My Redhead Makeup Tips

by Heidi H.
(San Antonio TX)

My best advice would be to try makeup products first! Fair-skinned people have a tendency to get too dark of a foundation shade, which looks weird and usually yellow or doesn't blend well. Sephora is a great makeup store where you can try samples of foundations and see what it actually looks like on. They are a bit more expensive than the drug store but good quality, and they have helpful sales associates. Bare Minerals is a brand that I would recommend. I also like Mary Kay's tinted foundation.

For eye makeup - its fun to try different colors, but redheads' complexions are usually different than models in magazines & ads. We have to make sure to try new colors to see how they actually look on, especially anything non-earth tone. Also, sometimes eye makeup colors look different next to our bright hair - sometimes they clash or compete so be sure to check the mirror, but don't be afraid to try new interesting colors! I've found the colors that look best on me are warm browns and coppers, and they compliment my blue eyes too. Almay has a cute little compact "for blue eyes" that I like, and Cover Girl and Maybelline have cute little brown color duos that are inexpensive. I also like a couple of Urban Decay's brown shades - but some of them are too sparkley so definitely try them first if you can. I do use black mascara when I wear darker eyeshadow colors. I wear dark brown most of the time because its less harsh next to light eyebrows. I have a blue mascara that's supposed to bring out blue eyes, and I like to use it on days when I don't wear a lot of makeup. (Benefit makes it and it's a wide blue tube.) My "regular" mascara is dark brown Maybelline in the bright pink tube. I also really like Dior blackout (very dark black) for when I do darker/brighter eye makeup.

Another tip - apply lightly! Redheads' fair skin tends to make blush and other colors appear stronger - use a light touch and a blush brush (less is more). Don't try to cover up freckles either - use a sheer or medium-weight foundation and even out the skin tone; don't try to cover up your skin.