If you’ve ever stood in the beauty aisle wondering, "Wait… yellow?"—you’re not alone. The world of color correcting can feel like its own language of color wheels, tones, and undertones. But don’t worry—we’re breaking it all down in the easiest (and glowiest) way possible. Welcome to your crash course on yellow color correctors!
In this guide, we’re breaking down what yellow color corrector does, when to use it, and how to apply it like you’ve been doing it for years. If you want to brighten dull skin, even out mild discoloration, or achieve a glowing look, yellow can help!
By the end of this guide, you’ll be blending and wearing yellow color corrector like a pro. No confusion and no guesswork—just a perfect, balanced complexion. With a little help from the sunny side of the color wheel, let’s get started!
What is Yellow Colour Corrector and How Does It Work?
Let’s talk yellow color correcting makeup—your new go-to for dialing up the brightness and balancing out cool-toned concerns.
Color theory says that colors opposite of each other on the wheel cancel each other out. Yellow sits across from purple and blue, which means it’s a total pro at neutralizing purplish hues in the skin. Think about purple under-eye circles, visible veins, bruises, or general dullness. These greyish-purple areas can make your skin look tired and dull.
A yellow corrector works best when used under concealer or foundation. It helps balance and neutralize the tones in your skin before layering on other products. It’s especially helpful if your skin leans cool and you're noticing unwanted purple shadows peeking through.
How to Determine If You Should Use a Yellow Color Corrector
Wondering if yellow color corrector is the right pick for your makeup routine? Let’s break it down.
Yellow corrector is essential if you have purple or blue undertones that won’t go away. This includes dark under-eye circles with a purple tint, bruises, visible veins, or darkness around your mouth. It’s also your best friend if your complexion is looking a little dull or tired with greyish, ashy vibes.
If your main concern is redness or acne, yellow might not be the best fit—you’d want to reach for something like green for that. If you want to reduce dark spots or hyperpigmentation, try using peach or orange correctors.
If you see those purple shadows or dull spots, yellow is your best color corrector. It brightens, balances, and gets your skin looking fresh-faced in no time.
What Skin Tones or Undertones Should Use a Yellow Color Corrector?
If you have never used a yellow color corrector, we have good news. Yellow color correctors work for all skin tones and undertones. No matter if your skin is fair, medium, deep, or in between, yellow is a brightener for everyone. It helps reduce those annoying purple and dark tones that lie under the skin.
If you see purple under-eye circles, bruising, or dullness that looks grey or ashy, use yellow corrector. This works for all skin tones. It works by neutralizing those cool, purplish hues to create a fresh, even canvas for the rest of your makeup.
When to Incorporate Yellow Color Corrector into Your Makeup Routine
Ready to bring yellow color corrector into the mix? Timing is everything. Yellow corrector should be your first colorful step after skincare and priming. It acts as a base layer for a flawless finish.
Using a yellow corrector before concealer and foundation helps neutralize purple or dull tones. It does this without affecting your other products. It's all about making a smooth, visibly even surface. This helps your concealer work well and your foundation blend easily.
By using yellow corrector early in your makeup routine, you're helping your skin appear bright, balanced, and radiant!
Step Two: Apply Yellow Color Corrector
Now that your skin is fully prepped, it's time for the fun part—color correcting with just the right amount of yellow. Grab our Yellow Camo Color Corrector, your go-to for neutralizing purples tones and dullness, without going chalky or harsh. Put a small amount on the areas with purple tones- this is usually under the eyes, around the mouth, or where purple veins show.
Then, go in using our Flawless Concealer Brush and blend! This step is all about precision, not overdoing it. Gently pat (don’t drag!) the product into place with the brush or your ring finger. Think soft taps to melt it into the skin while keeping the pigment where it’s needed.
Once applied, let it set for at least 30 seconds —this helps it stay put when you layer on concealer or foundation. And just like that, dullness is on its way out.
