Know Your Real Shade
It's important to know what kind of red you are. Most reds fall into one of three shades: copper (orange) red, violet red, and red red, or true red. Natural reds, or natural-looking reds, are in the copper category; very dark reds are classified as violet red; and red reds are recognizable by their vibrant, true color. These last two shades do not occur in nature.
Knowing your true shade will dictate your color-palette options. If you're a copper top, you want to make sure orangey makeup and clothing won't clash with your hair hue. The same goes for violet redheads and purple shades, and true reds and red shades — and all three should be wary of pinks.
Your Color Palette
Makeup-wise, start neutral. Staples that look great on everyone are Nars blush in Orgasm or ELF blush from its studio line of blush and contouring powder ($3!) and black mascara — we love the new Lash Blast Fusion from Cover Girl and the Anastasia Lash Lifting Mascar). Green eye makeups are great on redheads, as is purple and any color you might find in an autumnal forest. For a more daring look, metallics work with every shade.
Your Brows
A great way to try out different brow colors without commitment or major catastrophe is with tinted mascara or a colored brow tamer like ELF's Eyebrow Treat and Tame. Aim for one shade darker than your red hair color.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Your Complexion
Many natural redheads have freckles (which we love!). It's up to you whether you want to go with sheer coverage or a higher pigment to cover them up. But either way, make the same choice for your whole face: Don't use a super-coverage concealer in spots and sheer powder in other places, as that can end up looking splotchy.
Going from Blonde to Red?
Of course you will want to warm up your brows (see above), but you'll find you need a little less makeup in general. And while you may need to reevaluate your lipstick and blush colors (especially the pinks and reds), try orange and copper tones in addition to greens on your eyes.
Going from Brunette to Red?
Again, unless you're going to a very dark or winey shade of red, you'll probably want to soften your eyebrow color a shade or two. You can still use the cheek and lip shades you're used to, but they will stand out more that they did on you when you were a brunette. Other than that it's the same as blondes changing to red: Just try on your blush and lipsticks and get reacquainted with how they look on you.
One Product You Can't Live Without
Sunscreen! If you're a natural redhead, you shouldn't leave the house without it.
-
Nicola Peltz Beckham Skipped Her Mother-in-Law Victoria Beckham’s 50th Birthday Party—But There’s a Reason
The nonexistent Nicola/Victoria feud continues to not exist.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Hugh Grant Is More Than Ready for the Next 'Bridget Jones' Movie
The fourth movie might just be the best of the entire series.
By Meghan De Maria Published
-
The Best Looks Spanning Zendaya’s Style Evolution
She's long been a beacon of support for emerging designers like Peter Do. Now, the actress is not just breaking the internet with custom Loewe and archival Mugler, but also inspiring a new wave of fashion enthusiasts.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Serena Williams's Wyn Beauty Isn't Your Typical Celebrity Brand
'Marie Claire' editors stand by these long-lasting products.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Can Charlotte Tilbury's New Lip Gloss "Double the Size" of Your Lips?
Four editors put the tingly new gloss to the test.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
The 8 Best Brow Pens Will Replace Your Microblading Appointments
They're just as precise and way less time-consuming.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
-
The 32 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2024, According to Experts
Rapunzel hair, coming right up.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 20 Best Hair Masks for Damaged Hair, According to Experts and Editors
Healthy strands, here we come!
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
How Often You Should Wash Your Hair, According To Experts
Keep it fresh, my friends.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 11 Best Magnetic Lashes of 2023
Go ahead and kiss your messy lash glue goodbye.
By Hana Hong Published
-
Beauty Advent Calendars Make the Perfect Holiday Gift
The gift that keeps on giving.
By Julia Marzovilla Last updated