How do you know what color corrector to use?

Truth: putting green concealer on your zits can do wonders.

If you follow makeup artists on Instagram or turn the pages of any beauty magazine, chances are you’ll find a tutorial on color correcting, a much buzzed about new trend that involves wearing concealer in every shade of the rainbow. Turns out putting purple concealer on your face isn’t an act of madness but rather an ingenious way to hide blemishes. Here’s how to apply color correcting concealer to hide your perfectly cute imperfections.

What is color correcting?

Color correcting is a concealer technique that professional makeup artists have used for years and that went mainstream after social media got wind of the trend. Here, the color wheel determines which color of concealer will work best on your blemish.

Colors that are opposite of one another on the color wheel cancel each other out. Green concealer cancels out red zits, purple concealer minimizes yellow spots, and orange concealer takes care of blue dark circles. If you apply this theory, then you can make your concealer work better for you.

The Basic Rules

Use the appropriate hue to cover blemishes, then lightly pat your foundation on over the color. When covering dark eye circles with orange or pink, apply your regular concealer over the bright pigments, then tap the makeup down with a beauty blender.

Take a peek at makeup guru Carli Bybel’s stunning tutorial , which begins at the 9:45 mark. Watch how she turns her rainbow look into a flawless finish.

Green Concealer

For redness, acne and rosacea

Green is opposite the color wheel from red, so it’s perfect for hiding any redness on your face, like pimples and acne scars. If you have rosacea, a color correcting green primer will help hide unwanted redness and give you an even base for applying foundation.

Orange Concealer

For people with darker skin tones who have dark circles under their eyes

Orange is opposite from blue. If you have darker skin with blue dark circles, orange will work to help conceal the uneven undertones. People with lighter skin should avoid orange and instead use a peach color corrector.

Pink Concealer

For people with lighter skin tones who have dark circles under their eyes

Pink concealer is usually salmon or peach in tone and is created from a mix of red, orange, and yellow hues. Since these colors are opposite from blue, green, and purple on the wheel, this corrector is best for hiding dark eye circles on lighter skin tones.

Yellow Concealer

For dark purple bruises, veins, and under eye circles

Yellow color correcting concealer can be used to cover up any blemish that’s purple in tone. Bruises, veins, and under eye circles can be hidden with a yellow spot concealer.

Purple Concealer 

For yellow skin tones and combatting dull complexion 

Purple is best for combatting yellow undertones and brightening skin. Use a purple primer to remove yellow tones from your entire face or use a spot concealer to hide yellow spots.

The Dos & Don’ts of Applying Color Correcting Concealer

• Do choose the right hues for your skin. The effectiveness of color correctors depends on finding the right tone to match your blemish. Remember that orange is for dark skin and peach is for light skin.
• Do apply thin layers!  A thick layer of corrector may show through your foundation.
• Don’t use colors that you don’t need. Color correcting concealer is meant to be used only on blemishes that are strong in appearance. For smaller less noticeable blemishes, a regular concealer will do.
• Do utilize a makeup sponge or beauty blender to pat the coverage into the skin. Don’t brush the colors all over your face. This will undo all the hard work you’ve done by moving the pigments into the wrong areas.
• Do remember that makeup should enhance your skin not hide it! So think of color correcting concealer as a fun extra step that’s to be used sparingly and don’t forget to let your natural face shine.

What Is Color Correcting?

You probably know that color correction is a technique that can be used to conceal your skin’s imperfections through a variety of colorful hues, but perhaps you’re not sure how it works. Think back to when you learned about the color wheel in school. You were probably taught that the colors opposite of one another cancel each other out — and that same principle applies when it comes to color correcting with makeup. Think of the color of the imperfection you want to disguise, then imagine the color wheel and reach for a concealer in a shade that can cancel out that hue.  

What Colors to Use for Color Correcting Makeup 

Learn how to color correct the most common skin concerns, below.

Which Color Corrector Is Best for Dark Circles?

Since dark circles have a bluish hue, shades of peach and orange will be perfect for canceling them out. Try an orange concealer like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Color Correcting Crayon in Orange on dark circles before you reach for your regular concealer.

Which Color Corrector Is Best for Discoloration? 

If you have any purple discoloration, such as dark spots, use a yellow color corrector. Yellow can help to counteract the purple hues and also brighten the area. 

Which Color Corrector Is Best for Redness?

Since green sits opposite red on the color wheel, a green concealer or primer is the best bet to disguise the appearance of redness. To spot conceal redness, try the L’Oréal Paris True Match Color Correcting Crayon in Green. If your complexion is prone to redness, try a primer with green tones like the L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Redness Eraser.

Which Color Corrector Is Best for Dullness?

If your skin needs a brightening boost, combat dullness or sallowness with the help of a lavender color corrector. Simply apply it wherever your skin could use some extra radiance.

If your skin is dull and uneven, an orange color corrector like the L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Dullness Reducer can also work to brighten and even the skin tone for those with tan to dark skin. 

How to Color Correct in 4 Easy Steps

Now that you know just how beneficial color correcting can be, and which colors do what, all that’s left to learn is how to apply your color corrector.  

Step 1. Apply Your Color Corrector Before Makeup

Once you’ve finished your skin care routine, the first step is to apply the color corrector you need according to your skin concerns (we recommended one of the aforementioned products above). For ultimate coverage, use a small concealer brush to blend in the color corrector. If you want a more natural finish, pat in the color corrector with your fingertips or a makeup sponge. Start with a light layer, and slowly build up to your desired coverage. 

Step 2. Apply Foundation 

After color correcting, you’ll want to even out your skin tone with foundation. If you prefer light to medium coverage, try the L'Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup. If you prefer a more full coverage look, reach for the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear in a Powder.

Step 3. Apply Concealer 

To brighten your complexion or further conceal imperfections, dab a bit of the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof, Full Coverage onto your skin. If you have a dry under-eye area or prefer lighter coverage, try the L'Oréal Paris True Match Eye Cream in a Concealer, 0.5% hyaluronic acid, which is formulated with hyaluronic acid to provide hydration. 

Step 4. Set Your Makeup

Now that your skin looks even, set your makeup with the aforementioned Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear in a Powder, which gives the skin a matte finish while providing extra coverage. Then, use a setting spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Make-Up Oil-Free Setting Spray, to lock everything in place. 

Next: How to Apply Makeup for Beginners

Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Digital Tech: Erik Dalzen, Photo Assistant: Sam Kang, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Mirna Jose, Hair Assistant: Keila Rivera, Wardrobe Stylist: Alexis Badiyi, Wardrobe Assistant: Jazmine Alzado, Model: Omega