Whether it is from the sleepless nights, the unpredictable weather, or plain genetics, at one point we all go through having skin discolorations that concealer or foundation can't cover—or they can, but only in hefty amounts. This is why it's important to know how to color-correct, because by neutralizing discoloration first, you could drastically reduce the need for heavy base makeup!
If you want to master this skill, beauty vlogger, makeup artist, and no-foundation queen Haley Kim has the guide for you. In a video, she shared her tips and techniques on how to achieve a flawless, natural-looking base, only by properly using color correctors as the first step!
Here are the five best color-correcting tips we learned from the makeup artist:
1. Find the right color for your skin concern.
Different types of skin concerns require different colors. For example, redness that results from acne, blemishes, or rosacea needs the color opposite to red in the color wheel, green, to be neutralized.
Collection Color Corrector in 01 Green, P870, SEPHORA COLLECTION, Sephora.ph
For dark circles which are blue, purple, or indigo in color, counter them with orange or yellow. If your dark circles are a darker brown, however, use orange, red, or peach to neutralize. These colors can also be used to correct bruising or beard shadows, which are often blue in color.
Pro.Conceal Orange Corrector, P369, LA GIRL, Watsons
If you are suffering from dullness or grayish discoloration, you can brighten them up with a yellow corrector, especially if you have a darker skin tone. For yellow discolorations, on the other hand, use purple or lilac instead. But if your skin’s dullness is gray toned, pink color correctors will do. In fact, rosy cream blushes work well, too!
Pressed Color Corrector Lemon Drop, P895, LILY LOLO, Beauty Bar
Ultimately, the rule of thumb when choosing the right color is this: Assess your discoloration's hue and then choose the color directly opposite to it in the color wheel. This way, it will be neutralized and you won't need as much foundation or concealer to cover it up.
2. Choose the right color intensity for your skin tone.
According to Haley, the intensity or richness of a color corrector needs to match the depth of one's skin tone. Often, those who have fairer skin would need correctors that are more pastel to prevent overpowering the lightness of their skin. For darker skin, vivid or vibrant colors are recommended to prevent the grayish cast that pastel correctors can usually produce. Although for extreme cases or severe discolorations, pastel colors would not suffice, therefore, vibrant or vivid color correctors would be needed even if you're fair or light skinned.
Color Correcting Concealer Palette, P593.75, NYX, Lazada; Pro Palette Studio Finish Skin Correct, price unavailable, MAC, TriNoma
3. Only put pigment on area that needs to be color corrected.
Color-correcting products are not intended to be placed all over the skin. For this reason, only concentrate the neutralizing pigment on the area where you need it to reduce any unwanted colors that could peep through your foundation or concealer.
4. Tap, don’t swipe!
Use your fingers or a sponge to blend the product into your skin. Remember to not swipe to prevent the color corrector from moving out of where it should be! For wider areas, use a flat foundation brush to concentrate the product on the area evenly.
5. If the color corrector is too vivid, mix with foundation or concealer.
If you still find the color-correcting product too vivid for your skin, mix it with a foundation or concealer that perfectly matches your skin tone. It will look more natural this way! You can also use the same product on top of your color corrector to finish the look without adding an unfamiliar texture.
Secret Camouflage Concealer Duo, P1850, LAURA MERCIER, Rustan's; Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation, P3000, SHISEIDO, Lazada
Watch Haley's full video below:
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