Home Makeup Tips Orange Color Correctors: What They Do & How to Use Them
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Orange Color Correctors: What They Do & How to Use Them

by Sandy Taylor

Orange color correctors are great for covering dark circles under the eyes or for dark spots on the face. This post will provide you with information on what this type of makeup is and how you can use them.

We will also compare the difference between orange and green correctors as well as a comparison between concealers and correctors.

Contents

What Does Orange Color Corrector Do?

Orange color correctors are makeup products mainly used for minimizing blemishes or dark spots that cannot be fully covered by concealer or foundation. The goal of an orange color corrector is to create an even skin tone without you having to cake on more foundation or concealer to get rid of darker blemishes.

The way that it works is simple color theory: orange and blue are on opposite sides of the color wheel. If your skin has any dark blemishes with a blue undertone, the orange of the color corrector will neutralize the blue color and create the illusion that blue is not present on your skin. After applying the corrector, you can then put on your concealer to mask those dark spots, blending the two.

How To Apply Orange Color Corrector?

Orange color correctors should be applied as a powder or a creme right before you apply your foundation. Using a makeup sponge or beauty blender, apply a thin layer of the color corrector to the problem spots on your face.

Once you’ve applied your corrector, you can apply your foundation. Use a damp beauty blender or makeup sponge to work the foundation over the corrections you’ve made to help it blend. Once everything has dried, you can proceed with adding the rest of your makeup.

Another way to apply an orange color corrector is to first apply it using a foundation brush, then blend it with your concealer. Simply apply each makeup product on either side of the spot you’re trying to cover, then use a beauty blender or a foundation brush to work them together. Apply the rest of your makeup as usual and you’ll have a flawless, even look.

How To Use Orange Color Corrector for Dark Circles?

To make those dark, blue-ish circles disappear, you’ll first need to apply an orange color corrector using a foundation brush. Whether you’re using a cream-based corrector or a powder corrector, this kind of brush will provide you with more even coverage. If you don’t have a foundation brush, you can use a beauty blender.

Focus your application on the inner corner space between your eyes and your nose. Once your corrector is applied, you can use a buffing brush as a way to blend the product into the surrounding skin. This will also help you even out the corrector if you did happen to put on too much.

The next thing you’d need is concealer, something that is full coverage. Using a damp makeup sponge or your finger, carefully dab the concealer onto the color-corrected area, blending the two together. Once both eyes have been treated, you can apply the rest of your makeup as you normally would. 

Can You Use Orange Eyeshadow as Color Corrector?

In a pinch, orange eyeshadow can be used for color correction. It’s effective because you can use it over your existing foundation to touch up any dark spots you see throughout the day without taking all of your makeup off. In the case that you don’t have a color corrector handy, this is a great alternative.

Using a beauty blender, lightly tap on a thin covering of orange eyeshadow on the dark spots you see, blending it with your existing foundation. Add more foundation and blend it if the spots are stark against your skin; applying a thick layer of orange eyeshadow will end up bringing more attention to those spots.

If using orange eyeshadow before the rest of your makeup, use its applicator to dab the eyeshadow on the spots you want to cancel out. If using a cream eyeshadow, use a beauty blender to smooth out the application spots so that you’re not left with thick dots of product on your face. If using powder, depending on how light the color orange is, you may need another blended coat to fully cover your dark spots.

Use a concealer on the spots and blend until completely covered. Allow your products to dry fully if you’re using liquid concealer or cream eyeshadow. Then, apply your foundation and any other makeup to complete your look.

Green Vs Orange Color Corrector – What’s The Difference?

The difference between green and orange color correctors is that they target different colors to even out your face. Blue is opposite to orange and red is opposite to green, so the color correctors will respectively combat those different colors.

An orange color corrector is good for dark circles and dark spots on your face while a green color corrector is the best way to reduce the redness of acne or other skin conditions like rosacea. Switching them up would give red spots more attention and blush spots an almost sickly look.

People with medium to dark levels of skin will have better coverage with orange correctors while those with lighter skin tones will be able to use green correctors more effectively. There are also different shades of each color corrector that work based on whether you have a warmer skin tone or a cooler skin tone. These products are not one type fits all, so experiment to see what works best for you.

Are Orange Correctors the Same as Concealers?

Orange correctors are not the same as concealers. Concealers are used over foundation while correctors work effectively if they’re used before you put on foundation. Color correctors are used to blending out the dark or discolored spots on your face while concealers just cover them up.

Color correctors also do not come in the skin tones that concealers do. Correctors come in colors like orange, green, yellow, and purple. Concealers stick to skin tones and can have undertones of colors like orange and yellow that can assist with minimizing the appearance of dark spots on the skin.

Color correctors cannot be used just on their own like concealers can since they are harsher colors against your skin’s tone. Concealers can give your skin a more even tone without having to apply foundation as an additional step. Concealer tends to lighten your skin more than an orange corrector, which will give the application area a brighter appearance.

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