Sleepless nights, exposure to screens, stress, or hereditary factors can lead to dark under-eye bags and hyperpigmentation, making us appear perpetually dull and exhausted. In addition to brightening the under-eye region and reducing pigmentation, a color corrector for dark circles can mask other skin imperfections, including acne scars, skin redness, and appearance of puffiness, leaving the skin looking radiant and flawless.

Although a concealer by itself also does a good job covering light to medium marks, using a color corrector in conjunction gives a smoother and more natural look. This is due to the fact that a concealer is like a lighter or darker shade of foundation, but thicker in consistency, which helps to contour, highlight, and mask uneven skin tone. Although foundations can do this job, when it comes to hyperpigmentation and excessive scarring, color correctors come in handy to eliminate discoloration as they cancel out the dark patches, unveiling a smoother, more evenly toned surface to work on.

A key note here is that, just like we have different skin complexions and undertones, our dark circles and other pigmentation have varying tones and undertones. Choosing a color corrector and concealer, therefore, requires basic knowledge of the color wheel. You must assess the natural pigmentation of your skin and the affected area and then choose a shade of the color corrector that cancels it out to even out the skin tone before you go ahead with a concealer or foundation. We have highlighted the important things you must consider before purchasing a color corrector, as per our expertise, for your skin tone, so make sure you read till the end.  

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  Most Favorite Concealer

  L.A. GIRL Pro Conceal HD Concealer (Peach)

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L.A. GIRL Pro Conceal HD Concealer in the shade peach is a beautiful under eye color corrector loved by many makeup lovers, especially beginners because it's affordable and pocket-friendly. This specific shade is ideal to conceal hyperpigmentation and dark circles of lighter skin tones with blue, green, and purple undertones. The concealer has a brush tip that makes the application quick and easy, and the formulation is creamy, making the blending effortless. Because it is lightweight, you can build the coverage as per your requirement and wear it all day long. You can use this concealer on fine lines and wrinkles as well.

Size: 0.28 Oz

Shades: 24

2

Best Overall

IT COSMETICS CC+ Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream

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It Cosmetics CC+ cream is an award-winning formulation that offers clinically tested hydration while diffusing the look of imperfections. It is a nourishing three-in-one cream as it includes the characteristics of an anti-aging serum, full-coverage foundation, and broad spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen. The corrector has moisture-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E and it also contains niacinamide that brightens dark areas while also tightening it. These hero ingredients help to reduce the look of wrinkles, scars, skin redness, and fine lines while soothing and nourishing the skin and evening out the skin tone. The peptides and hydrolyzed collagen help to achieve firmer-looking skin and a smooth and youthful appearance. The consistency is slightly thick but gives the skin a flawless complexion with a natural finish when blended well.

Size: 1.08 Fl Oz

Shades: 22

Quick Tip:

Apply the color-correcting cream to clean skin for a flawless-looking base that won’t crease or crack. To note, it provides intense hydration and diffuses the appearance of imperfections.

3

Best for Deep Tones

L.A. GIRL Pro High Definition Concealer (Orange)

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L.A. GIRL Pro High Definition Concealer is an affordable color corrector for dark spots, skin redness, and other blemishes. This orange color corrector gives a natural finish and is ideal for those with darker skin tones and blue undertone dark circles. The coverage of this concealer is medium to opaque, and the creamy consistency makes it easy to blend. The lightweight texture ensures that you can comfortably wear it for several hours. This L.A. Girl concealer also evens the skin tone and minimizes the visibility of fine lines around the eyes. Another plus point of this concealer and eye corrector is that it suits all skin types.

Size: 0.28 Oz

Shades: 24

4

All-Rounder Kit

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Color Correcting Concealer Palette

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A common issue faced by many individuals is that different areas of their face are affected by different problems. These concerns can be hyperpigmentation, dark circles, acne scars, etc. Hence, every concern demands a different color corrector shade to counter the effect of that specific blemish. The NYX Color Correcting Concealer Palette constitutes 6 highly pigmented, creamy shades to correct and conceal various problem areas. One can use the yellow shade to conceal dark areas, green color to cover any redness, and purple to add a brightening effect to the face. The two concealer shades can then be applied over the color correctors for smoother, blemish-free, youthful skin. This palette comes in very handy, especially when you are traveling.

Size: 1.5 g

Shades: 4

5

Best Grip

MAYBELLINE NEW YORK Master Camo Color Correcting Pen

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Maybelline New York Master Camo in the shade apricot effectively neutralizes and conceals the dark circles for light to medium skin complexions. This full coverage color correcting concealer has a rich pigment which is easy to apply and blend, thanks to the built-in precision applicator. This ensures you get the required amount of product in a single application without any mess or wastage. The pen design also makes this corrector extremely portable and enables you to touch-up any blemishes on the go. There are five more shades, each of which targets a distinct issue and skin tone. This one in particular is also ideal for brightening and highlighting the high points.

