Color Correcting Makeup: Tips to Hide Dark Circles, Redness, & More

Color correcting is a makeup technique that uses complementary colors to cancel out discoloration on your skin. If you have dark circles, redness, or hyperpigmentation, then color correcting can be an absolute game-changer for your makeup routine. Women of color specifically can benefit from adding color correcting to their makeup routines because it not only corrects hyperpigmentation, but also helps to brighten and add dimension to the skin.

Here’s how it works: think back to middle school art class when we learned about complementary colors on the color wheel. Colors that are opposite of each other on the color wheel cancel each other out. The same theory applies to color correcting makeup – green concealer cancels out red zits, peach concealer cancels out blue dark circles, and lilac will neutralize yellow tones in the skin.

To learn more about color correcting we turned to pro makeup artist and beauty vlogger, Daphney.

The point of color corrector is to correct discoloration so that you can use less foundation. Apply color corrector where you need it, in light layers, and blend it out. When you’re applying your foundation, do a stippling effect instead of spreading it so that you don’t disturb the color corrector underneath.

Peach is the best color for correcting hyperpigmentation on dark skin because it neutralizes purple and dark brown discoloration.

Pale green is the best for lighter-skinned folks who want to correct redness because green is a complementary colour to red and will neutralize redness caused by acne, inflammation, sunburn, or scarring.

The LA Girl Pro Concealers ($5) are OG drugstore color correctors. They are super pigmented, long-wearing, and come in 31 creamy colors. The full-coverage formula is thick and dries down quickly. For the best results, prep your skin with a hydrating primer or eye cream and use a damp beauty blender apply.

Mix it up (literally!) with this NYX Color Correcting Concealer Palette ($12). The six-pan palette gives you every colour you need so you can customize your concealer to whatever your skin needs. The lightweight, non-creasing formula melts into your skin and gives a smooth, natural finish.

When it comes to complexion products, MAC never disappoints. The Studio Fix Conceal Correct Palette ($35) comes in 6 color waves, from light to extra deep, with six concealer shades to correct any skin tone. Simply dab the creamy, full coverage formula on anything from acne scars to tattoos.

What are your favorite color correcting products? Comment below!