Color correcting may seem like a complex art, yet the principle behind the process is rather simple. Through color correcting, skin discoloration (e.g., purple under-eye circles or redness from acne) is neutralized with a contrasting color. To find the right contrasting color for your skin concern, look no further than the color wheel.

Neutralize Redness (Acne, Rosacea, and Sunburn)

For all skin tones, green helps neutralize bothersome red bumps, rosacea, and sunburn. A green color corrector is especially handy for acne because prepping the affected area with a sheer layer of green helps you conceal the bump without having to later apply as much regular concealer—and we all know that layers of concealer can start to look cakey fast.

Balance Sallow Skin (Dull, Yellow-ish Areas)

Although yellow undertones may appear in a variety of skin tones, those with olive complexions most commonly experience areas of dull, sallow skin. Lavender color corrector helps cancel out yellow tones for a brighter complexion. Areas to focus on may include the inner corners of the eyes, under the eyes, and around the nostrils. All skin tones can experiment with using lavender as a highlighter along the cheekbones and bridge of the nose.

Brighten Dull Skin

Skin with a grayish cast can be easily brightened with color correctors. Blue brightens porcelain and fair skin tones while caramel adds a lovely radiance to darker complexions. Apply where you may normally apply a highlighting concealer: the center of the forehead, the chin, the area along the cheekbones, and the bridge of the nose.

Conceal Under-Eye Circles

Didn’t get a full night’s rest? If you have darker skin, apply a bold yellow-orange under your eyes to correct for bluish circles. If you have fairer skin, opt for magic-working peach.

Hide Hyperpigmentation

Post-acne marks and sun damage (sun spots) are both forms of hyperpigmentation. For many of us, hyperpigmentation appears as a darker version of our unaffected skin and sometimes has a neutral or cool tone. Pink or peach helps hide sun spots on light and medium skin while a burnt orange can conceal hyperpigmentation on darker complexions.