Color theory isn’t just for art class—you can use it when doing your makeup, too. Anytime you have redness across your skin (read: active pimples, broken capillaries, acne scars, sunburns, all types of inflammation, or even a hickey), reach for something green. Yes, really.
Green concealer masks uneven colors on skin tones because green is a complementary color (aka across the color wheel) to red, meaning it’s able to neutralize the fiery shade. And while they make look intimidating the tube, most green concealers go on sheer, so you never have to worry about looking like The Wicked Witch of the West. Aliana Lopez, New York-based celebrity makeup artist (Eva Chen, and Emily Weiss are clients) advises, “If you need help with covering a super red break out, I would reach for a higher coverage green concealer and spot conceal as needed; first layering the green concealer then topping it with your foundation, any discoloration that still peaks through can easily be covered with your normal concealer. If your needs are for neutralizing a larger area of redness, a primer or tinted green moisturizer may be a better option. The best thing to keep in mind is less is more, so thin layers of the product will result in a more natural, seamless look.”
Now that we’ve convinced you not to live another moment without one, we’ve rounded up the 13 best green concealers (all top rated on the internet!) so you can find the perfect one for you.
One of America’s favorite concealers has now been reborn in a color-correcting format. The thin, matte potion balances out redness across your face so your base looks more even. “A little product goes a long way—and one light dot does the trick at masking pesky acne. The formula is thin, so don’t worry about your undereye looking cakey. This makes such a difference.”
For that healthy, glowy look devoid of redness, look no further than Dr. Jart's Color Correcting Treatment. Plus it offers you an ever-so important layer of mineral SPF 30 protection.
Sephora rating: 4/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I basically just use this in place of foundation now and it’s great at covering up redness!”
Swipe away any redness with Neutrogena's velvety color correcting concealer—it's oil- and frangrance-free, giving you the coverage you need without the cakiness.
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have a couple large dark spots on my face. This product has great coverage to even out my skin tone and cover the dark spots.”
Eliminate redness with the swipe of the hand. Apply a small amount of concealer and easily blend the hypoallergenic formula with your fingers. Bonus: It’s waterproof.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I've used this product for years. Dependable quality.”
ULTA knows a thing or two about what makes a great beauty product. You'll see what we mean when you try this waterproof Color Correcting Liquid Concealer. After all, it is a spin off of their best-selling Full Coverage Liquid Concealer. Expect creamy, lasting pigment.
Ulta rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I have an olive complexion and wear glasses so I have the worst dark circles. Concealer only does so much so the color corrector is fantastic because it covers them and gives me a flawless base around my eyes before I apply the rest of my makeup.”
This all-over anti-redness primer can be worn alone or before a full beat.
Sephora Rating: 4.3/5
A Sephora Reviewers Says: "I have rosacea, when it flares up and I want to tone it down, but don’t want to wear makeup, I use this. It really makes a difference."
A top Reddit recommendation, this wonder product can cover dark circles and unwanted tones and textures. And, let's be real, at such an affordable price, what do you have to lose?
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “If you have dark circles like I do this is perfect for you.”
If you're looking for a product that'll get the job done, may we suggest NYX's HD Photogenic Concealer?
Ulta rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I have severe enough rosacea and sensitivity, so I've tried everything to minimize that redness and embarrassment. Happy to report the search is over; this is strong enough that only one or two of swipes on problem areas neutralizes the discoloration, and creamy enough that it doesn't cakeify on my very dry skin. It also holds up beautifully beneath all sorts of base products from concealer to full-coverage foundations.”
Velvety, hydrating, and blendable, Erborian's CC Red Correct is your answer to lightweight color-correcting coverage that flatters every skin tone. Plus, it features SPF 25.
Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “My nose has a perpetual pink tint to it for some reason, probably from burning by the pool too many times as a kid. Regardless, this dreamy creamy tube of fix-it glides on to undo the pink before I put on my makeup. It's lovely and does the job!”
Use this all over your face if you've got ruddy tones that need some evening out. It can also be applied for on-the-spot coverage.
Macy's rating: 3.9/5 stars
A Macy's reviewer says: “This camouflage corrector worked very well for me. Only a very small amount is needed and it is easy to apply. The coverage lasted all day!”
Best Kit
L'Oreal Infallible Total Cover Color Correcting Kit
Best Kit
L'Oreal Infallible Total Cover Color Correcting Kit
This L'Oreal palette has got your back—neutralize redness, discoloration, dark circles, and dullness all at once.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is my 3rd repeat purchase. It works well to cover up and camouflage discolorations and flaws, and it is not expensive like some other brands I've tried.”
We can all agree our zits are our Public Enemy No.1—target them with this precision brush for easy application anytime, anywhereHigh-Definition Filter Technology (TBC) captures and transforms any light, to blur and soften flaws, leaving the perfect app filtered look.
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Amazing blending power. PERFECT for blending minor blemishes. Put just a dab on them and blend VERY gently with a sponge. I found that that gets me the best results.”
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Best for Beginners
Correct & Perfect All-in-One Color Correcting Palette
Best for Beginners
Correct & Perfect All-in-One Color Correcting Palette
Gone are the days of lugging around a million products everyday—Stila's Color Correcting Palette brings you everything you'll need for flawless skin in one sweet little compact. It's easy, buildable, and blendable.
Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Gives as little or as much coverage as you need and has a perfect texture.”
Meet the Expert
Aliana Lopez is a New York City-based celebrity makeup artist.
How does green concealer work?
Hearst Owned
It's color theory! Colors across the color wheel from each other cancel each other out. So green will help to neutralize any red pigments showing up on the skin.
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How do I use green concealer on a zit?
Hearst Owned
"First layering the green concealer then topping it with your foundation, any discoloration that still peaks through can easily be covered with your normal concealer," Lopez says.
How do I use green concealer to cover a rash, hickey, or inflammation?
Hearst Owned
"If your needs are for neutralizing a larger area of redness, a primer or tinted green moisturizer may be a better option," Lopez says. "The best thing to keep in mind is less is more, so thin layers of the product will result in a more natural, seamless look."
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Chloe Hall oversees all beauty coverage at ELLE.com. She knew she wanted to get into beauty the moment Donna Summer came on her screen and she's been chasing the perfect disco shadows ever since. Her sweet spot is the intersections of beauty with current culture, whether it's music, movies, or social media. You can find her in Brooklyn with her pug or in Rihanna's comment section.
Tatjana Freund is Hearst's Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She's a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made.