How to Use Yellow Corrective Powder Like a Pro
If face powder chatter feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. We still remember the days when applying “powder” meant using a pressed or loose powder foundation. Now, thanks to TikTok, we’ve seen the rise of setting powder, finishing powder, matte powder, baking powder, and, of course, color-correcting powder. And even then, it’s still confusing because there are multiple shades of the latter, which serve distinct purposes.
Because there’s so much to keep track of, we’re sticking to one shade today: yellow corrective powder. If you’re a makeup beginner who’s still just getting the hang of eyeshadow, rest assured you can find said powder anywhere. Keep reading for how to use yellow corrective powder in your next makeup look, and how it differs from similar makeup products in its category.
Meet the Expert
Sophia Porter is a Los Angeles–based makeup artist and hairstylist who has most notably worked with Common, Daya, Rose McIver, Aramis Knight, and Alana Ubach.
Ashley Gomila is a Los Angeles-based makeup artist and hairstylist.
What Is Yellow Corrective Powder?
While the “yellow” and “powder” part of the name are pretty obvious, you may wonder what the “corrective” part means in corrective yellow powder.
“Correcting powder is a tinted formula used to adjust and correct skin imperfections, like texture, pigmentation, rosacea, silica, and uneven skin tone,” says Los Angeles–based makeup artist Sophia Porter. “The yellow color, specifically, is used to correct any purple tones while brightening up darkness (think veins, bruises, dark circles). It can be used on all skin types and skin tones.”
Los Angeles-based makeup artist Ashley Gomila says yellow color corrector powder “can also bring dull skin back to life by adding a bit of brightness.” The pro says this powder can be used to conceal blemishes, but work with caution.
“If there’s residual purple or a blemish color coming through, a very light application of yellow powder can be applied, but it can visually alter the overall coloration and minimize effectiveness of color correcting,” she notes.
While yellow color corrector cream is also used in a makeup routine, “Some people opt for powder for ease of use,” the expert explains. “It’s more user-friendly for new makeup users, and it’s a quick way to color correct without worrying about the makeup moving too much.”
If you don’t know where to start, we’re huge fans of the DANESSA MYRICKS BEAUTY Evolution Powder. The finely milled formula keeps our makeup on all day while ensuring fine lines and wrinkles don’t pick up on camera. This is our go-to for busy, jam-packed days.
How to Use Yellow Corrective Powder
1. Select the Shade Most Fitting for Your Skin Tone
Not all yellow is created equal! Even though you’re seeking a yellow shade, you still want to ensure it’s a fit for your skin tone. We recommend speaking to an expert, but if you’re in a pinch, Porter suggests the ONE/SIZE Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder in Marigold or Sweet Honey off the bat.
“Picking the right shade is always crucial, and ONE/SIZE has a light yellow and a rich yellow, which I’ve found accommodate most skin tones between the two of them. Marigold is a deeper shade for darker skin tones, and Sweet Honey is lighter for more neutral tones.
When it comes to ease, we personally turn to the OFRA COSMETICS Pressed Banana Powder, which quickly sets, brightens, spot conceals, and highlights, all in just a few simple swipes.
Speaking of banana shades, the ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Loose Setting Powder is perfect for brightening dullness and neutralizing mild redness.
2. Use a Brush Designed for Powder Application
Not just any brush will do. “After I apply my skincare and primer, I like taking a fluffy precision powder brush and very lightly brushing yellow correcting powder in thin layers over the affected area(s),” Porter says. “Emphasis on lightly, because this step goes prior to the rest of your makeup, so you don’t want anything too thick preceding it.”
Gomila adds that concealer can also be blended with a tiny amount of the powder for more minimal results. The REALHER Love What You Do Powder Brush has just the right precision and shape to tap powder on gently and effectively.
3. Apply the Rest of Your Complexion Routine
Once the dust has settled (literally *wink*) and you notice any discoloration has been neutralized, you can apply the rest of your face makeup.
4. Apply Setting Spray
It goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: Be sure to apply setting spray as your final step to lock in everything on your face.
“Even if the powder you use has priming or setting capabilities, you always need to lock in your look with a setting or fixing spray,” Porter says.
We often reach for the MAKE UP FOR EVER Mist & Fix 24HR Hydrating Setting Spray, thanks to its microfine, alcohol-free formula and hydrating, longwear capabilities.
Final Thoughts
There are many types of powders and many shades, but yellow corrective powder, in particular, helps neutralize color imperfections. This is different from a setting or mattifying powder, though many powders have overlapping capabilities. This type of powder is primarily designed to minimize the appearance of dark circles, bruises, and veins.