Easy colour correction hacks to achieve flawless skin tone
Hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone can be a burden to deal with, but modern colour correction techniques can neutralise a patchy complexion.
If current beauty trends are any indication, sheer foundations and tints are where it’s at.
It’s a positive development in the world of beauty, as an increasing amount of people opt for a lighter base that allows their skin to shine through.
Unfortunately, the shift has been isolating for those who rely on high-coverage foundation to conceal underlying issues such as acne, rosacea, and uneven skin tone.
Thankfully, this is where skin colour correction comes into the mix.
Long considered an industry-based hack, skin colour correction has entered the mainstream as it helps offset everything from hyperpigmentation and dark circles to birth marks and melasma.
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What is colour correction?
The concept of colour correction is a wide-ranging practice that essentially involves using contrasting colours from the opposite ends of the colour wheel to counteract and neutralise unwanted tones.
In make-up, this involves using a colour-correcting primer to prep and even your base so heavy-handed, full-coverage foundation is not required.
“When colour correction is used properly, it can be a make-up miracle worker,” Melbourne-based hair and make-up artist Amelia Mills says.
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What does colour correction target?
According to Amelia, colour correction can help mask a variety of skin concerns without the need for heavy layers of make-up.
“Colour correction can be approached a number of ways,” she says.
“Sometimes it’s as simple as applying a dot of green corrector on a client’s spot if it’s red and inflamed.
“Green tones are great for neutralising redness and the same technique can be applied all over the face for those who have rosacea.”
Selective coverage is another option, which allows your skin to shine through where it’s even, while fuller coverage is only applied in areas of hyperpigmentation.
“I use a layering technique that involves thin amounts of foundation in areas of concern and I only incorporate a corrector to tackle hyperpigmentation if it’s very visible,” Amelia says.
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Can you overdo colour correction?
Using too much colour corrector can have a noticeable effect, and not in a positive way.
For this reason, it’s important to remember that it’s easier to layer additional product bit by bit than it is to reduce it.
“My best tip is to go in lightly – most of the time you will only need a small amount of corrector and you really don’t need to lather it on,” Amelia says.
“Only use corrector exactly where you need it.
“It’s usually a smaller area than you think.”
According to freelance make-up artist Olivia Rudich, make-up should enhance, not erase, and that extends to people with uneven skin.
“It’s important to remember that every single skin concern doesn’t require colour correction,” Olivia says.
“One particularly area that I target on almost all my clients is under the eyes, which is prone to hints of blue or purple.
“To correct this, opt for a peachy tone corrector.”
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Colour correctors’ multipurpose benefits
Make-up is ultimately as much of a mixing medium as traditional art, so it should come as no surprise that colour correctors have added unconventional uses.
One popular hack involves adding a hint of blue or green colour corrector into your foundation if you have olive or neutral-toned skin and your foundation is leaning too pink.
“As a huge foundation cocktail advocate, I can definitely get behind manipulating a foundation shade to better reflect your skin tone,” Olivia says.
Written by Charlotte Brundrett.
