Let's face it. Being a "Ginger" is hot. Just ask Florence Welch from Florence and the Machine (pictured here), Christina Hendricks, or Emma Stone. But these fair ladies often have trouble deciding what makeup to rock with their fiery red hair. Try out these tips.
Face
If you are fabulously freckled like Lindsay Lohan, don’t try to hide them! Instead, use a sheer, mineral foundation. Likewise, if you have pretty porcelain skin like Nicole Kidman, a minimal coverage powder will look most natural. For fair skin, use a light, cream concealer to cover up redness and bluish under-eye circles – both of which can be problem areas for redheaded women. Also, don’t forget the sunscreen – even in wintertime!
Lips
While it is true that nude lipsticks tend to work well for red-haired women, a sexy red lip isn’t totally off limits! If you have a warm skin tone, try a bright, orangey red. If your skin tone is cooler, a darker red lipstick can add warmth and depth. However, the colouring of red-haired ladies can vary drastically, so always make sure to test out a new red lipstick so you don't feel like you're clashing with your 'do. Red lips are all about confidence, so you want to feel comfortable in the hue you pick.
Eyes
When you’ve got a fiery red mane, it doesn’t take much to make a statement. Instead, compliment your natural colouring with neutral eye shadows in taupe, camel or cream. For a smokier look a la Debra Messing, blend in a darker brown like chestnut. If you are looking to experiment with colour, deep purple and emerald green can make eyes pop without looking overdone.
Lashes & Brows
Unfortnately, most auburn beauties are not blessed with much in the way of eyebrows and eyelashes. To enhance light lashes and brows, use a brown mascara and pencil. Try a few different shades until you find one that looks natural and use a light hand while applying. Avoid anything too heavy or dark – especially black! – as this can look very fake.
Cheeks
For a playful look, apply a bit of pink blush on the apples of the cheeks. For something a little sexier, try a peachy blush up higher on the cheekbones to enhance the natural angles of your face. However, beware using too much blush, which can make you look like a painted doll. Also beware bronzer, which can make the face appear tawny.
Nails
One of the benefits to paler skin – whether you have red hair or not – is that you can pull off some pretty bold nail polish. In fact, crimson, chrome, navy and forest green tend to look better than the pale pink, white or nude hues that many other skin tones can be limited too.
I know this first hand as I have worked in the industry for many years both as a consultant and a MUA and I had to correct many consultants along the way who were giving out incorrect advice to customers, in some cases potentially damaging advice, simply due to lack of correct understanding.
ANNATTO / (uh-nah-toh)/ n. / 1. An extract from the red seeds of the heart-shaped fruit of the urukum tree in the Brazilian rain forest, also known as Bixa orellana; / 2. / Used in South American cuisine as a deep scarlet food colorant for cheese and chocolate and for flavoring in many rice dishes; / 3. / A medicinal agent used by Amazonians as a digestif; / 4. / Known as the “lipstick tree” by Central and South Americans, its crimson-colored seeds have been used to make body paint and lipstick for centuries, e.g., “Give food and lips a healthy dose of color with annatto.”
GIGARTINA / (ji-gar-tina) / n. / 1. A type of seaweed distinguished by its deep red-brown color and intricately branched fronds; / n. / 2. Hardy sea plant harvested off the remote southern tip of Patagonia, where the southward-flowing Brazilian current and the Antarctic circumpolar current collide to create optimal growing conditions; / n. / 3. Species of algae that’s believed to be ten times richer in trace elements than most plants on land, coveted for its extremely high content of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes; / n. / 4. Healing aid sought out for its ability to stimulate circulation and revitalize and firm the skin while softening dry patches, e.g., “Add some gigartina to your bath for a smoother bod.”
CINNAMON BARK / (si-nuh-min bark) / n. / 1. Rough, dry brownish quills produced by the evergreen tree, Cinnamomum verum, which is native to Southeast Asia; / 2. / Widely used as a flavoring agent in savory Asian and African dishes and in many desserts and drinks the world over; / 3. / Possessing an essential oil that can be used to scent perfume and treat problems of the digestive system when extracted; / 4. / Boasting antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-irritant properties when used topically, e.g., “Cinnamon bark will spice up your life while it calms and mattifies your skin.”
Let’s face it, even sexy girls like you aren’t always in the mood. You may come home from work completely wound-up and unable to focus, or maybe it’s one of those nights when all you feel like doing is curling up on the sofa with the remote control instead of him.
