How to Use Color Correctors to Hide Blemishes
For as long as we can remember, concealer has been one of the most popular ways to hide blemishes. From hiding pimples and dark circles under eyes to hiding freckles, concealer can do it all—or so you thought. However, as we learn more about how makeup products work, we learn that concealers might conceal any skin concerns but may end up looking unnatural.
It tends to look cakey, can feel uncomfortable after you pack it on, and can look like a mask instead of enhancing your natural beauty as makeup should. This is where color correctors come in handy. Color correctors use simple principles of color balancing and neutralization to cancel out redness and hyperpigmentation, hide blemishes, and do the same job as concealer without any of the cakey texture or discomfort.
Here at Journ, we believe in simplifying your skincare routine so you can focus on the things that really matter. That’s why our color correctors are easy to use and work to address your underlying skin concerns and what’s causing them.
Let’s take a closer look at the science behind how color correctors work and how to color correct to hide blemishes.
How Color Correctors Work
Color correcting is a staple makeup concept that will help you conceal blemishes without unnatural concealers. When you take a look at color correcting products, you see greens, reds, purples, and other colors, and you may find yourself thinking, ‘they put that on their face?’
The range of colors is there for a reason! Here’s a little bit about how color correctors work. Depending on your specific skin concerns, you may need a different corrector color. Let’s say your skin concern is redness, whether from acne or dryness.
Without color correction, concealer may help to eliminate some of the redness, but it probably won’t get the job done effectively. Color correction comes in and uses the opposite color to red, which would be green, to cancel out and neutralize redness, giving you a smooth, even skin tone.
Here’s another helpful way to think about it. Think of the color wheel. Remember how all the basic colors are arranged in a circle? Well, the circle had a purpose! Any colors directly across from each other on the color wheel cancel each other out, while those right next to each other amplify and complement each other. Since green is opposite red on the color wheel, it’s an excellent tool to cancel out redness on the skin.
How to Use Color Correcting Makeup
One of the biggest reasons to swap your concealer out for color correcting makeup is because color correcting is easy and the results are flawless skin! There’s no need for a twelve-step beauty routine that takes you an hour in the morning. You have better things to do with your time than apply makeup.
We’ve simplified the application process to focus more on enhancing your natural beauty. So, if you’re wondering how to color correct, it’s pretty simple. The first and most important step is choosing the right color correcting product for your specific skin concerns.
For example, if you want to correct redness, you’ll need to use green. To correct dark brown circles and spots or hyperpigmentation, you’ll need to use orange or peach to cancel out the blue/purple undertones.  To correct general blemishes, you can use various color correctors based on your skin tone as well. Let’s dive a little deeper into each skin concern and which color you can use to correct it!
To Correct Redness
Redness can be caused by a variety of things. For instance, you may have redness from dry skin, irritation, sunburn, allergic reaction, or blemishes. As we mentioned, the color green can help cancel out redness and neutralize red blemishes from blemishes or dryness.
Our Matcha and Dew color correctors can help address these concerns, neutralize redness, and nourish irritated skin.
Matcha
Matcha is specifically formulated for those who experience redness from acne and acne scars. Matcha works by color correcting the appearance of redness, drying out spots, balancing the production of sebum, and even minimizing the appearance of pores and acne scars when used over time. This product incorporates Hibiscus, Seaweed, and Matcha in a powerful formula that helps nourish skin while neutralizing unwanted color.
This color corrector is rich in alpha hydroxy acids, vitamins A, B, and C, and the anti-inflammatory properties found in caffeine. Together, these vitamins and nutrients support skin health and recovery while simplifying your skincare routine.
Dew
Dew is for those who experience redness from dry skin or skin irritation. It incorporates Eucalyptus, Jasmine, and Neem to provide deep hydration to skin while protecting skin’s barrier, soothing skin irritation, and reducing the appearance of redness from irritation when used over time. Plus, it color corrects in the moment, so you don’t have to deal with cakey concealers.
Dew’s ingredients are rich in flavonoids that calm the appearance of redness and reduce irritation. Plus, the soothing properties of linalool protect, hydrate, and rejuvenate sensitive skin. Dew is also packed with fatty acids, triglycerides, and vitamin E that promote elasticity and resilience.
To Correct Dark Circles and Hyperpigmentation
If you want to correct redness, a green color corrector is your best tool. However, if you’re looking for a product that will correct dark circles and hyperpigmentation, you’ll want to use a different color. Peachy, orange shades will cover up the purple and blue tones that you might find under your eyes or in places where you’ve previously had acne.Â
Our Marrakech and Kauai are great for correcting dark circles and hyperpigmentation. Depending on your skin tone, you’ll want to use one or the other.
Light to Medium Skin Tones
If your skin tone is lighter or medium in color and you want to correct dark circles, our Kauai color corrector is for you. Kauai helps minimize the appearance of dark circles and spots on the skin by canceling them out. It also works to minimize the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation over time.
Made with White Lily, Kukui Nut, and Noni, this color corrector is rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals and oxidative stress and reduce the appearance of spots. Vitamins A and E and linoleic acid provide moisture and nourishment for skin, and Vitamin B3 and C that help reduce the appearance of skin damage, scars, and aging.
Medium to Deep Skin Tones
If you have medium to deep skin tones, try Marrakech! This color corrector works similarly to Kauai, but is made with Sweet Almond, Carrot Seed, and Rose. With essential fatty acids, Beta-Carotene, and Vitamins A, B3, C, and E, this formula helps reduce the appearance of dark circles, spots, and unwanted scars or hyperpigmentation.
To Correct Dull Skin
If you’re looking for a color corrector that will brighten dull or sallow skin while helping even out skin tone and neutralize hyperpigmentation, Alpenglow is a must-have tool! This is perfect for all skin tones and types. This correction color is purple to help cancel out darker brown hyperpigmentation.
Made with Grapefruit, Blueberry, and Daisy, this product is rich in Vitamin C and E, naringin, polyphenol, and L-arbutin to help neutralize skin tone and create evenness. The Alpenglow will help you achieve smooth, even skin while nourishing skin and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles over time.
The Tools You’ll Need for Color Correcting
The most complicated step in applying a color corrector is choosing which color correcting product is right for your skin concerns. The guide above will help you choose which is best for you, but if you’re still unsure, take our Skin Care Quiz!
The next step to applying color corrector is choosing which tools you want to use for application. You can use a small concealer brush for color correcting smaller spots or blemishes or a makeup sponge for larger areas. If you want to keep it as simple as possible, you can always use your hand which is our favorite way to use the product! Â
Skin Prep
It’s time to prep your skin. We recommend using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer beforehand and letting your skin dry. This will give you a clean surface to work on. You may also use a color correcting primer before applying color corrector, but this is only if you prefer.
Application
Before applying, place a pea-sized amount on the back of your hand and warm it with your fingers. Using the tool of your choice, apply to the desired area. You can cover the under-eye area to hide dark circles, you can apply it on an area of skin that has acne, or you can use it to cover small spots. If you find you still need more color corrector, you can reapply the process, but keep in mind that a little bit goes a long way.
The last step is to rock your flawlessly beautiful skin and enjoy your smooth, even complexion!
Cancel Out Blemishes In a Snap
Using a color corrector can make a world of difference when it comes to hiding blemishes. However, learning how to color correct can be intimidating. By following this guide, you’ll be able to find the perfect color corrector for your skin concerns and apply color corrector like a pro!
Sources:
Dark circles under eyes Causes | Mayo ClinicÂ