If you’ve ever wondered what color correcting is or how to use color-correcting makeup, then you’ll love today’s post on Color Correcting 101 For Makeup Beginners. This post includes a helpful color correcting chart, how to apply color correctors, and the best makeup for dark circles, dark spots, and redness!
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Color Correcting 101 For Makeup Beginners
Happy Monday loves! Today I’m excited to be talking to you all about color correcting- one of the best makeup inventions out there, if you ask me.
If you’ve been following along with me for awhile, you know that dark under eye circles are a struggle of mine, but since I’ve started color correcting, I’ve honestly noticed such a dramatic difference in the way my under eye area looks. Even better, thanks to color correcting I barely have to wear any under eye concealer anymore, which is amazing! 🙂
If you’ve never heard of it, or you have but aren’t really sure what it is- no worries. I’ll be explaining color correcting in-depth in today’s post- Color Correcting 101 For Makeup Beginners.
I’m also sharing with you how to apply color correctors and my favorite affordable color correcting product recommendations for you to try out.
Color Correcting 101 For Makeup Beginners
For those of you who use and wear concealers, you’ve probably noticed in the last couple years that makeup brands have started adding more and more concealer shades that go beyond traditional skin tone shades. This includes off the wall shades like green, purple, yellow, and even orange.
Now I know what you’re thinking: why would I possibly want to put an orange concealer on my face? Well it all comes down to science my friends.
If you’ll take a moment and think back to elementary school, you probably recall learning about the color wheel and how colors directly across from one another can cancel each other out. The same rule applies in makeup when it comes to concealing those pesky problem areas (see chart below).
Color Correcting Wheel
What is Color Correcting?
Color Correcting is all about balancing out color imperfections on the skin. This includes dark under eye circles, redness and skin irritation from blemishes, and dull, sallow looking skin.
Color correcting products are now available in the form of liquid concealers, cream concealer palettes like this amazing drugstore one, and concealing powders, and are all about helping enhance your skin’s natural beauty. While they can be used alone, color correcting concealers work best when used in combination with foundation and regular concealer.
Related: Top 5 Under Eye Concealers
None of us have perfect skin and a lot of times traditional concealers (even when they are full coverage) don’t fully camouflage dark circles and redness. This is why color correcting is one of the best makeup tools out there, because it really does work in balancing out the skin for that beautiful, flawless looking finish that I think we all love and desire.
What Color Corrects What?
Green
If you struggle with redness, then green will be your new best friend. Acne, rosacea, eczema, sunburn, and any skin irritation resulting in redness can be counter-balanced with green concealer. Works on all skin tones.
Purple
Sallow, dull, or yellow-looking skin can quickly be brought to life with a little purple jolt. Purple works great for brightening up the face and helping you look alive again after being sick. Works on all skin tones.
Peach/ Pale Pink
Peach and pink tones are the perfect shades for combating dark circles on light to medium skin tones. These shades also work really nicely for brightening the under eye area and covering dark spots.
Yellow
If there’s one shade that is a universal multi-tasker and everyone needs to own in their makeup tool box, it’s yellow. Yellow works beautifully on all skin tones and can be used to cancel out redness, dark circles, dark spots, and brightening the skin.
Orange/Red
As the boldest shade in the bunch, I can see why it might be intimidating to use, but oranges and reds work wonders in concealing even the darkest under eye circles out there, and can help conceal bruises, tattoos, and other dark spots on the skin. Orange should be used on light-medium skin tones, while red works best for deeper skin tones.
Color Correcting 101- Makeup Chart
How to Use and Apply Color Correctors
While it is personal preference, I recommend applying color correcting concealers on top of foundation before concealer. This ensures you’re only applying product on areas that need extra “assistance”. After applying foundation to the skin, I use my middle finger to lightly dab on product to the problem areas. I then go back over it very lightly with a beauty blender, and if needed apply a light layer of my regular concealer over it before setting with translucent powder. (Check out my favorite concealers over here)
The Best Color Correcting Makeup
For drugstore, my current favorite color correcting product is the NYX Cosmetics Color Correcting Palette. I seriously use this on a daily basis, ya’ll. It’s amazing and only $12!
On the other end of the spectrum, the Stila All-in-One Color Correcting Palette is an awesome high end choice, as it has both the color correcting creams and setting powders all in one. While it is a bit pricier than the drugstore one above, it has amazing staying power and coverage well worth it, in my opinion.
I hope you enjoyed today’s post on Color Correcting 101 For Makeup Beginners and that you will give color correcting a try. Be sure and let me know in the comments if you have any other questions on color correcting including application or shade recommendations. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it!
Thanks for stopping by!- Cara
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Yiota says
Thank you for sharing this, it is always confusing to follow what to do but you made it so simple. I will save this post for future reference 🙂
Yiota
PinkDaisyLoves
Kindly Unspoken says
Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Chelsea Pearl says
Definitely want to try that NYX palette to step up my color correcting game!
