The Best Color-Correcting Palette

Buying Guide

Flesh-toned concealers can camouflage under-eye circles, blemishes and other skin imperfections, but color-correcting concealers can work even better. You apply certain concealers to problem areas, then put on your foundation as usual.

Makeup palettes come with different color selections based on the different natural skin tones that individuals have. Although it can look strange when the various shades are first on your face, they are absorbed into the skin and are easily covered, providing a neutral canvas for makeup application.

Palettes can have just a few shades or more than a dozen, with creams and powders. Some also include highlighters, which you can use after putting on foundation, blush and face powder. Although it is fun to experiment with these palettes, there are some guidelines for the colors.

Yellow color correctors counteract pink and slightly red hues on a face and can do double duty as a brightener. These are good for neutralizing mild skin sensitivities and broken capillaries; use these around your mouth and nose. Greens are good for red spots caused by acne, rashes, eczema and birthmarks.

Blue and purple (lavender) color correctors work to hide orange and yellow hues, hyperpigmentation and dark spots. You can use peach, red and orange correctors on purple and blue areas like under the eyes, on bruises and on dark spots from sun damage.

Lastly, pink color correctors can take care of mild green and yellow patches and brighten skin; they also work on dark circles and brighten the face. If all this sounds overwhelming, many palettes come with instruction manuals. There are plenty of YouTube tutorials out there, too.

• Makeup brands usually design their products to complement one another, but mixing and matching brands can really liberate your creativity.
• Apply color-corrector concealers in thin layers to a clean face.
• Use a makeup brush for powders and a makeup sponge or your fingers for creams.
• Practice using these products under your favorite foundations, and check how you look in the mirror. This is a learned skill that takes time.
• If the colors aren’t working, you might have bought the wrong shades for your skin tone. It’s best in that case to go to a professional at a makeup counter and get a recommendation.
• Cosmetics can produce mild, medium and severe allergic reactions in some people. If you experience symptoms, stop using the product and wash it off your face.