Like most makeup lovers, you probably have one or two concealers stashed in your makeup bag. We usually use concealer to hide everything, from dark circles to blemishes. But what if I told you that there’s another type of product that can help you achieve an even complexion – color corrector!
Concealers and color correctors are makeup products that can help you hide imperfections. But, what’s the difference between the two? Keep reading to find out!
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Concealer Vs Corrector
The main difference between concealer and color corrector is that concealer comes in various shades to match your skin tone, while color corrector comes in green, yellow, peach, or purple shades.
Concealer is used to cover up blemishes, dark circles, and other imperfections on the skin, but the color corrector comes in handy when concealer isn’t quite enough.
For example, if you want to cover up melasma, a concealer alone might not do the trick. In this case, you would first use a color corrector to neutralize the darkness, then follow up with a concealer that matches your skin tone.
Complementary colors cancel each other out, so a green color corrector can neutralize redness, while a purple color corrector can neutralize yellow skin. To pick the right color, you can check the color wheel below.
Now that you know the difference between concealer and color corrector let’s look at each product.
What’s A Concealer?
Concealer is an essential makeup product used to cover up blemishes, dark circles, and other imperfections on the skin. You can also use it to highlight specific areas of the face, like the under-eye area, down the bridge of the nose, and the center of the forehead.
Concealer is applied after foundation but can also be used on bare skin.
It comes in various shades to match your skin tone, which is why it’s such a versatile product. It can be used to achieve a natural makeup look or a full-coverage, glam look and usually provides medium to full coverage.
Concealers come in various formulas, including cream, liquid, stick, and powder.
For the under-eyes, use a concealer one or two shades lighter than your skin tone, and this will help brighten up the area and make you look more awake.
If you’re looking to cover up a blemish, on the other hand, we recommend using a concealer that matches your skin tone.
You can apply concealer with your fingers, a brush, or a makeup sponge.
Just make sure to use a small amount and build up the coverage as needed.
Applying too much product can cause your concealer to look patchy, and it will also crease throughout the day.
What’s A Color Corrector?
A color corrector is a makeup product that comes in green, yellow, peach or purple shades. It’s used to neutralize redness or darkness on the skin before concealer is applied.
Not everyone needs to use a color corrector, but if you’re having trouble hiding hyperpigmentation or dark circles with concealer alone, then it might be worth giving one a try.
For example, if you have very dark purple-toned circles under your eyes, using a thick full, coverage concealer might give you a cakey and ashy look. In this case, a peach color corrector can help to neutralize the darkness before you apply concealer.
Color correctors come in various formulas, including cream, liquid, and stick.
They have a lightweight consistency and are less pigmented than concealers.
Remember, a little goes a long way with color correctors, so start with a small amount and build up the coverage. To apply, use your fingers or a brush and apply a small amount to the areas of your face that you want to neutralize. Blend it into the skin with your fingers, a makeup sponge, or a small brush until it’s seamless. Dab the product gently instead of rubbing to get an even finish.
Once you’ve applied the color corrector, follow up with concealer and foundation.
There are many color-correcting palettes on the market that come with various shades. You can experiment with one of these to figure out which shades work best for you if you’re starting.
This palette is one of our favorites. It has a lightweight formula that blends easily into the skin and comes in green, yellow, peach, and purple shades.
Now that you know the purpose of a color corrector let’s look at the different shades and when to use them.
Green Color Correctors
Green is used to neutralize redness on the skin. If you have rosacea, acne, or any other kind of redness, then a green color corrector can help counteract the area and make it easier to cover up with concealer.
Yellow Color Correctors
Yellow is used to neutralize purple-toned blemishes on the skin. If you want to hide purple under-eye circles or bruises, a yellow color corrector can help do the trick.
Peach, Salmon, and Orange Color Correctors
Peach is used to neutralize blue-toned darkness on the skin. If you have dark circles that appear blue, then a peach color corrector can help brighten the area and make it easier to cover with concealer.
People with light skin tones can use a light salmon color corrector, while people with dark skin tones can use a deeper peach or orange color corrector.
Purple And Lavender Color Correctors
Purple is used to neutralize yellow tones on the skin. If your skin is looking sallow or light brown, then a purple color corrector can help neutralize the area and give you a more even complexion.
Pink Color Correctors
Pink color correctors are more suitable for fair skin, and they can help neutralize any blue, dark circles, or blemishes. There are many concealers with pink undertones that will do the job just as well. They help to brighten the under-eye area and give the skin a more awake look.
Concealer Vs Corrector: Which One Should You Use?
The answer to this question depends on what you’re trying to cover up. If you’re looking to cover up a minor blemish or dark circles, concealer should be enough.
If you’re trying to cover up redness, darkness, or any other imperfection that’s proving difficult to hide, you might benefit from using a color corrector before concealer.
Most people can get away with using concealer alone, so avoid layering on too many products if you don’t need to.
Is Concealer Necessary After Corrector?
Some pink or peach color correctors can help brighten the under-eye area, which may be all you need. In that case, you can skip the concealer altogether.
However, suppose you’re using a green color corrector to neutralize redness or darkness on your face. In that case, you’ll likely need to follow up with concealer or foundation to help cover up the imperfections.
It all depends on the severity of the imperfections and the look you’re going for.
Remember that a little goes a long way with color correctors, so start with a small amount and build up the coverage. The same goes for concealer. Avoid layering on too many products, as it causes your makeup to look dry and cakey.
In case you need to use a color corrector and a concealer, apply the color corrector first, blend it out, and let it sit for a minute. Then, apply your concealer on top and blend it out until everything is smooth. You can set the concealer with powder to help it stay in place and prevent your makeup from creasing.
Final Thoughts
Concealer is a makeup staple that can help cover up blemishes, dark circles, and other imperfections on the skin. On the other hand, Corrector is an optional product that can neutralize redness or any different kind of imperfection on the skin in case concealer alone isn’t enough.
So if you’re able to cover up your imperfections with just a concealer, then there’s no need to add another layer of product. But if you’re looking to cover up more stubborn darkness or redness, then using a color corrector before concealer can help create a more even canvas.
Do you have any questions about using concealer or corrector? Let me know in the comments.
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Hi Claire,
I’ve been searching information about is color corrector can be applied without concealer, as we avoid to apply too much product.
From this article I conclude that peach/salmon color corrector is possible to be applied without concealer. But green color corrector must need concealer.
Thanks for this article, this is very helpful for a newbie like me 🙂
hi there my name is selinter. Never apply make up on my face beside moisture, now I am 60 and thought maybe I should start doing no make up look. I been doing a lot of search on products and reading up on how to apply them the correct way. I am finding your tutorials very helpful.
Thank you and good luck in your journey