9 Best Color Correctors for Dark Circles, Redness, and Hyperpigmentation

If you’re no stranger to dark spots and discoloration, the best color correctors can help mitigate everything from dark circles to redness in just minutes. Unlike dark spot serums that contain exfoliating acids, vitamin C and retinols to correct skin discoloration at its root, color correcting skincare and makeup products often contain pigments that cancel out red, purple and blue tones, offering a quicker fix compared to a skincare product that may take longer to see results.

On the quest for the best color correctors out there, we spoke with dermatologists, makeup artists and Glamour editors to uncover the best products they’ve ever used, and after testing close to a dozen, we were able to narrow down the very best ones. Our top overall pick is the Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment, because it was not only recommended by experts, but it also serves as both a moisturizer and primer for under makeup, zaps red and purple tones and even contains SPF to help protect against UVA/UVB rays that can create sun damage (which leads to more spots). We also found options for dark circles, the best red-hued correctors for deep skin tones, and an all-in-one color correcting palette that takes the guesswork out of the process.

The best color correctors, at a glance

How we picked the best color correctors

Best Overall: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment

“This formula is a favorite of mine,” says Pollara. “It combines skin care and makeup that’s perfect for redness. It starts out green and then adjusts to your skin tone as you blend. It also contains soothing ingredients like centella asiatica, which help calm sensitive or irritated skin.” This one made it to the top of the list because it’s unique in the fact that it’s both a skincare and makeup product, effectively helping color correct redness from its root.

Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary loves this one, too. “This color corrector is an O.G. that I always find myself going back to when my skin is a little irritated or red (especially post-spending time in the sun, or in the depths of winter when skin is dry and flakey). It has the smoothest, creamy consistency that glides right onto the skin and sinks in, immediately correcting and evening out the redness I typically have around my nose and on my acne scars. It’s quite gentle, too, and contains SPF, making it the perfect makeup primer for before foundation,” she says.

Best for Dark Circles: Kosas Revealer Extra Bright Serum

This full-coverage color correcting concealer will change the game if you deal with reddish-purple undereye circles. It comes in a few shades with deep orange and red pigments plus hyaluronic acid and peptides that neutralize discoloration and puffiness.

“I love using this concealer when I’m looking particularly fatigued and need a little pick-me-up. I love pairing it under its counterpart concealer for a natural-looking, brighter finish. All it takes is a swipe or two, and my face instantly looks more radiant and put together. It’s one of the best concealers I’ve ever used,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.

Best Drugstore: NYX Professional Makeup Pro Fix Stick Correcting Concealer

This multi-use stick can be used under the eye area or on areas of discoloration and dark spots. It has a buttery formula that glides onto the skin without skipping or smudging, and a little certainly goes a long way.

“Outside of work, I’m typically a full beat girl. My foundation, two different concealers, baking powder, translucent powder, cream blush, the whole nine yards. As you can imagine, the full beat routine is not ideal for work. The NYX Professional Makeup Pro Fix Stick Concealer is the answer to my prayers! They’re perfect on the go as they are creamy and thick, but also compact. The color correction assisted with brightening some of my dark spots,” says Condé Nast associate manager of audio audience strategy, Miah Hardy.

Best for Redness: Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Super Light Sunscreen

This sun screen does double duty as it’s both a color corrector and skin protector. It’s one of our favorite sunscreens for acne-prone skin because the green shade completely neutralizes redness and helps even out tone, whether you pair it under makeup or wear it alone.

“My skin type (combination and prone to breakouts) and skin tone (olive) have made it hard for me to find a good sunscreen,” says Glamour contributor Deanna Pai. “Most tend to feel cloying or prove hard to blend out invisibly.” This lightweight sunscreen is different, she says, noting it blends in seamlessly. It’s not at all heavy or shine-inducing—even if you have acne-prone or oily skin, she says.

Best for Deep Skin Tones: Live Tinted Huestick

Deep red hues are perfect for deep and darker skin tones, and this Huestick formula is a favorite amongst Glamour editors because it really works. It comes in a handful of warm shades from orange terracotta to red. “This stick is formulated to neutralize darkness and boost brightness on a wide range of skin tones. It’s hydrating and blendable, and will layer beautifully under concealer, and the creamy formula glides on effortlessly — perfect for quick spot-correcting or under-eye brightening,” says Lauren D’Amelio Ventre, global makeup artist based in NYC.

“Ever since I started wearing makeup, I’ve heard about the powers of color correcting. But it always felt like a niche group of people like Jackie Aina who used it in their routine. When I applied the Live Tinted Huestick Color Corrector in Rise for the first time, I noticeably saw a difference in my ‘problem’ areas. I have discoloration under my eyes and around my laugh lines, so I tend to put concealer there. However, applying the color corrected before the concealer made it apply more smoothly and consistently while brightening and evening out my skin tone. Also, the stick application makes it really easy to use, and throw in my bag when I’m on the go,” says Glamour editorial assistant Monique Wilson.

Best for Acne Scars: Stila Correct & Perfect All-In-One Color Correcting Palette

Acne scars come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors, so they may require a little extra TLC while color correcting. That’s where this all-in-one palette comes in: it can correct purply tones with peach and orange hues, cover active blemishes with a green pigment, and correct dullness with the lavender mattifying setting powder.