Color Correcting Concealer 101: Purple, Green, Pink & Yellow Concealer
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Thinking of getting a color correcting concealer? If you’ve only been using skin-colored concealers, you might find the idea of putting bright colors on your face intimidating.
However, color correcting concealers can be a saving grace, especially when your usual foundation-and-concealer combo doesn’t seem to be doing the trick.
Whether it’s dark circles or redness due to hormonal acne, color correcting concealers will neutralize unwanted tones to give you a flawless complexion.
You can even use different colors of concealer to highlight areas of your face. This can accentuate your favorite features and help you create more detailed makeup looks.
So if you want to learn more about color correcting concealers and why they deserve to be a staple in your makeup kit, keep on reading!
Table of Contents
What Is a Color Correcting Concealer?
We’ve all had days when our foundation and concealer can’t seem to give us the complexion we want. We continue to pack on product, layer after layer, to no avail. In the end, we’re left with nothing but a cakey mess.
This is where color correcting concealers come in handy.
A color correcting concealer helps neutralize imperfections on the skin. This includes redness, acne scars, sallowness or dullness, sunspots, and dark circles under the eyes.
It helps address deep pigmentation that a skin-toned concealer can’t cover.
Corrective Concealer Colors
There are many different colors of concealer, including green, peach, pink, purple, and yellow. You won’t need all of them, only the ones that will help counteract your current skin concerns.
But how do you know which color to use? Well, just use color theory!
Color Wheel Infographic
According to color theory, those on opposing sides of the color wheel will cancel each other out. You can use the color wheel to identify the colors that can neutralize the unwanted tones on your face.
So if you’re dealing with redness due to acne or rosacea, you can use a green color corrector concealer.
Meanwhile, a peach or salmon color corrector is ideal for minimizing the appearance of dark undereye circles.
You might be shocked at the thought of having these different colors on your face. However, the goal of color correcting is to create a neutral canvas.
This allows your foundation and skin-tone concealer to do their job, which is to give you a flawless complexion.
What Are the Different Color Concealers For?
If you want to learn more about the different concealer colors and their uses, here’s a deeper look into each color.
Green Concealer Uses
Green is used to neutralize redness. It’s one of the most popular corrective concealer colors since we all deal with redness from acne or allergies from time to time.
Redness may also be a chronic concern for those with conditions like rosacea or eczema.
A sheer green liquid concealer may be enough for minor spots or blemishes. If you want full coverage, opt for a green cream-based concealer.
Peach and Salmon Concealer Uses
What is peach concealer used for? A peach concealer helps counteract the blue and purple hues found in undereye circles. It can also neutralize dark spots caused by sun damage or facial aging.
Peach concealers are best for those with lighter skin tones. It may not provide enough coverage for those with deeper complexions. Instead, choose a salmon or red-orange color corrector to cover dark circles and hyperpigmentation.
Pink Concealer Uses
What does pink concealer do? Based on the color wheel, pink helps neutralize yellow and mild green tones.
Pink concealer is a great solution for brightening dull or sallow skin, especially for those with olive skin.
Due to its brightening effect, pink concealer can also be used to highlight your cheekbones or the inner corners of the eyes.
Purple and Lavender Concealer Uses
What does purple color corrector do? It neutralizes yellow and orange hues on the face. Those with yellow undertones can use purple concealers to cancel out blemishes and other skin imperfections.
Keep in mind that there are many shades of purple to choose from, so you can pick one that goes with your skin color. For instance, you can choose a lavender or lilac color corrector if you have a lighter skin tone.
Interestingly, a purple color corrector can also correct self-tanning mistakes. So if you have overly yellow or orange skin, you can choose to go with a deeper shade of purple or get a blue color corrector.
Yellow Concealer Uses
What is yellow correcting concealer for? This concealer will help correct unwanted pink or mild red hues on the face. It’s good for dealing with minor skin sensitivities or minimizing the appearance of broken capillaries.
If you notice pink tones in your undereye circles, go for a yellow-based concealer to help conceal and brighten the area. You can also use yellow correctors to cancel out redness around the mouth and nose areas.
What Color Correcting Concealer Should I Use?
Now that you have a good understanding of color theory, you’ll be able to determine which corrective concealer colors neutralize specific unwanted tones.
