There are many wonderful things about being a redhead. For an example, you're a genetic unicorn along with less than 2% of the population. You have been muses throughout history, most notably in pre-Raphaelite art. Your Disney princess is Ariel, which we can all agree is the BEST one. But there can be some downsides too, one of them being that makeup tips tend to cater towards blondes or brunettes, and poor old redheads tend to get left outside in the cold. So we have spoken to the best in the business to find out great makeup ideas for the lovely ginger lot, be your hair bright copper all the way to dark auburn. Since spring is right around the corner, we'll be focusing on makeup that's perfect for the weather warming up and, for most gingers, the factor 50 sun cream coming out! Starting with…
Blusher
According to International Makeup Artist and Founder of WOW Beauty, Denise Rabor, caution should be exercised when opting for any sort of look that isn't light and easy to blend, particularly when you want to use bronzer (in summary, stay away from anything orange in colour)! She told HELLO!: "It's important to consider bronzer when it comes to pale skin. Opt for a lighter shade of bronzer, that's more light brown in colour than orangey. It's also important that the application of the bronzer is delicate to avoid it looking too heavy on pale skin or streaky."
Smashbox's LA Lights Blendable lip and cheek colour in Warm Coral, £26
As for blusher, she continued: "For red hair I'd stray away from brighter pink shades and opt for a peachy coral or brown shade that look better on fair skin and also bring out the red in the hair." Award winning make-up artist Stacey Whittaker agrees, telling HELLO! that it is best to bring out the red of your hair with highlighter, particularly if your red is on the copper side. She said: "With this shade of red you can use your makeup to reflect the golden and bronze pigments in your hair. I would recommend using a bronze tone blush and one of my favourite highlighting blushers; the Illamasqua - Epic."
Illamasqua's Beyond Power highlighter in Epic, £34
Eye shadow
Denise warns against using bright blues, and instead going for similar shades of brown that suit your gorgeous red locks. She said: "Paler skin tones don't tend to suit bright eye shadow shades, such as turquoise and blues, as much as darker skin tones do. [Peachy and brown] shades also are perfect eye shadow shades and will make eyes and also, freckles, stand out!" Stacey added: "Light browns and taupe shades work best with a pop of golden or bronze highlight in the inner corner that works well against copper hair and will make sure your eyes pop."
Urban Decay's NAKED3 Eyeshadow Palette, £39.50
Foundation
Speaking about the best foundation for auburn hair, Stacey is all about making sure your freckles pop! She said: "If your hair is naturally auburn your skin is likely to be quite pale and I would always recommend embracing this. Paler skin tends to look best with auburn hair tones and using a foundation or self-tan that is too dark is never advised. I would recommend using a sheer to medium coverage foundation and showcasing any natural freckles you may have. I love dewy and glowing skin against this hair colour." The founder of Mimosa Beauty, Jennie Lawson, is all about skincare as well as beauty. Since redhead skin can be more sensitive, she said: "It's vital it's properly cleansed first, then protected with a salon professional SPF to act as protection but also as a makeup primer." Speaking about what shades to go for, Jennie recommended going to pink undertones. She said: "When looking for the right foundation, looks for pinker tones which will work with rather than against the natural skin pigment. It's also important to let your skin shine though, the better your skin looks naturally the less foundation you'll need in the first place."
NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation in Deauville, £34, Smooth & Protect Primer SPF 50/PA, £26
Lipstick
Lipstick can be very versatile for redheads, as gorgeous dark shades like deep red and purple contrast beautifully with ginger tresses. But for a more summery tone, stick with the same advice we've given with blusher and opt for a coral shade! This will compliment your lovely locks and won't clash as bold pinks tend to do. When applying a bright lipstick, make sure you also keep your eyeshadow down to a minimum – don't overdo it!
(From left) Smashbox Be Legendary lipstick in Pale Coral, £17.50, Elizabeth Arden lipstick in Neoclassic Coral, £22, Bobbi Brown luxe lip colour in Pale Coral, £27
