What Is Color Correction In Makeup?
This blog post explains what color correction is in makeup and how to color correct areas such as dark circles on the face.
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What is color correction in makeup?
Color correction is simply the process of using complementary colors to neutralize (think of the color wheel) discoloration or hyperpigmentation on the face. For example, to neutralize the grayish blue of dark circles, you would use an orange or peach color corrector. Similarly, for redness and rosacea, you can use a green color corrector to cancel it out. For dull, sallow yellow undertones, you can use a purple corrector to brighten the skin.
Let’s do a quick activity together. Look at your bare face without any makeup on in the mirror and identify the areas of your face where your skin tone looks different than the rest of your face. The most common areas of discoloration or hyperpigmentation (especially on women of color) are around the eyes, nose and mouth. You will notice these areas have a gray blue tone.
If I apply foundation without color correcting, then what I notice is that part of my face looks ashy, dull and and doesn’t match the rest of my face.
How to color correct
Now that you know what areas of your face need color correcting, apply the color wheel theory to know what color to cancel out the tones you don’t want. Color corrector is before applying any foundation or concealer. First apply and blend the color corrector where needed — it should be a thin veil of color (you should be able to see your skin below) — and then apply your normal foundation and concealer and blend well. The color corrector should not be seen at all once blended into the base products and your skin tone should look even and brighter.
What makeup product to use for color correction?
A color corrector. It’s available in cream, stick and liquid form. My preferred formulas are liquid and stick because they’re thin and blend out easily. Here’s a little tip: don’t buy a color corrector palette, which usually has the cream formula, because they are harder to work with (especially if you’re new to this) on the skin due to the thicker consistency. Plus, you’re most likely only going to use 1 or 2 shades, so you’re better off buying individual liquid or stick color correctors.
L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer
L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer offers a really great range of correctors and concealers. It is affordable, has a liquid formula, and blends out easily to create a thin veil of color. I like the “Orange Corrector” for my medium skin tone. Just remember this corrector is pigmented, so a little goes a long way.
Live Tinted Huestick
The Live Tinted Huestick correctors were specifically designed for people of color. There’s a really wide variety of shades in the orange/red category. “Rise” is my favorite and I used it all the time. It is a stick color corrector and I like it because I can control how much product to apply. It is buildable and blends out nicely too.
Best color corrector for redness and rosacea
Green cancels out red. So, if you have inflammation, fresh acne breakouts, redness, or rosacea, then use a green color corrector to neutralize it. Here are some the most popular affordable green color correctors:
- L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer in “Green Corrector”
- NYX HD Concealer Wand Medium Coverage Under Eye Concealer in “Green”
- Morphe Fluidity Color Correcting Concealer in “Green”
How to color correct dark circles
Dark circles are essentially blue toned, so using an orange tone corrector will cancel it out.
Be sure to choose the right shade of orange for your skin tone:
- Fair to light skin tone: use salmon or peach color corrector such as Live Tinted Huestick in “Perk” or “Balance” / L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer in “Peach Corrector”
- If your skin is light/medium to medium/deep, use an orange color corrector (read above)
- If your skin is medium/deep to dark, use a red color corrector such as Live Tinted in “Origin”
Watch this video tutorial showing you how I correct dark circles using an orange color corrector and this tutorial on how to use a red color corrector.
Related:
How To Use An Orange Color Collector For Dark Circles
Understanding These Two Basic Facts About The Color Wheel Will Seriously Improve Your Makeup Game
All About Hyperpigmentation: Causes, Treatments, Good -For-You Ingredients & Makeup Tips
