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Our faces are routinely subject to a multitude of pressures and elements that are beyond our control. We combat the inevitable shift in weather, our stressors, and the inability to get a good night’s rest. These factors all contribute to the natural splash of color that amass parts of your face, from hues of purple, subtleties of redness, and strokes of blue. Some are inevitable; beneath our skin lie veins that map and route their way under the surface. Sometimes, we have other occasional offenders such as acne and blemishes that appear. Though we may not like their arrival, we can certainly counteract the appearance.
Makeup is an art form in the truest and most principle sense. Before understanding which products to buy, a lesson in understanding colors is in order.
When it comes to purchasing a concealer, most will assume to buy a products that match their skin tone; to conceal natural blemishes and discoloration. However, that’s your second step. The first, and arguably most important step, is to counter that un-wanted pigmentation. Having a basic understanding of complimentary colors makes all the difference.
Complimentary colors are colors that are opposite one another on the color spectrum. Their opposition allows you to use one to cancel the other. By adding just the right amount of both, complimentary colors produce a white light. In terms of makeup, this trick applies to the use of one color to cancel out, or rather, neutralize, the appearance of another.
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If your problem is redness due to acne, scarring, or popped blood vessels, the complimentary color is green. Green concealers have been long praised for their ability to reduce red. Though if the redness is more pervasive, from skin conditions such as rosacea or even sunburn, a green primer would be more suitable for neutralizing.
If your target area deals with yellowness, your go to color is purple. Sometimes we’re under the weather and sallowness ensues, or some are just born with yellow complexions and tones. The usage of purple will provide a beautiful glow, in addition to correcting your color. The same works inversely with purple spots on your face. Veins, bruising, and deep-set dark circles can be canceled out by using yellow concealers and primers.
If you want to correct blues: your go-to colors vary from salmon and orange. These colors work a lot better on tanner or more sun-kissed skin tones. These colors are great for dual performance. They mask tired eyes and brighten any signs of heavy work loads and pesky insomnia. They also cover up any surface veins lurking beneath your skin.
Makeup isn’t always about the application or product used. Sometimes, it does well to take a minute and understand the method behind the artistry. Decide what your problem areas are and try using concealers and primers of your choice that’ll neutralize these natural occurrences. But remember, they are natural. If you simply can’t bare with embracing a fresh face once in a while, these Tuesday tips are here to help you conceal what you don’t wish to reveal!
-By Yasmine Rimawi
