Color correcting makeup is the unsung hero of the makeup world. Easily hide dark eye circles and make blemishes disappear with the right color. However, it’s crucial to know how to use a color correcting palette to achieve the desired look. We’ll review everything you need to know.
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What Is Color Corrector?
Color corrector products are specialized makeup products designed to neutralize colors. They utilize color theory and the color wheel to help you determine what color to use. For example, green and red are opposite colors on the color wheel. That means that a green color corrector can help cancel out redness. Likewise, yellow can help conceal dark purple circles.
Color Theory
Color correctors and color theory go hand in hand. Color theory is the basic principle of using and mixing colors to achieve a certain appeal. The color wheel is the very base of color theory. It starts with the three primary colors: red, blue, and yellow. Then, the secondary colors are added: purple, orange, and green. After that, various shades are added according to the shades of colors mixed. This color wheel is crucial to nailing color correction applications. For example, you may think that dark circles are instantly purple but may have a gray tone. Holding a color wheel up next to the area you want to conceal is a great way to ensure you use the proper shade.
Using The Correct Color For Concealing
You’ll quickly discover plenty of color-correcting products. Green concealer is always trending, and almost every palette has a peach color corrector. The vast array of products can get a little confusing, but we’ll clarify a few things so you know when to use each color.
Yellow Concealer
Yellow color corrector is great for color corrections that hide purple or blue. For example, it can help conceal bruises, undereye circles, and veins. However, it’s crucial to match the shade of yellow with your skin tone. People with lighter skin tones should opt for a very light shade of yellow to match their fair complexion. Darker shades will give your skin a yellow hue.
Green Concealer
The green color corrector is the easiest product to find. Many companies have products like green primer and concealer available to help reduce redness. Green helps neutralize redness from irritation, hickeys, and blemishes. It can also help soothe redness from acne, which is why more companies that provide acne primers have green primers available.
Purple Concealer
Purple color correction products are great for neutralizing yellow undertones, common in people with olive skin tones. Light shades of purple can also make your skin appear brighter, making them a must-have for anyone with dull skin. It’s common to find a stand-alone lavender powder or shade of purple in concealer palettes to give you a brighter complexion.
Peach Or Pink Concealer
Purple isn’t the only option for people with dull skin. Pink and peach color correctors are beautiful options for a brighter complexion. These shades work exceptionally well on people with fair skin tones. Peach can also cover dark circles if purple color correctors don’t work. Individuals with dark skin tones should get a color corrector with a shade closer to orange instead of pink or peach. Look for palettes with an orange concealer, or buy an individual one that will work with your skin tone.
Brown And Tan Concealer
Brown and tan are opposite blue on the color wheel. That’s why some people use a blue color corrector to help cover dark spots. Brown is a bit more versatile than that. Brown and tan can cover blue, such as the blue in bruises or varicose veins. Depending on the shade available, it can also be used as a concealer, highlighter, or for contouring. Some people use the brown correcting palette as a matte bronzer.
How To Apply Color Corrector
The steps are the same for cream or powder color correctors:
- Break out your color wheel to make sure you have the correct color corrector to get the job done.
- Apply primer and prep your skin.
- Apply your color correcting products.
After that, continue your makeup routine as usual with concealer, foundation, etc.
Do You Apply Color Corrector Before Or After Foundation?
Always apply color correction before you apply foundation. You should use this order:
- Primer
- Color corrector
- Blend, blend, blend
- Concealer if necessary
- Foundation
Avoid Applying Too Much Foundation Under Your Eyes
It can be tempting to layer foundation to cover critical areas, such as dark spots under the eyes. However, this can lead to you applying too much product, and your foundation will cake as the day progresses. Instead, consider the color corrector you use. People with darker skin tones may need a color corrector closer to orange to cover dark circles. If dark circles are brown, blue color corrector often helps. You can use concealer for additional coverage instead of using too much foundation.
Other Types Of Color Correcting Products
Everyone uses various makeup products, from novices to professional makeup artists, to help conceal imperfections. You’ll discover concealers, creams, and more to help you achieve the look you desire. These are some of the most popular products when learning to use a color correcting palette. You may fall in love with one or two that match your needs.
Color Correcting Concealer
Color correcting concealer is an excellent alternative if you only need one or two colors instead of an entire color correcting palette. Many concealers are in a specific shade, such as green or blue, to provide you with the same ability to neutralize colors and imperfections. Some concealers have a complementary color as their undertone to help neutralize specific colors.
Our Picks
Maybelline New York Cover Stick Corrector Concealer
CC Cream
CC cream is short for color correcting cream. These creams are specially formulated to neutralize specific colors. For example, a CC cream for under the eyes may have purple undertones to help conceal dark circles. An all-over CC cream may help neutralize redness. Carefully read product descriptions to ensure you select the right product to address your concerns.
Our Picks
IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation
Physicians Formula Super CC+ Cream
Color Correcting Sticks
Color-correcting sticks are available in every formula imaginable. You can easily find ones with purple tones to help brighten a dull complexion or hide circles under the eyes. These makeup sticks are also available in a neutral shade to function as concealer while hiding imperfections like sun spots. Take the time to consider your concerns and find a product to meet your needs.
Our Picks
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Pro Fix Stick
In Conclusion
Learning how to use a color correcting palette requires some learning and practice. You may try a few products before you find the perfect one to help conceal yellow spots or other skin imperfections. Check out the rest of the blog to read honest product reviews and learn more tips and tricks!
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