Dark under-eye circles can be caused by a variety of factors like genetics, allergies, lack of sleep, and aging. While concealers and correctors in peach and bisque tones are often recommended to brighten up the under-eye area, using a green color corrector is another technique that can help neutralize dark circles.
What causes dark circles under the eyes?
There are a few main causes of dark undereye circles:
- Genetics – Some people are just prone to darker undereye areas and shadows due to bone structure and thinner skin around the eyes.
- Allergies – Seasonal allergies or eye allergies can cause swelling, puffiness, and shadows under the eyes.
- Lack of sleep – Fatigue and lack of sleep can lead to paler skin and more visible blood vessels under the eyes.
- Sun exposure – UV rays can damage and discolor the thin skin around the eyes over time.
- Age – As we age, skin loses collagen and elastin leading to thinner skin around the eyes.
- Dehydration – Lack of fluids can cause eyes to look sunken and discolored.
- Iron deficiency – Anemia from low iron can make dark circles look worse.
- Medications – Some medications like antihistamines can cause under eye puffiness.
How does green color corrector work to neutralize dark circles?
Green color correctors are designed to counteract red and purple undertones that can make dark undereye circles more noticeable. Here’s how they help:
- Green neutralizes red tones – The green pigments counteract and cancel out any redness under the eyes.
- Corrects blue-based circles – Green also helps neutralize purple/blue circles caused by thinner skin and blood vessels showing through.
- Brightens overall – By counteracting redness and dullness, green brings brightness to the undereye area.
- Primes for concealer – Using green before concealer provides an even, corrected base for longer-lasting coverage.
Look for a green corrector that has yellow undertones as well, as too much green can look unnatural. Applying a thin layer of concentrated green neutralizer before your regular concealer can help minimize the appearance of dark undereye circles.
How to use green color corrector for dark circles
Using a green color corrector takes some practice but can make a noticeable difference in reducing the look of dark undereye circles when done properly. Here are some application tips:
- Use a small amount – Only a thin layer is needed to neutralize discoloration.
- Warm it up – Warm the corrector between fingers before applying so it melts into skin smoothly.
- Tap lightly – Gently tap the corrector onto the undereye area using your ring finger.
- Blend well – Softly blend outward so there are no harsh lines.
- Don’t overdo it – Too much green can look obvious and unnatural.
- Layer concealer on top – Apply your regular concealer shade on top to finish.
- Set with powder – Use a light powder to set the corrector and prevent creasing.
Make sure to choose a highly pigmented, smooth-textured corrector that feels comfortable on the delicate undereye skin. Testing out application techniques beforehand can ensure the green doesn’t show through or look too heavy-handed.
Benefits of using green color corrector
When used properly, a green-based undereye corrector can offer the following benefits:
- Neutralizes redness and discoloration
- Brightens dull, dark circles
- Minimizes the look of blood vessels
- Creates an even base for concealer
- Longer lasting coverage throughout the day
- Allows use of lighter concealer shade
- Affordable solution for discoloration issues
- Quick and portable for on-the-go touch ups
The color correcting effect helps many people reduce the amount of concealer needed to cover stubborn circles. Just be sure to find a formula that works with your specific undereye needs.
Potential drawbacks
While green concealers can be handy, there are some potential downsides to be aware of:
- Can look obvious if applied too heavily
- Not intended for spot treatment of blemishes
- Requires an extra step in makeup routine
- Can crease if not set with powder
- Not a solution for puffiness or texture issues
- More drying than creamy correctors
- Can oxidize and change color over time
Being strategic with application and testing different brands can help avoid problems. Green correctors also may not be ideal for those with only minor discoloration issues.
How to choose the best green color corrector
With so many green concealers on the market, it can be tricky finding one that works for your needs. Here are tips for selecting the right green color corrector:
- Creamy or stick formula – Easy to blend and comfortable on delicate skin.
- Richly pigmented – A little goes a long way in coverage.
- Green with yellow undertones – Avoids looking too harsh.
- Fragrance-free – Prevents irritation on eyes.
- Hydrating ingredients – Helps prevent creasing and caking.
- Suits your skin undertones – Works with your skin’s base color.
- Non-comedogenic – Won’t clog pores or cause acne.
- Ophthalmologist tested – Safe for contact lens wearers.
The texture, finish and longevity should also suit your preferences and skin type. Testers and samples can assist in determining which shades work best before purchasing.
Reviews of the top green color correctors
Here are reviews of some top-rated options for green undereye correctors across different budgets:
Drugstore
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Correcting Stick
Price – Around $12 USD
Shades – Green, yellow, peach, purple
Key features – Creamy stick formula, long lasting up to 12 hours, hydrating shea butter
Review – The smooth, hydrating texture melts nicely into skin for easy blending. The bold green pigment neutralizes redness and color corrects nicely before concealer. Some find the stick packaging messy. Long wearing but can crease without setting.
NYX Professional Makeup Dark Circle Corrector
Price – Around $13 USD
Shades – Fair, medium, deep
Key features – Lightweight gel formula, peach & yellow correctors plus green concealer
Review – This 3-in-1 pen has correctors on each end plus a green concealer. The lightweight gel is blendable but can sheer out fast. Works well for mild circles but may not provide enough coverage for very dark ones.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles
Price – Around $10 USD
Shades – Neutralizer, brightener, various skin tones
Key features – Liquid formula with applicator sponge tip, hydrating goji berry & haloxyl
Review – This cult favorite uses a brightening concealer with goji berry and haloxyl to target dark circles. The sponge tip applicator makes it easy to lightly dab and blend. Lightweight but buildable medium coverage. Creasing can be an issue.
