Why Colour-Adjusting Is The Shade We've All Been Looking For

Do you remember learning about pH in chemistry class at school? If you’re anything like me, you’ll have forgotten those lessons along with algebra and long division. pH may not have been the most riveting topic to learn about at school, but in the beauty world, it’s definitely interesting – especially when it comes to colour adjusting makeup.

From shade-shifting blushes, lipsticks and self-adjusting foundations – colour changing cosmetics are having a moment, and I want to find out why. Here’s everything you need to know about, and how they’ll give you your ideal shade.

What Is Colour-Adjusting?

Beauty products that appear to be one colour in the bottle, tube, palette or lipstick but when applied, transform into a completely different shade – unique to yourself.

pH-adapting makeup will take the guesswork out of finding your perfect colour because self-adjusting pigments respond to your unique skin-chemistry and adapt accordingly.

How Does It Work?

Let’s get a little scientific, shall we? All of these clever colour-adapting makeup products contain ingredients that are sensitive to light, pH and moisture. They react to the acidity or alkaline levels in the skin’s moisture by changing colour, adjusting to give each wearer their unique shade.

The Benefits

Finding a blush shade or lipstick colour with just the right hue can be a challenging task, and I’m pretty sure we’ve all got it wrong at some time or another – I know I have! But what makes pH-adapting makeup so good is that you’ll never have to worry about choosing the wrong shade again. Achieving a shade that matches your skin’s unique chemistry also means that there’s no need to mix or blend custom colours. In just one application, you can achieve a natural flush or flattering lip colour. Easy!

I’ve spent the last few weeks putting these benefits to the test, and I’ve found a few favourites. Here are my tried and tested colour-adjusting recommendations…

#1 The Custom Rosy Blush
Best Colour Adjusting Makeup: Dior Rosy Glow Blusher

With so many good things to say about this blush, where do I start? First of all, don’t let the bright pink shade in the palette fool you. Armed with ‘Colour Reviver’ technology (pH-adapting), the DIOR Rosy Glow Blush adjusts on the skin to create a custom shade – mimicking a natural soft pink flush in just a few moments. I love how its finely milled texture makes my makeup look fresh with a natural finish, but also just how long it lasts. I apply it in the morning, and it doesn’t budge all day. Makeup enthusiasts and makeup artists rave about this DIOR blusher because of its natural ability to create the perfect shade of pink on all skin tones, and I can understand why.

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#2 The Bespoke Lip Shade

Best Colour Adjusting Makeup: Givenchy Rouge Interdit Vinyl Lipstick in Noir Revelateur

If there was a brand that was going to make a black lipstick, it was going to be GIVENCHY. Beauty with a classic, but audacious twist is what they’re best at, and the Rouge Interdit Vinyl Lipstick in Noir Revelateur certainly fits their DNA. I have to admit, I was a little hesitant of this shade when I saw it in the bullet, and even when I first applied, I still didn’t feel it was right for me. However, my opinion changed within five minutes, as the black balm texture transformed into a beautifully natural berry shade on my lips. Its colour-adapting capabilities not only enhanced my complexion and completely won me over, but the moisturising ingredients included in this colour-adapting lipstick also left my lips feeling incredibly hydrated.

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#3 The Adaptable BB Cream

Best Colour-Adjusting Makeup: La Roche Posay Effaclar BB Blur in Light/Medium

When La Roche-Posay released BB Blur a few years ago, it caused quite a stir amongst beauty-enthusiasts. With its easily blendable mousse-like texture and oil-absorbing ingredient, Aircilium, the light coverage tinted moisturiser helps to smooth the skin’s surface while letting it breathe. In fact, with so many benefits, its shade-adapting pigments almost take a back seat! But not for me, I love the fact that this cream-mousse creates a radiant, flawless finish and within a few minutes blends with my natural skin tone while it blurs out imperfections. If you have oily or combination skin, this is a base product to try.

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Over to You!

What’s your favourite colour-adjusting beauty product? Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with #MyEscentual.

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