Have you ever wondered why the foundation you bought just doesn't look right on your skin, yet looks great on those who do those makeup tutorials on YouTube? You've tried following their tutorials but it just isn't working.
Well, let me let you in on a little secret. The truth is that right in between adding the primer and the foundation, what many do is to cover up those skin imperfections that make your foundation look blotchy. This technique is called color correcting.
What is color correcting?
Although regular concealers do a great job of covering up flaws and imperfections on your skin, there are some issues where using regular concealer just won't do. These include skin discolorations like dark undereye circles, hyperpigmentation and freckles.
This is where color correcting comes to the rescue.
Color correcting is a makeup technique where you use specific colored concealers on particular problem areas. Because the pigments of these concealers are the direct opposite of the color of the skin problem you're trying to hide, they cancel out each other. So when you apply your foundation, you get a more even-looking tone.
Advantage of color correcting
The one thing I like best about color correcting is that you don't need to apply a lot of it to fix these skin imperfections. In fact, a little goes a long way and your makeup will look more natural.
Which color goes on what?
If you're a complete beginner to the practice, you can find color-correcting kits pretty yet intimidating. Below is a quick guide to help you know which color to use on a specific skin problem.
Orange
Orange is used to help cancel out skin problems with a bluish or purplish hue. The number one area to use this color is right on those nasty looking dark circles around the eyes. You can also use this color to cover up those fine veins around your cheek and mouth area.
Green
Skin problems like rashes, sunburn and acne can leave your face looking red. Using a green-colored concealer will help cancel out the redness in these areas.
Purple
Using a purple-colored concealer can help brighten up dull or sallow-looking skin.
One thing I'd like to point out is that these colors I mentioned are ideal if you've got a dark skin tone like mine. If your skin is on the lighter side, go for the pastel shades of the colors I mentioned here.
How to apply colored concealer
When it comes to application, that will all depend on how big of an area you'll need to cover. If it's just a small area like fine broken capillaries around the mouth or a couple of pimples, a concealer brush or your fingertips will do (just make sure you wash your hands first). For larger areas like around your eyes, using a beauty blender will help you apply and blend the product on your skin. That way you create a seamless transition before applying your foundation.
Best color correcting products for women of color
To help you narrow down your options, here are my five favorite color correcting products. The shades of these products are specifically designed for women of color to help combat their skin problems.
1. Teint Idole Ultra Wear Camouflage Corrector
This ultra-pigmented corrector gives you full coverage, and a little bit definitely goes a long way. It's great to use to cover those dark pigmented areas and acne scars.
Another reason why I love this is that it's incredibly easy to blend. It also sets very quickly, which is perfect if you're rushing to head to work or school.
2. Urban Decay Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid
I love using this corrector, particularly around my dark under eyes. Urban Decay's formula is super lightweight but rich in color.
3. Smashbox Color Correcting Stick
The Smashbox color corrector comes in a stick form and has a medium coverage. You can apply it directly to the area you want to correct and blend.
I personally like to apply a little bit of this to my problem areas with my ring fingers before going over it with a beauty blender. I found that doing this helps warm up the product, making it blend more smoothly.
4. Sephora Collection Bright Future Color Correctors
If you're a beginner at color correcting, this is one product I highly recommend. Not only its priced incredibly fair, the quality is also fantastic!
Sephora's Bright Future Color Correctors are lightweight and richly colored. The best part is that the correctors are made of a gel-based serum, which brightens your skin, hides those flaws and makes it very easy to apply.
5. LA Girl Pro Conceal HD Orange Color Corrector
One of the things I love about the LA Girl Pro Conceal HD Orange color corrector is that it comes in a squeezable tube with an attached applicator. This makes applying this very quick and easy, even if you're on the go.
Even though this product is rich and creamy, it doesn't feel too heavy on the skin when you apply it. At the same time, the formula doesn't crease even if you apply this to the corners of your mouth or eyes and those areas where you might get fine lines.
So there you have it — the basics to color correcting, and my top five favorite color-correcting products. Have you tried any of them? If so, which is your favorite? What other color correcting products do you use? Let us know!