How do you use orange concealer? Yes, orange concealer is a thing. Gone are the days when flesh-coloured concealer way the only way to hide dark spots, large pores, and any minor blemishes. But sometimes, they’re not enough. You need something stronger to cover what a flesh-toned concealer still allows to show. That’s where orange concealer comes in. Ranging from bright orange to subtler apricot, from salmon to peach hues, orange concealer are a must to counteract any blue tones in the skin. Here’s what I mean:
What Is A Color Corrector?
Orange concealer is a color corrector. “Color correcting in makeup is the use of a pigment to counter or balance a discolouration of the skin to conceal that discolouration and make the skin appear even in colour,” explains NYC makeup artist William Scott.
Remember that color theory lesson you had in art class? The one with the colour wheel? The same theory applies here. When you use a concealer shade that is the exact opposite, on the colour wheel, of the shade of your skin discolouration, you neutralise that discolouration, so that it’s invisible to the naked eye.
Benefits Of Orange Concealer
Orange is the opposite of blue on the colour wheel, so orange concealer helps neutralise every imperfection with a bluish tint. “Orange color corrector is intended to neutralize dark spots, scars, under-eye circles, areas that may turn gray under foundation, or other stubborn and relatively cool-toned blemishes,” Scott explains. “It is best suited for medium- to dark-skinned people.” Let’s take a look at that in more detail:
1. It Hides Dark Circles
Dark circles are the bane of women’s existence. Usually, a yellow-toned or even flesh-toned concealers are enough to hide them. But, what if you have an olive skintone or just really bad, really dark circles with bluish undertones? That’s when orange concealers come in. They’re more effective way of covering them up than your flesh-toned concealers.
2. It Counteracts Ashiness
Do you have a medium or dark skintone that looks somewhat ashy? Dab some orange-toned (peachy shades work best) on your face to counteract it. Does your skin have golden undertones? Peachy concealers will brighten it up and give it that beautiful, natural glow.
3. It Hides Dark Spots
Orange concealers are very handy even for those who have spots on their skin. No, I’m not talking about pimples, but age spots, hyperpigmentation and even freckles. One swipe of an orange-toned concealer will be enough to hide, or at least greatly reduce, their appearance.
Related: The Battle Of Skin-Lightening Treatments: What Is The Best Alternative To Hydroquinone?
Who Should Use Orange Concealer?
Because you go out and invest in a good orange concealer (recommendations below), how do you know it will work for you? Orange concealer isn’t for everyone. It only works well if you have a medium to dark complexion. As a rule, the darker your skin tone, the darker the shade of concealer you need to use. If you’re fair like me, orange concealer won’t do much for you. Instead, opt for a pink or peach concealers. They do the same thing for your skin tone.
How To Apply Orange Concealer
So you’re convinced you need an orange concealer in your stash to cover those bluish dark spots and ashy tones. How do you apply it to make the most of it, so you don’t look like an Oompa Loompa?
- Start with a good moisturiser or hydrating primer to create a smooth texture for makeup to go on.
- Apply a few spots of the orange concealer on the bluish discolouration with your fingers. Your colour correcting concealer is always the first product you apply. This allows you to apply your normal concealer and foundation on top to create an even, flawless canvas.
- Using a foundation brush for your face or a concealer brush for your under-eye area, blend the dots into your skin. Don’t use too much product. You want to cover the bluish hue, not look cakey. Remember, you need to apply more makeup layers on top.
- Using your fingers or a damp blending sponge, apply your usual flesh-toned concealer on top of the orange concealer to even everything out with the rest of your complexion.
- Continue the rest of your makeup routine as normal.
What Are The Best Orange Concealers?
Looking for an orange concealer to hide your dark circles or hyperpigmentation? Here are the best options on the market right now:
- Huda Beauty Faux Filter Color Corrector (£26.00): Crease, sweat and transfer-proof, this creamy formula is available in several orange colours, including to Blood Orange to Papaya and Peach to match a wide range of skin tones. Available at Boots, Cult Beauty, and Sephora.
- KimChi Chic Beauty The Most Concealer (£12.00): This water-proof, full coverage concealer is available in every shade under the same, including flesh-coloured shades, green, purple, and even orange. Available at Beauty Bay.
- MAC Studio Fix Conceal And Correct Palette In Dark (£30.00): This palette features 4 concealer shades for medium to dark skin tones and two colour corrector shades, including orange and a dark yellow to create a flawless complexion. Available at Look Fantastic and MAC Cosmetics.
