We live in the age of technology and social media. Women today are more photographed and have their images circulated more than ever before. Many among us capture every moment of our lives to share , and with our days getting busier,  we women want to look absolutely flawless from dawn till dusk (without the advantage of enjoying our full beauty sleep of course).  It is no wonder then that we start seeing discolouration on our skin in all sorts of colours. Gone, for most of us, are the times where we had enough hours to take care of ourselves and give our body the attention it truly requires on a daily basis. Consequently the effects show up on our faces, mostly around our eyes, and other sensitive areas of our face or body.

A common mistake made by women is believing that concealer is the go-to product to take care of discolouration. Using concealer to cover up a discoloured area on our skin leads to the area becoming more prominent or just grey (both which are absolutely disastrous when going for that flawless look!). However, with the correct neutralizing colour corrector and using some simple natural remedies to lighten discolouration, flawless skin has never been so easy to achieve!

Below is a break down of different discoloration types and the correct hue to neutralize them.

Eye area:

Discolouration colour                    Colour Corrector

Blue                                            Peach

Purple                                         Yellow

Brown                                         Peach

Darker skins — Brown                 Orange

General Complexion

Skin tone                                         Colour Corrector

Red (including pimples)                 Green

Yellow                                            Mauve

To lighten face                               White

Grey/green on mature skin           Pink/peach

Darker skin — dark areas              Red to orange

Dull skin                                        Pink

So now that we know the correct colours to apply, how does one actually go about creating the illusion of flawless skin? Here’s a step by step guide to follow when applying a colour corrector.

Liquid/cream colour corrector application:

1. Prepare skin for make-up application by washing face.

2. Apply a moisturizer of choice on to face and neck.

3. Use a primer of choice to apply over face and neck.

4. Apply liquid/cream colour corrector in areas needed (just as you would apply a concealer, apply on affected area and fan out edges).

5. Apply foundation but be sure not to drag over colour corrector. Instead stipple — a dabbing motion on top of colour corrector so you don’t spread the color corrector from where it is placed.

6. Apply concealer.

7. Set it with a finishing/translucent powder.

Powder colour corrector application:

1. Prime/prep skin.

2. Apply foundation.

3. Apply concealer.

4. Apply pressed colour corrector powder (typically to hide slight redness of face with a green powder).

5. Set it with a finishing/translucent powder.

Although these are the quick fixes to negate discolouration, there are many natural remedies that can be used to effectively lighten our marks. Natural remedies work at a slower pace but DO work if they are used consistently. It takes a matter of weeks, and even months, but the effects are very visible long term! Here are some which I have picked, used and believe that work the best.

Natural remedies: 

1. For brown spots, wash your face with extra virgin olive oil and use warm water to rinse.
   1. Rub lemon/lemon juice on affected area at least twice a day.
   2. If the top layer of the discolouration is rough, apply castor oil to area at least twice a day.
   3. Include Vitamin-C enriched foods in your daily diet e.g. tomatoes, bell peppers, citrus fruits, broccoli.
   4. Rub a slice of potato daily on area affected.
   5. Apply red onion juice on to affected area for about 10 minutes (helps reduce freckles as well).
   6. Apply rose water on to face after a bath or washing your face (long lasting benefits, strengthens skin and keeps it firm as well).
   7. Use extracts of fresh coconut milk on discoloration marks (added benefit: smooth skin).
   8. Use extracts of papaya juice on discoloration marks (helps remove pigmented layers of skin with every use).
   9. Rub cocoa butter on affected area after a bath or washing your face.

   Make any of these natural remedies a part of your daily beauty regime and enjoy the benefits. For a quick fix, experiment with the make-up tips and see what works for you.