Colour Corrector: Which Shade to Choose?

The appeal of colour correctors used in cosmetics lies in their ability to cancel out an undesirable colour, thanks to the theory of complementary colours. This theory is based on the colour wheel, which displays a sequence of 12 colours in relation to each other. It's a handy tool that helps to understand how colours are connected to each other and how the human eye perceives them, a fundamental concept in cosmetics.

The so-called complementary colours are those located directly opposite each other on the colour wheel. For instance, red is complementary to green, blue is complementary to orange, and yellow is complementary to purple. When two complementary colours are mixed, their hues cancel each other out. Colour correctors thus allow for a more uniform makeup base, which subsequently facilitates its application.

Once we understand the rules of colourimetry, it becomes easier to know which shade to use to neutralise an undesirable colour.

The green corrector, to diminish redness.

Skin redness can occur when the blood capillaries present in the dermis excessively dilate, following exposure to the sun, heat or intense stress. A post-inflammatory erythema can also develop following skin damage or inflammation, in the case of acne for example.

To diminish these marks and regain a uniform and soothed complexion, it is possible to use a green colour corrector, a colour complementary to red. At Typology, we offer a green corrector that, in addition to effectively camouflaging redness, helps to reduce it over the long term thanks to its richness in niacinamide and green algae extract, anti-inflammatory compounds.

The red corrector, to fade bluish under-eye circles.

Bluish dark circles are among the most common cosmetic issues and are the result of a slowdown in blood circulation. Indeed, when the capillaries are filled with blood and they dilate, they become visible around the eye area, due to the thinness of the skin in this location. Although the appearance of vascular dark circles has a component genetic, it is also linked to the lifestyle choices made (smoking, alcohol, lack of sleep).

To visibly diminish these bluish hues and restore radiance and freshness to the gaze, the use of a red colour corrector proves to be effective.

The pink to purple corrector, to brighten dull complexions.

It's not uncommon to wake up and find your complexion dull and lacking in radiance. This issue is often associated with a build-up of dead cells on the skin's surface and goes hand in hand with an uneven skin texture. Skin ageing, poor diet, smoking, stress or even excessive sun exposure can be responsible and accentuate the yellowish appearance of the skin.

To rejuvenate and brighten the skin, we recommend mixing a few drops of a pink or purple corrector into your usual tinted serum. Opt for pink if you have fair skin and choose purple if your skin is darker.

The yellow concealer, for covering brown under-eye circles or hyperpigmentation marks.

The brown under-eye circles and pigmentation spots both result from an accumulation of melanin. This brown pigment is synthesised during melanogenesis, a process notably stimulated by exposure to the sun. Heredity can also be implicated, with individuals having darker skin being more affected by these issues.

Yellow correctors help to reduce the appearance of pigmented spots and brown circles, thus providing a more uniform and luminous complexion.

The white concealer, for intense illumination.

A somewhat lesser-known product, the white concealer was conceived as a base tointensify the pigmentation of eyeshadows and blushes. Its purpose is to provide a neutral backdrop that allows colours to stand out more. The white concealer can also be used to brighten and highlight certain areas of the face such as the inner corner of the eyes, the brow bone or the centre of the forehead, with the aim of creating points of light and a sense of dimension.

Note : The white corrector is a tool more suited for individuals with fair skin, as the effect it provides on darker skin tones is less natural. If you have dark skin, we recommend opting for a beige corrector which will allow you to achieve a beautiful natural glow.