Last week I stopped by Sephora at South Coast Plaza for a Correct and Conceal Mini Makeover to learn more about the color correcting trend happening right now. I was curious to see if there was anything that could cover dark spots and redness better than a full coverage concealer or foundation. I had a session with artist Dre who was one of the most knowledgeable artists I’ve ever worked with. She was very thorough in explaining color correcting, going through all the options and application techniques, gave me awesome skin prep recommendations and I could not have had a more fun experience. If you’re like me you and consider yourself a novice or beginner when it comes to color correction you might be intimidated by the whole concept. I’ll share my makeover experience, what was used, what I bought and some thoughts on the product testing process. I hope this will help give you some tips and ideas of what to try on yourself. If you have a Sephora near you I highly recommend you call them to schedule a mini-makeover. They can be as quick as 15 minutes and I think you will be impressed with how much you learn – I learned a lot. Scheduling one in advance is probably best to make sure they have someone on site to sit down with you although they can accommodate walk ins sometimes and they are free of charge!
First a quick run through of the mini-makeover I had at Sephora. She started by assessing my skin type and skin concerns. I mentioned I had super sensitive skin and told her about a few products I had allergic reactions to. Personal concerns for my skin were to improve texture, cover dark spots from scars that were healing, under-eye darkness and redness in general. I also mentioned that I liked a streamlined easy approach to applying base face makeup so she picked out her four favorite color correcting products for my skin type that would be easy to use and incorporate along with some skincare items for me to try for calming and radiance.
For a bit of background on Color Correcting it’s not a new trend but it has been very popular right now. The concept of color correcting is that you can use certain colors to counter or diffuse others. Green will correct red, peach will help with dark spots and undereye circles, pink and purple will counter dullness and brighten the skintone. I initially thought using a full coverage concealer or foundation would be sufficient but I often find it leaves the face looking a bit flat and sometimes those dark spots still show through. This is where color correcting can help. Here’s a look at the Sephora Beauty Studio in store – it varies per store but most have a station with mirrors, makeup remover and tools for artists to apply product on your face.
A run through of all the products she used on me from start to finish:
Step 1: Prep the skin
Step 2: Base
Dre’s theory of using color correcting was to use apply in steps and use it with your current foundation routine. She started by applying the A lgenist Reveal Concentrated Color Correcting Drops in Blue to help brighten the overall skintone as a base which did indeed brighten the skin without looking scary blue. Blue helps to neutralize sallow skin. She followed with the Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick in 128 mentioning one’s foundation will do a lot of the color correcting as a starting point to neutralize uneven skintone or dark spots.
Step 3: Color Correct
At this point even with a fuller coverage foundation on my skin you can still see dark circles under the eyes and dark spots from acne scars that are healing still show through. Rather than layer on the foundation color correcting helps add coverage without caking on product. I was skeptical but was really impressed with how literally all the dark spots disappeared with a green color corrector and undereye circles disappeared with a peach/melon corrector. She applied the Sephora Collection Bright Futures Color Correctors in Green and Melon. The key here was to apply and let set so that colors don’t get muddied when you blend them wet. For the green she dotted on spots and then blended with a detailed concealer brush in a cross hatch method to help blend and cover naturally. For the melon she applied directly under my eyes in a downward swiping motion and blended with the sponge tip applicator.
Step 4: Conceal, Set and Finish
Step 5: Add color and makeup
She added a bit of blush and bronzer on my skin so my face wouldn’t look flat from all the base makeup, but I asked her to keep it minimal so I could see how the correctors and foundations performed through the afternoon. We skipped everything else and I was impressed that my makeup lasted well into the late evening without any touchups needed. Her skincare recommendations and application made it so nothing budged or creased or faded. Once I use up some of my moisturizers I will need to buy some of the items she used on me.
I have never been so impressed with a makeup session as I have been with my visit to Sephora. Dre taught me so many things – I really appreciated her taking the time to go through application tips and recommending products specific to my needs. My brother tagged along to help me take photos and afterwards I asked him if he thought my face looked ok. He said yes, it looked natural and he couldn’t tell that there were any weird colors. So it passed the brother test 🙂 In discussing the different color corrector options, I asked her why she recommended the Sephora Collection Color Correctors over the ones from Urban Decay Correcting Fluids or YSL Touche Eclat Neutralizers or even the ones that come in cream compacts. She said it was a matter of preference – the cream palettes can definitely multi-task with all the options for color correction and concealer, but to keep things simple she said the Sephora Collection correctors were her favorite for consistency, texture and coverage. (I bought one each of the Urban Decay and YSL to test against the Sephora Collection and I’ll say right now she was right.)
Next up is a run through review of everything I bought and tried along with a mini tutorial of how I’ve been recreating the color correcting look to diffuse dark spots and dark circles. Here are the items she used on me during the makeover. I bought all the items she tried with the exception of the Violet powder because I already own the Pink although I’m seriously considering going back to the store to pick it up this weekend.
