12 Best Green Primers to Counteract Redness And Get a Smooth Base

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Apr 09, 2024
Green Primers to Counteract Redness And Get a Smooth Base
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There is a secret weapon behind every celebrity’s flawless makeup and even-toned complexion – their makeup artists use the right color correction products. Here is the ultimate guide to the best green primers for you to achieve that celebrity-like smooth and even-toned skin. Color-correcting primers have transformed the way makeup sits on the face. Whether it's uneven skin tone and texture, or scars and marks, these green makeup primer products have proven to be the real game-changer by offering a smooth canvas to apply your makeup. 

Our contributor Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “Green primers work on the principle of color correction. Green is opposite red on the color wheel, meaning it neutralizes redness. By applying a green primer, you can effectively reduce the appearance of red scars and other redness on the skin.”

Green-colored pigments are used in these products to correct skin issues that are related to redness. This is because according to color theory, green is complementary to red, thus they cancel each other out. So using your green primer to reduce redness and appearance of scars under makeup, will give you visibly flawless skin. Other than green, there are also primers found with peach or orange pigments that cancel out dark circles, and lavender pigments that add radiance to dull skin. Therefore, different colored primers have different benefits. In this article, we will specifically talk about the different brands and usages of green primers for redness reduction which may have been caused by sun tanning, rosacea, inflammation, and acne.

12 Best Green Primers

Easily conceal your pigmentation and blemishes with this green primer by TEMPTU. It works brilliantly to conceal dark circles, acne scars, and any discolouration. It offers a natural and sheer finish that makes your skin naturally shine. The weightless formula makes it feel like a second skin, making it very suitable for oily skin. It is long-lasting and offers buildable coverage. Apply a small amount of primer and follow it up with a concealer or BB cream to get a flawless sheen. 

Pros
  • Long-lasting
  • Weightless formula
  • Gives even-toned complexion
Cons
  • Less quantity
  • Best Overall

    e.l.f. TONE ADJUSTING FACE PRIMER

    e.l.f. TONE ADJUSTING FACE PRIMER
  • Skin redness is a very common and totally normal skin condition, but if you wish to conceal it and achieve even-toned skin, using this green-tinted primer is a great option. This tone-adjusting primer is very versatile as it minimizes redness and fills in the textured lines on any skin color and type. The silky formula easily blends and preps your skin to make it smooth for an even application and long-lasting matte finish makeup. You can wear it alone or under makeup. Crafted with skin-loving ingredients, it is free of phthalates, parabens, and harmful chemicals. Plus, it’s 100% cruelty-free and is available at a great price too.

    Pros
    • Blends smoothly
    • Non-toxic formula
    • Can be used on all skin types
    • Vegan-friendly
    • Longwear
    Cons
    • May feel heavy on the skin
  • Best Matte-finish

    NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP STUDIO PERFECT PHOTO-LOVING PRIMER

    NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP STUDIO PERFECT PHOTO-LOVING PRIMER
  • Color correct and prep your skin in just one step using this green primer from NYX Professional Makeup. It cancels out the redness that’s caused by irritated skin due to rosacea, acne, and broken capillaries and extends the hold of your makeup. You can easily apply this primer with just a few dabs and achieve a smooth canvas to create your desired look. This silicone-based product gets easily absorbed and perfects out creases, fine lines, and the appearance of pores. Additionally, it has also been certified and acknowledged by PETA as cruelty-free. After using this product, we truly saw a difference in the appearance of the skin under lighting.

    Pros
    • Lightweight feel
    • Silky formula
    • Skin perfecting
    • Matte finish
    • Minimizes the appearance of pores
    Cons
    • May dry out the skin
  • Most Soothing Formula

    touch in SOL NO PORE BLEM BASE

    touch in SOL NO PORE BLEM BASE
  • This is a revolutionary makeup primer that not only counteracts redness but also soothes and calms irritated skin – it definitely deserves a place on our list. Touch In SOL’s primer is infused with green pigments that are perfect for covering acne, acne scarring, flushed skin, and rosacea, giving you a lifting effect. The lightweight and non-sticky formula also moisturizes and protects the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Created with plant-based ingredients like cica extracts, pumpkin seed oil, Centella asiatica extracts, and hyaluronic acid, this makeup primer also helps to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and pores. When you use it, you will be able to achieve a seamless skin texture that is well-hydrated and energized.

