The Ultimate Beginners’ Guide to Color Correction

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Remember when “color correction” just meant a little greenish concealer in a stick dotted over your pimples? Ah the good ‘ol days.

Well, those days are long gone.

Now, color correction entails dabbing, swiping, and blending just about every color of the rainbow on your face in an attempt to create that picture perfect “I’m a living, breathing Instagram filter” kind of face.

We all know where I’m going with this.

Today, I’m simplifying the rainbow of hoopla that is color correction. We’re discussing all types of color correction materials and devices, (because that sounds pretty, lol.) When it’s all over, you’ll know exactly what color correction formula and color you need to get your face selfie ready. Or, perhaps you’ll learn that you don’t need any of the hoopla to begin with.

The guide starts now!

Color correction – What is it exactly?

Have you ever tried to conceal acne spots or under-eye darkness with your regular concealer, only to find that whatever weirdo colors you’re trying to hide continue peeking through?

Irritating, isn’t it?

Color correction is the answer to all of your problems. At least the problems having to do with colors that you’d rather not appear on your face.

To put it simply, color correction is the use of odd colored makeup to disguise other odd colors on your face.

It’s kind of the saying, “Two wrongs don’t make a right,” except in this case, it does. Two “wrong” colors will help you achieve the “right” color on your face. And that’s what we all want.

Color correction comes in many forms (like, too many)

Let’s talk about formulas. There are plenty.

Color correctors come in all the formulas where you’d find concealers, and then some. You’ll also find color correcting primers and powders too.

Let’s talk about all your options. When we break it down into these three basic categories, it doesn’t seem all that overwhelming.

As you’ll soon see, color correction happens at all stages of the makeup application game.

Color correcting primers

Color correcting primers are basically what they sound like, so I won’t bore you with some contrived explanation. They come in basically every color, and claim to help with just about any color correcting issue. If you’re looking for a specific color for a specific issue, I recommend looking into the Make Up For Ever Skin Equalizer Primers. They’ve got a color for everyone and everything.

Primers offer very light and even correction. They work best for issues that a) aren’t that drastic, and b) cover a larger portion of your face. Let’s discuss.

Two of the most common uses for color correcting primers are to diminish redness (green, but more on that later,), and to give an overall brightening effect (blue/pink.) Many times, these issues spread across much of the face. It’s a much more widespread issue than, say a breakout or under-eye darkness. Using a primer in these situations gives you a base layer of color correction, which you can build upon later.

Think of it like throwing a subtle filter over your skin. It won’t perfect everything, but it reduces your heavy-duty workload. Plus it offers all the usual primer benefits, such as smoother makeup application and longer lasting power. It’s a win-win.

Make Up For Ever Skin Equalizer Primer >> Purchase at Sephora

Color correcting concealers

Unlike primers, which are good for general use, color correction concealers pack much more of a punch. So much that you want to avoid using them all over your face.

Concealers, by nature, are ultra pigmented. Obviously, the purpose of color correcting is not to make your face look green, or yellow, or any other “color corrected” color.

Use color correcting concealers for small areas of serious discoloration. Examples include under-eye circles, and especially red acne or rosacea patches. This applies whether you choose a concealer color corrector in stick, liquid, or cream form.

Personally, I like the Urban Decay Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid because it’s lightweight, but still packs a serious neutralizing punch.

*Note – If you’re unsure about which formula is best for you, see my post all about choosing the perfect concealer, it goes much deeper into different concealer formulas than I can here.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid >> Purchase at Sephora

Color correcting powders

Color correction powders may or may not be the biggest gimmick in makeup history.

These powders come in after all your other makeup is done as a topper. They’re well meaning and pretty, but the jury’s out as to whether they actually make any difference.

Personally, I haven’t had any luck. I consider them floofy and fun, but totally unnecessary.

For every formula, there’s every color

It’s kind of like when Harry, Ron, and Hermione tried burglarizing Bellatrix Lestrange’s Gringotts vault, only for each one item they touch to multiple into, like, ten more items. Spoiler alert, those nasty golden cups basically swallowed them whole.

Sometimes, the overwhelming selection of makeup feels awfully similar.

Now that we’ve got the formulas out of the way, it’s time to talk about colors.

You’ve heard of the color wheel, right?

Of course you have. But let’s refresh.

The color wheel shows you how colors complement one another.

Imagine drawing straight lines through the center of the circle. Each line would cross over two colors, situated across from one another. These pairs represent complementary colors.

