Color Correcting Concealers: The Basics

Color correction is a recent makeup trend that involves the use of concealers or primers in a spectrum of colors other than the usual flesh-toned shades you would normally find at your favorite makeup counters. It’s a far more effective way of addressing a number of skin issues for a flawless finish – by using the color wheel, properly identifying which spots need correcting and how, you too can have perfect skin with just a few swipes. Below, we list down everything you need to know about color correcting and how to best use it to your advantage:

Identify Your Problem Areas

Color correcting might seem daunting at first. For this task, you’ll need to choose from a myriad of shades available, all designed to meet a specific need. Innisfree’s Smart Drawing Color Correcting concealers come in 4 shades, for instance – but in order to use them to best effect, you’ll first want to identify where you need to correct, what needs correcting, and which shades to use to do so. Start by looking into a mirror, close to natural light. Problem areas may include redness, dull skin, discoloration, dark circles, any spots or blemishes.

Apply Foundation First

Before getting into the concealers, experts recommend that you apply your foundation or tinted moisturizer first. They claim that this way, you wouldn’t have to use as much color correcting product as you would on a bare face. The foundation serves as a head start on the concealing process – it will cover up as much as it can, which means you’ll be using less product to correct the shadows.

To Combat Redness, Use Green

Green neutralizes the color red, so if you suffer from rosacea, windburn or sunburn, you’ll want to reach for it in order to give your skin a calmer tone. It’s also great for concealing redness caused by acne or scarring, as well as covering up flare-ups. You can also use it around your nostrils, chin, and mouth to lessen redness there.

To Conceal Dark Circles, Use Orange

Orange tones such as deep peach and salmon combat the blue of dark circles, helping you look more awake and alive. You can also use these concealers to contour, or as a bronzer – as long as you apply with a light hand and build up the shadows where you need them.

To Lessen Yellow Undertones, Use Purple

Skin that’s too yellow can appear sick and jaundiced – a purple color corrector cancels that shade out and gives you an unmistakable glow. This color is best used on the cheeks or the jawline, where yellow can be a prominent color.

To Highlight Your Features, Use White

Use a white concealer with a light hand to highlight the raised areas of your face: your cheekbones, below the brow bone, the bridge of your nose and your forehead, as well as your cupid’s bow, just above your top lip. You can also use a sparkling white concealer or eyeshadow in the inner corners of your eyes to open them up for a more awake look.

For Everything Else, Use Your Favorite Flesh-Toned Neutral Concealer

A neutral concealer that matches your skin tone is your best friend in hiding pimples, spots, and blemishes. One in a shade lighter can help you cover up dark circles under the eyes, and can also be used in place of your normal highlighter. Applying concealer on your lips is the first step towards a trendy gradient lip look, and it can also help your lipstick last longer. Choose a formula that works for you, whether it’s in a cream form, liquid, or stick.

A bit of experimentation and practice are a must to get the right combination of colors and concealers. But once you do master the art of color correcting, you’ll find that just a little bit of color, expertly applied, is all it takes to get the effect you want.

Happy Applying!

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