Kelsey is a very proud redhead. She feels extremely lucky to have been born with vibrant red hair that only 2% of the population can naturally grow. “Red hair gives such an edgy, yet classy look that non-gingers lack,” says Kelsey. She proudly represents redheads all over the world, and wants each and every ‘ginger’ to know how beautiful they are.
Watch below to see how to apply makeup to freckles:
Lips take such a beating because they have no sweat, nor oil glands. We also bite them, lick them, eat with them, talk with them, kiss with them, let alone expose them to extreme weather. Redheads, here are a few lip practices you should be implementing into your daily beauty routine:
1. HONEY:
To combat changing weather in the winter, turn to honey as an all-natural moisturizer to keep your lips from getting chapped. Not only is it tasty, but honey is also anti-microbial and is incredibly humectant, which locks moisture into my lips. It’s easy, affordable, and available almost everywhere. Just a dab before bed provides incredible results for the entire next day.
2. SUGAR:
“Not only is sugar good for removing hair, but it helps with softening lips. If your lips feel chapped, you can safely exfoliate them with a sugar paste made from a tablespoon of sugar and add a few drops of olive oil (extra virgin is best). Mix and add oil slowly until you have a soft scrub paste. Apply in circular motions over the lips, then gently rinse away. Pat softly with a towel,” recommends Lyn Tackett from Genesis Studio Spa in Waterloo, Iowa.
“Avoid irritating ingredients like menthol, which is commonly found in many lip balms and treatments. Avoid lip stains, which can dry out your lips, especially during the winter. Avoid any plumping lipsticks or glosses; the plumping action actually comes from irritating ingredients. If you’re sensitive, like most redheads are, skip these all year long. Glosses can work if they are super creamy and adhere well, but gloss will highlight flakes on already chapped lips and if it’s a sticky gloss or one that wears off easily, all the reapplication can irritate your lips, so avoid if possible,” says Jennifer Trotter from Lip Service Professional Makeup Artistry in Fort Worth, TX.
“A great tip for those who suffer from chapped lips is to wear lip balms. It will keep you from biting or licking your lips as much as you would if you had bare lips,” says Trotter. “Choose simple lip balms with good ingredients because they will adhere to your lips without irritation.”
“If you aren’t allergic to sunscreen ingredients, choose a balm with SPF 15 to further protect lips from winter sun when out doing winter sports, cover your mouth with a scarf to avoid the sun, wind and cold.” Trotter also recommends coating lips every morning in balm or lipstick, use a balm under lipstick (let it soak while you do your makeup, then apply lipstick), and coat lips again every night.
We are big lovers of animals here at How to be a Redhead and try our very best to recommend and test products that are cruelty-free. Thousands of beauty companies are voicing their concerns about animal cruelty and telling their customers, “We do not test on animals!” Being cruelty-free is becoming more than a trend, it is the new “standard” for the beauty industry, which is tremendous news.
Click through the below to discover our favorite cruelty-free ‘redhead friendly’ beauty brands:
How to be a Redhead:
As you may know, all H2BAR products are clean, cruelty-free, Leaping Bunny approved, paraben-free, and vegan. They’re also made without alcohol, gluten, GMO’s, oil, paragons, phthalates, silicones or talc.
Acure Organics is a family-owned and operated company founded on sustainable principles to provide the highest quality fair trade, natural and certified organic personal care products.
This line encompasses skincare, bath and body, and our favorite, makeup. 100% Pure’s formulas are free of harmful toxins that are commonly found in other cosmetics. The packaging itself is post-consumer recycled plastic, glass, soda cans, paper and printed with biodegradable non-toxic vegetable ink.
If you’ve ever tried to find an all-natural sunscreen, you know it isn’t an easy task. We love Ocean Potion because the ingredients are certified organic, which means the product is protecting your skin from the sun while never having to worry about nasty chemicals.
Created by hair stylists who were fed up with the limitations of conventional products and biotech scientists who didn’t have any preconceived notions of what could or couldn’t be done in beauty. We love their entire hair care line.
We fell in love with this brand after trying their tinted moisturizer. The creator, Tiffany Masterson, wanted a clean break from toxins and the ‘Suspicious 6’ (essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical screens, fragrance/dyes and SLS).
We love everything tarte offers –– makeup, skincare and beauty products made with high- performance naturals. Maureen Kelly, the founder of this amazing natural cosmetic line, is a redhead!
