Why Is Some Makeup Concealer Green? (2024)

Green concealer may not be a part of your skincare routine—you might even think it's strange. A green color-correcting concealer can help even out red skin. You can also use a green concealer for dark circles and spots.

This article will go over what green color-correcting concealer is used for and why you might want to try a green color corrector.

Green Concealer Covers Pimples

Despite its unusual color (or rather, because of it) green color-correcting concealer can be the best friend of anyone with a pimple. Green concealers are often called color correctorsbecause that's exactly what they do.

When used correctly, a green concealer can tone down the redness from inflamed pimples and help camouflage breakouts. You can also use a green color-correcting concealer for dark spots or dark circles under your eyes.

Unless you're an artist, you may be perplexed exactly how green color-correcting concealer work. To understand, look at a painter's color wheel. Red and green are complementary colors, meaning they're directly opposite each other on the color wheel.

Since they're direct opposites, these two colors counteract each other (at least when we're talking skin and makeup. Painters may have a completely different experience). You can kind of think of green concealer as "canceling out" the other colors.

Green color correctors will counteract redness in the skin, whether it be from a ruddy complexion, rosacea, or inflamed pimples and acne.

How to Apply Green Color Correctors

Of course, you don't need to understand color theory to know green color-correcting concealer works. All you really need to know is how to apply green concealer correctly.

Step 1: Apply your foundation.

If you're wearing a liquid or cream-based foundation, apply that first. Otherwise, the green concealer might be rubbed off while you're putting on your foundation.

Step 2: Apply the green color corrector with a dabbing motion.

Apply a small amount of green color corrector to an inflamed blemish with a small makeup brush or cotton swab. Dab or tap onto the skin. Don't rub. Rubbing can aggravate the pimple and make it look redder.

If you're covering more than one or two pimples, it's easier to apply your concealer with a dampened makeup sponge. Lightly dab over the entire area to cover.

Step 3: Blend, blend, blend.

The trick to get your green color corrector looking natural, rather than a St. Patrick's Day decoration gone bad, is to really blend it out. Using your makeup sponge (or even your clean finger for single pimples) gently blend by patting over the area.

Continue blending using a tapping or patting motion until it is completely blended. You'll know you're done when the green tone "disappears" into your skin.

Step 4: Apply a concealer and powder.

For a bit more coverage, apply a second concealer that matches your skin tone. Apply this concealer directly over the green color corrector.

Finish off with a light dusting of translucent powder and you're set to go.

Don't be discouraged if it doesn't look perfect the first time, especially if you're not used to wearing makeup. After a time or two practicing, you'll be able to apply your green color corrector and it will look completely natural.

Once you've used it, you'll never want to be without it again.

Summary

A green concealer might seem like a strange product to put on your face, but once you understand how color-correction works, a green color-correcting concealer may take on a starring role in your skincare. Green concealers can help even out red skin and can layered under your usual cosmetics.

By Angela Palmer
Angela Palmer is a licensed esthetician specializing in acne treatment.