22 Of The Best Colour Correctors For Redness, Pigmentation ... - ELLE

If you find your foundation or tinted moisturiser isn't quite delivering on its skin-evening promises, perhaps it's time to try incorporating a colour corrector. They might look daunting at first glance, but a green, purple or peach-tinted cream is useful if you're experiencing hyperpigmentation or dark circles. There are also more nuanced hues to help bring out the best in your complexion.

The best colour correctors to try

• Best for multi-use: MAC Studio Fix Conceal and Correct Palette, £32
• Best for dullness: Erborian CC Dull Correct, £42
• Best for sheer base: Lumene CC Colour Correcting Creme SPF20, £19.90
• Best for redness: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Colour Correcting Treatment, £19.50
• Best for targeted areas: Jones Road The Neutraliser Pencil, £24

What is a colour corrector and how does it work?

Make-up artist Belinda Chatterton believes these pigmented concealers to be seriously underrated: 'Colour correcting is a really effective way to balance out discolouration on your skin,' she says. 'By using the opposite colour on the colour wheel you can neutralise things like redness, sallowness and dark circles.'

Working on the principles of colour theory, these pastel shades of concealer neutralise unwanted tones in the skin, rather than simply sitting on top of them. They’ll work on pigmentation, redness caused by rosacea or sensitivity, dark circles and even those stubborn lingering acne scars: all you need to do is choose the right hue.

How to find the right colour corrector

When it comes to under-eye bags, the aim is to brighten those grey tones that show through the skin. 'Peach brightens and cancels out darkness and is especially effective under your eyes,' says Chatterton. Deeper reddish tones will help with darker complexions. With thread veins, spots and acne scars, the aim is to balance out the warm red tones. 'Green is great at neutralising the red in blemishes, rosacea or irritated skin, and purple will brighten and disguise any sallowness or yellowness in your skin,' advises Chatterton.

How to use a colour corrector

Always use sparingly. A tiny amount applied only where needed will do the job, as an overzealous application will leave a dull, chalky result.

Rather than replacing your concealer or foundation, your corrector should work alongside it: apply the corrector before the concealer, blend and give it a few seconds to set before using your skin base.

Who would a colour corrector benefit?

Concealers and foundations formulas have never been better at delivering stellar results, but if you're someone who has very dark circles or experience red patches from sensitivity, acne, or rosacea, a small amount of corrector can help to counteract that colour imbalance. It simply creates a more even canvas before your concealer or base goes on. You'll find that make-up artists often use correctors for runway shows, photoshoots and weddings to achieve a more perfected finish.

How we test colour correctors

Colour correctors should be seamless to blend, so an elegantly-formulated texture is key. We also look at the colour pigments, how it works with various skin tones and whether or not it truly tackles uneven colour tones.

The Best Colour Correctors For Masking Redness and Dark Circles