Color-Correcting Your Complexion
Before re-touching and airbrushing existed, top makeup artists achieved complexion perfection with Technicolor powders and creams. Brightly-hued concealers camouflage uneven skin tones in a snap. While the effect seems magical, the trick is simply a matter of understanding how different shades in the rainbow cancel each other out. If you’re looking for an easy way to perfect your skin without piling on cakey layers of foundation, check out our guide to color-correcting makeup.
GREEN
If you’re acne-prone or have a ruddy complexion, opt for a mint green corrector to neutralize too much flush. "Green is great for covering any redness on the skin such as a blemish or rosacea," says L'Oréal makeup artist Collier Strong. Lightly dust the color over trouble spots such as the T-zone and cheeks, then apply foundation.
Beautylish recommends: L'Oréal Studio Secrets Color Corrector in Green
LILAC
During the winter your skin loses its sun-kissed glow, and your face can appear sallow and dull. Collier suggests a lilac primer, which mutes these yellow undertones. Just like bronzer, you should apply the lavender tint to areas where the sun would normally hit your face: cheekbones, nose, and chin. Then apply tinted moisturizer or foundation normally.
Beautylish recommends: Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer in Balance
PINK
While many factors contribute to dark under-eye circles, naturally thinner skin around the eyes reveals noticeable veins we’d like to cover up. "A peachy-pink corrector is perfect for brightening the eye area," says Collier. If you have more yellow or green-toned shadows, opt for a pastel pink corrector. First apply a base concealer, then dab a rosy hue directly over bags to erase bold, blue capillaries and reflect light like a highlighter would.
Beautylish recommends: Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Correcting Concealer Trio
APRICOT
"I use apricot-correctors on medium to dark complexions to add luminosity to the skin," says Collier. "But if brown spots or freckles are your primary concern, a color corrector will not give enough coverage. I’d suggest a concealer the same color as your skin to cover these issues." Swipe the apricot primer shade along cheekbones or all over your face for a radiant base.
Beautylish recommends: Koh Gen Do Foundation Color Corrector Dark Apricot
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Mina N.
how about darker skin toned/brownish bags? i was born with my bags :( and the salmon concealer types usually make it appear more orange. it just looks really brown like i put brown eyeshadow underneath my eyes. :( TIA!
Ayesha K.
i don't know if this will help, but I recently read in celebrity makeup artist Scott Barnes' book that for people who have tanned skin, he uses a mustard colored yellow to conceal. I haven't seen one on the market, so at the moment I just use Bobbi Brown's correcter in peach.
Natalia S.
Yeah i was born with bags too. and so far iv only added like white kinda of eye shadow and then jst add powerd. But thanks you helped @ Ayesha K.
Tiffany P.
Have you tried products to correct them? I know Mary Kay has a great targeted action eye revitalizer that My mother-in-law used... she is Guyanese and had really dark under eye circles, but after using that, since it actually improves it over time, she doesn't need anything. I would suggest that... she swears by it.
Mina N.
thanks girls! will def. give it a try! so difficult to find mary kay in toronto!
Natalia S.
Okis girly i will see if i can find one toos. <3
Arunima R.
i use salmon coloured correctors and yellow toned concealer . they are gr8 to cover dark circle especially for medium to dark skin tone .it also prevent it from appearing ashy under the eyes .vichy derma blend correctors are best for covering acne scar .
Jennifer C.
yellow is perfect for concealing blue-purple undereye circles. i love everyday minerals' sunlight color correcting concealer.
Jasmine J.
I love using apricot hues under my eyes! It completely brightens them and makes them look more awake!
Brittany M.
Which color would be best to help cover dark spots from acne scars?