Size: 0.05 Fl Oz

Shades: 6

6

Best Formulation

LATORICE One Step Color Corrector

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Latorice One Step Color Corrector is a three-in-one gel, serum, and primer that color corrects, brightens, and evens the skin tone. It keeps your skin healthy and bright because it is enriched with 15 types of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Even those who have extremely sensitive skin are saved from the wrath of any allergies or reactions because this color corrector is made free of toxins and other chemicals that cause issues. It even contains sun-shielding properties that protect the skin from harmful sun rays that may cause wrinkles and signs of aging. The formulation consists of three color-correcting pigments to even out the complexion - the green formula reduces redness, peach lessens dark circles and other spots, and the lavender formula smoothes the skin by reducing puffiness and swelling.

Size: 2.82 Oz

Shade: 1

7

Best Natural Finish

KOKIE PROFESSIONAL Be Bright Illuminating Concealer

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Kokie Be Bright Illuminating Concealer is a medium-coverage color-correcting concealer for dark circles that doubles up as a highlighter owing to its rich and buildable pigmentation. The formulation of this product is crafted to brighten the under-eyes and other dull skin parts of the face. If you are a fan of the dewy, illuminating finish, this concealer does justice to its name and claims! It is easy to apply and blend as it melts seamlessly into the skin. To add definition to the face, the nose, jaws or even cheeks, this concealer can be layered over other color correctors or can be used singularly.

Size: 0.21 Fl Oz

Shades: 13

8

AMAZING COSMETICS Amazing Concealer

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For those with medium complexion laced with golden undertones, the Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer’s "medium golden" will be a perfect fit for you. It has a color palette of 16 shades. This long-wearing concealer contains powerful color-correcting pigments that lessen the look of blemishes and other skin imperfections. While it provides you a seamless full coverage, it is also lightweight and breathable, with the formulation being water-resistant. This concealer is enriched with cucumber fruit extract that depuffs, smooths and softens the skin to reveal a radiant and shining finish. You can use it as a dark circle corrector, under eye makeup, and for spot correction. This concealer earns brownie points for steering clear of toxic chemicals.

Size: 0.2 Fl Oz

Shades: 15

9

SACY LADY Pro Full Cover Liquid Concealer

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The Sacy Lady Pro Full Cover Liquid Concealer is a full-coverage concealer. It hides and covers skin imperfections like uneven skin tone, fine lines, acne scars, and dark circles. It also helps to hide skin redness and bruises and reveals a brighter and more radiant skin texture. This concealer melts and blends easily and is comfortable to wear all day long. You get a fresh matte finish that is smooth and free from creases. The formulation is nourishing and does not get cakey after a few hours. Because of the rich pigmentation, a little product is enough to conceal or highlight.

Size: 0.20 Fl Oz

Shades: 3

Quick Tip:

Apply the liquid concealer with your fingers, while simultaneously tapping it in using the pad on your middle finger, and finally blending with a beauty blender for flawless coverage.

10

MALLY BEAUTY Dark Circle Corrector

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The multipurpose Mally Beauty Dark Circle Corrector is a cream-based concealer. This eye brightener is super hydrating and loved by many because of the ease of application and portable design. The formulation contains special brightening pigments that smooth fine lines and wrinkles while at the same time opening up and brightening the eye to make them appear vibrant. The goodness of amaranth oil, and the moisturizing properties of vitamin E and chamomile, in tandem with other anti-aging ingredients make this a great makeup product. These components work together to moisturize and lift the skin. Available in two color variants, light and dark, this concealer can be used as a corrector for dark circles, and counter the appearance of redness, and hyperpigmentation. It also doubles up as an excellent highlighting and contouring product.

Size: 0.08 Fl Oz

Shades: 2

11

SHEER MIRACLE Wide Awake Dark Circle Concealer

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We have all had our fair share of chemical products and want to switch to an organic concealer, so let’s try the Sheer Miracle Wide Awake Dark Circle Concealer. This 100% organic and natural concealer is suitable for oily, combination, acne-prone, sensitive, and dry skin. It comes in bullet packaging and is a cream-based stick for quick and mess-free application. It has a peachy pink hue that illuminates the under-eye area while simultaneously color-correcting any dark spots and circles. The coverage is medium and buildable. Having the best creamy formulas, this dark circle concealer is made with jojoba oil, vitamin E, and shea butter. The concealer is completely safe to use for even those who are prone to allergic reactions or have sensitive skin. 

Size: 0.17 Oz

Shade: 1

12

BOBBI BROWN Corrector (Light Peach)

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Bobbi Brown Corrector has a mousse-like emollient texture, making it glide smoothly around the delicate under-eye area. The coverage is easily buildable, and the consistency ensures effortless blending. The formulation is lightweight and lasts a long time, making it a great everyday concealer if you can splurge a little extra. The "light peach" tint, which layers beautifully beneath other makeup products, helps to counteract discoloration. It is a good investment as it is one of the best color correctors for dark circles and pigmentation and gives the eyes an instant lift. Although suitable for oily skin, it will last longer if you set it with a translucent powder.

Size: 0.05 Oz

Shades: 9

Now that you have seen our product recommendations for the best color correctors for dark circles, glance through our buying guide to make an informed purchasing decision.

