No matter the number of make-up transitions we can watch off our YouTube algorithm or TikTok FYPs, there’s truly nothing more satisfying than seeing a clean, smooth finish on your own complexion. Truth be told, we’ve long moved past the age of achieving the image of perfection on every single day of the year—perhaps we have the ‘Clean Girl’ beauty trends to thank for that—but nevertheless, it never hurts to know exactly how we can achieve it should we so desire. And trust us when we say, the colour wheel is your best friend here.
Colour correcting, more specifically, does wonders for make-up application. From under eye circles to acne-induced redness and even visible purple bruising on your skin, the colour corrector makes use of the colour wheel theory to “neutralise unflattering tones on your skin”, according to local make-up artist Kat Zhang. In the case of redness around zits for example, green is the exact hue of choice meant to work against its effects. In the current beauty sphere, the colour correction process has also since been swiftly conjoined with the concealer or other base products like primers or foundations. Peach, orange, green and purple bases have been developed to suit different skin hues and undertones.
Whilst the entire process of choosing the appropriate colour correcting product for yourself might seem quite intuitive to some, we understand how easy it is to get lost in the various technicalities of it—especially when it’s not something you see yourself relying on everyday. And on this front, there is no better person to turn to than a professional in the field. Zhang weighs in with her own expert knowledge and the products she personally recommends.
There are various colour correcting bases—orange, green, peach, lavender and yellow. What are the differences and how should you use them?
Colour correcting bases help to balance out your skin tone. If you reference the colour wheel, opposing colours will cancel out one another and help to create the illustration of a balanced skin tone.
To break it down simply, orange or peach bases can be used to counter blue or darker eye circles but the latter is more appropriate for those with fairer skin. Green helps to neutralise redness that stems from acne marks or even sun burns. Lavender is a direct match opposite yellow and is suitable for acting against dullness or sallow skin. Yellow-infused products work best to brighten any dark, pigmented spots and the inner corners of your lips or eyes.
At which step of my make-up routine should I apply a colour corrector?
It should be the first thing after your primer—but before you apply any foundation or concealer. Only after we counter the pigment, should we use a layer of concealer to even out the skin tone. It should be blended underneath your concealing product for a flawless finish.
How much colour corrector do I need to use?
Quantity isn’t really an issue in this case, you shouldn’t need to use a lot of product at all. The most important thing is actually the consistency of the product you are using. Avoid using colour correcting products that are too oily or sheer.
Are there any colour correction products you would personally recommend?
Out of all of the ones available in the market, I think the Make Up For Ever Grayness Reducer Step 1 Primer is one of my favourites. It’s an orange-based corrector that can be used under the eyes or focused in other parts of the face as well. The product comes in a range of colours too—such as a Redness Corrector and a Yellowness Neutraliser.
Dior’s Diorsnow Brightening Makeup Base Color Correction SPF35 PA+++ is another stellar choice for brightening dull looking skin. My final recommendation is the range of Mac Studio Conceal and Correct Palettes; they’re good for someone that has hyperpigmentation issues, and considering the available variety of colours in each palette, it can be experimented with to tackle tricky dark eye circles.
