How do I use colour correcting make-up?

Covering up skin discolouration is tricky business and, sometimes, regular beige concealer and foundation just will not cut it. This is where colour correcting make-up comes in. By understanding how colours neutralise one another, you can tackle a whole range of issues, including dark under-eye circles, skin redness and overly yellow tones that can make you look sallow.

Dior's assistant make-up training manager Chew Toong Han, 40, says when picking the right colours to conceal your skin imperfections, keep in mind that complementary colours on the colour wheel cancel out one another.

Here is a breakdown of how the colours work:

- Blue/Lavender

A complementary colour to yellow on the colour wheel and perfect for concealing sallowness. Apply lightly on light-catching areas, such as the apples of your cheeks, under the brow arch and around the lips.

- Green

Neutralises redness and is ideal for light complexions and rosy skin. The green tint conceals traces of acne, scars and red patches on the skin.

- Yellow

Helps to soften and balance out violet-tinted shadows and vessels.

- Apricot/red

Good for tanned complexions. This colour helps to hide dark circles and hyper-pigmentation that tend towards an olive hue.

Here are Life's picks:

1. Correct Click, $28, from Cover FX, available at Sephora Ion Orchard

A creamy colour corrector that is available in six shades, including green, lavender, peach and yellow.

2. La Base Pro Colour Corrector, $68, from Lancome, available at all Lancome counters

A light textured make-up primer that comes in four colours. It contains rose extract, which the label claims helps to hydrate the skin.

3. Water Supreme Primer Base, $55, from Laneige, available at all Laneige stores

A light make-up base that evens out skin colour for a natural look.

4. Fix It Colour, $59, from Dior, available at all Dior counters from Oct 1

An easy-to-use colour correcting stick with a translucent core that the label says will help blur fine lines.

5. Touche Eclat Neutralizer, $59, from Yves Saint Laurent, available at all YSL Beaute counters

A lightweight formula that comes in a slim pen-like brush which dispenses more of the product with each click.

 

This article was first published on Sep 08, 2016.
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