What’s in Heather’s Makeup Bag: Makeup Tips for Redheads

We always think these type of posts are fun when other people do them, so we thought we’d try one out! Anyone else super nosey? In my experience, makeup for redheads has been tricky. Shades can be hard to find since I’m not a blonde or a brunette. I’m sharing a few of my tried and true favorites for all my fellow redheads out there!

Drugstore or High End?

I use a mix of drugstore and high end products. For products that do some of the heavier lifting, like concealer, it’s worth the splurge. Other things, like eyeliner that I use sparingly I just grab at the drugstore.

Makeup for Redheads: Face

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (I wear Creme Brûlée) is the best ever, hands down. I use it almost daily and it lasts almost 6 months, and I don’t use it sparingly! LOL! I’ve accidentally timed it so that I run out during Sephora’s sales, so I always stock up on this.

I’m about halfway through this bottle of Estee Lauder Double Wear Nude Water Fresh Foundation in 3C2/Pebble. I fell for the hype, and while I think it’s a good foundation, I don’t love it. It’s a little thicker than I usually need, but it does have a really flawless application for when I’m doing a full face of makeup, which isn’t often.

Blush has always been a staple for me. I tend to gravitate towards the peachier tones and wear shade Paaaarty in Carte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush. I love the formula. It’s very light but can layer very easily too.

I avoided bronzer for years because I was afraid of looking like Snooki. Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer is light enough that I don’t look like a cheeto and really makes your face look more awake than it really is.

I’m wayyyy late to the highlighter game because it was really intimidating to me. I watched a zillion videos and got this Pixie Glow-y Glossamer Duo and I really like it. It’s subtle and you don’t look like a disco ball.

The Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder is as good as everyone says. It’s definitely a splurge, but a little goes a long way, so it lasts for a long time. The NYX Matte Finish setting spray is also really good.

Makeup for Redheads: Eyes

This has been the hardest part of makeup as a redhead. Black is way too harsh, so finding and using lighter shades is key.

My favorite mascara ever is Loreal Paris Voluminous Mascara. Being a natural redhead means my eyelashes are also red, so mascara makes a world of difference. I go for the black/brown shade and the regular vs the waterproof.

Eyeliner is also something that can look really unnatural on me if it’s too thick or too dark. Maybelline Eye Studio Master Precise Skinny Eyeliner is awesome, because as the name suggests, it’s really skinny. The subtle line is perfect in sharp brown. I’m really bad at applying eyeliner, so the thin line makes it pretty fool proof. I don’t love how it’s really hard to get off though. Even when I feel like I’ve washed really well, I’m still wiping it off the next morning.

For everyday, I use a little bronzer as eyeshadow. But, if I’m looking for something more exciting, I love these Stila Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow. The liquid formula scared me at first, but if applied precisely in small amounts, it’s really not that hard.

Are eyebrows part of the eye, or the face? Either way, the Loreal Paris Brow Stylist Fram & Set has been a game changer for me. I have avoided my brows for so long because I always felt like I was Eugene Levy. Finding the right shade has made all the difference! Of course, this is one of those products that markets to blondes or brunettes, but I’ve found the Light Brunette shade works well for me. Then, I’ll define my brows with a Maybelline Brow Precise Micro Crayon in Light Blonde.

Makeup for Redheads: Lips

I really am not much of a lipstick wearer. I always feel like it looks really unnatural on me, and I’ve never found a good shade. I usually just throw on some EOS Lip Balm and call it a day.

Occasionally, I’ll Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink in Dreamer, but I don’t 100% love that shade on me. I do really like the formula of that lipstick though, so definitely check that one out!

Tools

I’ve been using this brush for bronzer and putting it in “threes” along the sides of my face- hair line, cheeks and under the jaw. Does that make sense? I’m definitely not a beauty blogger.

I use a Sigma F40 large angled contour brush for blush and a Sigma F10 powder brush for setting powder. These are splurges, but I asked for them for Christmas a few years ago, and they still have lots of miles left.

This beauty sponge is a knock off, but works just as well as the original. Plus, Prime.

That’s it! I really lean more towards a more natural makeup look for everyday. Isla is also starting to love makeup too and usually isn’t far behind when I’m putting mine on.

Finding the right makeup for redheads has been challenging, but I finally feel like I’m figuring it out. It helps that there is a wider variety of shades than there was when I first started wearing makeup.

What is your current favorite product in your makeup bag? Do you do high end makeup or drugstore?