How to Use Color-Correcting Makeup Like a Pro

Want to know the secret to faking perfect skin? Color correction. A makeup technique used by celebrity makeup artists and YouTube vloggers alike, color correcting can help hide imperfections and make for a more flawless makeup application. Curious to know more? We share the ultimate guide to color correction, ahead.

What Is Color Correction?

Whether it’s dark circles, a pesky blemish or yellow undertones, covering up skin imperfections with concealer alone can be quite challenging. That’s where color correction comes in. This technique utilizes colored creams, concealers, primers and powders that cancel out redness, sallowness and under-eye bags on all skin tones. Think of it as Photoshop for your face: color correction works to perfect the skin’s tone and leave you with a more flawless-looking complexion.

How to Incorporate Color Correction Into Your Makeup Routine

Using color correction in your makeup routine is actually quite simple. The key? Ensuring that the color corrector dries before applying the rest of your makeup. According to celebrity makeup artist, Mickey Williams, “If using a lightweight veil or cream, it’s important to layer it on with a synthetic brush or evenly with your fingertip.” Also, “Your coverup should be slightly more opaque and layered on top, not blended into the color corrector,” he explains.

With that in mind, take a look at which colors do what:

2. Stila Correct Perfect All-In-One Color Correcting Palette (0.46 oz.)

Stila Correct Perfect All-In-One Color Correcting Palette (0.46 oz.)

11 reviews

$45.00

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For pesky blue-hued dark circles, reach for a color corrector in peach. In addition, peach can also hide dark spots, veins and signs of discoloration on deeper skin tones. Try: Stila Cosmetics Correct & Perfect All-in-One Color Correcting Palette Why We Love It: Can't find the right peach shade for you? This color-correcting palette features five velvety-smooth cream color correctors (plus two tinted setting powders) to help neutralize imperfections and brighten dull skin tones. Use each shade separately or mix together to find the right shade for you.

4. jane iredale Corrective Colors Camouflage (9.9 oz.)

jane iredale Corrective Colors Camouflage (9.9 oz.)

8 reviews

$40.00

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If your skin appears to be on the lackluster side of the spectrum, yellow can help you sort things out. On top of its brightening abilities, it’s also ideal for purple-hued dark circles. Try: jane iredale Corrective Colors Camouflage Why We Love It: Aside from having four corrective shades at our disposal, we love that this palette's creamy colors contain green tea, grapeseed and pine bark extracts to nourish, protect and soothe skin. Each color also blends easily to create a flawless finish.