11 Best Drugstore Color Correctors Of 2024, As Per A MUA
Fulfill your dream of having an even-toned skin without burning a hole in your pocket.
Lorrie Pearson is a professional makeup artist who has been creating her signature natural makeup looks for 20+ years. She began her career working behind the cosmetics counter that helped her strengthen her skills in application.
Ms. Pearson received her esthetics license from the Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics where she taught skincare and makeup.
Read full bio of Lorrie Pearson
Experience: 3 yearsThe day Priyam learned that having strong opinions about everyday products can be a full-fledged writing career was the greatest day of her life. Partially driven by a passion for everything timeless, she likes to explore and recommend styles and makeup products that will endure the test of trends.
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Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.
Read full bio of Madhumati Chowdhury
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If you are constantly plagued with skin issues and unwanted tones like dark circles, acne spots, redness, pimples, or dullness, we have good news for you! Purchasing the best drugstore color corrector and adding it to your makeup collection can help you deal with these problems effortlessly. Even though a good skin care regimen can help reduce and prevent these skin issues with time, color correctors are available as a quick fix.
They are a fantastic solution for creating the illusion of flawless skin with the help of color theory, correcting and reducing the appearance of discoloration or hyperpigmentation. When looking for an effective drugstore color corrector, it’s crucial to find colors that suit your complexion because it is mainly to cancel out unwanted colors and pigmentation. For instance, if you try to hide the redness, you will have to use a green color corrector. Whereas to cover pigmentation, you will need an orange corrector.
Whether you are looking for a color that brightens your complexion, hides dark circles, or neutralizes redness, our list of the 11 best drugstore color correctors has something for everyone. Keep reading to know more about the best highly rated color-correcting products in the market right now to achieve flawless and glowing skin. If this is not all, you can also refer to our buying guide to understand the essential features that will help you purchase statement-making drugstore color correctors that suit your needs best.
In This Article
11 Best Drugstore Color Correctors That Result In The Perfect Makeup Base
1. Best Lightweight:NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Conceal. Correct. Contour Palette
This is one of the best drugstore color-correcting palettes available right now and with good reason! You can choose from 6 unique color-correcting shades at an affordable price, making this palette a great bargain. The beauty of this palette is that you can mix and match the different shades to the point that suits your complexion the best and cancels your skin issues like dark circles, hyperpigmentation, and redness. The lightweight formula provides an easy application that glides across your skin and effortlessly covers any blemishes or acne scars. They can be used on complexions that have cool and warm undertones without looking patchy or uneven. You can use the pink or purple shades to cancel out dark circles and layer your foundation over them for a brighter look. Check out this video to learn about a tester’s experience with the product.
Pros
- Creamy formula
- Lightweight
- Versatile
- Palette comes in 6 shades
- Cruelty-free
- Cancels out dark circles and redness
Cons
- May trigger an allergic reaction for people with sensitive skin
2. Best For Normal To Dry Skin:Physicians Formula Super CC Cream
Don’t gloss over this multi-tasking CC cream by Physicians Formula when looking for an under-eye color corrector drugstore. The hydrating formula contains micro color-correcting pigments and anti-aging ingredients that help moisturize your skin throughout the day. The gentle formula reduces redness and has SPF, which will protect you from the sun’s damaging rays. You can gently wipe the product on the affected areas with your fingers or a brush and blend it until you get the desired result. The formula is perfect for sensitive skin as the CC cream is hypoallergenic and won’t trigger any nasty reactions. In addition, the cream has a dewy finish, which enhances your skin’s natural glow as the day goes on. We recommend mixing this CC cream with your favorite concealer to get a smooth and even application. You can also check this YouTube video that details a reviewer’s experience with the color corrector for a complete idea about the product.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Color-balancing formula
- Contains color-correcting pigments and SPF
- Cruelty-free
- Easy application
- Suitable for normal to dry skin