Mid-range
Bobbi Brown Corrector
Price – $28 USD
Shades – Light to deep bisque, dark peach, deep peach, extra light peach
Key features – Creamy formula, peach & bisque tones, hydrating shea butter & jojoba oil
Review – A cult favorite with peach and bisque tones to brighten undereyes, while shea butter hydrates. Provides medium to full buildable coverage. Melts into skin nicely. Can look heavy if layered too much.
Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector
Price – $32 USD
Shades – Light to medium, light to deep
Key features – Radiant finish, lightweight texture, brightens & smoothes
Review – This lightweight corrector uses pigments and luminescent pearls to brighten while color correcting. Blends smoothly and makes undereyes look more radiant. Hydrating but not as full coverage as heavier correctors.
Colourpop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Creamy Concealer
Price – $9 USD
Shades – Fair 05W, Light 10W, Light 12N, Light 20N, Medium 25N, Medium 30N, Tan 35N, Dark 40N, Deep 45N
Key features – Hydrating ha hyaluronic acid, cruelty-free, vegan, 12 month shelf life
Review – This affordable concealer has a creamy, hydrating formula with hyaluronic acid to smooth fine lines. Provides medium, buildable coverage with a dewy finish that plays well with dry skin. Easy to blend out and layer. Can crease without setting.
High End
Cle De Peau Beaute Correcting Cream Veil
Price – $70 USD
Shades – Green, yellow, purple, salmon
Key features – Luxurious formula, color balancing technology, smooths texture
Review – This luxury correcting cream feels lightweight while providing buildable full coverage that masks imperfections. Evens skin tone and color corrects while creating a smooth, flawless finish. Expensive but a little goes a long way.
La Mer The Concealer
Price – $85 USD
Shades – 13 colors including green and peach correctors
Key features – Smoothing marine extracts & powders, hydrating, full coverage
Review – A green corrector shade helps combat discoloration in this line along with peachy tones. Provides a seamless finish with medium to full coverage. The smooth, emollient texture hydrates and blurs imperfections. Very pricey but effective.
Smashbox Color Correcting Sticks
Price – $25 USD
Shades – Dark circle (green), blemish (green), sallowness (yellow), dullness (purple), acne (peach), discoloration (peach)
Key features – Stick formulas, color correcting pigments target specific issues
Review – Convenient stick formulas provide precision color correction for undereyes, redness, sallowness, etc. Easy to blend and layer. Very pigmented so a little goes a long way. Can pull on delicate eye skin if rubbed too hard.
Tips for making green corrector work best
Here are some top tips for maximizing the effectiveness of undereye green concealers:
- Exfoliate first – Get rid of dry skin so the corrector applies smoothly.
- Use a primer – Prevents creasing and helps product last.
- Tap lightly – Press gently instead of rubbing to avoid irritation.
- Set with powder – Locks corrector in place and prevents transferring.
- Use a color theory wheel – Choose the right shade of green to neutralize your specific discoloration.
- Try different shades – Greens with yellow, blue or neutral undertones can vary in effect.
- Start with a peachy corrector – If green is too harsh, peach can also brighten undereyes.
- Use sparingly – The most pigmented area should be right over the darkest circles.
- Layer under concealer – Top with a concealer or foundation close to your skin tone.
- Refresh periodically – Reapply green corrector if circles start to show through later in the day.
FAQs
Can I just use green corrector without concealer on top?
It’s generally recommended to layer regular concealer or foundation on top of green corrector. The green neutralizes discoloration, but skin may look slightly green if left alone. Adding concealer on top provides a more natural skin tone finish.
Should I use green corrector before or after foundation?
Most experts recommend applying green color corrector right after your eye cream or primer, before liquid foundation. The corrector can then fully neutralize circles without the foundation obscuring its effects. Powder foundation applied on top can help set the corrector.
How long does green color corrector last on the skin?
With setting powder, a green color corrector typically lasts 8 to 12 hours before needing touch ups. Creamier stick formulas tend to have a bit more longevity than drier formulas. Properly priming skin and setting the corrector can extend the wear time as well.
Can green corrector be used to cover blemishes and redness?
While green correctors are primarily meant for undereye circles, they can also help tone down red acne spots and blemishes. Look for a corrector designed for blemishes with a precision applicator. Avoid rubbing heavily over active breakouts.
What if I have both dark circles and undereye puffiness?
For puffy eyes plus discoloration, first apply a green corrector just to the darkened areas, then use a peach or yellow corrector on the raised puffy areas before concealer. An eye cream with caffeine can also help temporarily deflate bags.
Conclusion
Using a green color corrector is an effective technique for reducing the appearance of dark undereye circles. When shopping for the best green corrector, look for highly pigmented formulas with blendable, creamy textures suitable for the thin, fragile skin around the eyes. Test out application to find the right amount of color correction for your skintone before topping with concealer.
With consistent use, green concealers can help minimize shadows, veins and red-blue tones that exacerbate the look of dark circles and eyelid discoloration. While not a cure, they offer an affordable and accessible option for temporarily neutralizing undertones that standard concealer shades may miss. When paired with sufficient sleep, hydration and under eye skin care, green correctors can be a handy cosmetic solution for brightening up tired eyes.