Left to right are:
A simple step by step mini tutorial showing before and after. I took the tips learned at my appointment to recreate a flawless base at home. I hoped to take an after show last week but the store lighting wasn’t ideal. In the first shot I did prep my skin with a thin layer of foundation, but as you can see dark spots and dark circles are still highly visible:
Below are the tools I recommend using, but you can shop your stash and find what works:
A look at packaging and different applicators for each kind of color corrector that I’ve been testing out ranging from droppers, sponge tips, squeeze tubes and click brush applicators:
Side by side swatches of the color correctors and some concealers:
A look at the Sephora Collection Bright Future Color Correctors , note there is also Orange/Deep and Lavender available online but when I was in store they didn’t have those colors yet:
In case you missed the Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Concealer post, here are all the shades swatched:
I hope you enjoyed this overview on color correcting! If you’re a novice like me I hope the rundown of my makeover, all the options I tried and swatches help make the color correcting concept seem less confusing or intimidating. I went into my appointment thinking that there wasn’t going to be much that could be done for my dark spots but I went in with an open mind and learned so much. Sometimes makeovers can be a daunting process especially if you get a pushy artist or one who just doesn’t listen to your needs or who doesn’t care preferences. I really recommend trying to book an appointment at your local Sephora – I am already planning on going back for a second appointment hopefully in the next couple of months because my experience was that good. If you’re in the area of South Coast Plaza try to book one with Dre – she’s awesome. If you can’t make it into the store, there is an online survey on the Sephora Color Correcting Makeup page to guide you and help narrow down the picks according your specific concerns and skin type.
Have you tried color correcting recently or is it something you’ve always done for your base makeup routine? Please let me know what you’ve tried and your thoughts. I always learn new tips and tricks from you and would love to hear about what you have been testing or if you have any favorites.
This post was created in partnership with Sephora. As always all opinions my own. Most products picked out and purchased by me, press samples include the Besame Powder and Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Concealers.
Have you ever had the overwhelming urge to change up your hair color? If so, it is important to take the time to make an appointment at Katherine Drew Salon to give your hair the expert treatment it deserves. However, for some the hair color calling is so strong they immediately drive to the store, grab a box of hair dye, and do the deed themselves. If that is the case, you may get undesirable results, in terms of both the color and integrity of your hair. If that is the case, you will need color correction from Katherine Drew Salon in Livonia, Michigan.
What is Hair Color Correction?
A color correction is when a professional salon stylist needs to correct the undesirable results of a previous hair coloring, done either at home or at a different hair salon. The undesirable color can be the result of years spent dying hair using boxed hair dye or by an inexperienced stylist not taking the proper steps to make a color transition. While some color corrections can be done in a step or two, others can be very complex and require several different visits to a salon.
Protecting Your Hair During a Color Correction to Make it Lighter
The first thing to realize is that when hair gets lightened, color is actually taken out of the hair, not put into the hair. This process causes hair to lose other essential proteins, leaving hair stripped of some nutrients. Repeatedly lightening hair can potentially cause damage to your hair, making it essential to protect your hair.
Many color corrections are spaced over several visits. Individual goals need to be realistic because the overall integrity of the hair is always taken into consideration.
What to Expect With a Color Correction to Darken Hair
If your hair is too light and you would like to correct the color by making it darker, your hair will need to be filled. This means that pigment will need to be inserted back into your hair, and once the hair is filled it will need to be colored at least one more time (sometimes more than once) to get the hair color you desire. The reasoning for a filler is to insert warm tones back into the hair, this helps to avoid the hair looking muddy when going from light to dark, acting as a middle shade.
How Long Does a Hair Color Correction Take?
It is almost impossible to put an exact time on a color correction, as it all depends on how drastic a change is needed and how much damage has been inflicted upon the hair. In some cases, a color correction can be fixed in a few hours. However, in most cases, it will take either one very long session, or multiple sessions spread out over a few weeks, to get your hair looking beautiful and healthy once again.
Only Trust an Expert With Hair Coloring
A great way to save yourself time and money is to only trust a professional licensed stylist to color your hair. Oftentimes, in order to get a certain shade, it will require multiple steps of different hair colors, and it is impossible to know exactly what to do without the help of a hair coloring expert. Chemicals in hair color and bleach are very tricky to work with correctly and can result in damage to the hair if not done by a professional. Avoid having to eventually get a color correction by throwing away the boxes of hair dye at your house and visit a professional at a hair salon.
Honesty With Your Stylist
Your stylist is here to help you, always. They are your partner in beauty, and hopefully your relationship will last for years. Always tell your stylists all of your “hair history.” Lying about what you have done to your hair or what is in it can often lead to major damage when using chemicals. They will never judge, no matter how embarrassed you may feel. Be as honest with your stylist as you are with your doctor. It is your hair health.
Color Correction in Livonia Michigan at En Unison Salon
If you are currently unhappy with the color of your hair and want it fixed, contact En Unison Salon in Livonia. We have has some of the very best hair stylists and hair artists in the metro Detroit area, providing customers with incredible service and care. If you want more information on hair color correction or would like to request a free consultation, contact Katherine Drew Salon today. Give us a call at 248.478.2626
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