- Dewy finish
Cons
- May not be suitable for combination and oily skin types
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 820 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
3. Best For Dark Circles:Maybelline New York Master Camo By Face Studio
If you are looking for the best drugstore color corrector for dark circles, you must add this one to the cart. The cult-favorite color corrector by the celebrity-endorsed brand Maybelline ensures that your dark circles are sufficiently covered. It is best suited for light to medium skin tones, and the apricot shade will ensure that the dark pigmentation is canceled out. The unique selling point of this product is that it comes in a pen form, which provides an easy application experience. The convenient pen design also makes it super easy to blend and allows for precise application. If the apricot shade isn’t ideal for you, it is available in 6 color corrector shades including pink, yellow, green, and red. Reviewers on several online forums have suggested using fingers to blend the creamy formula and make it look natural. If you want to know more about the results, take a look at this review on YouTube based on a tester’s experience with the product.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Smooth blending experience
- Available in 6 shades
- Convenient pen design
- Suitable for dark circles
- Full coverage finish
- Includes a built-in applicator
Cons
- Some may find the formula tacky
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 549 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
| NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Conceal. Correct. Contour Palette Best Lightweight | Physicians Formula Super CC Cream Best For Normal To Dry Skin | Maybelline New York Master Camo By Face Studio Best For Dark Circles | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | AllColor | - | Combination |
| Weight | 0.32 Ounces | 1.2 Ounces | 0.32 Ounces |
| Number of Items | - | 1 | - |
| Dimensions | - | 1.36 x 1.88 x 5.63 inches | 0.52 x 0.52 x 4.92 inches |
| Color | - | - | Apricot |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,452 | 820 | 549 |
| Price | $9.24 | $13.85 | $6.5 |
4. Best For All Skin Types: SHANY Professional Cream Foundation and Camouflage Concealer
The SHANY Professional Cream Foundation and Camouflage Concealer is a makeup product designed to provide full coverage and customizable color correction for a flawless complexion. This palette contains 15 different shades that can be used alone or combined to create a perfect match for your skin tone. Many reviews on online forums indicate that makeup lovers can play with the colors and use them as foundation concealer, primer, camouflage, and eyeshadow base. Each color corrector is made with a unique combination of premium ingredients that enable easy application and long-lasting pigmentation. This color corrector is not tested on animals, which makes it ideal for people seeking ethically conscious makeup products.
Pros
- Blends easily
- Smooth, creamy texture
- A little bit goes a long way
- Cruelty-free
- Lightweight
Cons
- Thick consistency
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 1,193 rave reviews on Amazon.
5. Best For Baking Makeup:Bellapierre Banana Setting Powder
Set your makeup with this versatile and lightweight face powder. The talc-free setting powder is specially formulated to cancel and hide dark circles, blemishes, and acne scars for any complexion. You wouldn’t want to spend all your time perfecting your makeup just to have it melt away, right? This setting powder ensures that your makeup stays in place and that it doesn’t crease or smudge all through the day. The banana setting powder is popular because it banishes dark circles and hyperpigmentation with just one swipe, resulting in an even complexion. The powder also has a subtle yellow tint that cancels out redness or discoloration and enhances your complexion for a beautiful finish.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Talc-free
- Smooth and even application
- Natural finish
- Cancels out dark spots and redness
- Gentle formula
- Suitable for baking makeup
- Light coverage
Cons
- Maybe comedogenic
Pro Tip6. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Illumination
This high coverage CC+ cream works like a charm on any skin tone and can be doubled as your foundation too. The lightweight formula is hydrating and offers SPF 50+ protection, perfect for people who live in hot and humid locations. The formula also has micronized light-reflecting pigments that enhance your skin’s natural glow. Additionally, it is infused with peptides, collagen, niacin, hyaluronic acid, vitamins, and antioxidants. The color-correcting feature reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark under-eye circles, and large pores while keeping your skin soft and supple. It’s perfect for acne-prone skin, and you can choose from 11 shades to find one that suits your complexion the best.
