The function of color correcting is to offset the darker shades on your face to help create a more even base for your other concealing products. “When done correctly, color correcting can help to cancel out redness from blemishes, blue or purple tones of dark circles, and neutralize those areas to create a cohesive look,” explains Fortier. In using makeup colors that cancel out other shades, darker tones will become more muted and easily hidden by makeup which can build the illusion of a more even and smooth complexion.
In cases where your under eye circles or rosacea are too pigmented to be easily covered without caking on foundation and concealer, coloring correcting the skin will limit the amount of product you’ll need to use and consequently create a more natural finish on your complexion. “A great example of this is toning down the redness of a blemish. In order to neutralize the red, you want to counteract the opposite color green to those areas,” explains Fortier. “Color correcting products should be applied underneath your concealer and foundation.”
Color correcting is really only essential in areas where your skin has particularly pigmented shading that doesn’t match the rest of your complexion. This can be a large pimple, a case of rosacea, or deep under eye circles from lack of sleep. In many cases a higher coverage concealer or foundation will adequately get the job done, but if you’re noticing red or blue shades aren’t easily being neutralized by your foundation it may be time to break out a color correcting palette. As a general rule, peach and red should be used to cover blue and purple shades from dark circles and green and yellow should be used to cover reds.
In terms of anti-aging, color correcting is a great tool for reducing pigmentation around the eyes that can make you look tired and drawn. After neutralizing these shades your skin will naturally appear brighter and healthier which can tie back to looking more youthful. “The biggest tip is to always use less product and add more as needed,” notes Fortier. “Adding a heavy application of color-correcting products can age the skin by creating fine lines that aren’t actually on the skin. A small amount of color correction can make a big impact and keep the skin looking youthful and fresh.”
Although color correcting isn’t a necessary step for achieving a more youthful complexion, if you struggle to cover up dark circles, veining or redness on the skin this could be a valuable technique for evening your skin tone and allowing your concealer and foundation to more effectively do their job. Offsetting dark shades and creating a smooth base for the rest of your makeup, color correcting is one of the best hacks for getting flawless skin with little effort.