When we talk beauty trends, we’re usually referencing those you can clearly see, like the new French Manicure or electrifying blue eyeliner. But the latest cosmetics look we’re obsessed with is one that's not quite visible (if you're doing it right, that is). We’re talking about color correcting.
This trend is based on a pretty basic principle: use primers in unconventional makeup shades—think bright red, mint green, and Easter-egg yellow—to “correct” any skin concerns before you even reach for foundation. For example, if you’re battling redness, go for a green primer. A purple or blue shade gives sallow (yellow) tones the knockout. And pink, apricot or red hues work wonders in helping to conceal dark circles. When applied in the right dose, you’re left with skin so perfect it rivals even the most generous Snapchat filter.
So, how do you know if you’re working colour correctors, well, correctly? Look no further than Canadian beauty bloggers Osob Mohamud of Osob Beauty, Victoria Simpson of A Side of Vogue and Whitney Hong of Macarons and Mischief. Their goof-proof tips coupled with key product picks (all available in our aisles) are all you need to create a radiant, even complexion. (Insert hands praise emoji here!)
Osob Mohamud - @osobbeauty
“To cover up my dark circles and any dark spots on my face—whether they be hyperpigmentation spots or acne scars—I love to use orange corrector. Orange works to counteract the blue/purple undertones of my dark circles because they are opposites on the colour wheel. It's important to adjust the shade of orange to your skin tone. Lighter skin tones can apply a pale peach while darker skin tones will benefit from a darker salmon colour. Whatever the shade, it's important not to use too much product as you don't want it to show through underneath your concealer and foundation.
When it comes to the actual application, for my dark skin I use the NYX 3C conceal and Correct Palette. After priming my face I use the corrector directly underneath my eyes and on dark spots near my chin. I blend it out using my fingers but you can also use a damp makeup sponge. After that I apply my foundation and use the medium tan colour in the concealer palette to cover up any lingering orange colour.”
Victoria Simpson - @asideofvogue
“Colour Correcting is a huge beauty trend right now! [For my fair skin] I’ve been using this Quo Colour Corrector palette to balance my skin tone, while eliminating redness and darkness. Don’t let the colours intimidate you, it’s actually really easy! Just be sure to blend the colour corrector really well, and then apply your foundation after.”
Whitney Hong - @macaronsandmischief
“[Being Asian] Panda eyes and redness are my major concern. To minimize them, I use Maybelline Blur + Redness Control Primer mainly on the forehead and nose. Then I use Nyx Cosmetics HD Concealer in Lavender around the eyes and Maybelline Superstay Better Skin Concealer + Corrector to mask my circles.”