It seems odd but using lipstick as a colour corrector isn’t one of those weird things invented by the internet. This is based on colour theory. If done well, this can change your glam game for good. So, if you’re trying to cover pigmentation and have a red or orange lipstick already, you might just be closer to flawless, even-toned skin than you think.
What Is Colour Correcting?
Colour correcting is using the opposite colour on the colour wheel to neutralise unwanted tones on your skin. For example:
- Green cancels redness
- Peach or Orange cancels blue/purple under-eye circles
- Purple corrects yellow tones
That’s where your red or orange lipstick+ concealer combo comes in, as a DIY alternative to a colour corrector for dark circles or hyperpigmentation to help make your base smoother than ever for doodling a lip colour, especially on medium-to-deep skin tones.
Can You Really Use A Red Lipstick?
Yes, you can! There are a couple of caveats. You want to choose a creamy, matte, or semi-matte lipstick, not a glossy or glittery one, and you want to check that it blends well.
How to Colour Correct with Lipstick Step by Step
-
Step 1: Prep Your Skin
We always start with a clean face! If you are working under your eyes, you will want to add a hydrating, dewy eye primer to help the lipstick product blend more easily.
-
Step 2: Apply the Lipstick
Take a small amount of lipstick (dab with your ring finger or a brush) and lightly apply the lipstick over the areas that have darkness. Whether that is under your eyes, around your mouth, or anywhere on your skin with pigmentation. You do not need to go full face mode; less is more.
-
Step 3: Blend It In
Using a damp beauty sponge or your fingertip, gently blend the lipstick into your skin. It does not need to disappear, but we want to soften up the edges to make sure it doesn’t peek through the foundation.
-
Step 4: Layer your Concealer
Once you have blended the lipstick into your skin, layer your concealer over it. Remember to dab whenever you apply your concealer. You don’t want to move around the lipstick too much; you just want it to remain there. You should see almost instantly that your dark circles, or areas of pigmentation, are completely countered, and your overall skin looks brighter!
-
Step 5: Set it All in Place
If you’re heading out or wearing makeup for a long day, finish with a setting spray. This locks everything in and prevents creasing.
Wrapping Up!
Using lipstick as a colour corrector is one of those fun, resourceful beauty hacks that actually work, especially when you don’t have a full arsenal of correctors on hand. It’s affordable, quick, and surprisingly effective if you choose the right shade and blend with care. Simply layer it with a concealer to get a smooth, even-toned base makeup.