For instance, what concealer covers redness? Green concealer. What color cancels out overly yellow tones? Purple concealer. What concealer brightens dull skin? Pink concealer.
To ensure the effectiveness of color correcting concealers, though, you need to find the right shades and consistencies for your specific skin tone and needs.
A good rule of thumb is to stick to lighter shades of color correctors if you have a light complexion. Anything darker will be too much and peek through the skin.
If you have a richer complexion, darker shades have the pigmentation to cover dark spots and neutralize unwanted tones.
But no matter what skin tone you have, it’s best to use color correcting concealers sparingly.
You only need a small amount of product to address discoloration or pigmentation. Once these tones are neutralized, it’s time to let your foundation and other base products shine.
You’ll be able to get the right coverage from your foundation, which helps create a flawless complexion.
Best Color Corrector Concealers for Every Skin Concern
Are you ready to join the color correcting beauty trend? Here are the best color correcting concealers for every skin concern.
There’s no doubt that this E.L.F. Camo Color Corrector in Green eliminates all redness.
Key benefits: Full-coverage finish; lightweight and hydrating formula; vegan and cruelty-free
Features:
- Effectively camouflages the red tones in your skin
- Infused with hyaluronic acid and rose water to boost hydration
- Satin finish that works well underneath foundation and concealer
By camouflaging redness, this color correcting concealer enhances your complexion.
You can always trust E.L.F. products to deliver on its claims. The Camo Corrector Concealer in Green is no different. It cancels out red tones to create a neutral canvas.
This lightweight color correcting concealer wears flawlessly under foundation and concealer. Even with full-coverage finish, it won’t cause your makeup to cake or crease.
For a long-lasting base product, you’ll be pleased to know that this does not contain parabens, phthalates, triclosan, and other harmful chemicals.
Thanks to this pink color corrector from Maybelline, you'll look brighter and more refreshed.
Key benefits: Crease-resistant formula; lasts up to 12 hours wear; vegan and non-comedogenic
Features:
- Pink color corrector minimizes dark circles and brightens under-eye area
- Infused with Haloxyl to help reduce undereye puffiness
- Sponge tip allows for convenient application
You can count on this multipurpose concealer to hydrate, correct, and conceal.
The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser is popular for addressing dark undereye circles. With this pink color corrector, you not only minimize the appearance of dark circles, but it also helps brighten your overall complexion.
It has a lightweight, creamy formula that applies smoothly to your undereye area. You don’t need a lot of products to achieve full coverage. As such, it wears beautifully and prevents creasing throughout the day.
Say goodbye to dark circles with this salmon color correcting concealer.
Key benefits: Smooth and creamy texture; full coverage; matte finish; anti-aging benefits
Features:
- Salmon color corrector to reduce dark circles and pigmentation on the skin
- Infused with Norwegian salmon oil and roe to nourish the skin
- Creamy texture blends easily and creates a soft finish
This salmon concealer also addresses fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful appearance.
The SkinFood Salmon Dark Circle Concealer Cream can help reduce the appearance of dark circles under your eyes and dark spots on other areas of your face. It has full coverage, so you can get by even without foundation.
More than that, this creamy pot concealer also functions as a skincare product. It is infused with omega-3 fatty acids and other vitamins that help deliver a wide range of antiaging benefits. This includes reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
The salmon color corrector also applies smoothly on the skin and leaves a soft, matte finish.
This lavender concealer corrects and covers imperfections for a flawless finish.
Key benefits: Lightweight formula; buildable up to medium coverage; vegan and cruelty-free
Features:
- Counteracts yellow tones and helps conceal skin imperfections
- Infused with coconut oil, glycerin, and emollients
- Suitable for all skin types
With this color correcting concealer, you’ll be able to maximize your makeup looks.
The NYX Professional Makeup HD Studio Photogenic Concealer Want in Lavender is infused with emollients to create a smooth and creamy texture.
It allows you to build up the product to achieve medium coverage. Plus, it’s more than enough to counteract yellow tones in your skin.
As this lavender color corrector reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation and other skin imperfections, you can create more naturally flawless makeup looks.
This orange-red color corrector will neutralize even the darkest spots.
Key benefits: Ultra-creamy texture; color correcting and brightening effect; buildable formula; hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
Features:
- Packed with hyaluronic acid, squalane, vitamins C & E to nourish the skin
- Crayon packaging is easy to use while on the go
- 4-in-1 product; can also be used on the eyes, cheeks, and lips
Not only is this a fantastic color corrector, but it also functions as a multi-purpose makeup stick.