Redheads probably wear more sunscreen than any other hair color, which is probably why their skin looks ageless as they get older. Congratulations, because of her you look better than ever.
Lilly is sixteen-years-old and loves being a natural redhead. “People are continuously saying something about my red hair, but I’ve learned to get over it because I love my hair so much,” she says. Lilly knows all women are amazing, but thinks redheads might be a little bit more fantastic!
You’ve heard us talk about the benefits of sugar scrubs for redheads, especially those with sensitive skin. We consulted with Michele Periquet, the product developer and founder of Reset Yourself skincare. “People with sensitive skin can benefit from using a body scrub, ” said Periquet. “But, it’s important to remember that not all body scrubs are created equal.”
Here is the full 101 on body scrubs for redheads:
1. WHY BODY SCRUBS?
Body scrubs exfoliate the skin –– which sloughs off dead outer layers of skin. The end result is newer, smoother, softer skin underneath. “As we age, cell turnover slows down, so exfoliation helps to facilitate the process. Helps boost circulation by increasing blood flow to the skin. This allows for better penetration/absorption of your other skin products such as moisturizer,” says Periquet.
2. SELECTING THE RIGHT PRODUCT
When selecting a body scrub, it’s imperative redheads choose one without toxins, or harsh ingredients that will strip the natural oils off your skin, or cause irritation or inflammation. “For our clients with drier, sensitive skin, I recommend sugar and coffee scrubs. When choosing tools, avoid loofahs and the like that are too rough and abrasive. Limit exfoliation to a once a week,” recommends Periquet.
3. AFTER EXFOLIATION
Always follow with a hydrating moisturizer. Although the skin on the body is not as sensitive as facial skin, you still need to be gentle when using a body scrub. The goal is to exfoliate, not to irritate.
4. OTHER OPTIONS
“One type of body scrub we recommend to our clients is skin brushing with a dry brush,” says Periquet. This process, typically called ‘Dry Brushing‘ can help.
Here’s how it works:
-Break down and eliminate toxins by increasing circulation. This helps to improve the appearance of cellulite which is actually composed of toxic fat build-up that results in the rumpled look of the skin.
-Stimulate the lymphatic systems, which also helps to eliminate metabolic wastes from the body. This allows the body to run more efficiently.
-Remove dead skin cells and unclog pores both of which facilitate cell renewal and help improve skin texture and appearance.
-Improve blood flow which leaves you feeling refreshed, energized and invigorated! Done properly (think gentler strokes) and with a good, natural bristle brush, skin brushing is excellent for people with sensitive skin too.
“In fact, our clients have found dry brushing to be less harsh on their skin as compared to exfoliating gloves and the like. However, we do not recommend it though for people with eczema, dermatitis or open wounds,” Periquet concludes.
If you have naturally curly red hair, you know all about fighting frizz and how important hair products are to keeping locks shiny and tamed, but there are always tips and suggestions we can further benefit from. That’s why we spoke with celebrity hair colorist Meaghan Frayne of Angela David Salon in New York City. Not only is she a specialist for redheads ‘by choice’ but she knows some of the best tips for women with curly red hair:
1. Don’t Wash Hair Too Much Or Use Hot Water: Over-washing and using hot, hot water are the main enemies of vibrant color, natural or dyed. Try washing hair 1-2 times per week. In-between shampoos, use a dry shampoo and blow-dry your hair with a flat-oval boar-bristle brush. This will help your blow-dry to last longer. The brush will distribute your natural oils from your scalp from the roots.
2. Use Anti-Fade Shampoos and Conditioners: These types of products avoid harsh surfactants. Rinse with tepid water to help seal the hair’s cuticle. If you only condition weekly, use a deep conditioner or mask instead of a regular conditioner. Apply the conditioner to your ends only.
3. Avoid Excess Heat Styling: This can cause your hair color to fade and dry-out your hair.
4. Beat The Heat: Simply enhance your hair’s natural texture, utilizing a mousse, curl cream or texturizing spray. Then, always protect your hair from UV rays, with products or a hat.
2. It’s the topic of conversation, especially during coffee breaks.
Most people have the, “Is it Friday yet?” talks. Once you walk into the room, the conversation quickly turns to, “People spend so much money to get that hair color.”
Photo via Flickr
3. You know your redhead nickname is a sign of jealously.
Every single person in the office refers to you as “Red,” “Big Red,” “Ginger,” or “Strawberry.”
