Correctors, concealers, and highlighting pens are all essential tools in makeup application. While they may serve similar purposes of achieving a flawless complexion, they differ in their specific functions and areas of application. As a Sydney makeup artist, I often need to explain what I am doing when I apply two different products under the eyes, sometimes even three if the person has prominent eyebags. Everything is done is very light layers so that it does not get cakey and this is how these products work :
- Correctors: Correctors are typically first used to neutralize or counteract specific colour concerns on the skin after skincare and priming. They are available in various shades, each designed to target a specific colour issue. Opposite colours on the colour wheel, also known as complementary colours, have the ability to neutralize or cancel each other out when combined. The most common colour correctors are:
a) Green corrector: Green correctors are used to counteract redness on the skin, such as blemishes, rosacea, or acne scars. Green cancels out the red tones before the application of foundation, creating a more even complexion.
b) Peach or orange corrector: Peach or orange correctors are used to counteract bluish or purple undertones, commonly found under the eyes or around the mouth. These correctors help to correct the appearance of dark circles or discoloration.
c) Lavender or purple corrector: Lavender or purple correctors work well for dull or sallow skin tones. They help to counteract unwanted yellow undertones, giving the skin a more vibrant and healthy look.
Correctors are usually applied before foundation or concealer, focusing on the specific areas of concern. They are generally used sparingly and blended gently into the skin to create a balanced canvas.
- Concealers: Concealers are versatile products used to cover imperfections, such as blemishes, dark spots, or under-eye circles. They come in various forms, including liquid, cream, stick, or pot formulations. Concealers are available in different shades to match various skin tones and undertones.
Concealers are typically used after correctors, if necessary, or directly after foundation. They provide concentrated coverage to specific areas, camouflaging discolorations and creating a more uniform complexion. Concealers can be applied with a brush, sponge, or fingertips and are blended into the skin for a seamless finish.
- Highlighting Pens: Highlighting pens, also known as illuminators or brighteners, are designed to add luminosity and enhance specific areas of the face. They typically come in a liquid or pen form with a light-reflecting formula.
Highlighting pens are often used to bring attention to specific features and create a radiant glow. They are commonly applied to areas such as the cheekbones, brow bones, bridge of the nose, and cupid’s bow. By adding a touch of shimmer or light-reflecting particles, highlighting pens create the illusion of brightness and dimension, giving the face a more youthful and healthy appearance. I particularly like to use them on clients who have prominent eye bags. The highlighting pen is not applied to the bag itself but to the shadowed recessed area that is just under the bag and can be seen more clearly when I get my client to tilt his or her head down. Making something lighter brings it forward visually and vice-versa , making it darker makes it recede. The difference between the two has to be very subtle though and well blended in with the finger tips.
Highlighting pens are applied after foundation and concealer, usually in small dots or strokes, and then blended gently with a brush, sponge, or fingertips.
Remember that all cream products need to be set with a light layer of powder to make sure that they do not shift and crease. Correctors, concealers, and highlighting pens are all valuable tools for achieving a flawless complexion. Correctors neutralise specific colour concerns, such as redness or discoloration. Concealers provide concentrated coverage for imperfections, while highlighting pens add luminosity and enhance your features with light-reflecting properties.
