Hard truth: Not everything can be fixed with a swipe of foundation or concealer. Changes in your skin’s appearance—like hyperpigmentation or redness—can be caused by everything from stress to sun exposure, and for that reason, having a color corrector at your disposal is essential. Color correctors make it easy to even out your skin tone and hide blemishes. They’re often used before applying foundation to help cover up dark circles, get rid of redness, and brighten up dark spots.
Before diving into the world of color correctors, it’s important to understand how different shades work and which one will be best for your skin’s challenges. Ahead, we'll guide you through everything you need to know about color correcting, including which products on the market are the best and how to use them.
How To Select And Use A Color Corrector
• Color correctors are based on color theory. To choose the right color corrector, 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 a sunburn, rosacea, or blemishes, using a green color corrector will help you neutralize the redness.
• Alternatively, if you have hyperpigmentation or dark spots, you should use a peach or yellow color corrector as those shades are the opposite of purple and blue on the color wheel.
• Keep the color wheel rule in mind, and when applying a color corrector, use only a small amount of the product on the area you’d like to conceal and blend it with a makeup sponge or your fingertips.
How We Found The Best Drugstore Color Correcting Products
To help you find the perfect color corrector, we used our data-driven ranking algorithm. This tool factors in a range of data points (including industry recommendations and user reviews) when determining which products are the best of their kind. Ahead, shop our algorithm’s top picks for the best color correctors, and hopefully, find one that helps you achieve a more even-toned and flawless complexion.
December 5, 2024
Written By:Sierra Rogers
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
LATORICE One Step Color Corrector
Overall Score
4.2
10
LATORICE One Step Color Corrector
4.2
3162 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
3
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 Primer
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
The One Step Color Corrector does what it says—with just a pump or two of this primer, the appearance of dark spots and blemishes will fade. The best part, though, is the 15 vitamins and minerals packed into its formula.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"Somehow, this magically primes the skin better than other primers I own. Nothing interacts badly with it and it improves the look and extends the life of whatever I put over it."
Cruelty Free
L'Oreal Paris Infallible Total Cover Color Correcting Kit
Overall Score
4.2
09
L'Oreal Paris Infallible Total Cover Color Correcting Kit
4.3
3287 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
3
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. The four shades included in the palette help conceal several kinds of flaws. According to Amazon shoppers, it's an especially good pick for those with acne.
HELPFUL TIP
Unsure how to use this color-correcting kit? Here’s your guide: Peach conceals dark circles, yellow reduces discoloration, green neutralizes redness, and purple brightens dull skin.
Neutrogena Clear Coverage Color Correcting Lightweight Face Concealer
Overall Score
4.2
08
Neutrogena Clear Coverage Color Correcting Lightweight Face Concealer
4.33
1786 User Reviews
3.2
Best Seller
3
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 Acne-Prone Skin
WHAT TO KNOW
Goodbye, blotchiness; Neutrogena's Clear Coverage Color Correcting Concealer is here to smooth things over. Whether it's an acne scar or a patch of irritation, the green shade of this color corrector will help you put your best face forward.
HELPFUL TIP
This product goes on thick, so a little goes a long way. Dot a little over a blemish to start, then use a sponge or your finger tips to gently blend.
More Colors
Maybelline New York Cover Stick Concealer
Overall Score
4.2
07
Maybelline New York Cover Stick Concealer
4.35
4839 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
3
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 Stick
WHAT TO KNOW
Because it's a stick, this concealer is travel-friendly and easy to apply.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"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."
More Colors
Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick
Overall Score
4.25
06
Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick
4.19
5091 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 Sensitive Skin
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Those with dark under-eye circles will appreciate having this concealer stick in their beauty arsenal. The yellow tinge to this concealer cancels out any trace of bluish imperfections.
MORE DETAILS
This concealer helps create an overall more even-toned appearance. You can use it alone or layer it under makeup.
More Colors
Cruelty Free
NYX Professional Makeup Color Correcting Palette
Overall Score
4.25
05
NYX Professional Makeup Color Correcting Palette
4.2
25939 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 Palette
THINGS TO KNOW
This is the perfect palette for anyone in need of multiple color-correcting shades. Plus, if you try it and love it, it's available in standard contour shades for skin tones ranging from light to dark.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"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
NYX Professional Makeup HD Studio Photogenic Concealer Wand
Overall Score
4.45
04
NYX Professional Makeup HD Studio Photogenic Concealer Wand
4.3
88181 User Reviews
5
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 Concealer
THINGS TO KNOW
This concealer wand has over 50,000 5-star reviews on Amazon. It's an affordable option that offers blendable coverage. Not to mention, you can pick it up in over 20 different shades.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"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
E.l.f. Cosmetics Camo Color Corrector
Overall Score
4.55
03
E.l.f. Cosmetics Camo Color Corrector
4.23
9520 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
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 has a lightweight formula that provides long-lasting, full coverage, making it a great everyday option for covering redness, blemishes, dark spots, and discoloration.
MORE DETAILS
Good news: e.l.f's Camo Color Corrector is available in a wide range of shades to accommodate various skin tones. Plus, it's formulated with hyaluronic acid to give your skin a healthy dose of hydration.
More Colors
Cruelty Free
NYX Professional Makeup Pro Fix Stick Color Correcting Concealer
Overall Score
4.55
02
NYX Professional Makeup Pro Fix Stick Color Correcting Concealer
4.3
3838 User Reviews
5
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 Corrector For Full Coverage
WHAT TO KNOW
NYX is pretty reliable, so it's no surprise to see the brand's Pro Fix Color Correcting Concealer on our list. With 24 shades to choose from, there's a version of this color corrector for everyone.
MORE DETAILS
This concealer stick promises up to 12 hours of coverage. It's a top pick for travel too; the creamy formula guarantees you won't experience dryness or dragging and makes it easy to blend on the go.
More Colors
Cruelty Free
L.A. Girl HD Pro Corrector Concealer
Overall Score
4.65
01
L.A. Girl HD Pro Corrector Concealer
4.3
54260 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
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 Corrector Overall
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
This correcting concealer is lightweight and provides buildable coverage, so you can conceal as little or as much as you would like.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"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 that completely hides redness."
More Colors
Cruelty Free
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