When it comes to masking skin concerns, concealer is a holy grail, but if you’re looking to mask dark circles, redness or dark spots, (which can be tough to cover), you may need something more. Coloring correcting before applying concealer is a popular method to provide better coverage. Unlike concealer, which is pretty intuitive, color corrector has a learning curve. It may even seem a bit bizarre if you’ve never tried it before but using colors opposite of the ones you’re trying to cancel out can really make a difference for your makeup routine.
Below, we’re sharing how to use orange, lavender, green and more color correctors for dark spots and several other skin concerns like dark dark circles, redness and discoloration.
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What Is Color Correcting?
You probably know that color correction is a technique that can be used to conceal your skin’s imperfections through a variety of colorful hues, but perhaps you’re not sure how it works. Think back to when you learned about the color wheel in school. You were probably taught that the colors opposite of one another cancel each other out — and that same principle applies when it comes to color correcting with makeup. Think of the color of the imperfection you want to disguise, then imagine the color wheel and reach for a concealer in a shade that can cancel out that hue.
What Colors to Use for Color Correcting Makeup
Learn how to color correct the most common skin concerns, below.
Which Color Corrector Is Best for Dark Circles?
Since dark circles have a bluish hue, shades of peach and orange will be perfect for canceling them out. Try an orange concealer like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Color Correcting Crayon in Orange on dark circles before you reach for your regular concealer.
Which Color Corrector Is Best for Discoloration?
If you have any purple discoloration, such as dark spots, use a yellow color corrector. Yellow can help to counteract the purple hues and also brighten the area.
Which Color Corrector Is Best for Redness?
Since green sits opposite red on the color wheel, a green concealer or primer is the best bet to disguise the appearance of redness. To spot conceal redness, try the L’Oréal Paris True Match Color Correcting Crayon in Green. If your complexion is prone to redness, try a primer with green tones like the L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Redness Eraser.
Which Color Corrector Is Best for Dullness?
If your skin needs a brightening boost, combat dullness or sallowness with the help of a lavender color corrector. Simply apply it wherever your skin could use some extra radiance.
If your skin is dull and uneven, an orange color corrector like the L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Dullness Reducer can also work to brighten and even the skin tone for those with tan to dark skin.
How to Color Correct in 4 Easy Steps
Now that you know just how beneficial color correcting can be, and which colors do what, all that’s left to learn is how to apply your color corrector.
Step 1. Apply Your Color Corrector Before Makeup
Once you’ve finished your skin care routine, the first step is to apply the color corrector you need according to your skin concerns (we recommended one of the aforementioned products above). For ultimate coverage, use a small concealer brush to blend in the color corrector. If you want a more natural finish, pat in the color corrector with your fingertips or a makeup sponge. Start with a light layer, and slowly build up to your desired coverage.
Step 2. Apply Foundation
After color correcting, you’ll want to even out your skin tone with foundation. If you prefer light to medium coverage, try the L'Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup. If you prefer a more full coverage look, reach for the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear in a Powder.
Step 3. Apply Concealer
To brighten your complexion or further conceal imperfections, dab a bit of the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof, Full Coverage onto your skin. If you have a dry under-eye area or prefer lighter coverage, try the L'Oréal Paris True Match Eye Cream in a Concealer, 0.5% hyaluronic acid, which is formulated with hyaluronic acid to provide hydration.
Step 4. Set Your Makeup
Now that your skin looks even, set your makeup with the aforementioned Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear in a Powder, which gives the skin a matte finish while providing extra coverage. Then, use a setting spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Make-Up Oil-Free Setting Spray, to lock everything in place.
Next: How to Apply Makeup for Beginners
Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Digital Tech: Erik Dalzen, Photo Assistant: Sam Kang, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Mirna Jose, Hair Assistant: Keila Rivera, Wardrobe Stylist: Alexis Badiyi, Wardrobe Assistant: Jazmine Alzado, Model: Omega