Skin Health Acne Living With Uses for Green Makeup Concealer How to Apply for Maximum Benefit By Angela Palmer Angela Palmer Facebook Angela Palmer is a licensed esthetician specializing in acne treatment. Learn about our editorial process Updated on May 20, 2020 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Leah Ansell, MD Medically reviewed by Leah Ansell, MD LinkedIn Leah Ansell, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant professor of dermatology at Columbia University. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print You're happily shopping the cosmetic section of the department store when you come across a rather strange product: green makeup concealer. You can't imagine why anyone would want to put green makeup on their skin. TanyaRow / Getty Images What is that green makeup concealer, and why is it used? Great for Covering Pimples and Inflamed Acne Despite its unusual color (or rather, because of it) green concealer can be the best friend of anyone with a pimple. Green concealers are often called color correctors because that's exactly what they do. Green concealer, when used correctly, can tone down the redness from inflamed pimples and help camouflage breakouts. Unless you're an artist, you may be perplexed exactly how this would 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. Because 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). Regardless, 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 it works. All you really need to know is how to apply this makeup concealer correctly. Step 1: Apply your foundation. If you're wearing a liquid or cream-based foundation, apply that first. Otherwise, the 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Dealing with acne can be frustrating. Our free guide provides expert tips to help you take control. Sign up and get yours today. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit