Bruises can be tricky — they’re multi-coloured, they change every day, and a simple swipe of foundation just doesn’t cut it. The secret? Colour theory. Once you understand which colours cancel each other out, you’ll be able to cover anything.
Whether you’re covering a bruise for a special event, a photo shoot, or just everyday confidence, this technique works. I recently filmed a full demonstration on my YouTube channel — you can watch it below — but I’ve broken it all down here so you have it as a reference too.
First, a quick word on colour theory
Colour correction works on a simple principle: complementary colours (colours opposite each other on the colour wheel) cancel each other out when layered. This is the same reason a green colour corrector is used under the eyes — it neutralises redness.
For bruises, which typically contain a mix of purple, blue, and green tones, we need to think carefully about which corrector goes where.
What you’ll need
Before you start, gather your tools. Having everything at hand means you can work efficiently without touching the skin more than necessary — important when the area is tender.
- A colour corrector palette with yellow, pink, and peach shades
- A full-coverage foundation that closely matches the skin tone
- A small synthetic brush (for precise application of correctors)
- A large fluffy synthetic brush (for blending foundation edges)
- A fixing/setting powder — Dermacolor is a great option
- A powder puff and fan brush
PRO TIP
Always find your foundation match before you start. Colour correcting is pointless if your final foundation layer doesn’t match the surrounding skin — the covered area will still look “off”.
Step-by-step: how to cover a bruise
Assess the bruise and match your foundation
Look closely at the bruise and identify all the colours present. Most bruises are multi-tonal — you might see purple, blue-grey, and green all in one place. Then find a foundation shade that matches the surrounding skin. Blend a small amount near the bruise and check it in natural light. This step is critical — do not skip it.
Apply yellow corrector to purple areas
Using a small synthetic brush, apply yellow corrector directly over the purple sections of the bruise with a gentle patting motion. Yellow and purple are complementary colours, so they neutralise each other beautifully. Stay precise — you only want the corrector on the bruise itself, not the surrounding skin.
Apply pink corrector to green areas
Pink is a light variation of red, and red cancels green. Use a light pink corrector over any green-toned areas, again with a patting motion. Keep the application thin and targeted. Gently press the product into the skin with your finger — body heat helps the formula melt into the skin naturally.
Soften the edges gently
Use your fingertip to very gently soften the edges of the corrector — but keep all the product on top of the bruise, not spread beyond it. The area is likely sore, so work with minimal pressure and short, careful movements.
Set with fixing powder and wait
Using a powder puff, gently press a thin layer of fixing powder (like Dermacolor) over the corrected area. Do not rub. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to fully set. This is the step people most often rush — don’t. Once the time is up, use a fan brush to lightly sweep away the excess powder.
Stipple foundation on top
Using a clean synthetic brush, stipple (not rub!) the foundation you matched earlier directly over the colour corrected area. Build the coverage in thin layers — this way you can adjust rather than having to start over. Use a large fluffy synthetic brush to fade the edges into the surrounding skin for a seamless finish.
Adjust if needed, then set again
Stand back and look at the area in natural light. If you can still see a blue or grey cast coming through, apply a tiny amount of peach corrector over that area and stipple lightly with a fluffy brush. Then set the entire area once more with fixing powder using a powder puff — always pressing, never rubbing. Fan brush off the excess and you’re done.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
Bruises change colour every day as they heal. The technique remains the same, but the corrector colours you’ll need to reach for may shift. A fresh bruise tends to be redder and more purple. As it heals, it’ll turn greener and then yellow. Adjust your correctors accordingly.
TAKE IT FURTHER
Put colour theory into practice
The exact foundation I wish I had when I started — from the colour wheel to mixing custom shades with confidence.
Not ready yet? Start with the free guide
Download the free colour theory reference guide.