Pros
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
- Blendable texture
- Smooth application
- Contains hyaluronic acid and collagen
- Available in 11 shades
- SPF 50
- Enhances skin’s natural glow
Cons
- Some may find the consistency too thick
7. Best For Hiding Dark Spots:Revlon PhotoReady Color Correcting Pen for Dark Spots
This peach color corrector by Revlon does a great job at camouflaging dark spots and blemishes. The smooth and bendable formula contains 3D color-correcting pigments, which do a great job neutralizing hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and any other color-related imperfections. The pen design comes with a precision brush that easily applies the product, especially around your eyes and nose. The formula also has a high-definition filter technology that captures light and transforms it in a way that blurs any flaws and smoothes your complexion, giving you a filtered look. You can choose from 3 colors, lavender, green, and peach, and each will combat issues like redness, dullness, and dark spots.
Pros
- Contains 3D color-correcting pigments
- Precision brush provides easy application
- Natural-looking finish
- Smooth blending
- High definition filter technology
- Hides dark spots
Cons
- May not be long lasting
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 743 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
8. Best For Medium To Deep Complexions:E.l.f. Cosmetics Color Correcting
This peach color corrector is perfect for medium to deep complexions. The creamy formula settles on your skin without creasing or smudging, and it offers full coverage on any dark spots or under-eye circles. It blends like a dream and provides seamless coverage as well. The color-correcting pencil is perfect for people who want to neutralize redness and cancel out color imperfections quickly and with one stroke. A little goes a long way with this color corrector, so we recommend that you start with a small amount, blend it in, and then build from there if you need more coverage. The best part about this product is that even though it is creamy, the pigmented formula is lightweight and won’t clog your pores, making it ideal to layer with different base products like foundation and concealer..
Pros
- Lightweight
- Highly pigmented
- Suitable for medium to deep complexions
- Help reduce hyperpigmentation and dark circles
- Creamy formula
- Travel-friendly
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- The pigment may show up under the base makeup
9. Best Comodegenic: Stila Correct And Perfect All In One Color Correcting Palette
Whether you struggle with acne, rosacea, sunburn, dark undereye, or hyperpigmentation, you can use the Stila Correct And Perfect All In One Color Correcting Palette safely without worrying about skin concerns. The palette has 5 cream color correctors that blend easily. It helps neutralize uneven skin tone and brightens the complexion. You get five lightweight creamy shades that are buildable and two translucent tinted powders for spot coverage. The weightless formula feels comfortable on the skin and doesn’t look cakey. Reviewers on several online forums are obsessed with this product as it covers all skin concerns while blending seamlessly under the concealer and foundation.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to blend
- Buildable coverage
- Creamy formula
- Semi-matte finish
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Need to be used with a primer
10. Best For Sensitive Skin: Dermaflage Color Corrector Palette
The Dermaflage Color Corrector Palette is a makeup product designed to correct and conceal various imperfections on the skin. The palette contains a green shade that covers red acne marks, a peach shade that conceals acne scars and age spots, under-eye circles, and a yellow shade that brightens and conceals dark circles or purple bruises. Each color corrector is formulated with a blend of natural pigments and skin-nourishing ingredients to provide a smooth and even coverage that looks natural and seamless on the skin. The product is suitable for all skin types and can be used alone or under foundation. It helps you achieve radiant skin and a flawless, even complexion. Ethically conscious consumers are obsessed with this product as it does not undergo any animal testing.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Makes the skin smooth
- Easy to use with any makeup
- Doesn’t crease or flake
- Hypoallergenic
- Long-lasting
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Thick consistency
11. Best Oil-Free:Vasanti Liquid VO2 Color Correcting Concealer
Suppose you are looking for a stellar color corrector and concealer combination in one product. In that case, this is the perfect choice for you. It provides amazing coverage while simultaneously being lightweight. Once you apply it, the formula effortlessly blends into your skin and hides any skin issues you want to cover. The liquid formula is oil-free yet quite hydrating, and has a unique luxurious texture that suits all skin types, from oily to dry. The color corrector goes well on olive and medium skin tones because it won’t look patchy or uneven. According to different reviews on online forums, apply it to the affected areas and blend it with your favorite makeup brush to create a smooth and even base for a radiant finish.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to apply
- Smooth blending
- Oil-free
- Luxurious texture
- Dermatologist-tested
- Suitable for medium to olive complexions
Cons
- The formula may seem cakey when dry
Now that you are aware of the various statement-making color correctors available in the market, you need to understand the important factors that make a good color corrector. Keep reading to know which one will suit your needs the best and can be added to your enhanced beauty regime.
