Dark Circles, Where? These 13 Color Correctors Are Practically Magic Wands

If you've ever dealt with dark circles under your eyes, you know the struggle is real. It's hard to mask the darkness in a way that looks natural and flawless. The trick here, though, is to find the right product, and that's where color correctors come in.

"When you don't want to cake on concealer to cover dark circles, color correcting will be your best friend," explains makeup artist and groomer Janice Kinjo, whose clients include Mindy Kaling, Uzo Aduba, and Gabrielle Union. "It is a way to instantly neutralize discoloration, dark circles, and blemish marks underneath your foundation/concealer."

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(Image credit: @mexicanbutjapanese)

Color Correctors vs. Concealers

You might think color correctors and concealers are one and the same (I used to think they were interchangeable), but they're two very different products. "Concealers are significantly different than color correctors," says makeup artist Gina Brooke, whose clients include Cate Blanchett, Kim Kardashian, and Kerry Washington. "Concealers are highly pigmented and meant to conceal and highlight the skin while matching your skin tone, whereas color correctors are specifically designed to neutralize imperfections by toning down the color of the melanin to create a seamless look."

What to Look for in a Color Corrector

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(Image credit: @isabellecoheen)

Brooke says choosing a color corrector can be more complicated than choosing a new shade of foundation. That's because they're designed to work by neutralizing the skin using the opposite shade on discolored areas. She recommends looking for light formulas that are buildable.

"To keep it simple, for fair complexions, look for pastel color correctors," Kinjo suggests. "For medium tones, yellow, orange, and peach correctors. For dark tones, [try] deep peach to dark orange. Shade matching will be easier when keeping those tips in mind."

How to Apply Color Corrector

Makeup artist Carolina Dalí-Trites, whose clients include Constance Wu and Storm Reid, says it's important to prep and moisturize the under-eye area first so that your makeup can glide on and blend easily. She shared her prep routine, saying, "I start off by applying on clean skin the Russak Dermatology Clinic Chill Out CBD-infused under-eye gel mask—it helps de-puff, soothe, and moisturize the under-eye area. Leave on for 15 to 30 minutes while you're doing your hair, choosing an outfit, or whatever else you're up to in the a.m."

"For best under-eye mask results, store in a cool place or fridge," she adds. Follow with the La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Cream—this cream is hydrating yet not oily, wears nicely under makeup, and has a touch of luminosity, which will help reflect light and instantly make the under-eye area look a little brighter. It's important to choose a moisturizer that's not too rich or oily because that will make the makeup crease."

After prepping, Kinjo recommends applying the corrector just on the affected area since color correctors have a thicker formulation, so you don't want it to look caked on. "Apply your foundation or concealer on top and blend with your finger, brush, or sponge," she says. "Again, color correctors neutralize color, so there is no need to pack on the foundation or concealer. All it comes down to is blending it with your foundation."

The Best Color Correctors for Dark Circles to Try

If you want to test them out for yourself, here's a list of the best color correctors recommended by makeup artists and editors.

Best Overall Color Corrector for Dark Circles: L.A. Girl Cosmetics HD Pro Corrector Concealer

Best Luxury Color Corrector: Chanel Le Correcteur de Chanel

Most Versatile Color Corrector: MAC Studio Fix Conceal & Correct

Best Lightweight Color Corrector: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Vanish Color Corrector

Best Stick Color Corrector: Live Tinted Huestick Corrector

Best Color Corrector for Olive Skin Tones: Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Makeup Color Base

Most Pigmented Color Corrector: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Camouflage Color Corrector

Best Color Corrector for Redness: Bobbi Brown Under Eye Corrector

Best Color-Correcting Palette: Nyx Professional Makeup Color Correcting Concealer Palette

Best Color-Correcting Pen: Maybelline Master Camo Color Correcting Pen

Best Color-Correcting Concealer: Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Corrector for Eyes Liquid Concealer

Best Cream Color Corrector: Nars Radiant Cream Color Corrector

Best Waterproof Color Corrector: Maybelline Cover Stick Corrector Concealer

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Managing Editor

Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019.

In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot).

She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.