SHARK TANK APPROVED 
When ABC announced the contestants for the new season of The Bachelor, we weren’t just excited for our weekly girls night to start back up but rejoiced when we discovered there was a redhead contestant. During the premiere, Elyse Dehlbom, a Scottsdale, Arizona based redhead makeup artist (with over eleven years of experience in the industry) stepped out of the limo to meet Colton Underwood in a stunning cobalt blue gown.
Confession: We may have jumped up and screamed a bit. What a perfect ‘redhead friendly’ color!
So, it’s no surprise we had to talk with Elyse Dehlbom herself about common makeup questions for redheads:
H2BAR: Recently, you shared a photo of yourself with purple eyeshadow. It looked stunning! What tips do you have for a redhead looking to rock a purple eyeshadow but not sure where to start?
ED: I cannot take credit for that makeup look. It was actually done by one of my students, Jimmy. Purple is a flattering color for almost every skin color. Some of my favorite purples to use, especially for creating a smokey eye, are ones that have a rich brown undertone to them which makes them not only universally flattering but easy to use for those who are not comfortable using bold colors. Some of my favorites are Coastal Scents ‘Wild Raisin’ and ‘Maroon Berry’–– which are less than $3.00 each!
H2BAR: What is your go-to lipstick?
ED: I get asked this question a lot, but I can’t seem to narrow it down to just one because it totally depends on the event or occasion! I love a good nude lip and on The Bachelor the lippies I kept reaching for were Kylie Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in ‘Candy K’ and Coloured Raine Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick in ‘Mars’. The Kylie lip color is a great nude with enough pink undertones to not wash out our fair skin. The Coloured Rain lip is my go-to for an evening deep nude. When I want a more subtle glossy lip, I chose to line my lips with Sephora’s Lip Pencil in ’02 Nothin’ But Nude’ or Rimmel Kisses Lip Liner in ‘Rose Quartz’. Then, I apply a lip balm or gloss over it.
H2BAR: How do you prep your skin before makeup?
ED: I am a firm believer that skincare is even more important than good makeup. I use a serum, eye cream, moisturizer and SPF every day! I will admit though, if I know I am being photographed I will skip the SPF so it does not create ‘flashback’ –– which makes your skin appear lighter in pictures than it is.
H2BAR: What is the #1 product you can’t live without?
ED: Without a doubt, Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs! I am obsessed. So much so I set up a monthly delivery on Amazon for it. I apply this waterproof and transfer resistant body makeup with a mitt when I am too lazy to spray tan or want to give my skin a sun-kissed glow. The best part for me is that it comes in different colors, so you can choose to create a subtle glow or an all over deep “fake tan” that won’t smell and easily loofah off in the shower. If I am going on vacation, this is the first item I pack. It stays on in the pool and you don’t have to worry about it wearing off in contact with chlorine like self-tanners can do.
H2BAR: What does your everyday makeup look look like?
ED: I never leave the house without mascara because my lashes are so light. I don’t want to hear the dreaded, “You look tired,” comment redheads seem to get when we don’t have our lashes tinted or mascara on. There was a joke when I worked in a cosmetic retail store that the staff could always tell my mood by what makeup I had on that day. It is so true! I match my makeup to what image I want to project to the world. Am I bold and confident with a colorful smokey eye? Shy and understated? A lady boss not afraid to rock a bold red lip? Makeup gives me the ability to reflect externally how I am internally feeling.
H2BAR: Let’s talk about redhead brides! Foundation or airbrush?
ED: I like to use a combination of both. First, manipulate the foundation with a brush or sponge. Then I apply a sheer coat of airbrush makeup to create longevity and mask any texture to the skin.
H2BAR: How do you make sure makeup lasts all day?
ED: Listen up! This is important. Here are four steps to long-lasting makeup for a special event:
1. It starts with skincare. Make sure you have exfoliated any dry rough areas. If you are in a pinch, grab some baking soda and mix it with your cleanser to create baby smooth skin.
2. Knowing the ingredients are important. If you are using a water-based foundation, you don’t want to be layering it over oil-based moisturizers and concealers and vice versa.
3. Let your foundation dry down on its own before you powder. This is a big one. I see so many people apply foundation and immediately go in with powder which can enhance textured skin or dry out mature or dehydrated skin. Once your foundation is applied, give it a solid minute or two to dry itself down naturally, and then powder where you typically get oily or find your makeup creases. You will be shocked at what a difference this makes.
4. Setting spray. If I want to add a dewy glow to my skin, I use Morphe Setting Spray. If I need to mattify, I will use Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray.
