Whether you are a skincare enthusiast or a makeup beginner, you might have noticed the colorful circles and triangles under the eyes, around the nose, or on the jawline of your favorite beauty vlogger or makeup artist. You might have asked yourself why they were putting green, purple, and orange makeup on their face before the foundation. Don’t worry, you are not alone. That’s where color correcting concealers come in. They are the secret weapon for a flawless face.
Color correcting concealers are not just a fad or a trend. They have been used by professional makeup artists for years to neutralize skin discolorations and even out skin tone. The idea is to use a shade that is opposite your skin discoloration on the color wheel, thereby cancelling it out.
Intrigued? Get ready to dive into the world of color correctors. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn what color correcting concealers are, how to choose and apply them based on your skin tone, and the common mistakes to avoid when using them.
Understanding the Basics: What Are Color Correcting Concealers?
At the most basic level, color correcting concealers are makeup products that are used to neutralize skin discolorations and even out skin tone. They come in different colors, each designed to tackle a specific type of skin discoloration. For example, green neutralizes red, peach cancels out blue or purple, and yellow counteracts purple or dark spots.
Color correcting concealers are usually applied under foundation to create a blank canvas. They allow you to use less foundation and concealer, therefore achieving a more natural look. It’s all about using the right colors to combat your specific complexion concerns.
Remember that color correcting is not about masking, but rather neutralizing. You are not trying to cover up your skin discoloration with a thick layer of makeup, but to neutralize it so that your skin looks even when you apply your regular concealer and foundation.
Exploring the Color Wheel: The Science Behind Color Correcting
The science behind color correcting concealers is essentially the color theory, which is often represented by a color wheel. The color wheel is divided into warm colors (reds, oranges, yellows) and cool colors (blues, greens, violets). Colors opposite each other on the wheel are complementary, meaning they cancel each other out.
For example, green is opposite red on the color wheel, which means green will neutralize redness. Similarly, purple is opposite yellow, so a purple color corrector will neutralize yellow undertones. Once you understand the color wheel, it’s easy to figure out which color corrector you need for your specific skin concerns.
Take a step back and analyze your skin. Do you see any discoloration? Is it red, blue, purple, or yellow? Once you identify your skin discoloration, refer to the color wheel to find the color that is opposite your discoloration. That’s the color corrector you need!
How to Choose the Right Color Correcting Concealer for Your Skin Tone
Choosing the right color correcting concealer is all about understanding your skin tone and the specific discoloration you want to correct. Here’s a basic guide:
- Green correctors neutralize redness, which is great for acne, rosacea, or any type of redness on the face.
- Yellow correctors are good for purple or dark spots, like under-eye circles or bruises.
- Pink or peach correctors are great for neutralizing blue or purple under-eye circles, especially in fair to medium skin tones.
- Orange and red correctors work best on dark circles and discoloration in deeper skin tones.
Remember that color correctors are not one-size-fits-all. The intensity of the color corrector should correspond to the intensity of your skin discoloration. For example, if your redness is very intense, you will need a more pigmented green color corrector.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply Color Correcting Concealers
Applying color correcting concealers is a lot easier than it sounds. Follow these steps to achieve a flawless, even skin tone:
- Prep your skin: Apply your skincare products and let them sink in. Then apply a good primer to create a smooth canvas.
- Identify your discolorations: Look for any redness, dark circles, or discoloration on your face.
- Choose your color corrector: Refer to the color wheel and the guide provided above to choose the right color corrector for your skin discoloration.
- Apply the color corrector: Use a small brush or your finger to apply the color corrector to your discoloration. Remember, less is more.
- Blend, blend, blend: Blend the color corrector into your skin until it is invisible. You don’t want any harsh lines or obvious color on your face.
- Apply your foundation and regular concealer: Once you’ve neutralized your skin discoloration, you can proceed with your regular makeup routine.
Top Recommended Color Correcting Concealers on the Market
There are many color correcting concealers on the market, but these are some of the most recommended ones:
- NYX Professional Makeup Color Correcting Palette: This palette includes six color correctors, making it a versatile option for different skin discolorations.
- Urban Decay Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid: This liquid color corrector is easy to blend and comes in various shades.
- Bobbi Brown Corrector: This creamy corrector is perfect for under-eye circles and comes in a wide range of shades.
- Stila One Step Correct: This innovative product combines three color correctors in one, making it a great time-saving option.
- L.A. Girl Pro Conceal Set Orange, Yellow, Green Correctors: This affordable set includes three of the most commonly used color correctors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Color Correcting Concealers
Color correcting concealers can be a game-changer in your makeup routine, but they can also go wrong if not used correctly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Using the wrong color: Always refer to the color wheel and choose the color that is opposite your skin discoloration.
- Applying too much product: Less is more when it comes to color correcting. You don’t want to end up with a green or orange face!
- Not blending enough: Blend until the color corrector is invisible. You don’t want any harsh lines or obvious color on your face.
- Skipping regular concealer or foundation: Color correctors are meant to be used under your regular concealer and foundation. Don’t forget to apply them!
Bonus: Your Free Chart for Color Correcting Concealers
To help you choose the right color correcting concealer for your skin, we’ve created a handy chart.
| Skin Discoloration | Color Corrector |
|---|---|
| Redness | Green |
| Dark Spots | Yellow |
| Blue/Purple Under-Eye Circles (Fair to Medium Skin Tones) | Pink/Peach |
| Dark Circles/Discoloration (Deep Skin Tones) | Orange/Red |
Remember, the key to successful color correction is to understand your skin’s needs, choose the right color corrector, and blend, blend, blend. With a bit of practice, you’ll be a color correcting pro in no time!
