The Best Colour Correcting Facial Serum For All Skin Types

With the latest upgrade in makeup, one  can use certain products to achieve a clear, even-toned face without harming the skin. Since colour correcting facial serums entered the market and people were excited to welcome it and now  it became quite popular in makeup routines.

In this article, I will put you through what exactly are the colour correcting facial serums, why they are important, how you can choose the perfect one for yourself and also give you my 3 best recommendations.

 

What Are Colour Correctors

Colour correcting is the process of using the basis of colour theory to correct discolouration on your face during makeup. They are specially formulated to tackle those areas like dark circles, scars, sun damage, dark spots and hyperpigmentation. A colour corrector palette consists of colours which rectify skin imperfections such as discolouration, acne scars, rosacea, or dark spots.

If you remember the art lesson back in school, you will remember that there was a colour wheel we were made to learn. If you remember that, then you must know that colours that sit opposite each other are the one that cancels each other out. This is essentially what colour correction is about. Most palettes contain green, lavender, peach and yellow shades, and work on the principle that some colours neutralise others and help even out the look of the skin for a flawless-looking complexion and beautiful canvas for your face makeup.

What Is A Face Serum?

Face serums are lightweight ointment that contains a higher density of active ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and vitamin C) than typical facial moisturizers. They are salves that contain a concentrated amount of nourishing ingredients and penetrate deeper to deliver active ingredients into your skin. Typically, facial serums are a mixture of high-quality oils and extracts that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties (see this post to learn about a very good Rosehip Serum you will love).

Difference Between Facial Serums And Moisturizers

Facial serums are typically an aqueous (water) based formula with a much higher concentration of ingredients to target something specific like fine lines, clearing blemishes, wrinkles, or dark spots. The serum is a hydrator; since it has an aqueous base with little to no oils in it and its function is to add water to the skin. Serums and moisturizer are quite different as serum absorb water from the atmosphere into the skin, while moisturizer basically seals in moisture in your skin after your skin has been de-oiled.

Are Facial Serums Different From The Regular Colour Correctors?

Yes, facial serums are very different from the usual colour correctors. While facial serums are to hydrate the skin, get rid of blemishes, scars, dark spots and wrinkles; colour correctors are designed to cover any skin imperfection like redness, sallowness and general discolouration. This means that while one works to get rid of the discolouration, the other one only covers it temporarily. Have it in mind that there are facial serums that are also colour correctors. But the latter works just as the name states.

Why Should You Use Colour Correcting Facial Serums?

So now that you know exactly what colour correcting facial serums are used for, let me show you reasons they are necessary for you to add to your routine. You should use this product because of the following:

 

1. To Lessen The Appearance Of Dark Spots:

Dark spots or hyperpigmentation occur when some areas of the skin produce more melanin than usual as a result of too much sun exposure or artificial UV lights used in tanning. A facial serum colour corrector with glycolic acid can be used to get back a radiant skin and a renewed complexion. Also, the yellow shade of corrector can be used to contradict the appearance of any dark spot.

2. To Brighten Dullness:

Dull skin may look lacklustre or flat, basically the opposite of glowing skin. This occurs especially as we grow old or when we don’t keep up with good skincare routines. A brightening serum can be used to help in illuminating the skin and giving you a more youthful look. You can use a purple colour corrector to balance out yellow and uneven tones, effectively neutralizing the appearance of any sallow spots. Your skin texture will improve drastically and become firmer and smoother thanks to the collagen and Vitamin C content in facial serums.

3. To Reduce Wrinkles:

As you age you are bound to have creases or folds on your face. Wrinkles will also appear as a result of facial expressions. In any anti-ageing process, facial serum colour correctors help with the reduction of dryness, fine lines and dark circles. You can use one that has hydrating hyaluronic acid or vitamin C to help replenish your skin

4. Neutralize Redness:

Whether you’re dealing with breakouts and blemishes, sunburns or the markings of sensitive skin, trying to hide skin redness can be pretty challenging. A green colour corrector could be used in concealing all sorts of visible skin issues, as it can cancel the appearance of redness. Opposites here don’t just attract, they neutralise.

