Flynn Pyykkonen is a professional makeup artist based in New York City and a natural redhead! Her work can be described as clean, fresh, and flawless. She works in film, print, editorial, advertising, fashion, and television. Flynn was the makeup artist for the “How to be a Redhead” beauty book, (behind the scenes photos from the shoot are below) and we were so excited to dig into the common questions redheads have when using makeup.
Listen to Episode 16 of the How to be a Redhead Podcast with Makeup Artist, Flynn Pykkonnen
1. What is the first thing redheads should do when putting on makeup?
First, she recommends always having a cleansed and moisturized face.
She only uses an eyeshadow primer (she loves Urban Decay’s primer for the eyelids). She does not usually use a face primer but if she does, she recommends Too Faced Primer.
She is big into sunscreen for the face. She loves the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Non-Greasy Sunscreen Stick for Face & Body, Broad Spectrum SPF 70. “It is great for touch ups throughout the day,” Flynn says. She also recommends Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF 50 Soft Focus Setting Spray and Face Sunscreen spray because it gives a dewy look.
2. Favorite foundations for redheads:
La Mer The Reparative Skin Tint SPF30
Dior Backstage Airflash Radiance Mist Primer & Setting Spray
Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Long-Wear High Cover Liquid Foundation. “It’s a classic and I love the lumenosity,” says Flynn.
Cle de poe, she loves their concealer and foundation.
3. Favorite eye products:
stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Liner Waterproof Black
She thinks a rust eyeshadow is so complementary with red hair. Try Colourpop Super Shock Shadow in Melrose and Violet Voss – HG – PRO Eyeshadow Palette.
She also thinks blues and teals look great with red locks. She uses NARS ‘Abbey Road’ Larger Than Life liner.
Flynn also adores pink with red hair (a big myth busted!) and uses Urban Decay’s pink shades.
4. REDHEAD EYEBROWS!
Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil Auburn
Anastasia Beverly Hills – Brow Wiz – Auburn. Sometimes she finds this shade a bit too dark for redhead eyebrows, so she will wipe off the access product so it isn’t too dark, then applies.
Lime Crime Bushy Brow Precision Pen (Redhead). Auburn Vegan Eyebrow Definer and Filler
5. Redhead lashes + favorite mascara:
Flynn only wears black mascara, but talks about how she loves to rock her blonde lashes too. It took her a long time to embrace them, much like Adrienne and Stephanie.
KIKO MILANO Luxurious Lashes Extra Volume Brush Mascara
She loves lashes! If she wants more drama, she will use Ardell individual lashes to enhance the eye.
6. Lipsticks for Redheads:
MAC Ruby Roo – her absolute go-to red shade.
Chanel #36 – It is her favorite coral shade
Stila lip stains — loves all of the shades.
7. Blushes and Highlighters for Redheads:
Flynn thinks a coral blush looks great with redhead skin tones and prefers a gold highlighter, rather than pearl. Flynn says, “Well People makes a beautiful bronzer. It looks really nice on redheads.”