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Makeup

Four Perfumes for Your Redhead Life

By: Rebecca Leslie

Redheads love to make bold statements with their unique hair, fashion and attitude. To stand out even more, perfume scents can make a bold statement.. especially when they are packaged in beautiful red bottles! These beautiful concoctions ignite senses and are jaw-dropping pieces of art to boot. Here are the top four red perfumes for your redhead life:

1. Marc Jacobs “Dot” was launched in the spring of 2012 and comes in a red glass bottle with black dots and shaped like a bumble bee. Its notes include honeysuckle, coconut water, orange blossom and vanilla.

2. Everything about Bvlgari “Omnia Coral”‘s bottle screams feminine! The curves and subtle red hues first draw the eye, and are only paralleled in beauty by the actual intoxicating scent. Its notes include goji berries, water lily, pomegranate, and conclude with undertones of cedar wood.

3. Gucci “Rush” takes a remarkably more linear approach to packaging. Its red bottle is perfectly rectangular and has hints of flowers and spice.

4. Elizabeth Arden “Red Door Eau de Parfum Spray Naturel”  appears like a small, red door and smells like a mix of rich, rare florals and celebrates the glamour and luxury of the iconic Red Door.

Go ahead and pair your lovely red locks with one of these sassy scents housed in statement flasks!

Hair

5 Shampoo Mistakes Every Redhead Should Avoid

Updated: May 25th, 2023

Redheads have gorgeous, unique hair and properly maintaining it in the shower is essential.

Here are 5 shampoo mistakes you should avoid:

Mistake #1: You’re not wetting your hair enough. 

Products are designed to have the ability to lather strands and the only way this can be done is to make sure the hair is wet through and through. To do this, make sure to saturate your hair for one to two minutes before shampooing.



READ: 10 Ways to Nurture and Care for Your Red Hair

Mistake #2: You’re not applying the shampoo and conditioner properly. 

Hair is driest and most damaged at the ends, especially if you frequently use hot styling products. Try concentrating shampoo on your scalp rather than applying it all over. Then, concentrate your conditioner on the middle and ends of your hair. By doing this, you’ll keep your hair clean, oil-free and healthy.

Don’t forget to emulsify the product in your hands by rubbing the product between your palms for at least 10 seconds.

Mistake #3: Overwashing. 

When it comes to shampooing, once is really enough for most women. But, if you’re one of those ladies who only wash their hair once or twice a week, it is okay to divulge in a second wash.

READ: 5 [More] Natural Shampoo and Conditioner Duos for Your Red Hair 

Mistake #4: You’re not rinsing enough. 

Take the time to rinse hair out thoroughly. A good trick is to listen to your hair “squeak”. It is a sign the hair is fully rinsed with shampoo and washed. Always rinse with cool, lukewarm water. Hot water dries your scalp and hair.



Mistake #5: You are not using products designed for your hair. 

Natural or “by choice” redheads must take care of their color because of its uniqueness and beauty. If your hair is getting a bit dull, opt for a color-depositing shampoo. If not, make sure to buy sulfate-free products to keep your red locks healthy and chemical-free.

If you are looking for a sulfate-free, redhead-approved shampoo, look no further:

Finally Glossy® Shine & Luminosity Shampoo for Redheads

It took many years to custom-make the Finally Glossy® formula and we’re so excited for redheads to enjoy it. We’re thrilled to release another clean redhead beauty product. It is paraben-free, cruelty-free, sulfate-free, petroleum-free, mineral-oil, and vegan. It also contains no perfume, is free of gluten and is silicone-free, phthalate-free, formaldehyde-free and cocamidopropyl betaine-free. This clean formula is formulated with Vitamin B3, olive oil, coconut oil and green tea.

redhead shampoo

BONUS: Avoid using a towel to dry your hair. A microfiber towel will reduce the risk of split ends and even dries hair faster to save you time on hair-damaging blow drying.