Keep these pairings in mind when choosing color correctors. Think about the color you want to eliminate, and then find a color corrector in the color opposite your “problem color.” Easy.

But to make it even easier, here are a few common color uses.

Green color correctors for canceling redness

Green is a strong (and super unnatural) color, so use it sparingly.

If you have large areas of redness that you want neutralized, apply a green primer to the area to start. Apply the tiniest dabs possible of a stick or liquid concealer, making sure to blend well in a very small area. Then, apply your foundation as usual.

You may have to experiment to get the amount of concealer just right, but seriously, it’s worth the hassle. I once knew a girl who covered her entire face in green concealer to help conceal her acne. Instead of looking flawless, she looked like the Wicked Witch of the West. I lacked the heart to tell her.

I like using green color correctors in stick form, just because I find them easier to control than liquids. It’s easy to overdo it with a liquid, but a dryer stick can apply the sheerest layer of color that’s just enough.

Yellow & peach color correctors neutralize unsavory undereye pigmentation

Yellow and peach stand directly across from blue and purple on our friend the color wheel. Where do we often find blue and purple tones on the face?

Under the eyes. But I’m sure if you’re reading this post, you probably knew that.

The under eye area is super delicate and can’t handle much product before it starts looking cakey. For just some subtle neutralizing and brightening, stick color correctors work well, and they’re easy to use. But they can easily gather up quite unattractively.

For severe discoloration, I recommend selecting a highly pigmented liquid. These will give you all the coverage you need, with none of the texture.

Blue & purple color correctors brighten dull and sallow skin

On the flip side of the issue, what if you have sallow, dull, and patchy yellow skin? Well, yellow is still opposite of blue and purple. (I have no clever way to put this.)

The difference is that most of the time, dull and sallow skin isn’t limited to one (or a few) small spots on your face; it usually takes over your face.

Since blue and purple (like green) are unnatural colors for skin, you’ll want to ensure you’re using them super sparingly so you don’t end up looking like you belong in “Avatar.”

For these cases, I recommend using tinted primers to brighten the shade of you entire face, and then applying your usual foundation over top. It makes a surprisingly big difference.

Alternatively, you can use a thin liquid concealer to spot brighten your “highlight zones.” If you aren’t sure what I mean by this, it’s basically the tops of your cheekbones, the center of your forehead, down the bridge of your nose, your cupid’s bow (if you’re into that,) and your chin.

Or, if you’re feeling spendy, you could try a color correcting powder and see if you notice a difference. If you do, let me know how it goes.

How NOT to color correct

Now, I already told you about my acquaintance and her love of green concealer. It’s somewhat funny when you think about it, but there’s a valuable lesson in her mishap.

Yes, she had some acne, but I think what she saw when she looked in the mirror was far worse that what everybody else saw. She definitely didn’t need that much color correction because her skin wasn’t really that bad. Less is more when it comes to color correction.

Moral of the story: Instead of going in full force with every “color correcting” color to kick every color on your face to the curb, try to start small. Choose just one color corrector in the color that suits your more prominent issue, whether it’s redness, dark circles, dullness, etc. Apply a little before you apply a lot. Chances are, you don’t need what you think you do.

Second moral of the story: Use as little color corrector as possible. It’s easy to add more, but it’s tragic if you need to take some away.

My color correction recommendations

It’s no secret that I absolutely love the Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer. So naturally, I love the Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid too. The formula is thin and easy to spread, but it’s still ultra pigmented so you’ve got lots of versatility.

For primers, you can’t go wrong with the Make Up For Ever Skin Equalizer Primer. They’ve got every color to fix just about any problem on any skin tone. It’s amazing.

If your main issue is your under eye circles, (which let’s be honest, is probably the most common skin issue out there,) then I’d say definitely go for Tarte Colored Clay CC Undereye Corrector. It’s super pigmented and gives me the best coverage for those extreme I-stayed-up-all-night-blogging kind of circles.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid >> Purchase at Sephora

Make Up For Ever Skin Equalizer Primer >> Purchase at Sephora

Tarte Colored Clay CC Undereye Corrector >> Purchase at Sephora

That’s all for today!

Like this color correction post? You’ll definitely like this post too >> How To Choose The Best Concealer For You

If you find this post interesting, informative, or just plain entertaining, tell me about it in the comments below! And don’t forget, sharing is caring. Share this post!

Till next time. ♥︎

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FTC- Not sponsored. All opinions are my own. Product images credited to Sephora.com. Some links may be affiliated.