Your Personalized Guide to Color Correction
Your Personalized Guide to Color Correction
When it comes to disguising a blemish or discoloration on the face, concealer is typically the first product that comes to mind. As useful as it is, a layer of concealer may not always be able to remedy the situation, while piling on the concealer will just result in a cakey base. We present the ultimate solution to your makeup woes: color correction.
This is your ultimate guide to mastering the art of color correction to perfect your base makeup and take your makeup skills to the next level. We give you the lowdown on how color correctors can help you create the flawless canvas for the rest of your MOTD, plus the color corrector products to use depending on your concern. Bookmark this guide so you always have it on hand, and keep scrolling for everything you need to know.
What is color correction?
The hues of color correctors may seem out of the ordinary and totally incongruent with the neutral tones of base makeup, but they’re actually extremely useful products to perfect and even your base. Color correction uses color theory to cancel out certain tones for a more seamless appearance, such as the purple hues of undereye circles or the redness of an inflamed complexion. Once blended into the skin, they neutralize unwanted tones that typically peek through foundation or concealer.
Why should I color correct?
In some cases, yes, concealer and foundation are enough to erase away imperfections on the skin. But think about how different discoloration is to your natural skin tone; instead of being masked by base products, discoloration tends to appear gray and ashy because it has not yet been neutralized, showing you what your skin tone mixed with the discoloration would look like.
Another reason to color correct is to avoid piling on the layers of base makeup. As mentioned, discoloration has a habit of peeking through base makeup if it hasn’t been neutralized. Many people try to increase the layers of foundation or concealer to hide their discoloration or blemishes, but it just makes the base too thick, cakey and prone to falling into fine lines throughout wear. When you cancel out discoloration with a color corrector, you allow your base makeup to do what it’s supposed to: even out and perfect your skin tone.
When do I color correct?
Consider color corrector to be a primer of sorts; in this case, it tends to the tone of your skin rather than the texture. This means it should be applied before your skin-toned foundation and concealer. However in some cases, color corrector can be blended with base makeup for that evening effect. Play around with the different steps to see what suits your makeup routine.
What color corrector should I use?
The right color corrector for you depends on where your discoloration lies on the color wheel. The general rule is to choose the hue opposite of your discoloration on the color wheel; we’ve summarized everything for you below.
Redness = Green
Green cancels out red and pink tones from a handful of skin concerns, including acne, rosacea, sunburn or heated skin.
Dr. Jart+ - Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF22 PA++
Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Dr. Jart+
The Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment is a beauty lover fave for many reasons: firstly, this skincare-makeup hybrid infuses the skin with calming Centella Asiatica to calm irritation and sensitivity, while evening skin tone to get you wearing less or even no base makeup. The green hue blends into the skin and becomes a neutral tone that blends into your skin for a seamless appearance.
THE FACE SHOP - Air Cotton Makeup Base
Courtesy of Korean Makeup Brand - THE FACE SHOP
As its name suggests, THE FACE SHOP's Air Cotton Makeup Base is as light and comfortable as air. The weightless formula smooths the skin and preps your complexion for foundation and concealer, in addition to calming and hydrating the skin with a concoction of Cotton exact, Niacinamide and Rose water.
Dark Circles = Peach or Pink
If you’re not getting your recommended 8 hours of sleep and it shows, a dab of peach or pink color corrector can help nip those dark circles in the bud.
The Saem - Cover Perfection Triple Pot Concealer
Courtesy of Korean Makeup Brand - The Saem
Why is The Saem's Cover Perfection Triple Pot Concealer such a consistent bestseller? For one, it snagged the VANA Award for Best Concealer and has our VANA fans and editors’ seal of approval. You get 3 shades of this semi-matte melting fit texture in one travel-friendly palette to mix and match according to your color correction needs, letting you craft a tailored shade for your skin tone. Think your skin, but better.
Courtesy of Korean Makeup Brand - TFIT
With the TFIT Cover Up Pro Concealer, it’s all about long-wear performance and imperfection-free skin. The silky concealer formula is waterproof so it can keep up with any activity, and can be used for everything from color correction and blemish concealing, to shading and highlighting your best features.
Sallowness = Purple or Blue
Revitalize a sallow complexion with purple or blue tones to give you a brightened effect. The naturally illumination it gives will no longer have people asking you if you’re ill when you’re anything but.
peripera - Filter Fit Milk Tone Up SP30 PA++
Courtesy of Korean Makeup Brand - peripera
The peripera Filter Fit Milk Tone Up plays double duty as a correcting base for unwanted yellow tones, as well as a shield against harmful UV rays. It has a milky texture that smooths out uneven skin, and provides a blurring effect to enhance the appearance of skin texture and enlarged pores. Complexions of all skin types can use this sensitive skin-friendly formula with ease.
Courtesy of Japanese Makeup Brand - CEZANNE
Don’t overlook the seemingly simple CEZANNE Bright Color Sealer; this product has become a social media-viral sensation for how effective it is in correcting and brightening up the skin. Dispensed by a slim concealer doe foot, it’s intended to be applied to specific areas for a revitalized appearance. The formula itself contains various botanical oils and Ceramide to nourish and strengthen the skin as you wear it.
Dullness = Yellow
If your skin is looking dull and tired, a yellow-hued corrector will easily perk it right up. It brings life to a lackluster complexion that needs a little help getting back to a lively state.
CLIO - Kill Cover Founwear Conceal Palette
Courtesy of Korean Makeup Brand - CLIO
If you’re travelling or have more than one color correction need, the CLIO Kill Cover Founwear Conceal Palette will become your best friend. Each corrector and concealer is creamy and can be built up, blending well into the skin without caking or creasing.
Dasique - Correcting Sun Base SPF 50+ PA+++
Courtesy of Korean Makeup Brand - Dasique
Get your primer, color correction and sun protection in one go with the Dasique Correcting Sun Base SPF 50+ PA+++. There’s zero greasiness to this formula, unlike other sunscreens, so your skin doesn’t feel heavy or burdened when you apply it. Rosehip Oil provides a nourishing touch to keep the skin moisturized and supple.
Will these colors work for all skin tones?
These are the colors that correct your discoloration according to color theory, but depending on your skin tone the depth of color may be different. While fairer complexions are more suited to pale and pastel hues, deeper skin tones will require more rich and saturated tones for effective color correction.
Do I need to use foundation or concealer after using a color corrector?
This is up to personal preference. Sometimes your color corrector is enough to cancel out the discoloration and you’re good to go; other times you might want a dash more coverage and can layer base makeup on top for an even more seamless look.
How are you adding color correction to your routine? Make sure you’re following us on Instagram and Facebook, as well as keeping an eye on the VANA Blog, so you receive all the latest news, promos and information!