5. To Hydrate:

This is basically what serums do to our skin. When the skin feels parched, you can simply use a facial serum to bring it back to life using the right colour corrector.

6. Disguise Dark Circles:

Dark circles are dark blemishes around the eyes. Dark circles occur as a result of fatigue, eye strain, allergies, dehydration and sometimes genetics. Often accompanied by bags under the eye, dark circles tend to make you look older than you are. Since dark circles tend to have a bluish tint, you can use a colour corrector with a peachy pigment to temporarily hide their appearance. And you can also start working on a permanent fix to get rid of the dark circles under your eyes.

Things To Look Out For When Choosing A Colour Correcting Facial Serum

Colour correcting facial serums perform an array of functions and can target skin issues. The type of facial serum colour corrector you should use depends on your skin type, skin tone and personal skin wishes. They come in different colours, consistencies and intensities. To enjoy this to the fullest and ensure that you are getting the right fit for your face, it’s important to consider some things. Here are 3 factors you should have in mind when choosing a facial colour correcting serum:
1. Your skin type
2. The colour you want
3. Finding the perfect formula

1. Skin Type:

Facial colour correctors are ideal for those looking to balance skin tone or hide dark spots. On the other hand, resurfacing and exfoliating facial serums work well for those looking to smooth out the skin, keep it clear and minimize pores. For this reason, a colour correcting facial serum is your best bet. But to make the best choice, you need to understand your skin type and know which one best suits your face.

a. Oily Skin:

Oily skin is the overproduction of sebum from sebaceous glands. These glands are located under the skin surface. Sebum is an oily substance that is made from fats and it helps to protect and moisturize the skin. When purchasing a facial colour correcting serum for oily skin, it is important to look for effective hydrators like hyaluronic acid, glycerin with vitamins A, C and E in your corrector. A very good one that will work for you is the Caudalie Vinopure Oily Skin Perfecting Set.

b. Dry Skin:

Dry skin is a skin condition that occurs when the skin does not retain sufficient moisture. Having dry skin will require constant moisturizing. Choose moisturizers that add oils and hydrators that will increase the skin’s ability to hold water. For this reason, choose a colour correcting facial serum with hyaluronic acid and ceramides which can hold water in the skin and hydrate the skin. The perfect choice is this Caudalie Vinosource Deep Hydrating Serum.

c. Combination Skin:

Combination skin is having oily skin in certain areas of your face and dry skin in other areas. You will notice having oily skin in your T-zones (nose, forehead and chin) and having dry or normal skin in the other areas. Having a combination skin will require you getting a facial colour correcting serum that will hydrate the dry areas and won’t be heavy for the oily areas. Choose a facial correcting serum with Vitamin C or Retinoids and this Andalou Naturals Tumeric + C Enlighten Serum is your best choice.

2. Determine The Colour You Want:

Basic colour theory tells us that complementary colours (which are any two colours that appear as direct opposites on the colour wheel) cancel each other out. The same theory applies to colour correcting with makeup or facial serums. For instance, the orange shade is used to correct under-eye discolouration, especially those dark circles that have deep-blue tints etc.

 

What Cancels What?

If you are looking for what colour cancels what colour when using facial serum colour collectors, here’s a basic breakdown based on what you might want to neutralize:

• To cancel skin redness a green facial serum corrector should be used.
• If you want to cancel brownish dark circles, yellow or peach shades can be used.
• For sallowness or yellow tones, a lavender facial serum corrector is best.
• To cancel mild stubborn redness or rosiness, a yellow shade should be used.
• For dark circles on a fair to light skin complexion, a salmon facial serum colour corrector is better; for light to medium skin complexion, choose a peach or pink corrector; if you have a medium to dark complexion, an orange corrector will do; for dark to deep complexion, a red corrector works fine; for darker skin tones, orange correctors are your go-to products to cancel deep, blueish under-eye circles.
• Dark spots, acne scarring, and sunspots also won’t stand a chance against orange colour correcting facial serums.

3. Find The Perfect Formula:

The formula of the facial serum colour corrector you choose matters just as much as finding the right colour. You have to think about the texture of the area where you’re going to be applying the product. For instance, when correcting your under-eye, it is important to use a primer or gel formula. This is because they blend easily and are great for layering with your makeup. You can also use a liquid-based formula with trouble areas on the rest of your face. Using a primer on the whole face before the process of colour correcting can work wonders to minimize all-over discolouration like redness or dullness.

