Colour Correcting: The Sell-Out Trend That Is Taking Over Your Social Feed
Colour correcting is having a bit of a beauty moment, according Alexia Inge, founder of online retailer Cult Beauty. If it wasn't for Inge saying it, and the reputation she has for seeking out all things cult and coveted for her site, we wouldn't have believed it either. You see, colour correcting isn't new, but it does feed into our need for the perfect social-media ready complexion. Think of colour correcting like a real-life Instagram filter or that lense on Snapchat that doesn't do anything fancy like turn you into a koala but does make you look ah-mazing.
"Colour correcting is officially the new contouring,” Inge tells Byrdie UK. “We spend a lot of time analysing behaviour on the Cult Beauty site, and over the last week, we have seen a MASSIVE rise in sales and searches of colour-correcting complexion products (over 75%). This is about to be a super-hot trend.”
Keep scrolling to find out how to colour-correct like a pro…
"The contouring trend really turned people onto using pro makeup tricks in their daily routines to give them the beauty edge. The effects of colour correcting are instantaneous and really addictive," says Inge.
For anyone with a lo-fi beauty routine, you want to look to colour correcting primers that offer a supportive wash of colour—to even the tone, take down redness a notch or to give a sallow complexion a helpful nudge in a brighter direction. Those who are more than competent with a makeup bag should look at products that are designed to zero in on different imperfections.
"Colour correcting is one of the first things a makeup artist learns, so they can perfect the 'canvas' before starting on the masterpiece!" adds Inge.
Read on for the rules of colour correcting.
Red areas are often found around the nose and on the cheeks. Target them with a green-hued colour-corrector. If you suffer from rosacea or redness all over the face, then you can use a green-hued primer before your foundation.
The blue under the eyes is caused by oxygenated blood that can pool in the vessels there, and because the skin is thinner, the colour shines through. Coral cancels out the blue, which is why some celebrity makeup artists use coral lipstick on their clients under the eyes before applying concealer.
"Sallow skin is often an issue for olive skin tones," explains Inge. Lavender also neutralises any yellow in the skin which can be troublesome.
On the other hand, you might want to add yellow to warm up and brighten your complexion. It also softens the appearance of redness like pistachio green does.
Top tip: “Correctors should sit under your concealer and foundation to even the playing field and create a flawless skin tone (which instantly makes your face look younger). Result!” adds Inge.
Shop our favourite colour-correctors below:
Want more makeup tips? Try these 16 free and easy spring makeup hacks.