Here's How You Can Color Correct Away All Of Your Skin Issues

While there may be countless skincare products and treatments out there, skin issues like acne and dark circles will always find their way to the surface. They can be a pain to deal with, especially before an event or an evening out — this is where color correcting can save the day.

According to makeup artist William Scott via Byrdie, color correcting consists of using different pigments to cancel out the color of skin issues, causing them to neutralize and making them easier to cover. The concept stems from color theory. Basically, using the opposite shade in the color wheel to your skin discoloration will balance the two hues. 

While color correcting isn't a long-term solution for skin issues, it does let you cover up the problem without worrying about it. It's an easy hack to ensure those unwanted zits and dark circles are not as prevalent once you apply your makeup.

Even though color correcting is simple, there are a few rules to remember to fix those skin issues accurately.

Deciding which color corrector to use will depend on what skin issue you want to cover up.

According to makeup artist Tasha Brown, there are specific rules you should follow when deciding which corrector to use. Green color correctors will cover up redness and signs of rosacea, while purple covers up dull skin that appears dehydrated. If you need help combating dark circles, orange-tinted or peach correctors will do the trick. However, if you only have a small area of redness or hyperpigmentation, reaching for a yellow color corrector is best. If you have both hyperpigmentation and dull skin, you can use a pink color corrector to help hide both issues (via New Beauty).

Although these colors are universal in the issues they help combat, it's important to choose orange or peach correctors based on your skin color. The darker your skin tone, the darker the shade of orange you should select to cover up dark circles best.

Although choosing the right colors seems simple enough, there are a few guidelines on how and when to apply color correctors. It's critical to place them at the correct time to render them useful.

After choosing the right color for you, applying the corrector at the proper time and the correct area is crucial.

As per Ipsy, if you want to cover up dark circles, use a V-shape at each corner of the eye to cover the dark circle area. Afterward, blend with a small brush and then apply foundation on top. For redness and acne spots, just dab the correct color corrector on the affected area before mixing it in carefully into the skin. To brighten up dull skin, apply the purple color corrector in the regions that need some extra help. With any color corrector, make sure to complete your usual skincare routine before to have a clean base you can apply it to.

You will also want to ensure your color corrector has fully absorbed into the skin before applying foundation. Laying foundation while the color corrector is still wet will only smear the product and will no longer allow it to work its magic. Use a small concealer brush to target the areas best and blend the color corrector into the skin.