Red is such a great hair colour. It’s frustrating because no matter how hard they try, it’s the one color that professional colorists can’t get right, so if you are a natural red head, enjoy it. The following are a few makeup tips for red heads; it’s a little more difficult doing makeup when you have red hair, but if it’s done properly, it can be stunning.

Always remember, the most important step to beautiful makeup is your skin. Too many people think that makeup starts with foundation but if you want gorgeous makeup, you have to prepare your skin first. Always wash and exfoliate your skin, and in the daytime, apply sunscreen, especially important for the fair skin of red heads (even in the winter).

Too many red heads dislike their fair skin or freckles, but we are in a time when this type of skin is revered, so remember that when you are applying your foundation. Your goal, when applying foundation, is to blend your skin tones, not cover freckles. Natural looking makeup is the trend nowadays, and this is especially true for redheads. Only apply enough foundation to blend out red tones or uneven tones in the skin. Make sure to choose a foundation that has a warm tone to it, yellow, gold and peachy undertones are better. Avoid red- or pink-based foundations.

Neutral tones definitely look better on red heads, but that doesn’t mean your eye makeup can’t be dramatic. It’s possible to have gorgeous, smoky eyes for evening, but try deep chestnut brown instead of black or grey. If you want color, try an emerald green or plum instead of blues or purples. Those colors look fantastic on red heads, but will still add the drama you’re looking for.

If you feel like more of a daytime makeup, neutral browns are great, but you can also experiment with gold, peach and soft green. Stick with these colors for blushes and lipsticks as well. If you are going to use a red color on your lips, use a blue or brown base instead of an orange-base red. Don’t forget your eyebrows and lashes, but try brown-black instead of black. It’s not as harsh on fairer complexions. Remember when applying makeup, it’s about enhancing your beauty, not covering up. Red heads are unique and you should embrace that in your makeup.