We're covering the topic of color correcting, and we'll also include skincare! Even though, color correcting technically refers to tinted makeup that balances skin discoloration and skin tone, using certain skincare products can assist the process of color correcting. Remember though, color correctors are not skin-colored; they come in shades like yellow, green, purple, and orange. 

However, some products combine both color-correcting components and skincare!

Let's start with our base.

What is a base? 

Makeup bases leave a smooth surface for other products. The most common bases are primers and foundations. But, first and foremost, hydrated and moisturized skin should be the base of all makeup routines. 

For your base, wear a tinted moisturizer, SPF, or BB cream.

Tinted moisturizers/SPFs can be helpful in the process of color correcting with an actual color-corrector stick, skin tint, or concealer. However, if the discoloration is more subtle, a tinted moisturizer might even get the job done!

The purpose of color correcting is to neutralize discoloration on the skin such as reds, blues, purples, yellows, and uneven pigmentation. 

For instance, green corrects red, and peach concealer can correct blues, especially if it’s associated with dark circles. You can also use a skin tint. Skin tints that are blue or purple can correct sallow, meaning they counteract yellow tones in the skin. 

But, of course, we've got to cover the skincare first. Then, we’ll get into layering blush over bronzer! 

Some By Mi - AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream 

More suitable for oily skin, this hydrates and exfoliates the skin. Likewise, it can also prevent makeup from being cakey. Yes, it controls oil and smooths the skin’s surface with exfoliation.

Cassandra actually loves this product. It gets rid of blackheads too. And the best part is – the green color can help to neutralize redness! But, if you use it during the day before applying makeup, you’ll definitely need to wear a sunscreen. 

 

Kosas DreamBeam Mineral Sunscreen - $40

This is a lightweight sunscreen and moisturizer geared towards combo skin, and it has the texture of a BB cream, meaning it can serve as both a moisturizer and foundation. While it may not give the coverage of other products, it truly color corrects. There’s a little brush on it for application too, and depending on the shade you get, it can neutralize reds or blues. The peachy color would definitely be helpful for this. 

Colorscience All Calm Clinical Redness Corrector - $155 

This product was specifically made for rosacea and sensitive skin, and it definitely helps with redness. The texture is not quite as thick as concealer, but it can help build layers for concealer and foundation if you choose to layer.

Not only does this product color correct, moisturize, and help provide consistency for makeup looks, this product also helps to prevent skin flares. There are also cheaper alternatives, but this is one of the best SPF 50 options.

Isntree - Onion Newpair Sunscreen SPF40 PA+++ 

Yes, purple and lavender can neutralize yellow undertones, and they even brighten the skin. However, neither Cassandra nor Isntree claim this product to be color-correcting. However, this product can help even the skin given its hydrating qualities and anti-inflammatory properties like muan onion extract.

And because of its hue, this sunscreen will not flash back on any skin tone. This is amazing because sunscreen that flashes back may complicate the process of color correcting. 

 

Applying skincare under moisturizers

Vitamin C

As for the skincare staples of discoloration, vitamin C is a potent tyrosinase inhibitor, meaning it can stop the spread of uneven pigmentation. Plus, its potent antioxidant qualities prevent hyperpigmentation and boost sunscreen. Furthermore, alpha arbutin also helps with deeply pigmented spots. 

The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% Vitamin C -$14.50

 

Azelaic acid

Dr Sam’s Flawless Nightly Serum - $60

Azelaic acid is a wonderful ingredient for soothing redness on the skin, but what makes it special is its ability to reduce sensitivity within the skin. Therefore, it not only treats but prevents redness.

Blush

Blush adds color and brightness to the skin. It can be especially helpful for sallow skin (yellowish-undertones) when layered on top of a base or foundation, concealer, and bronzer. You'll want to use blue, orangeish, rose, or warm blushes to neutralize sallow skin. 

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush -$26 

 

 

How to apply blush and skin tint. 

  

Cover photo: Dermaflage