The 3 Best Colour Correcting Facial Serums You Must Consider

With all the above in mind, if you are wondering which colour correcting facial serum is best for you, I have picked a few of the best options for you to choose from. First, know that the ingredients to look for when purchasing a facial serum colour corrector includes phytic acid, vitamin C, arbutin, kojic acid, azelaic acid, L-ascorbic acid, glycolic acid,  hyaluronic acid and ceramides. With this in mind, here are the 3 best colour correcting facial serums that contains a good number of these ingredients:

1. OWNEST 3-In-1 Colour Correcting Facial Serum:

This particular product is my favourite because it can deliver more value your face would love. It serves as a face makeup primer base, pore minimizer and colour corrector. It is mild and non-irritating to sensitive skin. This one from Ownest is to be applied right before your makeup as it improves coverage and lengthens the amount of time it lasts on the face. Or you can choose to just apply it alone and go about your day.

It contains 3 colour-correcting pigments to even out your complexion, correct yellowish skin tone, neutralize reddish skin and modify dark circles. The colours you’ll find include purple, green and pink. So you can use the purple shade to correct yellowish skin tone; the green to neutralize reddish skin; pink to modify dark circles.

 

Other features of this particular product include:

a. Moisturizing Ingredients:

This facial serum colour corrector comes with a brightening moisturizing essence. Using this formula would be optimal for the skin as it is created with Vitamins, Hyaluronic acid and purslane extract to help boost your complexion and hydrate your skin, control oil, and cover the appearance of pores and fine lines.

b. Lessens The Appearance Of Spots:

This product could be used in correcting and reducing the appearance of large pores, acne marks, fine lines, and wrinkles for smoother skin. It corrects dull skin tone, red marks, skin blemishes and imperfections; while also boosting radiance to leave your skin silky and smooth.

c. Oil Control:

As a result of the vitamin C and Hyaluronic acid, this facial colour corrector serum helps oily skin by preventing excess sebum and making your makeup last for hours without an unnecessary meltdown.

2. STILA One-Step Colour Correcting Facial Serum:

This Stila product is a blend of 15 skin-nurturing vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The Stila One Step colour correcting facial serum is an innovative three in one gel facial serum that has a swirl of three colours; lavender swirl, peach swirl and green swirl. These three swirls correct pigment to even out complexion and leave you with a smooth, clear face. The green neutralises redness and blemishes; lavender counteracts unhealthy undertones for a brighter and energized look; peach brightens and helps diminish the appearance of sunspots and blemishes. You can use it alone or right underneath your makeup to give it a better look and longer stay.

3. CeraVe Pore Refining & Resurfacing, Brightening Facial Serum with Retinol:

CeraVe colour correcting Facial Serum contains three essential ceramides (called 1, 3, and 6-II) to help restore the skin’s protective barrier. it helps the skin look brighter, smoother, and more even-toned. Best of all, it is suitable for oily skin. It has encapsulated retinol, is paraben-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and also allergy-tested.  It should be applied evenly to face daily for best results. What to expect from this particular product include:

• It offers overnight rejuvenation so you have to apply before bedtime to wake up to smooth and brighter skin.
• It addresses the issue of adult acne by visibly clearing the appearance of post-acne scars.
• CeraVe colour correcting serum is infused with retinol which works to visibly remove imperfections.
• It will bring remarkable skin benefits with no irritation and make the skin look brighter, smoother and even-toned.
• Helps to reduce the appearance of pores and refines skin’s texture over time.
• Leaves skin with a refined and healthy appearance.

 

Conclusion

In summary, a facial serum colour corrector can help you achieve that smooth and perfect skin. Yes, there are countless different facial serum colour correctors for different things. However, all you need to do is identify your skin type and what your face needs. Then you can get one that helps you out in evening your skin tone. Just ensure that you follow the right process in applying it to your face.

 

So, have you tried any of these? Or do you have experience using a colour correcting facial serum? Let’s hear your thoughts below.

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