    Pros
    • Has hydrating properties
    • Offers sun Protection
    • Contains skin-soothing ingredients
    • Little goes a long way
    • Offers UV protection
    Cons
    • Has a strong fragrance that may be unpleasant to some
  • Most Lightweight Formula

    COVERGIRL TRUBLEND BASE BUSINESS SKIN PRIMER

    COVERGIRL TRUBLEND BASE BUSINESS SKIN PRIMER
  • You can create a flawless canvas for your makeup and make it long-lasting with COVERGIRL’s TruBlend Base Business Primer. It is formulated to correct the appearance of redness and even out the skin tone while also being suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin. Additionally, it allows you to apply makeup seamlessly by blurring out spots and lines on your skin. Plus, it has been formulated for specific skin types so that you can get the right one to suit your skin type. You'll love how it leaves your skin feeling extremely soft and silky after every use. Also, the non-greasy formula ensures that your makeup looks fresh for up to 24 hours.

    Pros
    • Long-lasting
    • Weightless feel
    • Oil-free
    • Doesn’t look cast
    • Won’t leave a cast
    Cons
    • Not fragrance-free
  • Best for Sensitive Skin

    W7 Prime Magic Anti-Redness Primer

    W7 Prime Magic Anti-Redness Primer
  • If you are tired of buying products that make false claims, then this correcting anti-redness primer is here to give you a break. It glides over your skin effortlessly while minimizing pores, and correcting imperfections and discoloration. This green primer is made with a lightweight formula that leaves you with a naturally beautiful and shine-free complexion. Moreover, it holds your makeup in place for a longer time. These products are made to be suitable for sensitive skin using high-quality cosmetic ingredients. W7 products are also 100% cruelty-free and are not tested on animals.

    Pros
    • Weightless formula
    • Blends easily
    • Ideal for all skin types
    • Reduces the appearance of blemishes
    Cons
    • Hides imperfections
    • Pilling may occur
  • Best for Oily Skin

    MAYBELLINE NEW YORK MASTER prime

    MAYBELLINE NEW YORK MASTER prime
  • This lightweight and non-oily primer has green pigments that neutralize the look of redness for an even-toned base. It has been dermatologically tested to be hypoallergenic, ideal for sensitive skin, non-comedogenic, ideal for acne-prone and oily skin, and hydrating. The water-based formulation is easy to apply and gives a satin finish without a greasy feel, visually blurring imperfections. Apply this primer as a base for your foundation or wear it alone for a radiant look. When we used this primer under our makeup, the finish felt velvety, smooth, and even.

    Pros
    • Prevents excess sebum production
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Skin-smoothening
    • Non-greasy
    • Luminous
    Cons
    • Watery consistency
  • Best Value for Money

    RIMMEL LONDON Insta CC Primer

    RIMMEL LONDON Insta CC Primer
  • Rimmel London’s Insta color-correcting primer is a smart formula that preps the skin ahead of makeup application. It neutralizes different discolorations of the skin to give it a more even skin tone and prolong the wear time of your makeup. You can also wear this primer without any additional makeup for a brighter, more radiant complexion every time you step out. It is formulated with skin-friendly ingredients that are suitable for all skin types and tones. Plus, it is a cheap and beginner-friendly option where you can color-correct your skin while also prepping it for makeup.

    Pros
    • Balances redness
    • Has a smooth texture
    • Brightens the skin tone
    • Budget-friendly
    • Can be worn on its own
    Cons
    • It isn’t comedogenic
  • Best for Dull Skin

    PÜR 4-in-1 Correcting Primer

    PÜR 4-in-1 Correcting Primer
  • Look radiant all day long with this perfect daily prepping formula by PÜR. This green-toned correcting primer reduces redness, minimizes the appearance of pores, hydrates, and repairs your skin to provide an even skin tone. It is power-packed with essential ingredients like plant-derived squalane, coconut water, and shea butter that moisturize, probiotics and ceramide that repair and restore, and lactic acid and retinol that correct the skin. This product is truly a holy grail for skin perfection. It not only gives you a temporary fix by hiding skin imperfections but also smoothens the skin’s tone and texture by gently exfoliating and increasing skin turnover too.

    Pros
    • Offers deep hydration
    • Revives dull skin
    • Holds onto makeup
    • Improves skin texture
    Cons
    • May be quite expensive
  • wet n wild GLASS CORRECT PRIMER/BASE

    wet n wild GLASS CORRECT PRIMER/BASE
  • Achieve the sought-after Korean glass skin makeup look effortlessly with this primer that leaves a gloss-like finish while correcting skin redness at the same time. To get the glass-like skin effect, you can wear it alone or use it as a base to smoothen the process of makeup application. It has shea butter that hydrates your skin from within and provides a skin-brightening effect for a healthier-looking complexion. The formulation is so lightweight and non-oily that your skin will feel naked and free while radiating from within. Additionally, Wet n wild products are all cruelty-free and have never been tested on animals.