Makeup removers usually contain alcohol or harmful chemicals that can strip the skin. For redheads who suffer from sensitivity, finding the right makeup remover can be an issue. If you’re one of the thousands of women who refuses to take off their makeup before sleeping — stop now! Your skin (and pillowcases) will thank you. Fortunately, we spoke with Roberta Perry from Scrubz Body Scrub who offered us some tips on an all-natural makeup remover.
“Natural botanical oils are the single best thing to take off makeup. They break down both regular and waterproof makeup, and then moisturize the face and the gentle skin around the eyes,” says Perry. “Make sure to not use mineral oil because you want the oil to be chock full of essential fatty acids, which are great for skin especially fair skin.”
Natural oils, or essential oils, known as essences (from the original idea of the essence or “spirit” of the plant) – are produced in the cells of aromatic plants and are held in specialized glands or cells. Popular oils are Lavender, Rose and Jasmine and organic Tea Tree oil, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, etc.
Perry recommends using 3-4 drops of the essential oil of your choice. Then, keeping your eyes closed, massage into the eye and face for 20-30 seconds. If you’re wearing waterproof makeup, you may need 40-45 seconds. You will look like a raccoon for a minute, but take a tissue and absord the oil. Using the same tissue, wipe the makeup off the skin. Voila! Gone.
The best part? There was no pulling or irritatation done to the skin. Essential oils can be found at your local health food store or on websites like this.
4. Chances are, your redheaded friend has been compared to copper-haired celebrities like Jessica Chastain or Julianne Moore.
Hey, it’s your chance to feel like you’re part of royalty.
5. A redhead friend will give you more confidence.
It’s a strong possibility your fire-haired friend was the only redhead in her class or workplace. Simply put: they’re use to standing out and have learned to love it. With that, they’ve gained incredible confidence and it’s sure to spread to those around them.
How to be a Redhead is excited to present the 2015 Rock it like a Redhead National Beauty Tour.
Tickets for Austin and Nashville are now for sale. Thousands more of you are waiting on Seattle, Chicago and NYC tickets, and they will be available soon! Before tickets go on sale, our team works hard to secure the perfect venue, sponsors and specific details. So, hold on tight if you’re waiting. If you already have a ticket in hand, congratulations! We can’t wait to celebrate being a redhead with you.
If you still haven’t purchased your tickets for Austin, click here. And, don’t forget to take advantage of the $39 Early Bird special for Nashville by clicking here.
When Adrienne and Stephanie Vendetti, sisters & co-founders of How to be a Redhead, attended beauty events, they always felt singled out because most makeup and hair products did not cater to redheads. And, they thought most events were not upbeat enough; there usually was a room of beauty booths and women un-interested in learning about another product line. So, they began producing Rock it like a Redhead Events (the photos below were shot at the 2013 event in NYC) to change all of the above, while bringing HowtobeaRedhead.com to life in an incredibly fun and entertaining way.
The #1 question we get asked is, “What are the events all about?” There is so much love & detail put into each event, so we wanted to give you a breakdown of what they’re all about, and what to expect when you attend.
1. Upon entering the event, there will be a red carpet, photographers and local media waiting to take your photo.
2. Many women are “dressed to impress,” and although we suggest it, we highly encourage every attendee to wear what they’re comfortable in. The entire event tour’s mission is to empower redhead women to feel confident, look amazing and rock their beauty. It is your night to wear what makes you feel beautiful!
3. It all begins with the beauty session. Austin’s Hair Sponsor is Kenra Professional. You will find them providing hair consultations and touchup’s. There will also be skin, makeup & nail sponsors waiting to beautify each woman who walks in the room. VIP ticket holders will enjoy sessions with each sponsor and will have the luxury of enjoying the VIP lounge for relaxation and special gifts.
4. Also enjoy never-before-seen How to be a Redhead merchandise!
5. While the beauty event is occurring, there will be entertainment galore. And, there will be passed horderves and complimentary bar services (for those 21+).
6. The evening will then launch into fashion, where we will host 2-3 local fashion brands. The models will be our followers, everyday girls showcasing everyday looks.
7. The entire night will end with a live performance from redhead rockstar, Shayne Leighton. Additional live entertainment may be provided in your city, too. See one of her music videos below:
8. All attendees will leave with $300+ in free beauty products, VIP leaving with $500+.
And, last but not least: it is guaranteed to be the most beautiful and confident-boosting night of your life!