Color correctors are one of those beauty products that can make it easy to even out your skin tone and hide imperfections. You can use them to cover up dark circles, get rid of redness, and brighten up dark spots. And because variations in your skin tone, like hyperpigmentation or redness, can't always be fixed with just a foundation and concealer, having a color corrector at your disposal is essential. Moreover, knowing which color corrector to use and how to apply it is even more critical for achieving an even-toned appearance. That’s why we’re here to help. Ahead, we'll guide you through everything you need to know about color correcting, from how to use it to which products are best.
How To Select And Use A Color Corrector
Color correctors are based on color theory, which means knowing how colors work together is crucial in achieving a flawless base. To choose the right color corrector, you need to look at a color wheel and select the opposite color of the unwanted tones you want to cancel out. For example, green is the opposite of red on the color wheel, so if you have redness caused by sunburn, rosacea, or blemishes, using a green color corrector will help you neutralize the redness. Similarly, if you have hyperpigmentation, you should use peach or yellow color correctors, which are the opposite of purple and blue on the color wheel, to cancel out dark circles or dark spots.
APPLICATION TIP: When applying a color corrector, use only a small amount of the product and blend it thinly over the areas where you need it with a makeup sponge, like a beauty blender.
How We Found The Best Drugstore Color Correcting Products
To help you find the perfect color corrector without breaking the bank, we put our algorithm to the test and identified the best drugstore color correctors. Our list includes 10 products in different formulas and colors, including green to neutralize redness, peach to hide dark circles, yellow to help with discoloration, and purple to brighten. We also used our data-powered algorithm that ranks products based on a range of data, including industry recommendations and user reviews. That way you know you're only shopping among the best of the best. So, go ahead and pick the color corrector that fits your beauty needs and officially be on your way to a more even-toned and flawless complexion.
November 2, 2023
Written By:Naomi Venerable
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Neutrogena Clear Coverage CC Compact
Overall Score
3.95
10
Neutrogena Clear Coverage CC Compact
4.1
672 User Reviews
2.9
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Color Corrector For Oily Skin
BEST FOR
Oily skin? This mattifying powder will be an excellent option to help keep shine at bay throughout the day.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This CC compact is oil-, fragrance-, paraben-, and phthalate-free and non-comedogenic, which means it won't clog pores.
Maybelline New York Master Camo Color Correcting Pen
Overall Score
4.2
09
Maybelline New York Master Camo Color Correcting Pen
4
4843 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Color Correcting Pen
WHO IT'S FOR
This color-correcting pen is a great option for beginners thanks to the precision applicator that allows you to effortlessly blend the concealer out so you have a base primed and ready for flawless coverage.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
The brush applicator tip makes application a breeze and allows you to blend with exact precision.
More Colors
NYX Professional Makeup Color Correcting Palette
Overall Score
4.25
08
NYX Professional Makeup Color Correcting Palette
4.2
23676 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Color Correcting Palette
WHO IT'S FOR
This is the perfect palette for anyone in need of multiple color-correcting shades.
USER REVIEW
"I love the coverage and pigment of this palette... It blended nicely yet still diminished my red spots and dark spots. Not to mention I didn't feel it being too greasy or heavy. And for the price I couldn't ask for more."
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick
Overall Score
4.3
07
Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick
4.27
4756 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Color Corrector For Dark Circles
WHO IT'S FOR
Those with dark under eye circles will appreciate having this concealer stick in their beauty arsenal. The yellow in this concealer optically cancels out any trace of bluish imperfections.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This concealer also works well in covering bruises and in creating an overall more even-toned appearance.
More Colors
Cruelty Free
L'Oreal Paris Infallible Total Cover Color Correcting Kit
Overall Score
4.3
06
L'Oreal Paris Infallible Total Cover Color Correcting Kit
4.29
3489 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Color Correcting Kit
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Reviewers love this color correcting kit for its smooth, pigmented coverage.
HELPFUL TIP
Peach covers up dark circles, yellow combats discoloration, green neutralizes redness, and purple brightens dullness.
Pixi By Petra Correction Concentrate Brightening Peach
Overall Score
4.3
05
Pixi By Petra Correction Concentrate Brightening Peach
4.4
1593 User Reviews
3.2
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Brightening Drugstore Color Corrector
WHO IT'S FOR
If you have under-eye bags, this brightening corrector has been known to completely erase dark circles and brighten up the under-eye area.
USER REVIEW
"I have super dark circles from my Eastern European heritage and being a mom to three boys and NOTHING has been able to really cover them. My friend who’s an esthetician and professional makeup artist recommended this. I decided to try it and it was like magic! It covered my dark circles and stayed on all day! I’ve been using it for a few days now and I am so so grateful I got this!"
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
E.l.f. Cosmetics Camo Color Corrector
Overall Score
4.5
04
E.l.f. Cosmetics Camo Color Corrector
4.3
82955 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Color Corrector For Dry Skin
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
The Camo Color Corrector is a lightweight formula that provides full coverage, which makes it an easy task to cover redness, blemishes, dark spots, and discoloration with every application.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
E.l.f's Camo Color Correctors come in a wide range of shades so it works well on all skin tones. Plus, it's formulated with hyaluronic acid to give your skin the dose of hydration for long-wearing coverage that doesn't cake or crease.
More Colors
Cruelty Free
Maybelline New York Cover Stick Concealer
Overall Score
4.5
03
Maybelline New York Cover Stick Concealer
4.37
10366 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Color Correcting Stick
USER REVIEW
"It was so smooth and easy to apply; you will be proud of the flawless finish. I apply a few dots after my foundation with only a slight amount of blending to do at all. It also works wonders on scars. I have never had to re-apply. Easy to apply, easy to remove, and easy on the wallet."
LOVED FOR
This highly pigmented formula is super travel-friendly and easy to apply.
More Colors
NYX Professional Makeup HD Studio Photogenic Concealer Wand
Overall Score
4.55
02
NYX Professional Makeup HD Studio Photogenic Concealer Wand
4.28
56037 User Reviews
6.3
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Color Correcting Concealer
THINGS TO KNOW
This concealer wand has almost 30,000 reviews on Amazon. Just saying.
USER REVIEW
"I would say this product is good for almost everyone because I have rosacea and very sensitive skin that is porcelain in color. I would recommend this brand and product for any age group or any skin type."
More Colors
Cruelty Free
L.A. Girl HD Pro Corrector Concealer
Overall Score
4.65
01
L.A. Girl HD Pro Corrector Concealer
4.29
51148 User Reviews
6.3
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Color Corrector Overall
WHY YOU NEED IT
This correcting concealer is lightweight and provides buildable coverage, so you can conceal as little or as much as you would like.
USER REVIEW
"I use the green concealer to correct redness. A little goes a long way with this product, which means it will last a while. I have tried many green color correcting products and this is the only one to actually completely hide redness."
More Colors
Cruelty Free
The Latest
From Our Partners