How to Use Green Concealer to Hide Any and All Redness

Green concealer can be a mystery—perhaps you noticed it displayed on the beauty shelf and wondered why it'd been left out past Halloween. Or maybe you already know about the powers of color correcting and want to better understand the technique. Either way, we're here assure you that green concealer is not just for your favorite Elfaba costume, it's also one of the best options for concealing redness. Flushed skin, rosacea, sensitivity, or post-blemish pigmentation don't stand a chance against this gentle green giant. In fact, even in lighter formulations green concealer can do what most thick and cakey heavy-duty concealers can't accomplish. It's surprisingly simple to use, too—once you know the proper application technique.

We asked makeup artist Ashley Rebecca how green concealer works and the right way to apply it to camouflage acne and redness. Read on for her tips to a flawless finish.

What Is Green Concealer?

Green concealer is a great, easy way to use color theory to neutralize redness and discoloration. It may seem confusing when you first see it on a makeup shelf—how can green makeup look good? Just like orange can be used to correct dark undereye bags, when used and applied correctly, green concealers—and all color correctors—can combat all types of imperfections on your face. (Not that you have any, you're perfect.)

Green Concealer Benefits

• Great for covering breakouts
• Can help cover redness caused by rosacea and inflammation
• Neutralizes skintone

How Does Green Concealer Work?

To explain how it works, we have to take a trip back in time to elementary school art class. Remember when we learned about the color wheel, namely how certain colors are placed opposite one another? Well, green is placed opposite of red, meaning when you layer a green makeup product over a red blemish, it works to neutralize the color. The same thing works with bluish under-eye circles. If you color-correct with a peach-colored concealer, the circles won't look nearly as dramatic. Because, again, orange is placed opposite of blue. Who knew elementary school art class would come in handy like this? Not us.

How to Apply Green Concealer

The first step is always to identify the right formula for your needs. Rebecca's favorite green color-corrector is CoverFX's Green Correct Click, which is a highly pigmented and ultra-blendable cream stick formula. Since it's a stick and not a wand, you have more control over how much you use, which is great if you're a first-timer worried about looking like the Hulk.

Once you have your product in hand, begin by prepping the skin. After finishing your skincare routine, apply your primer and foundation. Lightly tap the green corrector in areas you want to conceal. There's no complicated layering or product mixing. Simply apply the green color-correcting product to the red area after foundation. Using a buildable foundation can help control how much coverage you use—you don't want too much foundation to look like you're trying to cover something up, but you also want a foundation that will cover up the green concealer shade. Finish with a flesh-toned concealer on top to blend everything together.

The Final Takeaway

If you have chronic redness, you know that it's incredibly difficult to cover with traditional makeup. That's where green concealer—otherwise known as color corrector—comes into play. It might sound (and look) intimidating, but it's honestly one of the most effective anti-redness makeup tools out there.