How To Colour Correct Your Skin : The Ultimate Guide

If you've come out of the makeup store alarmed at the pastel shades of base makeup you've spotted, don't be. Oddly bright, we know but they're just colour correctors and when used well, they can actually do a world of good to your skin. Colour correction is an additional step to the base makeup process which neutralises skin imperfections like dark circles, spots and scars.

This technique is based on the colour wheel and uses the colour directly opposite that of the problem tone to counterbalance it. Colour correctors are creamy in consistency, like most concealers - and the process is done post primer and prior to concealer in order to amend the problem before foundation can perfect it. If creamy pots of lilac and orange colour corrector have startled you on a trip to a beauty store, here's how you can figure out exactly which colour to use for what.

1. Peach/Pink - It is used to correct darkness like under eye circles and spots on fair to medium toned skin.

2. Yellow - It is used to correct light redness like broken capillaries on all skin tones.

3. Orange/Red - It is used to correct darkness like under eye circles and spots on medium to dark toned skin.

4. Lilac - It is used to correct sallowness and dullness on fair to medium toned skin.

5. Green - It is used to correct severe redness like pimples, broken capillaries and scars on all skin tones.

So before you begin colour correcting, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Always ensure you colour correct prior to applying concealer and foundation or else, it will leave an awful coloured cast on your skin.

While it lends a gorgeously flawless finish to your skin, it isn't necessary for light, daily makeup, except in severe cases. Save your colour correcting for heavier makeup looks like photoshoots and weddings.

To ensure that the pastel tones don't show through your makeup, always blend colour correctors into the skin well. Use your fingers, a damp sponge or a buffing brush to do so.