Don't we all wonder how celebrities have picture-perfect flawless skin? While they take intense care of their skin, it's also the magic of base makeup, particularly color correction, a method used widely by makeup artists around the globe. Color correcting is the technique of counterbalancing the skin tone by canceling dark patches with a shade opposite to it on the color wheel. Your under eye color correctors may not work on other blemishes if the undertone of those dark spots is different. Let's see how you can select the correct color corrector for dark circles and other skin blemishes.

Skin Complexion And Undertone

Just like our foundation and concealer shades vary depending on our skin tones, so does the shade of color correctors. Dark spots can have warm and cool undertones. Usually, dark circles have blue undertones, which can be eliminated effectively using shades of red, pink, orange, or yellow. Green and purple shades, on the other hand, do little for dark circles but are ideal for concealing acne flare-ups and sunburns. If you are someone who has a lighter skin tone, then you will have to choose peach correctors, whereas orange correctors would be best suited for those with slightly darker tones.

Coverage And Finish

Some color correctors like the L.A. GIRL Pro Conceal require you to layer a concealer on top, especially when using shades like green, ivory, etc. Latorice One Step Color Corrector, alternatively, is a one-stop solution but may not be as effective if you have highly pigmented patches. Depending on the discoloration of the affected area, choose a formulation that provides enough coverage without being too heavy on the skin or getting patchy. You can also select your color corrector and concealer basis the finish you like - matte or dewy. For dry skin, it's advisable to look for a hydrating concealer.

Ease of Use

Packaging of skincare and makeup products is highly significant as it determines their ease of use. The NYX Color Correcting Concealer Palette, for example, consists of the 6 magic colors that are convenient to carry around and use but require you to carry additional brushes. The Mally Beauty Dark Circle Corrector is very travel-friendly and can be used on the go because of its pen-shaped design and ease of bendability by your fingers. Therefore, when picking up a color corrector and concealer, choose one that ensures a mess-free application and is easy to use.

Having already discussed color correcting above, here we will talk about the same in detail. 

Color correcting simply refers to covering up any discoloration on your skin, caused by dark circles, redness, or sallowness, using tinted makeup products, especially concealers and color correctors. To note, they are available in several shades to meet the needs of every skin tone. What’s more? They provide a flawless canvas for you to apply your makeup on. They are also long-lasting and can be used on all skin types.

As already discussed, color correcting functions on the principles of the color wheel by selecting the shade opposite to your undertone to cancel its effect. Generally, there are cool-toned shades like purple, green, and blue and warm-toned shades like orange, pink, and yellow. Let us glance at these shades and which is the best color corrector for dark circles for your skin tone.

Purple - For light to medium skin tones to reduce the yellow undertones and brighten the skin.

Green - For all skin tones to balance out the redness of pimples, acne marks, and rosacea.

Blue - For lighter skin tones to target discoloration and hyperpigmentation.

Orange - For medium to deep skin complexions to cancel out the effect of dark circles and brown patches. Our contributor Ghanima Abdullah, a renowned beauty consultant, says, “Orange is the best color corrector if you have a dark blemish. That's because orange cancels out purple, and purple is the primary color in blemishes. Use it under your foundation and you are good to go ahead in your makeup game.”

Pink - For lighter skin complexions to cancel out the effect of dark circles and brighten the skin. 

Yellow - For light to medium skin complexions to cover up purple-undertone blemishes like bruises, veins, and under-eye circles.

Once you have selected the right shade of color corrector and concealer, you can use it to achieve a flawless skin appearance. Before you start using it, here are some quick tips you can keep in mind -

• A color corrector is the first layer of makeup after your skincare and primer application. It is to be applied before the concealer and foundation. 
• Use a little product and build the coverage if required. Remember, color correction works like a spot treatment and is to be applied only to the targeted region.
• You can use different shades at different areas of the face, such as dark circles and acne marks if the undertones of those are different.
• You can use your fingers or any precise makeup brush, but ensure it is clean and free from germs. 
• Go ahead with a concealer, foundation, and setting powder in the mentioned order to lock in the color correction and reveal smooth and bright skin. 

To cover your wrinkles perfectly, follow this tip by our contributor Ghanima Abdullah. She says,  “It's really important that you have a shade that matches your skin tone perfectly, if you're using a concealer to cover your wrinkles. Use your finger and dab the concealer into the crease, using a decent amount of product so that the wrinkle is completely covered. Keep tapping afterwards to make the coverage seamless, then apply your foundation as normal.”

Remember that color correction and using a concealer are independent steps aimed at distinct goals. While both help to hide dark circles, spots, and other blemishes, the former helps to balance and even out the skin tone, and the latter is primarily used to add lift and enhance the high points of the face. These two products are like best friends who work well in a team – one works as a base and the other corrects to a perfect finish. By now, we are sure you have learned the fundamentals of color correction and are prepared to use the best color corrector for dark circles to hide all the blemishes and spots.

Contributor: Ghanima Abdullah, Cosmetologist, The Right Hairstyles