Our Highly Requested Deep Dive Into Color Correcting

While going to the cosmetics aisle of your favorite beauty supply store in search of just the right color corrector may feel like a puzzle more than anything else (what do the different colors do? purple? green? yellow??), we're here to tell you that this specific form of color theory is a bit easier to understand than you might initially think.

So long as you have an expert to guide you, of course.

Ahead, celebrity makeup artists share their pro-tips for using color-correcting products, including exactly which shades to use to target specific concerns.

What Is Color Correcting?

Color correction, in makeup and skincare terms, is using a specifically colored product to neutralize another, unwanted shade that might be present in your natural skin tone. It's a color theory concept any artist could clue you in on, which is why makeup artists are so very good at it.

The best known color correction formula is obviously green to combat redness (we all watched that first episode of the Queer Eye reboot when the "hero" was given green cream for his red cheeks, right?) but there are many more combos out there that can be important to know if you deal with dark circles, redness, or any other non-ideal colors that make up your precious complexion.

Generally meant to be worn under your foundation or concealer, you'll see color-correcting products in matte, demi-matte, or radiant finishes. While creamy color correcting formulas are probably the most commonly found, there are also color-correcting powders, balms, and serums on the market. The best finish and coverage is totally up to you—some love a heavy duty color corrector while others just want a little bit of shade-neutralizing power.

Types of Color Correction

The basic principle of color correction is to opt for a shade that's opposite whatever color you're trying to combat on the color wheel. Here's a breakdown of the most common shade ranges you'll see:

Green for Redness

What does green concealer do? A pale green (like Laura Mercier's Ultra-Blur Loose Setting Powder in Mint) conceals redness. "Green color corrector is intended to counter redness such as rosacea or acne, for example, and is best suited for pale-to-medium skin tones," celebrity makeup artist William Scott tells Byrdie.

Laura Mercier Longwear Translucent Loose Setting Powder

Buy on Sephora

Sonsie Adapt Cream

View on Sonsieskin.com

Erborian CC Red Correct

View on Ulta

Dr. Jart+ Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Soothing Color Correcting Treatment

View on Drjart.com

Lavender for Yellow Tones

This one might seem a little intimidating at first glance, but you'll appreciate its concept. A pale lavender brightens skin and helps enliven your complexion. "Purple color corrector is intended to neutralize yellow spots on the skin," Scott explains. "It is best suited for light and cool skin tones."

If you're using a liquid product, just make sure to always use it underneath your foundation—being covered in purple splotches is a whole other problem.

Tarte Shape Tape Full-Coverage Hydrating Color Corrector

$32 at Sephora

Fenty Beauty Bright Fix Instant Brightening and Setting Powder

$39 at Sephora

Make Up For Ever Primer Redness Corrector

$42 at Sephora

Isamaya Color Correcting Serum

View on Isamaya.com

Yellow for Purple Tones

The opposite approach also works, as pale yellow shades can be used to soften redness, add warmth, and brighten your complexion.

"Yellow color corrector is intended to cover and brighten purple tones coming from under the skin from visible veins, bruises, and under-eye circles," Scott says. "It is best suited for people with light and warm complexions, olive skin, [and] medium-deep skin tones."

Caliray Under Eye Color Corrector Concealer

$29 at Sephora

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Vitamin CC Eye Sticks

$36 at Sephora

Lisa Eldridge Pinpoint Concealer Micro Correcting Pencil

View on Lisaeldridge.com

e.l.f. Camo Color Corrector

$5 at Ulta

Peach/Pink/Red for Dark Circles

A peach-y or salmon-colored color corrector can also be your savior if you're trying to nix dark circles; these hues will knock out blue and gray undertones, including those found in the under-eye area/making up your dark circles.

"I usually use something with a pink or peach tone, depending on skin tone, to help cancel out the blue tone of tired under-eyes," explains celebrity makeup artist Jenna Kristina. "I tap that color in the fold under the eye and then I use the correct concealer color on top of that to blend with the client’s skin tone.

However, you want to be careful to apply these only to dark areas, as applying them elsewhere on the face could lead to orange splotches.

Huda Beauty #FAUXFILTER Under Eye Color Corrector

$31 at Sephora

Sarah Creal Face Flex Color Corrector Instant Under Eye Brightener

$58 at Sephora

Charlotte Tilbury Color Corrector

$36 at Sephora

Kosas Extra Bright Serum-Powered Color Corrector

$32 at Sephora

How to Use Color Corrector

As always, you'll want to prep your skin before going in with your color corrector of choice. What use is a toned-down dark circle going to be if your skin is all dry and dull?

Next comes the magic. Apply a small amount of your chosen color corrector directly on the area that's experiencing discoloration before gently blending the edges so there aren't any visibly harsh lines. Then, apply your regular foundation or concealer right on top to hide said color corrector. Ta da!

“I like to use color correctors over top of moisturized skin and let it sit for five minutes, so it becomes tacky,” LA-based makeup artist Shadi Malek says. “If the discoloration is more prominent, I will go back in with a little concealer before powder."