How to Use Every Type of Color-Correcting Concealer

Concealer is without a doubt the biggest must-have product to keep in your makeup bag. It covers blemishes, hides dark circles and hyperpigmentation, and basically just makes everything look even and flawless. Didn't get enough sleep last night? Concealer. Slept in your makeup and got a few breakouts to show for it? Concealer. Need to prime your lids or your lips so your makeup stays on better? Concealer. It truly is a jack-of-all-trades. 

While going to the cosmetics aisle of your favorite beauty supply store in search of just the right concealer may seem like a puzzle more than anything else, we're here to tell you that it's a bit easier to understand than you think. For starters, when you conceal a blemish, you should match the concealer exactly to your skin, while for under-eye brightening, you should find a shade that's half a shade lighter than your skin, according to celebrity makeup artist Mai Quynh. But what do different colors of concealer do, like purple, green, and yellow? Ahead, watch celebrity makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran share her tutorial for using color-correcting concealers, plus pro tips from Alima Pure Cosmetics founder Kate O'Brien. know-how.

Green

What does green concealer do? Well, according to O'Brien, a pale pistachio green (like her Color Balancing Powder, $26, in Pistachio) conceals redness: "Though it doesn’t look green on the skin, we recommend using any green concealers beneath your foundation. Green colors work beautifully for dermatitis, rosacea, and even mild sunburn."

Lavender

This one might seem a little intimidating at first glance. What does purple concealer do? O'Brien says that a pale lavender "brightens skin" and "enlivens your complexion." Lavender also neutralizes "yellow dull tones" on the skin and should be used underneath foundation.

Yellow

What is yellow concealer for? The answer might seem a little more clear than the others: "Pale yellow shades will soften slight redness, add warmth, and brighten up any complexion," says O'Brien.

Salmon

Lastly, if you've ever wondered What does red concealer do? we've got your answer. Try it to nix dark circles! Celebrity makeup artist and creative director at ShikSona Victoria Stiles says to try pink- and salmon-based concealer shades (these hues knock out blue and gray undertones). However, you want to be careful to apply these only to dark areas, as applying them elsewhere on the face could lead to orange splotches.

Byrdie-Approved Color Correcting Concealers