The Bottom Line
If you have medium to dark skin with bluish discolouration or ashy tones, get yourself an orange concealer. It counteracts the bluish tone, giving your skin a flawless, even-toned look.
Great information, gio!
Vonvon, thank you!
yayy I love your concealer information posts 🙂 I use salmon-toned concealer on my dark circles, I wouldn’t go as far as to say that it’s pure orange, but it definitely has some orange tones.
Makeup Morsels, I’m glad you do. I still have one more color corrective concealer to discuss. 🙂
I love salmon concealers for dark circles. I was skeptical at first but they really do work wonders. 🙂
Out of curiosity, which salmon concealer do you use for your dark circles?
Makeup morsels, at the moment I’m testing Bobbi Brown Creamy concealer, which is yellow-toned but one of my favouruites salmon concealers is Benefit Erase Paste. It’s one of the very few concealers I’ve tried that really covers up even the darkest, most stubborn dark circles!
Nice tips Gio! I’ve personally never used orange-toned concealers, but I’ve seen them in action and I’m amazed! I hear you apply the orange/peach tone concealer under the eye first then your actual concealer right? Do you personally just use the peach concealer on its own?
Dee, first I apply an orange-toned concealer and then foundation on top. You could use a flesh-toned concealer on top of the orange one but I find that for me, foundation works better. I don’t think you can use them on your own. Some people may be able to pull them off depending on how orange the foundation is and how dark their skintone is, but it’s rare. They’re usually applied first with a regular concealer or foundation on top. 🙂
oh wow, great tip! definitely gonna try this out. Can you use any powder to set it? Or would that take away from the orange?
Jessica Dee, yes, it can be set with powder. Some concealrs actually need that or they will fade.
i do have an orange concealer, it works perfect for covering my dark circles
Xin, it’s amazing how well they concealer even the most stubborn of dark circles, isn’t it?
I use an orange corrector on dark circles followed by a skin-toned concealer. Didn’t know orange can help cover pigmentation as well! Thanks for sharing
Connie, I love that combo for dark circles. And you’re welcome. 🙂
I LOVE orange concealor!! I have the Laura Mercier product. It works wonders. My circles are bad and a dab of that totally erases it. That is the one beauty product I can’t live without!!!
Grace, I love orange concealers too. If one has really bad dark circles, orange concelears really do the trick and cover them up so well. 🙂
I came across this great info on concealers and I never knew there were different shades. Now my question is where can I purchase an orange concealer at, maybe Mac? Or sephora? I suffer from bad dark circles at a very young age, i dont really wear makeup just the basics (concealer,foundation, some bronzer). I’ve tried a few concealers that don’t do a great job and fades away throughout the day. Please give me some great advice for covering and purchases. Thanks!
Domique, I’m glad you found this post useful. I have bad dark circles too so I know how difficult it is to find a good concealer to cover them up. The concealer doesn’t have to be really orange but anything with orange tones (like apricot or salmon) will do. Sephora would be a great place to start. They have Benefit Erase Paste, which is one of the very few concealers that cover everything! It has a thick texture that may not appeal to anyone but it conceals even very dark circles really well. Also Laura Mercier and Makeup Forever have good orange-toned concealers. Hope this helps. 🙂
Thanks, I will definetly try these suggestions.
You’re welcome Dominique.
Do you know of any drug store brands that have orange concealer? Thanks!
Nickie, I’m afraid I don’t know any drugstore brands that make them, sorry. I believe NYX had one but I think it has been discontinued. Some mineral makeup companies may make it at an affordable price though.
Hey, im havin trouble finding a good full coverage concealer. I have medium/olive skim and i tried a mac concealer that was kinda orange/yellow i gave it away cuz ir didnt do anything for me. I have purple/pinkish sometimes dark pink under eye darkness and some ashy darkness around my mouth but im having a serious problem finding a concealer and im not getting any useful help from sales associates lol . What do you suggest for my complicated issue ?
Layla, have you tried Benefit Erase Paste? The consistency is really thick so you’ll have to warm it up with your fingers before applying it, but it covers everything!
btw sorry for my typos im using my cellphone
Layla, no worries.
Hi
I am trying to Clinqiue Orange Brightener and it seems to work the only issue i have is that it does not last the whole day. any suggestions? i thought of setting powder but does press powder do the same thing?
Thanks
StarGirl, yes, a pressed powder would do the trick. 🙂