Unlocking the Power of Colour Correctors: Your Go-To Guide

Most of us have some form of skin discolouration we wish to conceal—be it dark circles under our eyes, pesky redness on our cheeks, or hyperpigmented patches around our nose and lips. While many typically reach for concealer or their favorite foundation, colour correctors can often provide a more effective and seamless solution.

What is Colour Correcting?

Colour correcting is a makeup technique that neutralizes the unwanted hues on your skin to create an even canvas. By applying hues opposite to each other on the colour wheel, discolourations can be balanced out effectively.

Karl Hodson, International Education Manager and Lead Artist at Laura Mercier, puts it succinctly: “When you mix two complementary colours together, the colour is neutralized.” This means if you have a stubborn red mark, applying a little green can effectively cancel it out, resulting in a more harmonious skin tone.

Benefits of Colour Correcting

This technique is designed not just to conceal but to enhance the skin’s natural beauty while using fewer products. As Jess Kohn, Lead Makeup Artist for the UK and Ireland at Laura Mercier, described, the goal is to create a flawless look without the heavy feel of too much makeup.

By neutralizing discolouration with precise undertones, you can achieve a balanced complexion with less product, allowing natural dimension to shine through.

Do You Need Both Colour Corrector and Concealer?

The answer largely depends on the result you’re aiming for. While colour correctors are perfect for neutralizing issues such as dark circles and redness, concealers can provide an additional layer of coverage.

Once you’ve tackled those distractions with a colour corrector, a concealer can then be used to brighten areas like the under-eyes or around the mouth, creating a seamless finish. Using both products in tandem can yield the best results, giving you the coverage you need without making your makeup look heavy or unnatural.

How to Use Colour Corrector

With the basics covered, let’s dive into how to apply colour corrector tailored to specific concerns.

For Dark Circles

Lighter Skin Tones: Use pink or peach.

Deeper Skin Tones: Opt for dark peach or orange.

For correcting dark spots and circles, peach or orange tones work particularly well. Hodson explains, “Undereye darkness is usually purple or blue-ish; thus, using a peach shade helps neutralize the cool tones.” Light skin can benefit from a pinky peach shade, while deeper complexions gain brightness from orange undertones.

For Redness

Lighter Skin Tones: Green is your go-to.

Deeper Skin Tones: Green or yellow will work wonders.

A green colour corrector is a reliable choice for any skin tone looking to combat redness. Kohn recommends yellow or golden tones for deeper skin tones, as these can effectively neutralize surface redness, especially around the nose.

For Dullness

Lighter Skin Tones: Pink or yellow.

Deeper Skin Tones: Yellow or green can also help.

To brighten tired-looking skin, using a pink undertone brings immediate luminosity, especially under the eyes and across the center of the face. Yellow can add brightness, while deeper tones might also benefit from a hint of green to correct shadows.

How to Apply Colour Corrector

1. Start Small: Less is often more. Apply a small amount of colour corrector to the areas where you have discolouration.

2. Blend: Use your finger, a brush, or a sponge to tap and blend the product into the skin.

3. Build Up: Add more product if needed to achieve desired results.

4. Conceal: If you’re using concealer, this is the time to apply it gently over the color-corrected areas.

5. Set It In: Once done, it’s essential to set your makeup with powder. A loose setting powder will lock everything in place and ensure longevity.

Recommended Products for Beginners

If you’re new to colour correcting, consider starting with these beginner-friendly products:

1. e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo Colour Corrector: A budget-friendly option available in various shades, they are creamy and blend easily, making them ideal for everyday use.

2. Erborian CC Red Correct: This colour-correcting cream not only neutralizes red tones but also adds a soothing effect, making it perfect for sensitive skin.

3. NYX Professional Pro Fix Stick in Dark Peach: This lightweight stick has a buttery formula and easily blends out imperfections for a seamless finish.

Custom Application Tips

Remember, everyone’s skin is different, so adjust the techniques and products according to your specific needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades and methods to find what works best for you. Happy correcting!