How To Use An Orange Color Collector For Dark Circles
Here’s a beginner-friendly guide on how to use an orange color corrector on dark circles on medium to deep skin tones.
Table of Contents
What is color correcting?
Color correction is a makeup technique used to ‘correct’ pigmentation aka discoloration on the skin caused by dark circles, melasma, acne scarring etc. The technique is based on color theory using opposite colors on the color wheel, which cancel each other out. The products used for this technique are called color correctors.
For example, an orange color corrector is used to cancel out the blue/purple darkness around eyes.
A green color corrector is used to cancel out redness caused by scarring, rosacea or inflammation.
A purple color corrector is used to cancel out dullness in skin caused by a yellow-toned pigmentation.
Why is color correcting important?
Let me give you a personal example to show you why I think this makeup step is important. I have very dark circles around my eyes. No amount of concealer or foundation can hide them — believe me I have tried! The reason for this is that my dark circles are darker than my natural skin tone and so, no matter what, they always peek through looking like a dull grey shadow on my face.
The only way I can hide my dark circles is to first lay down an orange color corrector. The orange corrector neutralizes (evens out) the deepness of the blue/purple discoloration around my eyes, so that when I apply my foundation / concealer on top the dark circles are properly concealed.
If any part of this personal story sounds familiar, then now you know what the solution is and why I’m a big proponent of color correction.
Before and after: orange color corrector
Orange color correctors for medium to deep skin tones
For men and women of color hyperpigmentation is a real issue and color correction helps to even the skin tone, which is why I think it is a good makeup technique to learn. These are some of my tried-and-tested orange color correctors for medium to deep skin tones.
- LA Girl Cosmetics Color Corrector in Orange: USD 7
- Live Tinted Huestick in Rise: USD 24
- NARS Radiant Creamy Corrector in Medium Deep: USD 30
Tutorial video: how to use an orange color corrector for dark circles
What you’ll need:
- an orange color corrector
- concealer and foundation that match your skin tone
- concealer blending brush
- a translucent loose setting powder + brush
Step 1: Apply a very small amount of orange color corrector towards the inner corner of the eyes
Step 2: Apply a few dots of concealer right next to it
Step 3: Blend it out with the brush — don’t worry, if it looks very orange around the eyes, this is completely normal
Step 4: Apply a few more dots of concealer around the eyes and blend it all out — you should see the intensity of the orange tone decrease and start to look more like your own skin tone
Step 5: Apply a few dots of foundation around the eyes and rest of the face and blend. By working in light layers, the makeup doesn’t feel or look cakey and blends out more seamlessly. At this stage the dark blue/purple tones around the eyes should vanish and the eyes look brighter.
Step 6: Set the eye area with loose setting powder
Related:
What Is Color Correction In Makeup?
How To Use The Color Wheel For Makeup To Improve Your Skills