READ: 2018’s Best Color Depositing Shampoos & Conditioners



Share with us your favorite redhead-friendly shampoo and conditioners below!

Carmina Alvarez

Part II: Metallics Are The New Black

By: Carmina Alvarez

We all know that metallics, the eye-catching, “redhead friendly” winter fashion trend is hotter than ever. We’ve already determined which metallics complement your special skin and hair tone, but now it’s time to take a step closer and show you how to wear this trend!

READ: METALLICS ARE THE NEW BLACK:ROCK THIS TREND WITH YOUR RED HAIR

Here are eight tips on how to rock metallics with your red hair:

1. It’s best to rock metallics by only wearing key pieces and  to be aware that you shouldn’t overload your look with too many bright items. Remember, less is more.

2. It is also recommended that you stray away from too many patterns and colorful accessories when you are wearing metallic clothing pieces- since the metallic and pattern pieces will clash.

3. It is always a good idea to pair metallics with neutrals.

4. If you rock metallic pants, pair with a neutral colored flowy blouse or sweater and neutral flats or black pumps.

5. Metallic skirts and shorts can really make your look so elegant! Pair with a fitted sweater or a light colored blouse, dark tights and matching pumps or ankle boots.

6. If you wear a loud blazer, jacket or dress, the look can look truly stunning; but you have to make sure to wear neutral shoes, too.

7. Metallic shoes will definitely make your outfit look more dressy and classy. A great idea is to match your accessories to the metallic tone of your shoes and keep the rest of your outfit on the low down.

8. If you’re not ready to wear metallic clothing pieces, you can start with your nails and work your way up.

READ: PART 2: FALL 2012 NAIL POLISHES FOR REDHEADS

Don’t be afraid, metallics are an ideal way to make you and your outfit glow! These are just a few tips to follow, but always make sure to make your outfit express your personality and have fun with it.

Rock it like a Redhead!

 

 

Confident Lifestyle

Don’t Compromise Your Red Hot Relationship – Cooperate!

By: Natasha Holler

Rocking redheads have an abundance of fabulous qualities – qualities that can make those who aren’t blessed with red roots turn green with envy. If we are known for one not-so-fab characteristic, it’s our tempers. If we’re known for two… it’s our stubbornness!

Don’t think of it as being stubborn… redheads just know what they want, and then are determined to get it; we’re decisive, and that’s a good thing! However, when we share our space with our better half, our assertiveness can be a bit overwhelming. Most people will tell you that you have to compromise to keep your relationship healthy and happy – but redheads aren’t like most people, are we?

The art of compromise is like walking a tightrope: if you lean too far in one direction, you’re going to be miserable, but if you lean too far the other way, your significant other will. “Compromising” can be synonymous with “conceding” – so think of it instead as “cooperation.” If you can cooperate with your partner, you can generally avoid any animosity and feeling like a martyr. The best way to do that – and you’ve heard it before – you’ve got to communicate.

If you and your significant other can have an open line of communication, a lot of agreements can be made without either one of you having to sacrifice anything… but that won’t always be the case. Every relationship can (and will) come to some sort of stalemate on any given issue, but you have the tools to cope… just make sure you pick your battles wisely. There’s no need to start a war or have an in-depth discussion over which restaurant to go to on Friday night, since that type of compromise isn’t going to change or harm your core being. These little concessions are the foundation of any relationship. Bigger issues such as relocating for a job, vacation planning, or where to spend a holiday can usually be solved by discussion and reciprocity.

On the other hand, stand up for your convictions. If the ultimate solution to a problem is going to change a meaningful part of who you are, that’s not a solution – it’s an even bigger problem! If you over-accommodate, your partner can start to take advantage of you without even knowing it, because you’re not sharing your true feelings… and then you’ll harbor negative feelings toward them. A relationship is a partnership, and you can’t negotiate your way into a successful one!

When crimson beauties like yourselves master that art of cooperation, you’ll be able to grow into an even better version of yourself (if that’s even possible!) and you’ll start to discover new and wonderful things about your partner, no matter how long you’ve known each other.

