Redheads, weeks of social distancing will continue to march on and you’re probably finding more and more of your social and professional life is taking place on video chat. Whether it’s FaceTiming with friends or Zooming with colleagues, we’re all seeing way more of our faces on screens than ever before. If you’re feeling like your computer camera isn’t complimenting your redhead features, you’re not alone.
I am a professor and although it may be great to conference or teach from home, I still have to be polished. That’s where makeup comes in. I have learned how to emphasize my best redhead features while making myself look refined and ready. The best part? It only takes 10 minutes.
Here’s my quick Zoom makeup routine for redheads:
Start with a good toner and primer
This helps to create a clean and tight canvas for makeup. After cleansing, I like to use PurAnada’s Marine Minerals Hydrating Toner. Douse a cotton ball with it and swipe it all over your face, even your neck. It’ll also help you to feel refreshed too.
Makeup primer is the next step and super important because it creates a smooth surface for the makeup to adhere to. I use a few drops of e.l.f. Cosmetics Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer, making sure it’s applied everywhere including my eyelids.
Other ‘Redhead Friendly’ approved favorites: Lumaveil Primer + Nucelle Toner — both found in the Fall Deluxe H2BAR Box. Buy yours now!
Use concealer
Keep in mind circles are emphasized on the computer’s camera, giving you a tired look. Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer in 8B Porcelain Beige is my go-to. It’s an ivory shade with pink undertones, perfect for a redhead’s skin tone.
Apply blush and bronzer
This next step may seem a bit unorthodox but I swear it works. I read about putting a cream blush under your foundation so you get a lit-from-within-look. It works. My go-to is a cheery pink called Lotus from the Canadian company, OpaleEssence. Their Smoothie Cream Blush, a vibrant apricot, can also work too.
Since I am a redhead with sensitive skin, I do not apply a foundation daily. I go right to the bronzer. The bronzer acts as a foundation over the blush and is incredibly complementary.
I then add a layer of light-colored bronzer over the creamy blush. I use Signature Mineral’s Bronzer in Gran Mariner; which is a lovely pale apricot bronze. It’s a light enough bronzer to give more color and won’t make you look drained on camera.
Tip: Don’t forget to add a few dabs of bronzer to the neck area. A bronzed face and a pale neck will be immediately noticeable, so make sure to always blend.
Next, enhance your eyes and brows
Eyes are an important feature for any Zoom meeting. They should look polished and professional for business or teaching (save the sparkle and lime eyeliner for the virtual girl’s night out). A creme eye shadow is the best here. Powders tend to crease and make the lid look crepey. Julep Eyeshadow 101 Crème to Powder Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick in Putty is the best. It stays on and is the perfect pinky neutral shade for gingers.
You could do a liner, preferably in your eyes’ color to make the eye pop. Since my eyes are blue I go with Julep When Pencil Met Gel Long-Lasting Waterproof Gel Eyeliner in Navy Smoke. I love this color because it really highlights the color and it’s a non-smear gel that glides on perfectly. I finish with a black mascara applied to only my upper lashes. Use black because it adds more emphasis than brown — and sticks out on a screen.
Like any redhead, I do need help in the brow department. I change it up every week, using either Brett Brow Pencil in Gingerella (found in the How to be a Redhead e-commerce store) or Almay’s Brow Pencil in Blonde –– which does work with my coloring.
End the look with your lips
How your lips look is super important on Zoom. Wear something bright with pinkish or coral tones. I like Real Purity Dewberry Lipstick, a vibrant berry that stands out or their Lavender Rose, a bright rosy pink that works well with darker blouses.
Redheads have a certain presence to begin with. The right makeup emphasizes that, especially in a Zoom meeting. Colleagues, friends, and students will certainly notice it from the meeting’s start.
Rock it like a Redhead!
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