The Live Tinted Huestick Corrector in Origin has excellent coverage. So if you’re dealing with deep skin discoloration, don’t hesitate to get this product!
It can conceal dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and blue-purple tones of veins or bruises. The high pigmentation also makes it suitable for darker complexions.
With an ultra-creamy texture, this orange-red color corrector blends smoothly on the skin. The natural pigments also add a brightening effect.
The L.A. Girl Pro Conceal Set will neutralize redness, dark circles, and hyperpigmentation.
Key benefits: Long-lasting and crease-resistant formula; cruelty-free and fragrance-free
Features:
- Lightweight and creamy texture creates a natural, barely-there finish
- Brush tip allows for easy application
- Suitable for all skin types
With this color correcting concealer set, you get great value and quality.
The L.A. Girl Pro Conceal Set includes a green corrector for redness, a yellow corrector to brighten under-eye circles, and an orange corrector to neutralize hyperpigmentation.
The color correcting concealers provide adequate coverage but still feel light on the skin. It also won’t crease under your foundation. As such, you can achieve a flawless complexion that lasts the entire day.
Best of all, these high-quality color correcting concealers won’t break the bank. With this set, you’ll also be able to master how to use yellow color correctors, green color correctors, and orange color correctors,
With just one product, you can already address all your color correcting needs.
Key benefits: Includes six color correctors; creamy and buildable formula; cruelty-free
Features:
- Includes yellow, green, purple, peach, and brownish-orange color correctors
- Highly pigmented formula gives good color payoff
- Buildable consistency so you can achieve a full-coverage finish
It’s no surprise that the NYX Color Correcting Palette has become a staple for many makeup lovers.
The NYX Professional Makeup Color Correcting Concealer Palette features six shades that will help address a wide range of skin concerns. Whether it’s redness, dark circles, or dullness, this palette has you covered.
The color correcting concealers are creamy, highly pigmented, and buildable. This allows you to create custom shades that perfectly match your skin tone.
They can blend seamlessly and wear well under your foundation and other makeup products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Color Correcting Better Than Concealer?
The answer depends on what your concerns are. Do you need to cover and hide flaws? Then you need a concealer. Do you need to neutralize uneven colors? Then you need a color corrector concealer.
Check out the table below to learn more about the differences between these two:
| Color Corrector Concealer | Concealer | |
|---|---|---|
| Shades | Shades are designed to neutralize colors so these come in yellow, peach, purple, green, and pink | Come in different shades but shades are designed based on skin tone |
| Purpose | Neutralizes skin discoloration like redness, dullness, hyperpigmentation, and dark skin | Covers dark circles, blemishes, acne, and can also be used as highlighter |
It’s not necessary to use both, but it won’t be harmful if you do, especially if you’re aiming for a flawless look.
Is Concealer Before or After Foundation?
The rule of thumb is to apply foundation first. Once the foundation is smooth and set, you can apply the concealer on top of it.
It’s crucial to ensure that the foundation has set because once you apply concealer, it might move the foundation under it.
What about color correcting concealers? With this, you have to apply them before the foundation. This is because they have to do their magic on the skin first before the foundation goes on.
Do You Put Primer or Color Corrector First?
Always apply primer first before applying a color corrector. The primer gives the skin a smooth base to work with.
Using Color Correcting Concealers to Achieve a Flawless Complexion
There’s nothing wrong with having redness, dark circles, or discoloration. We all have skin imperfections; it’s normal!
However, with color correcting concealers, we can neutralize unwanted tones to create a flawless base. This not only allows us to maximize the effect of our makeup products but also allows us to let our true beauty shine.
For many of us, this is the true essence of makeup. Plus, it’s also about having fun. A smooth makeup base also gives us more freedom to experiment and create a wide range of looks, from natural “no makeup” makeup to full-glam looks.
So now that you know all about color correcting concealers and their uses, it’s time to put your color theory knowledge to good use!
Want to Learn More About Creating A Flawless Base?
Check out these articles:
- How To Find Your Concealer Shade In 5 Easy Steps
- 9 Best Korean Concealers For A Flawless Complexion
- 12 Best Water Based Primers