Do you red ladies have any compromise horror or success stories?

 

Carmina Alvarez

Top 5 Lip Balms for Redheads

By: Carmina Alvarez

As we begin to buy our skin care products for winter, we can’t forget to protect our lips from the cold temperatures or else our lips could suffer from not being moisturized. Redheads have very sensitive skin and that fact applies to the lips, too! Here are my top five lip balms for redheads:

1. Honey Lip Balm by Burt’s Bees: This brand is fantastic because it’s 100% natural. This lip balm contains honey and leaves lips really soft and hydrated.

2. It Started With A Kiss by Lush: It’s a lip tint and balm in one. Shea butter  is a main ingredient and an excellent moisturizer which will leave lips with a gorgeous red tint that looks great with red hair.

3. Lip Butter Glaze by Korres: The product is enriched with shea butter, wax and is petroleum free ; it is also a lip tint and comes in colors like, clear, pink, coral and red.  Clear, Pinks, Corals and Reds tints.

4. Kiss Me Tonight Intense Lip Therapy by Philosophy: Its consistency is more creamy and leaves lips with a coral glossy  tint. Its formula contains bees wax, shea and mango butter.

5. Rosy Bloom Color Balm by Yes to Carrots: This lip balm is 99% natural and contains vitamin E, jojoba, sunflower seed soil- all of which sooth and nourish dry lips.

Keep your lips and smooth and hair beautifully Red!

 

Skin

After-Thanksgiving Beauty Recovery for Redheads

Most of America over-indulged at Thanksgiving yesterday and will continue throughout the week! To combat the excesses of the holiday season, all you need is a simple detoxifying regimen to brighten and support your ivory, fair skin.  Here are a few great treatments to help you recover from those over-indulgences:

1. Exfoliate: It’s great to remove dead skin to achieve healthy skin and it’s easy to attain with the simple use of raw sugar.

READ: Invest in Suga-hh! 

2. Reduce Inflammation: To reduce inflammation or congestion, choose powerful, ingredients such as chamomile and ginger. Choose natural teas.

3. Brighten: Choose peels or face masks that will give your face life. Look for brightening, tone-evening actives like lemon, bamboo, ginger and licorice root.

4. De-Stress: There’s nothing more important than keeping your skin and body protected from the stress the holidays can bring. Antioxidants work to repair tired skin. The easiest and best kind of antioxidant you can have is green tea. Also make sure to get lots of sleep and rest!

5. Hydrate: Thanksgiving break also brings about the onset of a colder, dryer climate. Dry skin can become annoyingly itchy and painful. Keeping hydrated from the inside out is crucial. Drink lots of water and take good fats like flax, fish oils and quality olive oil. Also, use moisturizers that will help your redheaded skin absorb and retain water.

READ: Top 5 Moisturizing Products for Your Hair & Skin

..For the mean time, enjoy the holidays and when the time is right, refer to the above necessities for your after-Thanksgiving recovery!

 

Skin

Study: Natural Redheads Could be at Greater Risk of Melanoma Without Sun Exposure

It has long been known that it is the defect in the MCR1 gene that causes red hair, freckling and an increased incidence of melanoma.

Red hair (increased pheomelanin) appears in people with two copies of a mutation in the MC1R (melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptor). Basically, this is a receptor that when stimulated makes the skin cells (called melanocytes) make more pigment (called melanin). This receptor is also activated by the sun which causes a cascade that can result in the development of various forms of skin cancer including the deadly melanoma.

READ: Redheads with Moles Contribute to an Increased Melanoma Risk 

But a new mouse study published in the journal Nature suggests that natural redheads are at a greater risk of melanoma –– even if they never go out in the sun.

ABC News reported the study doesn’t “diminish the importance of sun exposure” as a key contributing factor in the pathogenesis of melanoma.