Step Three: Layer Your Concealer and Foundation
Once your yellow color corrector has had a moment to set, it’s time to build your base. This is where your look really starts to come together.
Start by applying your foundation over the corrected areas—we love Soft Glam Satin Foundation for a natural, skin-like finish, or our Camo CC Cream if you’re craving buildable coverage. Lightly blend with a damp sponge or brush, making sure not to disturb the corrector underneath.
Next, go in with Hydrating Camo Concealer to brighten and perfect. Apply a small amount to areas that need extra care- like the eye area or any discoloration. Blend it smoothly over your foundation. The goal? An even, radiant complexion that still looks like you, just a little more rested and refreshed.
Step Four: Finish Your Look with Setting Powder and Finishing Spray
You’ve done all your color correcting work—now it’s time to make it last. The final (but essential) step to your corrected, perfected look is locking it all in with powder and spray.
Start with a light dusting of Halo Glow Setting Powder —focus especially on areas prone to creasing like the under-eyes and around the mouth. A little goes a long way here; we’re aiming for set, not cakey. This silky, luminous formula keeps everything in place while letting your skin’s natural glow peek through.
Then, give your face a few spritzes of Stay All Night Micro-Fine Setting Mist (or any of our finishing sprays, depending on your vibe) to melt all the layers together and boost longevity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying Yellow Color Corrector
Yellow color corrector can be absolutely pivotal for your makeup routine—think brighter under-eyes, more even skin tone, and a smoother, more radiant finish.
But like any beauty hero, you need to use it with a bit of expertise. One of the most common missteps? Using too much product. A little truly goes a long way—overdoing it can leave your skin looking yellow and washed out.
Another mistake: placing it where it doesn’t belong. Yellow is best for neutralizing purple or bluish tones, such as under-eye circles, visible veins, or dullness that has a gray cast. If you’re applying it to redness or orange undertones, it’s not going to play nice.
Blending? Non-negotiable. You want to gently tap and diffuse the corrector into your skin so it corrects under your foundation. Stick to targeted areas, blend thoroughly, and keep it sheer.
Done right, yellow corrector won’t be seen at all—but the bright, even complexion it creates… that will definitely get noticed.
Expert Tips for Using a Color Corrector That’s Yellow
Want to unlock the full brightening power of your yellow color corrector? Let’s level up with a few expert-approved tips.
Precision is key. Use a small, tapered brush to target areas that need fixing. This includes purple under-eyes, dull spots, or visible veins. For an extra boost, mix a small amount of your yellow corrector with your eye cream. This is especially helpful if dark circles are a daily occurrence, rather than an occasional visitor.
When layering, take it slow: apply your corrector, let it fully dry, and then follow with your favorite concealer and foundation. Don't forget to set everything in place. Setting powder helps keep your look in place, without making it dull. A mist of setting spray keeps everything fresh from AM to PM.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yellow Color Corrector:
What is yellow color corrector used for?
Yellow color corrector is designed to help neutralize purple and violet tones on your skin, making it ideal for helping to cover under-eye circles and some dark spots. It works on color theory principles, where yellow cancels out unwanted purple discoloration. This helps create a more neutral base before applying concealer or foundation for a flawless finish!
Is peach or yellow corrector better for dark circles?
The choice between peach and yellow corrector for dark circles depends on your personal undertones! Peach corrector works best for blue or blue-purple dark circles, while yellow corrector is ideal for purple or violet-toned circles. If you're unsure about your undertones, try both shades on a small area to see which one better neutralizes your specific discoloration before blending and topping with concealer.
What color corrects purple tones under the eye?
Yellow color corrector is the best choice for neutralizing purple under-eye circles since yellow sits opposite purple on the color wheel and effectively cancels out those violet tones. For deeper purple circles, you might need a slightly more golden or peachy-yellow shade to help achieve more coverage. After applying a yellow color corrector, follow up with your favorite foundation or concealer and blend seamlessly with your skin tone.