What is colour correcting? Colour correcting is when you use colour theory to correct discolouration such as redness, under-eye bags or any other blemishes. Colours that are opposite one another on the colour wheel cancel each other out when mixed. Lighter discolouration can be corrected with skin toned concealers but if you are seeking perfection apply colour concealer before foundation and skin toned concealer. 

Color Correcting Palette by Nyx Cosmetics

Green: On the colour wheel green is opposite from red so a green concealer is perfect for correcting redness from acne or irritated zits. For more widespread redness such as rosacea or sunburn use a green primer to create an even toned base before applying foundation. 

Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid by Urban Decay

Violet: Violet or lilac shades are best suited for eliminating yellow undertones. A violet concealer can add a beautiful glow to your face if you are experiencing dull skin. To remove yellow tones from your entire face, use a colour correcting purple primer. 

Corrector by Bobbi Brown

Salmon/Peach: For blue or purple under-eye circles use a salmon or peach coloured concealer. This is because, as I'm sure you have guessed, salmon and peach are opposite the blue and purple tones that can appear under our eyes. 

Orange Concealer Jar by Nyx Cosmetics

Orange/Red: For darker blue or grey under eye circles, use an orange or red concealer. Oranges and reds are perfect for hiding dark circles on darker complexions. 

Concealer Wand by Nyx Cosmetics

Yellow: Yellow concealers are great for covering veins or if you have more violet under eye circles. They are also great for evening out skin tones before foundation. 

@beautyisboring_

Blue Eyeshadow

Blue eye is making a come back but in a more carefree and playful way than the very defined shape of the 70's. Apply with your fingers and blend outwards.To make lighter pastel shades really pop, apply an eyeshadow primer and then a light concealer shade over your lid before applying the shadow.  

@beautyisboring_

Monochromatic Peach

 Everyone can pull of peach makeup and it is a great colour for trying out the monochromatic makeup trend. Peach brings light and warmth and matches every undertone. It is also the perfect colour to try out "Draping", an alternative to contouring. Draping is using blush to chisel your cheekbones.  

@jasminemetivier

Dewy Skin

For someone with chronically dry skin highlighters and strobing is a blessing. Thankfully highlighters and glowy skin doesn't seem to be going anywhere this spring. To achieve beautiful skin like @jasminemetivier use a fan brush and apply your favourite highlighter on your cheekbones, brow bones, cupids bow and tip of your nose. 

@aniamilczarczyk

Brushed Up Brows 

 All over the runways this spring, models were having their enviably thick brows brushed and gelled up. Whether you are a bare face or cake face kind of girl or guy, wild and natural brows are a great trend to embrace. They are relatively easy to do with a brow brush and some brow gel and give a more youthful appearance to your face and draw attention to your eyes. 

@beautyisboring_

Yellow Eyeshadow

After living in the dark for the last six months adding a bit of sunshine to my lids is definitely a trend I plan to embrace. This shade is so versatile it looks stunning as a halo eye look, a cut crease look, liner or a pop of colour on the inner corners of your eye. 

@mua_ashley_

Cherry Lips  

As winter melts away so do dark matte lips (at least until fall or my next Anastasia Beverly Hills splurge) and in come glossy pinky and cherry lips. Spring is about romance and growth so embrace the just kissed look with some glossy cherry lips or celebrate cherry trees and flowers.  

Initially I wasn't sure if I wanted my first blog post to be about foundation since it is the make up product that is most focused on hiding your "flaws". Growing up I hated my freckles and when I discovered foundation I piled it on. Trying to cover up my insecurities rather than embracing them made makeup more difficult. I have found that by being kind to myself make up became more fun and less frustrating if I didn't get it "perfect". I hope these tips help you with your foundation application and please feel free to comment your own tips and any questions you may have. 

1. Skin care! Your skin is your canvas. Show it some love by drinking lots of water, cleansing twice a day, wearing sunscreen and applying moisturizer morning and night. Taking care of your skin is an important first step for a flawless finish. 

Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Primer by Fenty Beauty

2. Primer is essential for creating a smooth base for foundation. Applying primer before your concealer and foundation makes your look last longer. Primers can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines, shrink pores and give a smoother appearance to your skin. Apply creamier primers with your fingers and more liquid primers with the rounded end of the Precision Sponge. 

3. Colour corrector and concealer. Colour correctors neutralize redness, under-eye circles and other "discolouration" by using colour theory: opposite colours on the colour wheel cancel each other out. Apply colour corrector sparingly with your fingertips and gently pat the concealer on top. Using colour corrector and concealer before foundation means you won't have to use as much. For more information about which colours do what please visit my post The Basics of Colour Correcting. 

4. Choosing the correct foundation for your skin type. First you need to find the correct formulation based on your skin type: oily/combination, dry or sensitive. For oily/combination skin choose a foundation that is oil-free and contains lightweight silicone. Dry skin needs moisturizing foundation which will include ingredients like glycerin and anti-aging ingredients. If your skin type is sensitive mineral foundation is a great option because it contains skin soothing ingredients such as zinc and is typically free of irritants like scent and preservatives. 

@noyneungmakeup

5. Choosing the correct foundation for your skin tone. First figure out what your undertone is by looking at the veins on the underside of your wrist. If they are mostly blue or purple you have cool undertones. If they are mostly green or yellow you have warm undertones. Sometimes you can't tell because you have a mix of both, this means your undertones are neutral. Pick 3 shades that you think approximately matches your complexion and test them side by side on your jaw. Leave it on for a few minutes in case it changes when it dries. Don't be afraid to mix different shades. If a brand doesn't have your shade that's their loss and problem that they don't realize how beautiful and diverse our society is. Here is a list of brands who carry a wide range of shades.

6. Apply foundation. How you apply your foundation depends on its consistency. For liquid foundations use a flat foundation brush, applying most of the product to the centre of your face, blending outward. For cream foundations apply the product to a damp Complexion Perfecter bouncing against the centre of your face, blending outward. For powder foundation use a rounded kabuki brush, for fuller coverage use a thicker brush and a lighter brush for touch ups.  

7. BLEND BLEND BLEND! 

@aniamilczarczyk

8. Check your foundation in natural light. If your make up looks on point in natural light it will look great ANYWHERE. The trick with natural light is to make sure it hits your face evenly so there are no shadows. If you don't have a bathroom with natural light go to a window and look straight into the light and use a hand mirror. 

9. Set with powder. Using the tapered end of the Precision Sponge apply a generous amount of translucent powder under your eyes and for a sharper contour apply in a line just below your temple. Let the powder bake into your skin for 10 minutes and dust off the excess with a fluffy brush. 

Mario Badescu Facial Spray

10. Set your foundation with setting spray. This final step is important if you want your makeup to last all day and especially important for people with dry skin since its extra hydration.