
Inspired by Korean makeup trends, this product can be used as a standalone makeup product to nourish skin or as a primer to mask any unwanted pigmentation or redness on the skin before applying your foundation, concealer and powder. After its applied, it leaves a crystal finish to give you a gorgeous, Korean glass-skin effect that’s become pretty trendy over the years. With its cruelty-free formula and powerful ingredients, this product is a must-have for anyone who wants to achieve flawless skin with minimal effort.
L’Oréal Paris Color Corrector
Pros
- Works with many skin tones
- Buildable coverage
- Comes with an applicator sponge
- Can be used to contour
Cons
- May not work for dryer skin
If you're looking for a high-performance color corrector that provides results while being gentle on your skin, then L’Oreal Paris color corrector is exactly what you need. Designed with convenience in mind, this all-in-one palette contains a multitude of colors and shades to even out the complexion. You can use the peach one to help disguise dark circles, the yellow to combat discoloration, the green to neutralize redness and the purple to brighten skin tone.
Most importantly, these shades work across all skin tones and feature a buildable formula that allows you to layer up for more coverage or apply lightly for a sheer look. Their creamy, ultra-blendable consistency allows you to seamlessly blend to conceal discoloration, so you don’t have to worry about your makeup looking cakey or flaky. As a bonus, this color-correcting palette comes with a convenient applicator sponge, making it easier than ever to touch up your look on the go.
L.A. Girl Color Corrector
Pros
- Very large shade & hue range
- Extremely pigmented
- Blendable and buildable with other liquid products
Cons
- May crease if layered heavily with powder
The L.A. Girl Pro Conceal Color Corrector has a creamy yet lightweight formula that effortlessly evens skin tone, creating a flawless canvas for makeup application. It can easily camouflage the appearance of various skin imperfections, from blemishes to redness. One of its standout features is its remarkable capacity to cover dark circles, making you look well-rested and refreshed.
This color corrector is insanely pigmented and provides opaque, buildable coverage but with natural results. If you want a flawless finish throughout the day, this is the color corrector for you!
People Also Ask
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Q: Can I use a color corrector without a foundation?
A:It depends on what type of coverage you’re looking for. If you just want to lighten your skin tone, then yes. But, if you have dark under-eye circles or blemishes or use a heavier product, you’ll probably need a foundation or concealer to cover them up completely.
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Q: Can I use my colored lipsticks as a color corrector?
A:While some products can be used all over the face, most lipsticks contain thick waxes, dyes and other ingredients that don’t play nicely with your skin. They can also be very drying and accentuate flakiness and fine lines/wrinkles on top of your makeup.
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Q: How do I blend my color corrector?
A:To blend your color corrector, you can use a brush, a beauty blender, or your fingers. If you’re using a brush, lightly dab the product onto your skin in small circles until it’s blended. If you use a beauty blender or fingers, pat the product onto your skin and blend with light strokes.
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Q: What’s the difference between a color corrector and a concealer?
A:Color correctors are designed specifically for correcting hyperpigmentation issues like dark circles, acne scars and redness by using a shade opposite on the color wheel to cancel them out. On the other hand, concealers are usually used to hide blemishes or dark circles under the eyes by using a color that matches or closely matches your natural skin tone.
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Q: Should I set my color correctors with powder after applying them?
A:It depends on the formula of your color corrector. Some formulas are thickly-pigmented and require a setting with powder to ensure that they don’t crease throughout the day. Other formulas are much more lightweight, so you can apply them without using a powder afterward.
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Q: Should I use a primer before applying the color corrector?
A:Yes, you should definitely use a primer before applying the color corrector. Primer will help to even out your skin tone and prep the skin, making it easier to apply the corrector without streaks or patches of color showing through.
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Q: Why is my color corrector looking patchy?
A:This can be a problem when your skin is oily or dry, but there are ways to fix it. First, blot off excess oil with a tissue or blotting paper to help keep your color corrector in place and prevent it from looking patchy. You can also try setting powder on top of the color corrector to help it last longer. Applying a moisturizer and primer (don’t forget the SPF!) under your makeup for a smoother base is also a good idea. If you’re still experiencing a lack of coverage, try applying the color corrector differently with sponges, brushes, or even your fingers to find which works best.
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