READ: My Friend Beat Melanoma at 25 Years Old Because She Had This Test Done

So, redheads beware! You’re at higher risk of skin cancer no matter what. Forget about laying out in the sun. Embrace your fair skin, wear sunscreen and get regular skin check-ups to catch melanoma early. If you must have color, there are plenty of great sunless tanners out on the market to give your skin that special glow.

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Subscribe to the H2BAR Box: A monthly and quarterly beauty subscription box for redheads! Use code: REDHAIR for 10% off. Subscribe now! 

 

Eyebrows

Face Framing Brows for Your Red Life

Wondering how to tame your redhead brows? Here are 4 game-changing tips!

Updated: September 13th, 2023

Let’s talk about those redhead eyebrows.

One of the biggest beauty challenges for redheads are the eyebrows. Many natural redheads either have light copper or blonde-white eyebrows –– both appearing nearly invisible. Because shaped and defined redhead eyebrows frame eyes and enhance the face, redheads often have to “fake it” to make brows look normally shaped and colored in. It’s easy to do if you have the right ‘redhead friendly’ products.

Here are a few tips to make the most of your redhead brows:

1. The Fuller the Better

Though your brows may be light in color, a thicker shape will frame your face better and will be easier to fill in with pencils or powders, so be sure to never over tweeze. ‘

Redhead Friendly’ Tip: Simply tweeze only the stray hairs outside of your brow’s natural shape or have a professional esthetician expertly shape your brows to best suit your face shape.

2. Try a Tint

Tinting redhead brows a *slightly* darker shade than your ravishing red locks can significantly cut down on primping time, and will give you a natural look that will stay put for several weeks. Most spas offer safe brow tints designed especially for the sensitive eye area that are applied by trained and licensed technicians.

‘Redhead Friendly’ Tip: Do not match your brows exactly to your red hair. Eyebrows should always be a shade or two lighter than your hair.

If you’re looking for a fantastic eyebrow gel, opt for a product like How to be a Redhead’s Finally Have Brows!

3. Pencil Me In

If you prefer to use a pencil to darken and shape your brows, head over to “The Best Eyebrow Products for Redheads” to see our favorites.

4. Set Eyebrows in Place

Whatever method you choose to darken and shape your brows, a great trick used by many stylists and makeup artists is to use a clear mascara to brush and set your eyebrows. Try How to be a Redhead’s Finally Have Brows if you want anbrow product to keep those hairs in place all day.

Learn more about Finally Have Brows:

For the perfect brows, use the Ultra Fine Redhead Brow Pencil’s automatic liner with a built-in grooming brush to fill in brows. Then, use the Volumizing to tint, condition and fluff. Lastly, use the Longwearing to tint, tame and lock. Get ready for fluffy, full, and always natural-looking redhead brows.

SHOP FINALLY HAVE BROWS

What’s next for Finally Have Brows? 

SPOILER ALERT! Dropping this fall: Finally Have Brows Clear Brow Gel. It’s best for redheads who want to embrace their natural brow color but desire a fuller/more even look. Tip: This product can be also be applied after using Finally Have Brows gels or pencil in Universal Red. Coming soon!

Rock it with beautiful eyebrows, Redheads! 

Photo Credit: David Tom, Model: Stacey Sexton

Skin

5 Vital Skincare Tips for Redheads

Updated: February 2, 2020

By: Guest Writer, Christine Clais, The French Facialist

According to the Fitzpatrick scale used by skin experts, most natural redheads belong to a skin type I or II. This classification system organizes skin types into six categories according to their coloration: the lower the number, the fairer the skin, and the fairer the skin, the more delicate it is.

People with Skin Type I are usually very fair and have blonde or red hair, freckles, and blue eyes. They usually sunburn very easily without ever getting a tan.

Individuals with Skin Type II are usually fair, have blonde or red hair and blue, hazel, or green eyes. They usually burn when exposed to the sun and tan with difficulty.

