How to Use Color-Correcting Makeup Like a Pro

Want to know the secret to faking perfect skin? Color correction. A makeup technique used by celebrity makeup artists and YouTube vloggers alike, color correcting can help hide imperfections and make for a more flawless makeup application. Curious to know more? We share the ultimate guide to color correction, ahead.

What Is Color Correction?

Whether it’s dark circles, a pesky blemish or yellow undertones, covering up skin imperfections with concealer alone can be quite challenging. That’s where color correction comes in. This technique utilizes colored creams, concealers, primers and powders that cancel out redness, sallowness and under-eye bags on all skin tones. Think of it as Photoshop for your face: color correction works to perfect the skin’s tone and leave you with a more flawless-looking complexion.

How to Incorporate Color Correction Into Your Makeup Routine

Using color correction in your makeup routine is actually quite simple. The key? Ensuring that the color corrector dries before applying the rest of your makeup. According to celebrity makeup artist, Mickey Williams, “If using a lightweight veil or cream, it’s important to layer it on with a synthetic brush or evenly with your fingertip.” Also, “Your coverup should be slightly more opaque and layered on top, not blended into the color corrector,” he explains.

With that in mind, take a look at which colors do what:

Pink

Pink hues can be used to brighten the eye area and hide dark circles on fair skin tones. They can also be used to highlight and create a lifted effect on the face.

Peach

For pesky blue-hued dark circles, reach for a color corrector in peach. In addition, peach can also hide dark spots, veins and signs of discoloration on deeper skin tones.

Green

Have a pesky red pimple that needs covering up? A green color corrector will help you get the job done. In addition, green can be used in a primer (or mixed into your foundation) to conceal redness.

Yellow

If your skin appears to be on the lackluster side of the spectrum, yellow can help you sort things out. On top of its brightening abilities, it’s also ideal for purple-hued dark circles.

Purple

With a purple color corrector, you can neutralize the look of yellow undertones in light tan or olive skin tones and kiss sallow skin goodbye.

Blue

In addition to purple, blue can also be used to eliminate yellow undertones, as well as brighten the look of skin for a glowing complexion.