Not every part of the face needs to be colour corrected. That’s why the latest products come in sticks and wands for specific areas. And more colours to tackle more skin tone problems.
Not every part of the face needs to be colour corrected. That’s why the latest products come in sticks and wands for specific areas. And more colours to tackle more skin tone problems.
A colour corrector doesn’t conceal (that’s the job of a concealer). It doesn’t even out skin tone (that’s the job of a foundation). What it does: “correct” or play down other undertones – red around the nose, green on eyelids, blue under the eyes or sallowness all over – to give your complexion a uniform tone. To “erase” these undertones, they have to be colour corrected by, well, weird colours. Here’s what to use:
Green corrector for redness/ruddiness.
Lavender for sallowness/yellowness.
Yellow (for tan skin) or peach (for medium and fair skin) for dark circles or hyperpigmentation.
Pink for blue-toned spots.
HOW TO USE COLOUR CORRECTORS RIGHT.
1) Pick the right shade.
Yes, even colour correctors’ hues should suit your skin tone, and its depth. General guide: The darker you are, the deeper the shade – and no pastels for you; they’ll make you look patchy or washed out. Pastels are for paler complexions.
2) They don’t replace concealer.
Repeat after us: colour correctors are not concealers. The latter are for severe dark circles and angry, massive breakouts.
3) Use sparingly and blend well.
… especially if you’re using green, orange and purple correctors. If you don’t, they can be seen even under foundation.
Urban Decay Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid.
This has the same formula as the brand’s Naked Skin Concealer – creamy with barely detectable pearlescent pigments and a powdery finish. (Use a wee bit at a time and spread the product with a tapping motion, not a dragging one.) It doesn’t streak, and doesn’t cake even under powder foundation. Shades: peach, pink, lavender, yellow, green. Price: $40 each.
YSL Beauty Touche Eclat Neutralizer Colour Corrector.
The brand’s iconic bestseller, Touche Eclat, – the world’s first highlighter – has spawned colour correctors with the same light-reflecting fluid and lasting power. The best part: They can be worn over foundation, not just under, which makes them perfect for touch-ups. Shades: yellow, apricot, blue, green. Price: $59 each.
Dior Fix It Colour 2-in-1 Prime & Colour Correct Face-eyes-lips.
This is as big as a liptick, and packaged like one. Why? It holds two products in one stick: Its white inner core with a gel texture comprises soft-focus powder to blur flaws like wrinkles, visible pores and blemishes; the outer rim is the colour corrector. How to use: Dab over problem areas, blend, and you’re done. Shades: yellow, apricot, blue, green. Price: $59 each.