Whether you’re Skin Type I or II, or even a darker skin tone, the following skincare tips will put you on the path to healthier, younger-looking, and fabulously radiant redhead skin:

1. Use the right cleanser

A good way to know if your facial cleanser is right for you is to observe your skin after cleansing. It should not feel tight or uncomfortable, nor should it look irritated. Using a cleanser that is too aggressive for your skin will lead to the stripping of the skin’s protective sebum, and eventually will affect its precious lipids that are, together with cells of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin), essential to the barrier function of our skin. A light cleansing milk is usually a safe choice for redheads.

2. Moisturize daily

Regular application of a good quality moisturizer will give your skin adequate protection against dehydration and damage. The best-suited moisturizers for natural redheads usually have a combination of emollients (used to reduce rough and flaky skin) and humectants (to increase the water content in the skin). So, read those labels and select a cream with both categories of ingredients:

– emollients such as dimethicone, cyclomethicone, avocado oil, jojoba, cocoa butter, shea butter, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol or mineral oil

– humectants such as glycerin, glucose, fructose, sucrose, honey, NMF or hyaluronic acid

3. Exfoliate gently

Although the benefits of skin exfoliation are undeniable, redheads should use gentle formulations designed to suit their fine and sometimes highly sensitive skin. Opt for enzyme-based exfoliants (look for ingredients such as papain or bromelain), as these are usually of the mildest type. This type of mild chemical exfoliant works by dissolving the bonds between the dead skin cells of the outer layer of skin, safely revealing younger-looking and smoother skin. But remember the rule with skin: more is not always better; exfoliating once or twice weekly is usually plenty!

4. Use a sunscreen

As a redhead’s skin is more is susceptible to burning, photo-aging (aging due to sun exposure) and skin cancers (including melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer), make sure to choose a 30+ sunscreen with the term “broad spectrum” displayed on the packaging. This will ensure that you get optimum sun protection against the damaging effects of both UVA and UVB rays.

5. Eat a lot of nutritional, plant-based foods

Eating a plant-based diet is essential to ensure proper functioning and repair of the skin, as it provides our body with thousands of anti-oxidants that act as a natural defense against environmental damage and premature aging. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends that we eat 7 to 13 servings of fruits and vegetables every day (a serve equaling a cup full). A good way to meet these daily requirements is to drink some of your fruits and vegetables. So get into those juices and smoothies!

Rock it like a Redhead!

Subscribe to the H2BAR Box: A monthly and quarterly beauty subscription box for redheads! Use code: REDHAIR for 10% off. Subscribe now! 

 

Liz Washer

Goin’ to the Chapel: Camera-Ready Makeup for Redhead Brides

By: Professional Makeup Artist, Liz Washer

Q: Hi! I was wondering if you have any makeup advice for wedding photos? I’m getting married in June and have seen lots of wedding makeup tips, but none for redheads.

First of all, thanks to the precision and sensitivity of modern photographic technology, everyday makeup products and application techniques don’t always translate well on screen. High-definition cameras, both for still photography and film, are capable of picking up the tiniest flaws – and cakey, mask-like makeup or powdery, ashy skin will only make matters worse.

These days, makeup has to look good in all conditions: in person, on screen, indoors, outdoors, and in every imaginable lighting condition. Professional, camera-ready makeup is a must for anyone who will be in the spotlight – especially brides! In addition to using professional products and application, redheads should consider the following:

1. SKINCARE MUST-HAVES

Bridal beauty – ALL beauty – begins with the skin. The better the condition of your skin, the better your makeup will look and the less of it you will need. However, skincare is not something to undertake impulsively in the last few weeks before your wedding. In fact, dramatically changing your regimen can cause MORE breakouts in the short term. Instead, find products that work for your skin type early on, and if you want to get a facial or other skin treatment, make sure your skin has time to recover (a week or more before the wedding day is best). During your engagement, be sure to protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen so you don’t have a burn or sun damage to cover up on your big day. To bring on the bridal glow: exfoliate, moisturize, eat well, sleep, and drink lots of water!

