Although redheads are known to age slower than most hair colors, we tend to stick to some of the same old beauty routines as we get older. Sometimes, these same ol’ tricks can make us look older, especially redheads with sensitive skin. If you’re in my age range, I challenge you to give these pointers a try. Even younger redheads can benefit from the below. I bet you discover that less is more and your striking red hair looks better than ever.
READ: Podcast S2, Ep8 with Skin Guru, Susan Ciminelli (Part 2)
I dare you to try the following:
1. Skip the foundation
I’ve been using foundation since middle school. So, the thought of giving up foundation entirely seemed intimidating. I had even become a foundation pro. I would use a shade or two darker than my natural color, so I wouldn’t’ look so “pale”. All redheads know how challenging it can be to find the right foundation shade.
However, I soon discovered how liberating it was to no longer hide behind the foundation. In fact, since giving it up, my skin has never looked better! And I don’t have to worry about foundation or powder finding its way into the fine lines of my skin throughout the day like it used to.
What to use instead: Choose a mineral based facial sunscreen. Its zinc oxide protects against the full range of UVA and UVB rays. A redhead’s priority should be to keep their skin free from sun damage – and let freckles shine.
2. Skip the eyeshadow
I didn’t realize how much time I was spending every morning “doing my eyes” until I stopped using eyeshadow. On top of the time savings, I discovered that by not using eyeshadow, my eyes had a more alluring look. Furthermore, after applying mascara, my eyelashes looked much longer without the competing eyeshadow.
What to use instead: A redhead best friend will always be mascara. Apply a deep brown or black.
3. Skip the blush
Use lipstick on your cheeks instead! First, apply your lipstick by dabbing your middle or ring finger to the lipstick, and then apply it to your lips. With what remains on your finger, gently tap it to the apples of your cheeks for a rosy glow. The color lasts all day, and, if you want a little more color, it’s super easy to reapply your lipstick and cheek color this way throughout the day. Also, by using lipstick instead of powder blush, it provides a subtle glow and doesn’t make its way into fine lines. You can even safely use the lipstick on your eyelids in the same manner for some healthy-looking color.
Many beauty companies are catching on to this trick and creating products with lipstick and blush in 1! Try this ‘Redhead Friendly’ favorite: Palladio Precious 2-in-1 Cheek & Lip Tint
4. Have your eyebrows professionally tinted
Just about every redhead has light-colored eyebrows. Getting them professionally tinted makes for a “pop” of face color even without makeup. I suggest having them professionally done instead of trying to do this on your own. You may have to call around to make sure the esthetician keeps a light auburn or dark taupe/blonde color in stock.
The color usually lasts around 4 weeks, and you can have this done regularly. You’ll find it lasts longer.
5. Stop cleansing your face so much!
What! That’s right – cleansers can strip your skin of vital moisture. In the place of cleansers, use oil cleansers to remove makeup. Organic olive oil can be used for dry skin and organic sunflower oil for oily skin. I had oily skin for most of my life, and since using sunflower oil to “wash” my face, my skin is no longer oily.
How to use: Without getting skin wet, apply about a nickel-sized amount of oil to the palms of your hands and gently work it into your skin. If you have mascara on, remove what you can with water, and then finish removing your mascara with more oil. Then, with a warm damp washcloth dab the oil from your skin. You’ll want to rewet the washcloth with warm water and dab your skin two or three times. Then apply your favorite moisturizer.
READ: Redheads, Will You Go White or Gray? The Answer…
Rock it like a Redhead!
