Best Colour Correctors: How To Conceal Redness And Dark Circles

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4 min read

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Concealers are great, but if you want to say so long to redness, dark circles and sallow tones for good – it’s time you got acquainted with the MUA-approved technique of colour correcting. 

Beauty is, of course, subjective and while we’re all for embracing our own unique skin type, texture and tone, we’re also here for those days when you want to use make-up to help boost your confidence in any way you can. And if you’ve ever tried to conceal a blemish before, you’ll know how difficult it can be to knock out any angry red hues or dark grey tones coming through underneath. 

The same goes for under-eye circles – no matter how much concealer you might pack on, sometimes you just can’t counteract the purple or brown shadowing. If this sounds all too familiar, let us introduce you to the art of colour correcting – the genius make-up artist-approved trick for balancing uneven skin tones. 

The theory works by using the colour wheel (primary school flashback), meaning contrasting colours can be used to neutralise each other, allowing a more even base for you to then build upon and conceal with foundation or concealer. 

But, in recent years, colour correcting has become a lot more mainstream – meaning there’s no need for an A-level art qualification to balance the tones in your skin. Gone are the lime green concealers and scary purple primers; now, formulas are being subtly infused with colour-correcting pigments that do all the hard work for you.

Shop Stila One Step Correct at Lookfantastic, £28

buy now

But, despite the products taking on the brunt of the work for you, it does pay to know which hues to look out for, depending on your skin tone concern. 

For example, green colour correctors help to knock out redness from the skin. Purple-toned colour correctors can help boost radiance, counteracting any dull, sallow tones in the skin; and red, peach or bisque-toned correctors are great for neutralising the deep blue and purple shadows that grace under-eye circles and blemishes in darker skin tones.

We spoke to TV and celebrity make-up artist Bryony Blake to find out how to utilise colour correctors in your everyday make-up routine and which are the best formulas she uses on her clients.  

Best colour correctors for concealing dark circles

“I believe that colour correcting can change your life when it comes to your make-up,” says Bryony. “For dark circles and shadowing, a pink, peach or red-toned colour corrector will take away any darkness and allow your under-eyes to look bright and awake.”

For pale skin tones, opt for a creamy peach shade. For darker skin tones, look for formulas with more red and orange hues. 

Bobbi Brown Corrector

Available in 16 shades to suit all skin tones, this peachy-toned corrector is perfect for brightening very dark under-eyes before applying concealer. 

Shop Bobbi Brown Corrector at Bobbi Brown, £25 

Buy now

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Vanish Colour Corrector

This buttery soft formula won’t crease or cake around the delicate eye area. Instead, it blurs, brightens and disguises pigmentation in an instant. 

Shop Charlotte Tilbury Magic Vanish Colour Corrector at Space NK, £26

Buy now

Huda Beauty Faux Filter Color Corrector in Pink Pomelo

Designed to brighten and smooth the under-eye area, this warm-toned corrector is great for knocking out purple or brown tones – expertly concealing like a pro.  

Shop Huda Beauty Faux Filter Color Corrector in Pink Pomelo at Cult Beauty, £26

buy now

Best colour correctors for concealing redness

“For redness, a green-toned colour corrector will help bring the warmth down and allow your make-up to sit beautifully on your skin. There are many skincare products that have a green tint to them that can be really beneficial to add into your morning skincare routine before applying make-up.”

e.l.f. Tone Adjusting Green Primer

This clever face primer adjusts to your skin tone, cancelling out areas of redness and evening out blotchy skin.  

Shop e.l.f. Tone Adjusting Green Primer at Sephora, £9

buy now

Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment

This clever cream works perfectly alone or as an added base under make-up. Its unique muted green tone instantly neutralises redness, while centella asiatica protects, strengthens and reduces inflammation in the skin.

Shop Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment at Lookfantastic, £16

Buy now

No7 Airbrush Away Colour Balancing Primer

Keep this trusty primer in your make-up bag to use before concealer or foundation to counteract red tones in blemishes or rosacea-prone skin. 

No7 Airbrush Away Colour Balancing Primer at Boots, £17.95

Buy now

Nyx Professional Makeup HD Photogenic Concealer Wand

Perfect for use on blemishes or a concentrated area of redness (like broken capillaries around the nose) this green-toned concealer wand allows you to spot conceal, exactly where you need it. Follow with your concealer or foundation to completely neutralise the colour.  

Shop NYX Professional Makeup HD Photogenic Concealer Wand at Lookfantastic, £6

buy now

Best colour correctors for brightening

“A purple-toned colour corrector helps to reduce yellow and sallow tones in the skin. Using a lilac or lavender shade under your make-up will help to lift and brighten any unhealthy-looking tones.”

Make Up For Ever Step 1 Primer Grayness Eraser

These clever colour-correcting primers are brilliant for all skin tones – from reducing redness to neutralising yellow tones, there’s a shade that’ll help. This grayness reducer has a soft caramel tone that works to brighten and warm up darker skin tones. 

Shop Make Up For Ever Step 1 Primer Grayness Eraser at Lookfantastic, £30.50

buy now

Givenchy Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Corrector

Balance yellow undertones by applying this blue-toned corrector underneath your foundation. It instantly boosts radiance and brightens dull-looking complexions. Don’t let the blue tone scare you away, it’s totally undetectable on the skin – promise. 

Shop Givenchy Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Corrector at Sephora, £36.50

buy now

Erborian CC Dull Correct Cream

This luminous CC cream has a very slight purple tinge to help brighten sallow tones and boost dull-looking complexions. 

Shop Erborian CC Dull Correct Cream at Space NK, £41

Buy now

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands

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