Kindly Unspoken says
It’s so good! And inexpensive, so it’s a double win! 🙂
Jolleen says
This is great info, who knew using a color wheel could be so beneficial! I will be using this from now on..
Kindly Unspoken says
Glad you enjoyed it Jolleen! 🙂
Andrea Bai says
The Make Up For Ever color correcting palette is amazing. I love that you went in depth with this post. You did so well!
Kindly Unspoken says
Thanks Andrea! 🙂
Lindsey says
Goodness gracious I needed this so bad!! I have no clue what I’m doing..this was super helpful!
Kindly Unspoken says
Glad you enjoyed it Lindsey! 🙂
Sarah @ Foxy's Domestic Side says
This is awesome! I’ve always wondered about what color I should be using, but was too lazy/never remembered to look it up! I’m so sharing this on my Friday Loves this week!
Kindly Unspoken says
Thanks Sarah! Glad you found it helpful! 🙂
Erica @ Coming Up Roses says
For a color correcting newbie like myself, this is SO helpful! I have redness and splotchiness so often and always try to color correct, b ut never knew how to do it RIGHT without just piling on foundation. THANK YOU for this, Cara!
Coming Up Roses
Kindly Unspoken says
You’re so welcome. Happy to help! 🙂
Rachel Ritlop says
thanks for breaking this down! makes so much more sense now!
Kindly Unspoken says
You’re welcome! Color correcting can be so helpful! 🙂
neha says
Yes, I completely agree. It’s so important to color correct with the right colors for specific areas. You really did a good job with the info! Thanks x
Kindly Unspoken says
Thanks Neha! Glad you enjoyed it!
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness says
I’ve been using green for big ugly zits forever, but I didn’t know there were so many other options! You are the makeup master girlfriend!
Kindly Unspoken says
Thanks Chrissa. You’re too sweet. 🙂
Sara says
Can you give me a breakdown or do a post on how to cover under-eye circles? I HATE mine, and I haven’t been able to find anything that does well with hiding them!!
Kindly Unspoken says
Yes, I will! It’s on my list of things to cover next on the blog! 🙂 Here’s a post on some of my fave concealer products, though. https://www.kindlyunspoken.com/top-5-under-eye-concealers/
Elizabeth Johnson says
This is really great info! I did not know too much about this. I would never have thought to include as many colors as you covered.
Kindly Unspoken says
Glad you enjoyed it Elizabeth!
Kiara A Catanzaro says
Not going to lie, I knew nothing about color correcting because I always found it intimidating. I also try to keep my makeup routine minimal, but I love the idea of what colors can help with dark circles! Thanks for all the info on this, Cara–will definitely be sharing with friends as well
Kindly Unspoken says
Thanks Kiara! That’s why I like the NYX cream palette because it isn’t too heavy and won’t give you that cake-face appearance. It literally glides on and helps conceal what you need it to, so your natural beauty can shine through! 🙂
Emelia says
What an awesome interesting and in depth helpful post Cara. I’ve used some Smashbox products and the primer that’s green for my redness and it’s great. I’ve seen that NYX palette around and wondered how it was- glad to hear you like it!
Kindly Unspoken says
Thank-you Emelia! I’m definitely a fan of it! 🙂
Tilly MyKat says
Brilliant tips and perfect timing for me, I’ve been struggling with some red patches of skin on my face and struggling to conceal them. I think I need the added boost of colour correction. Thankfully that NYX palette is a steal! I’m going shopping.
Kindly Unspoken says
Happy to help! That NYX palette really is golden. 🙂
Brittany Putman says
Interesting! I don’t really wear make up but I would love to learn how to do all of this someday.
Kindly Unspoken says
It really helps if you have areas on your face that regular makeup doesn’t conceal. It works wonders on my dark circles 🙂
Safaniya Stevenson says
It’s really cool how you kept it simple and I love your graphics of the colors! It wasn’t until recently that I found that red actually works best for dark circles.
Kindly Unspoken says
Thank-you! Although it is a bit intimidating to put red on your face, it works wonders for dark circles. 🙂
Claire Melzer says
I have been dabbling in green color correctors for a while now to control my red-pigmented face. I may have to try the products you recommended. Thanks for sharing!
Kindly Unspoken says
You’re welcome! I like cream based products as they aren’t too thick and help keep the appearance of a more natural look. 🙂
candy says
I have never heard of color correcting so was happy to read all about it. Found out I should be using green.
Kindly Unspoken says
Hope it helps, Candy!
Neely Moldovan says
I have no idea what to do with color correcting. I need to try it out!
Kindly Unspoken says
It works wonders if you have any type of skin issues. 🙂
Jacqueline says
In the past, I have used colour correcting products. I’m deciding on updating my makeup and how I want to look this summer. But I’m looking to makeup with less chemicals.
