Colour correcting products such as serums, creams, concealers and foundations are a great way of enhancing your skin and solving everyday challenges such as dark circles, pigmentation, dark spots and redness.
In this colour corrector guide, we’ll look at how to use these products, the best products to use for particular skin problems you might be facing, and how to apply them. Each product works in a slightly different way, so it’s important to know the ins and outs of each product to get the best possible results for your skin – so, let’s get stuck in!
What are colour correcting products?
Have you ever applied your concealer and foundation only to find that, no matter if you pile on the layers or go for a high-coverage foundation, that you can still see dark eye circles or acne scars peeping through? Whilst we know you look great just as you are, sometimes you just want a little extra help to look flawless - and that’s where colour correcting make-up comes in.
Once a secret known only to the very best make-up artists, colour correction products are now a staple in make-up bags across the country.
You might have seen a colour correcting concealer and wondered why it’s green or yellow. Well, colour correction works by taking complementary colours - that is, colours that are directly opposite each other on the colour wheel - to cancel out any discolouration in your skin. Different colours work for different skin issues, so let’s go through them one by one, so you know what to look for.
Yellow colour corrector
Yellow concealer and other yellow make-up products highlight warm, olive-toned skin to help it glow. Yellow tones also help to correct redness and prevent ashy grey tones. A yellow concealer is handy to have if your under-eye circles are naturally very dark, as this will help even them out.
Green corrector
Directly opposite red on the colour wheel, green concealer might look strange, but it’s a must if you want to even out any blemishes or red patches of skin. You’ll find a wide range of green colour correctors, from light minty green right through to darker shades, and the one you go for will depend on whether your skin tone is warm or cold. As you might expect, lighter skin tones suit paler shades of green, whilst dark skin works well with a dark green corrector.
Purple colour corrector
Purple, ranging from light lavender to darker mauve, is used to brighten sallow skin or even out yellow or grey undertones. As with green, go for a lighter shade of purple if you have pale skin and a darker tone if you have darker skin.
Pink concealer
Pink works well to even out dark circles under the eyes and dark patches of skin around the mouth. It also doubles as a handy highlighter for your cheeks.
Orange corrector
Ranging from peach to darker shades, orange is helpful to use under your eyes if you have blue-tinted bags. It also neutralises darker patches of blue or purple in your skin, and peach works well to even out hyperpigmentation in dark skin.
When to apply colour corrector
Now you know the most common colours, let’s take a look at when – and importantly – how to apply colour correctors.
What colour corrector for dark circles?
If you’re using a coloured concealer to combat dark circles, your choice will depend on your skin tone:
- Fair to light complexion: go for a salmon corrector
- Light to medium complexion: try a peach corrector
- Medium to dark complexion: an orange corrector should work for you
- Dark complexion: it sounds bold, but try a red concealer
If you don’t need much colour correcting, try mixing your coloured concealer with your regular concealer and dab under your eyes. Alternatively, if your circles require something a little more industrial, apply a light layer of colour corrector first, then layer your concealer and foundation on top. Take it slowly, applying thin layers and building it up if need be.
If you want to try to tackle your dark circles without using a coloured concealer, you could try a cream like the Anew Dark Circle Corrector Dual Eye System. Suitable for all skin types, this cream can be used in both the morning and evening to diminish the look of under-eye shadows either when used alone or under make-up.
Face colour corrector for hyperpigmentation
There are several issues you might be facing when it comes to the skin on your face. Other than dark circles, you may have hyperpigmentation, redness and blemishes or dark spots.
The best colour corrector will depend on the issue you’re tackling.
For hyperpigmentation, when certain areas of your skin are darker than the rest where more melanin is produced, colour correcting make-up in peach to dark orange-red tones work well, depending on your skin colour. The best colour corrector for dark skin suffering from hyperpigmentation tends to be deeper, darker oranges, whilst pale skin will suit lighter peach tones.
If you want to go deeper than surface-level colour correction and tackle the root of the problem, consider Anew Even Texture & Tone Serum. Formulated with salicylic acid, this gentle serum works to tackle dark spots and uneven skin tone to help you look and feel fabulous.
Sun damage is a major cause of hyperpigmentation, so always make sure to apply an SPF after moisturising. You can also use a moisturiser with SPF included, like the Nutra Effects Radiance Tinted Moisturising Day Cream SPF20, to help protect your skin from developing dark spots from exposure to UV rays.
Colour corrector for red skin
If your issue is blemished skin, rosacea or acne, rather than hyperpigmentation, look for green colour correctors. Gently dab the red areas with a green concealer and blend over any red spots or blotchy skin. Remember that a little goes a long way – you don’t want to go overboard here!
Follow up with a layer of your favourite concealer and foundation or BB cream. The Nutra Effects Matte BB Cream contains turmeric, shea butter and vitamin E to help make your skin less reactive over time for a dual-action effect, helping to cover your blemishes now and soothe your skin for the future.
From dark circles to red patches and from hyperpigmentation to sun-damaged spots, there are plenty of ways that colour correctors can be used to treat skin issues - they’re no longer just for make-up artists! However you’re looking to enhance your skin, take a look at our skincare and make-up ranges to get you looking and feeling your very best.