2. LAY THE FOUNDATION

Be sure to opt for a lightweight, long-lasting, flexible finish (such as silicone-based HD formulas and airbrush makeup), Your wedding-day foundation should provide coverage where you need it but still look like real skin. Avoid using foundations that are sparkly or reflective (I’m looking at you, Bare Minerals!), as this can make your face look shiny or ashy in photos. Only powder where needed so you don’t look overly dry or chalky.

3. PICK 1 FEATURE

Since your gorgeous red hair already makes a strong color statement, beware of using too many additional colors on your face. I always suggest to brides that they choose one facial feature to emphasize – usually eyes or lips – and make that pop while the other features are kept a bit softer.

4. COLOR CHOICE

Always think in terms of complementary, or “redhead friendly,” colors to emphasize your best assets! Gorgeous green eyes pair amazingly well with plums, golds and reddish-brown eyeshadows; blue eyes look smashing in earth tones and amber hues; and brown eyes are the most versatile – anything from soft creamy neutrals to bright jewel tones will set them off beautifully! And what about your complexion? If you’re freckled or deeper toned, chances are you have some warmth in your skin, so touches of bronzer and warm colors will look most natural on you. Whereas if you’re porcelain, you may be able to rock the classic bridal pink lips & cheeks!

5. LASH OUT

No, not in a Bridezilla way! Most of us benefit from a little extra eyelash emphasis for photos. Make sure they’re curled, and then choose whatever lash option you’re most comfortable with. Beware a heavy strip that will feel uncomfortable, weigh down your eye or come loose – individual lash clusters, corner lashes and natural, wispy strip lashes are all excellent choices for brides.

6. MAKE IT LAST!

Stay away from smeary eyeliner and drippy mascara. You’ll want everything around the eyes to be as water-resistant as possible, even if you think you won’t cry! If you have oily skin, be sure to carry blot sheets to absorb shine throughout the day (without having to pack on additional, cakey layers of powder!) If you like bright lip colors, choose a stain or a long-lasting formula that won’t transfer during a smooch (and stash a lip gloss in your purse in case your lips start feeling or looking dry). And remember: don’t wipe at your face when you cry/sweat/etc., blot gently – that will keep you looking fresh and flawless!

Rock it like a Redhead!

Makeup

Part 2: Fall 2012 Hot Nail Polishes for Redheads

This season there are some delightfully decadent choices in nail colors to compliment your fall wardrobe. You have seen some of the hottest nail polishes redheads could rock this autumn, but we’re adding to the list with more fun, “redhead friendly” colors.

Here are four more fall nail polishes that you can rock with your red hair:

1. Oxblood: This color is one of the trendiest fall fashion colors. Choose OPI “Skyfall” or Essie “Berry Hard.”  

2. Eggplant Purple: Do you remember learning in art class that deep purple is complimentary to red on the color wheel? Take this tip and wear it on your fingertips this autumn. Choose Zoya’s “Anja.”

3. Orange: What redhead isn’t inspired by the fall foliage? Try a gorgeous orange hue for the nails and it’ll be sure to compliment your fiery locks. Choose MAC ” Morange.”

4. Pink: It is no secret that metallics are also a hot trend this season. A metallic pink shade is always a festive choice for the autumn season because the feminine mix of bronze and rose gold looks great with red hair. Choose Essie “Penny Talk.”

READ: Metallics are the New Black: Rock This Trend With Your Red Hair

Rock it, ladies!

Get The Look

Autumn Trend: How to Pull Off the Jumpsuit Look

Christina Hendricks can pull off anything and lately, jumpsuits have been her thing. Everything from items from Anthropologie‘s CLC collection to high fashion jumpsuits. The look is great for redheads on the go because the look is chic and classic in a matter of seconds. The secret is to find the right fit for your body and make sure to find a “redhead friendly” color that complements your red hair and ivory skin. If you’re in a bind, the color black is always a great pick.
Rock it like a Redhead!

 

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