Buying Guide To Choosing The Best Drugstore Color Correctors
- Color
When picking a color, you need to look for ones that suit your skin complexion and neutralize discoloration. Remember that complementary colors that are opposite to each other work best to conceal blemishes and offer exceptional results. For example, green and yellow color corrector shades can be used to treat redness, bright orange to hide hyperpigmentation on deeper complexions, peach to cover dark circles, lavender to neutralize yellow tones, and blue to cover discoloration on lighter skin tones.
- Labels
Choosing the right color corrector usually boils down to what’s on the label. Look for drugstore products that are free from parabens, mineral oils, and other harmful chemicals. Also, bonus points if you find hypoallergenic color correctors as they are super safe on sensitive skin. If you have oily skin, then look for oil-free formulas, and if you have dry skin, look for hydrating formulas. You can even find products that have SPF and are great for daily use as well.
- Formula
The formula is another crucial element to look for when choosing an ideal color corrector. If you want to correct dark circles, then look for a cream or gel formula because they are gentle on the skin and easy to blend. You can go for liquid-based formulas for the rest of your face, as they provide a smooth base without looking patchy or uneven. However, conduct a patch test on a small area of your skin before choosing a formula for consistent use.
Professional makeup artist Lorrie Pearson says, “Correctors are great for minimizing skin imperfections. At times, I mix the corrector with the concealer or foundation to result in a smoother, more flawless application. It offers a more natural-looking finish.”
Infographic: Dos And Don’ts Of Using A Color Corrector
Color correctors have become a popular tool in the world of makeup to help manage dark spots and uneven skin tone. However, using one effectively requires a good understanding of the dos and don’ts. Check out the infographic below for more information.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Drugstore color correctors can provide a quick fix to all your makeup woes. The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Conceal. Correct. Contour Palette offers a lightweight formula for easy application and effective coverage of marks and scars, while the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Illumination provides SPF 50 and suits acne-prone skin. For precise and convenient under-eye blending, the Maybelline New York Master Camo By Face Studio is an excellent choice. These color correctors can provide flawless skin with no visible dark spots or patches. These drugstore color correctors help restore the natural glow of your skin while removing discoloration and signs of hyperpigmentation. You can purchase these drugstore color correctors at affordable prices. Not just that, these color correctors can also help you cover blemishes, dark spots, and patches. While choosing the perfect color corrector for yourself, look out for the undertone that these correctors are best for. Some of these color correctors also work well on redness around the eyes or dark circles. People with sensitive skin should steer clear of the color correctors that can cause allergic reactions on the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is a better color corrector or concealer?
Concealers and color correctors are two different products. Concealers primarily cover dark circles and color correctors are used when the dark patches and circles are intense and very apparent.
Do you apply a color corrector before or after the foundation?
Color correctors should be applied before the foundation.
Can you use a color corrector without concealer?
Yes, applying a color corrector without an under eye concealer is perfectly fine when you’re already using a full-coverage foundation.
Is concealer and color corrector the same?
No, color corrector and concealer are entirely different products.
How can I prevent a color corrector from blending in with the foundation?
Apply a thin layer of concealer to keep the color corrector from blending with the foundation.
Can you use a color corrector as an all-over face primer?
No, color correctors and primers are two different items with unique uses.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Priyam Gupta, the author of this article, has a passion for discovering the best makeup products. If you have dark circles, dark spots, or blemishes, Priyam recommends using these incredible drugstore color correctors that help you even out your skin tone. These products have been highly rated on multiple review forums and selected based on their superior formula, consistency, and color payoff.
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