When choosing what clothing to wear, we often consider the colors that look good against our skin. The same goes for makeup: Specific color combinations have different effects depending on your skin tone. The basic principles of this are based on color theory (yes, the same concept you may have learned in art class once upon a time).
Color theory revolves around the color wheel, which diagrams the primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. Colors opposite of one another on the color wheel are known as complementary colors (for example, blue and orange, purple and yellow, and red and green). When mixed in equal amounts, they cancel one another out. Because green sits opposite red on the color wheel, green makeup products (mainly primers and concealers) are perfect for combatting redness from breakouts, broken blood vessels, or rosacea. Here, we’ll discuss how green makeup products work and some of our top picks.
Green Primer
Primer is used to prep the face before applying makeup. Its purpose is to extend the time cosmetics last on your face and make your skin an even canvas. Green primer does everything a colorless primer color does while also helping reduce the appearance of redness or red spots. It camouflages blemishes and gives you a smooth finish, making applying and blending foundation easier without the possibility of red blotches or a patchy finish.
Our Picks:
NYX Studio Perfect Primer in Green ($14, shop here)
Make Up For Ever Step 1 Primer Redness Corrector ($39, shop here)
Smashbox Photo Finish Correct Anti-Redness Primer ($42, shop here)
Green Concealer
Concealer has a thicker consistency than foundation or primer because it is designed to hide dark circles, blemishes, dark spots, and other imperfections. Green concealer is used to combat redness – perfect for those stubborn zits that just won’t seem to disappear with your regular skin-colored concealer.
Our Picks:
Ulta Color Correcting Liquid Concealer in Green ($9, shop here)
Lacôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Camouflage Corrector in Green ($31, shop here)
Erborian CC Red Correct ($45, shop here)
Remember: Green makeup will help neutralize the appearance of acne, rosacea, or any other redness caused by irritability, but it will not treat or resolve them. If your skin condition worsens, seek out a dermatologist for support.
Do you have a favorite green-toned primer or concealer? Share with us in the comments below!