    Pros
    • Gives a glossy finish
    • Hydrates the skin
    • Makes the skin look healthy
    • Non-greasy formula
    • Feels weightless
    Cons
    • May not suit oily skin
  • Best for Dry Skin

    L’OREAL PARIS INFALLIBLE ANTI REDNESS PRIMER

    L’OREAL PARIS INFALLIBLE ANTI REDNESS PRIMER
  • Transform your skin instantly with L’Oreal’s Infallible Primer which corrects and perfects the skin all at once. Your skin will be able to breathe in this ultra-lightweight, smoothening, and hydrating formula. This anti-redness primer contains green micro-pigments that neutralize red tones and blemishes to create an even skin and radiant look. You can apply this primer by itself, underneath the foundation, or even mix it with other primers to lock in makeup for an extended period of time. Also, it is one of the few primers that comes in a liquid formulation and enables you to spread it evenly without a lot of effort.

    Pros
    • Gives a neutralizing and brightening effect
    • Evens out the skin tone
    • Has an ultra-fine texture
    • Stays for 24 hours
    • Offers effortless application
    Cons
    • The formulation may be too runny for some
  • Neutrogena prep + correct primer

    Neutrogena prep + correct primer
  • This silky, lightweight primer from Neutrogena improves dull-looking skin and evens out your skin tone. It has green-colored pigments that combat redness caused by acne scars, inflammation, or rosacea. Along with that, it preps the skin by blurring the look of pores to provide a smooth canvas for makeup and extends its life for several hours. The velvety smooth formula glides easily without leaving any residue between the fine lines. Enriched with seaweed extract, the gentle, non-greasy formula hydrates and softens without weighing you down.

    Pros
    • Has a pore-minimizing effect
    • Skin-perfecting formula
    • Lightweight
    • Suitable for sensitive skin
    • Long lasting
    Cons
    • May lead to a white cast on some skin tones

    What to Look for When Buying the Best Green Primers?

    While buying a green primer, you must consider the following aspects:

    1. Skin Type: Different primers have different formulations that cater to different skin types. For example, if you have oily skin, you will need a primer that does not make your skin look greasy or clogs your pores. So you may look for mattifying and oil-controlling primers. In the same way, if you are someone who has dry skin, you should search for hydrating primers that revive your dull skin and adds a little shine too. 

    2. Coverage: Green primers that are highly pigmented and have gel or cream-based formulations will cover your blemishes and redness easily. These products go a long way when compared to the more liquid-based formulations. Those formulations have very low coverage and you may need to add a lot of product to hide even the smallest of marks. Therefore, choose carefully while buying a green primer to ensure that you do not spend a fortune. 

    3. Ingredients: You must check for the ingredients while buying a green primer. This is because many of these products contain harmful, comedogenic chemicals that might not suit your skin. Moreover, some primers have been created to provide added skin soothing, exfoliating, hydrating, and restoring benefits to your skin. So, you may as well look for such ingredients to get even-toned skin that is well-hydrated and healthy too. 

    How to Use Green Primers?

    To achieve an even skin tone and healthy-looking skin, first, you must wash your face and carry out your skincare routine as usual. Then you can use your green primer in three different ways, which are:

    1. By itself – use it as an additional step in your skincare routine to look radiant throughout the day.
    2. Under your foundation and other makeup products – use it as a base to create an even surface and prolong the stay of your makeup. 
    3. Spot correct any redness and acne scars – this will help you to get visibly even-toned skin.

    In conclusion, the best green primers can benefit not only makeup enthusiasts but people who are struggling with uneven skin texture and redness too. These revolutionary makeup products help you to neutralize discolorations and combat skin concerns, giving you naturally healthy-looking skin and a perfect base to achieve flawless makeup looks. Now you can say goodbye to your worries and buy the best primer for redness according to your skin type, preferred ingredients, and coverage to fully enjoy the benefits that it has to offer.

    Contributor: Dr. Anna Chacon, Dermatologist - MyPsoriasisTeam

    FAQ's

    What is the point of green primer?
    To even out the skin tone and get a smooth canvas for makeup.
    What is the best primer to reduce redness?
    A good quality green pigmented primer – green cancels out red color.
    Do you put green primer all over your face?
    You can put it all over your face or use it like a spot corrector.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. She suggests that all her readers who struggle with redness in the face should add green primers to their makeup routine. This helps in effectively covering up the redness since green is known to cancel out red. When applied correctly, it can be the game changer you didn’t know you needed. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More