Kindly Unspoken says
That’s great, Jacqueline. There’s a lot of natural makeup products out there now, so hopefully you’ll find something you love!
Tanya Dufour says
I feel like color correcting has been around for quite a while but just got reintroduced in the past year or so. Growing up I used to get the green and yellow color correcter from Physicians Formula. I have a peach colored Sephora concealer but still don’t have color correcting down pat. My dark circles are pretty bad.
Kindly Unspoken says
You’re right- It really has been around for years with makeup artists, but I don’t think it’s become popular for the general public until just recently. It takes a little practice in finding the perfect shades, but hopefully the color chart can help you! The salmon/pink tones really help me with my dark circles, but it all depends on the color of the dark circles and your natural skin tone.
Belle says
I’ve always wondered what are the different colors for! This is such an informative post!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
Kindly Unspoken says
Glad you enjoyed it Belle. It’s all about the opposite color on the wheel! 🙂
Andrea Nine says
You’re so good!! You made it easy to follow and now I know I need green for redness. I’m so sorry your men were sick, they are lucky to have the BEST mom in you!
Kindly Unspoken says
Thanks Andrea! I’m so glad they’re all feeling better now, it’s never fun when you have a household full of sick little ones.
Liene says
Thank you for sharing! Very useful information!^^
Kindly Unspoken says
You’re welcome!
Nadine says
I have dark circles for days and need to get something more than just my age rewind concealer going on them!!! Are those the real technique small purple sponges? I have been wanting to try their other ones since I love the orange one so much!
Kindly Unspoken says
Yes! I just bought them recently and love them for applying concealer! It’s a lot easier to ensure everything is blended and fits more easily than the large one.
Rebecca J Vincent says
I’m totally pinning that color chart for future reference!!!
Kindly Unspoken says
Yay, thanks!
Sarah Jean Althouse says
I’ve never played with any color correcting but it actually seems fun. haha. I have olive colored-skin so sounds like a yellow may be the way to go. Thanks for the suggestions, Cara!
Kindly Unspoken says
You’re welcome! I love color correcting, and it actually is pretty fun!
Leslie Soto says
Girl! I am loving this post. I am always trying to figure out what color to use to correct what flaw. This makes it so easy though. Thank you for taking the time to write this post and make this so simple.
Kindly Unspoken says
You’re so welcome! Glad you enjoyed this post! 🙂
Summer @ Coffee With Summer says
Love how you have this all laid out! I have been eyeing that NYX CC Palette for months now. I’ll have to grab it!
Kindly Unspoken says
Yes, it works so well! I love it!
Bonnie says
Thank you for this insteuggle with red tones on my cheeks!
Kindly Unspoken says
You’re welcome! Green/blue concealers can really help tone down redness. 🙂
Marissa says
I’ve never even heard of this before! How helpful.
Kindly Unspoken says
It’s awesome, Marissa. Definitely check it out! 🙂
Nikki says
Color correcting is definitely my new favorite beauty thing. I have god awful under eye circles and the ONLY way to make me look less like a zombie has been to color correct. Since I am more on the medium to darker complexion, I use the bright orange and at first I was totally intimidated, but honestly once my concealer goes on top, you can’t even tell it’s there. I’ve been having some random patches of redness that I have been wanting to try green on and need to pick that up. Do you prefer the thicker formulas or the more liquid formulas?
Kindly Unspoken says
I definitely can relate! The first time I used green on redness, I was like oh my gosh people will see green on my skin lol, but once you put makeup over top nobody can see it. I personally like the cream based concealers for color correcting. 🙂
kathy @ more coffee, less talky says
i have a corrector (salmon colour) for my under eye area (I have olive undertones)…one of the best products i’ve used!!
Kindly Unspoken says
Yes! So glad you’ve found one that works!
maha matar says
Great post! so simple to understand and follow 🙂 I love all the products listed and have used many of them on myself and on clients. I would have to say my favourite is the Makeup Forever colour correcting palette. I have repurchased it more than any other palette!
Kindly Unspoken says
Thank-you! I’ll have to check that one out! 🙂
Michelle Morchella says
You explained it so easily and I love it. I don’t think I fall in love with color correction, but t I’m trying from time to time.
Kindly Unspoken says
Thanks! I don’t necessarily use it on a daily basis, but when I really want to look my best for photos and special events, color correcting is the way to go! 🙂
Lanae Bond says
I never knew that my love for pink and peach would actually help correct my skin issues! I have dark circles under my eyes and when I do wear makeup I go for pink or peach. I just been wearing those colors because they are my favorite shade! lol Thanks for posting this, I am definitely pinning it.
Kindly Unspoken says
Haha, I’m a huge fan of pink too! Glad you found this helpful! 🙂
Kim says
Love how simple you’ve made this! Man, everyone i know has been sick this year, here’s hoping you avoid it!
XO- Kim
Kindly Unspoken says
Thank-you! So far, so good! 🙂