Makeup Colour Correction

Colour correction is a method of using complementary colours (colours that are directly opposite on the colour spectrum) to cancel out the look of skin discolouration. Using colour correction, we can target and erase the look of dullness, redness, under-eye circles, dark spots, bruises, and anything else we would like to cover.

Makeup Colour Wheel

Colour Wheel Makeup Colour Correction Secrets in Beauty

Colours that are opposite on the colour wheel cancel each other out. Green concealer cancels out redness, purple concealer minimises 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.

Whenever a red spot appears on your skin, try a green concealer and see how the redness just disappears!

The Basics of Makeup Colour Correction

Colour Correction Chart Secrets in Beauty

Green Concealer

For redness, acne and rosacea.

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

Next time a red spot appears on your skin, try a green concealer and see how the redness just disappears!

Orange Concealer

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

Orange is opposite to 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 colour corrector.

Pink/Peach 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 colours 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 colour 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.

Important Points to Remember for Makeup Colour Correction

Apply thin layers! A thick layer of corrector will show and affect the overall look of your foundation base.
Don’t use colours that you don’t need. Colour correcting concealer is meant to be used only where needed and pat it on where it is needed either with a sponge or your finger.
If you need a touch of colour correction, add the appropriate colour and mix it in with your concealer, then apply. Most of the time, this is enough!

My Favourite Colour Correctors

NYX Colour Correcting Palette – Six creamy colour correcting concealer shades are customisable. Layer a small amount and blend to cover and conceal redness, blue tones, bruising, dark circles and yellowness on all skin tones and types.

Bobbi Brown Corrector – Full-coverage dark circle eraser. Instantly neutralises discolouration and conceals. I am light bisque in the winter and bisque in the summer.

MAC Studio Fix Conceal & Correct Palette – This versatile palette features four concealer shades and two correctors, designed to minimise unwanted tones such as dark circles and redness.