Welcome to How to Be a Redhead 
I’ve shared my freckle story with you before, but I’m back to tell you more.
I’ve had a face full of freckles for as long as I can remember. It took me twenty-or-so years to fully embrace them. In our “How to be a Redhead” beauty book, it was very important for Adrienne and I to make sure we did an entire section on freckles.. and began the chapter with how I felt about the shining stars on my face (and shoulders, legs and back).
Growing up, I wanted to cover every freckle. I remember reading an article in a magazine highlighting how celebrities were covering up their freckles. One of them being Lindsay Lohan. I watched Parent Trap and Freaky Friday on replay. Back then, we didn’t have redhead celebrities in Hollywood like we do now. If you’re a 90’s kid, I am sure you can relate.
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This was definitely a troubling stage I went through, and truly believe this had to happen for me to fully embrace my red hair, freckles and fair skin.
Around this time, I remember mineral makeup was the biggest rage and a family member had introduced me to a certain brand. She showed me how to apply the mineral makeup — add a little powder to the inside of the lid, grab the brush, swivel it in it, tap (to remove excess) and apply to skin evenly.
Well, I took out the entire ‘tap’ step and applied the mineral foundation heavily to my face. I’d follow that with concealer around my eyelids and under eyes, and would even go as far as to apply concealer to my lips in order to get that ‘nude’ ghost-like look.
I was afraid of any color on my face because my red hair was so bright.
I remember getting the film developed at our local pharmacy (so, we’re going way back) and a few images came back of me looking like a ghost. I didn’t even look like me. I tried to tell myself it was the camera flash — but looking back, I realize it was me covering up my redheaded-ness.
This went on for a few years.. and I also dyed my hair blonde.
Platinum blonde.
And add in a heavy spray tan too.
It’s just like the women who once bullied redheads; they want to become redheads in their later years. The tables always turn!
This was definitely a troubling stage I went through, and truly believe this had to happen for me to fully embrace my red hair, freckles and fair skin.
And, I do. More than ever before.
I am actually obsessed with my freckles.
I purposely wear little-to-no foundation so I can let each freckle shine bright. I live for SPF, and apply it every day. My freckles are a part of me.
During my annual skin checkup, my dermatologist said I had very beautiful freckles. What once would have been taken as an “awful remark” was now a feeling of thankfulness and joy. I felt blessed.
“Thank you so much. They are so awesome,” I replied with a smile.
A few weeks ago, I came across a company that offered temporary or permanent freckles. Yes, for those who don’t have freckles but want some. Funny, right? It’s just like the women who once bullied redheads; they want to become redheads in their later years. The tables always turn!
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I can honestly say I am so proud of the one thing I was born with: being a redhead. My freckles and red hair make me, ME. I wouldn’t be Stephanie without both.
As I write, I’m staring at my hand freckles. Top of the hand freckles, you rock.
Rock it like a Redhead!
