The Guide to Makeup for Redheads
Actress Elizabeth McLaughlin with makeup by Nick Barose and hair by Josue Perez. (Photo: Nick Barose)
Whether you’ve got natural cherry locks or you’ve worked your way to the perfect auburn hue, making your makeup work with red hair can sometimes be a challenge. Lucky for you, celebrity makeup artist Nick Barose knows a thing or two about making redheads look their best. He’s worked with Juilanne Moore, Karen Elson, Amy Poehler, and most recently, Elizabeth McLaughlin, who stars in Amazon’s Hand of God and who is featured here in exclusive photos by Barose. Below the makeup pro is sharing all of his beauty tricks for redheads.
The Biggest Beauty Mistakes
“The biggest mistake is when you are trying to match the brows perfectly to the hair. You really don’t need to match it perfectly because when the color is on the brows it can look severe. You need a bit of definition on the brows, so a bit darker is OK as long as it is in the same color family — anything red will look obvious. If it doesn’t clash with the red hair, then it’s good.
Mascara that is too black can also look jarring, so opt for a deep brown instead — it gives the same effect but it’s not as harsh. Some redheads can have really fair lashes, so use mascara with a really thin wand to get all the way to the root. A thin brown liquid liner and waterproof pencil along the lashline will also help give the illusion of fuller, more defined lashes. “
Try Sisley So Intense Mascara in Deep Brown ($67) and Tom Ford Brow Sculpting Kit in Medium ($72).
McLaughlin with a perfect glow. (Photo: Nick Barose)
Finding the Perfect Blush
“Most redheads are fair, so pick a blush according to your complexion and worry less about coordinating with your hair color. Red hair will throw a bit of a rosy glow on your complexion, so a blush that is already bright will look even brighter. Sheer berry hues and rosy pink look the most natural on the skin.”
Try Lanc?me Blush Subtil in Rose Fresque ($31) or Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick in Las Salinas ($45).
Selecting an Eyeshadow
“For something more natural, I prefer more of a greyish taupe. Avoid any brown shade that is too red or too similar to the hair color. It will make you look washed out.
When it comes to smoky eyes, avoid dark black eyeshadow but opt for softer colors like pewter or navy that appear black from a distance — it will define eyes but is less jarring. You can still pair it with black eyeliner for a bit of attitude.”
Try Sisley Phyto- Eye Twist in Steel and Marine ($50) or Lanc?me Color Design Palette in Indigo Intrigue ($51)
A Red Lipstick
“Definitely. For red lips I prefer an orangey red or berry red, but avoid anything too pink because it can clash with the hair color.”
Try Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey ($16), Tom Ford Lip Color in Wild Ginger ($52), or Chanel Rouge Allure in Pirate ($36).
When you’re a redhead, it’s all about showing off your freckles. (Photo: Nick Barose)
Show Off Your Freckles
“Light to medium coverage foundation formulas always work the best. If you want to show off freckles, try a tinted moisturizer for a sheer look. You can also go a shade darker with tinted moisturizer to give a more sun-kissed look that works really well with freckles.”
Try Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation ($62) or Lanc?me Bienfait Teinte Beauty Balm ($45).
One Beauty Must
“I definitely think smoky eyes always look good — especially when you pull your hair back, it gets darker looking so the contrast between the hair and dark eyes will be less. Also, using colors that compliment red hair, like blue and navy, in small doses as liner look smashing.”
Related:
Beauty School 101: Eyeliner Edition
