Preparation
When it comes to applying makeup, preparation is the key. This is especially true if you’re planning on color correcting your skin. Before applying any makeup, you should cleanse, moisturize, and prime your skin. This will ensure that your makeup goes on smoothly and lasts all day.
Cleansing your skin removes any impurities and dead skin cells from your skin, which can clog your pores and make your makeup look uneven. After cleansing, it’s important to moisturize your skin to create a smooth base for your makeup. This also prevents your skin from looking dry and flaky, and helps your makeup last longer.
After moisturizing, you should use a primer. This creates a barrier between your skin and your makeup, which helps your makeup to last longer and look more even. It also helps to prevent your makeup from settling into fine lines and wrinkles.
If you’re planning on color correcting your skin, you should also consider using a color correcting primer. These primers come in different colors, such as green, lavender, and peach, and are designed to neutralize different skin concerns. For example, if you have redness on your skin, a green primer will help to neutralize it and create a more even base for your makeup.
Understanding Skin Undertones
Before you can effectively color correct your skin, it’s important to understand your skin undertones. Undertones are the colors that are under the surface of your skin, and can affect the way that your skin looks in different lighting.
There are three main undertones – cool, warm, and neutral. Cool undertones have a pink or bluish tint to them, while warm undertones have a yellow or golden tint. Neutral undertones have a mix of both warm and cool undertones.
To determine your undertone, you can look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. If your veins appear blue, you have cool undertones. If they appear green, you have warm undertones. If you can’t tell if they are blue or green, you may have neutral undertones.
Understanding your undertones is important when selecting the right color correcting product. For example, if you have cool undertones and want to correct redness on your skin, you should opt for a green color correcting product. If you have warm undertones and want to correct dark circles under your eyes, you should go for a peach color correcting product.
Different Types of Colour Correction
- Green: Green is used to neutralize redness on the skin. This is ideal for those who have acne or rosacea. You can use a green primer, or a green color correcting concealer to help reduce the appearance of redness on your skin.
- Peach/Orange: Peach or orange tones are best for correcting under eye circles on those with medium to dark skin tones. If you have fair skin, it’s best to use a light pink corrector instead.
- Lavender: Lavender is ideal for correcting sallow or yellow tones in the skin. It’s great for those who want to brighten up dull, tired-looking skin.
- Yellow: Yellow is used to correct purple or blue tones in the skin. This is ideal for those who have dark circles under their eyes or bruises.
- Red: Red is ideal for correcting dark, blueish tones on the skin. This is often used for correcting veins or broken capillaries.
When using color correcting products, it’s important not to overdo it. Start with a small amount and build up if necessary. If you use too much, your skin can end up looking ashy or grey. It’s also important to blend the product well into your skin to create a natural effect.
Color correcting products can be used under your foundation or concealer, or you can use them on their own if you prefer a more natural look. Just remember to always follow up with foundation or powder to create an even, polished finish to your look.
Choosing the Right Colour Corrector
Colour correction makeup is designed to combat skin imperfections such as redness, dark circles, and dullness. Choosing the right colour corrector can make all the difference in achieving a flawless face. Here are some tips to help you match your skin's needs:
- Green: Green colour correctors are perfect for neutralizing redness or rosacea. This hue neutralizes any redness on the skin and creates a perfect even tone that looks natural.
- Pink and Peach: Pink and peach tinted correctors balance out blues and purples which may be present in dark under-eye circles or on dark blemishes. They provide a luminous finish on the skin.
- Yellow: Yellow colour correctors can brighten areas of the skin that appear dull or sallow. This is great for people with an uneven skin tone, dullness, or grayish undertones.
- Orange: Orange colour correctors are ideal for women of colour. It can balance out deep blue or purple-toned blemishes and hyperpigmentation found on darker skin tones.
It's important to note that with every colour corrector, it's vital to wear a foundation or concealer over it to match your skin tone, or the corrector may show through and give an unnatural appearance. Use a light hand when applying colour correction makeup and always blend thoroughly.
Application Techniques
Once you have found a colour corrector shade that matches your skin needs, the next step is to apply it. Here are some tips on how to correctly apply colour correction makeup:
- Preparation: Always cleanse and moisturise your face before applying any makeup, and wait a few minutes before applying colour corrector. This ensures there is a barrier of moisture between your skin and the makeup, and the product will not cling to dry or dehydrated areas.
- Targeted Application: Apply the colour corrector directly to the area in need of correction. Use a small brush or your finger to apply, and blend gently until the corrector disappears into the skin smoothly. Don't forget to blend the edges of the colour corrector for a seamless look.
- Apply Foundation: After the colour corrector has been applied, simply apply foundation over the corrected areas gently. Be careful not to disrupt the underlying colour corrector and blend well for an invisible finish. Avoid rubbing the foundation in but use a dabbing motion for a smooth application.
Remember, less is more when it comes to applying corrector. Start with a small application of the corrector and gradually build until you have achieved your desired coverage. Too much corrector can appear heavy and unnatural, so blend thoroughly, and don't overdo it on the application.
Blending and Layering
Blending and layering are two essential steps in colour correction makeup for a seamless finish. The key is to use light layers of colour correction makeup and blend well between each coat. Here are some tips on how to successfully blend and layer your colour corrector:
- Light Hand: Always use a light hand when applying the colour corrector. Build up coverage gradually, and avoid going in with heavy-handed swipes on the entire area. The goal is to neutralize specific areas and not to mask the whole face.
- Patting: Use gentle patting motions when applying the corrector to the skin. Swiping or rubbing motion can smear the corrector, and the targeted area will be affected. Patting ensures that the product remains in place and provides a natural-looking finish.
- Skin type: Consider skin type and texture when blending and layering. Dry or dehydrated skin requires less pressure and more moisture, while oily skin may benefit from a matte-finish corrector with a brush to mattify specific areas of the face.
It is essential to blend and layer the corrector so that there is no visible line between the corrected area and the rest of the skin. This blending creates a more natural and subtle look. Never rush blending and layering because it plays a vital role in achieving perfect-looking skin.
Tips for a Flawless Finish
Colour correction makeup is an essential step in achieving a flawless finish. Here are some tips to help you achieve a beautiful look with your colour correction makeup:
- Practice: Practice makes perfect. Experiment with different shades and techniques to find what works best for you.
- Light-handed: Always use a light hand and build up gradually. Apply a small amount of colour corrector, blend, and then assess what is required to achieve the evenness you're looking for on your skin tone.
- Concealer or Foundation: Always use a concealer or foundation over your colour corrector. This creates a flawless look and evens out the skin patchiness, inconsistencies, and discoloration.
- Tools: Invest in good-quality brushes or sponge applicators. This helps to blend the corrector without smudging or dragging around the delicate eye area.
- Lighting: Check your makeup in natural light to ensure that the colour corrector is perfectly blended and looks seamless in daylight.
Colour correction makeup is a must-have for anyone looking for a flawless-looking complexion. With the right colour corrector and application techniques, anyone can achieve a stunning and natural-looking finish with minimal effort. Remember to keep a light hand, blend, and layer, and always follow up with a concealer or foundation for maximum effect. With these tips, your makeup routine will be transformed, and you will never have to worry about skin imperfections again!
