The Best Makeup Colors for Redheads, According to an Expert

The Biggest Mistakes Redheads Make With Makeup

Lobell says the biggest mistake she sees redheads making when it comes to their makeup choices is not working with their natural colors and features. 

“Red hair is already a statement, so I like to keep the complexion fresh and skin-like, especially if you have freckles, which should shine through rather than be completely covered,” she says. “I also recommend keeping brows soft and natural, avoiding anything too dark or overly defined.” Forget trying to stick to any one rule, but rather let them guide you and find your own signature look within it. “Focus on choosing tones that enhance your natural coloring and create balance, and you'll find almost any shade can work when applied thoughtfully,” Lobell adds.

The Best Eyeshadow & Eyeliner Colors for Redheads

There’s a great opportunity to play up your peepers when you have bright red hair, and Lobell suggests choosing “soft taupes, warm browns, bronze, copper, champagne, and muted plums” to complement your hair color, rather than overshadow it.  

“For a little more drama, olive and deep forest green make green and hazel eyes look especially vivid. If you’re after a more monochromatic effect, rich russet tones bring out blue eyes.” As a redhead myself with brown eyes, I find skipping eyeliner altogether works for me, unless I'm going for a dramatic cat-eye. 

We’re also fans of MAKEUP BY MARIO’S Soft Taupe Eyeliner shade that stays put all day and can be blended out with the attached brush upon first application. For cat eyes, we’re fans of the BENEFIT COSMETICS Roller Liner that’s both water- and smudge-proof. 

The Best Blush Colors for Redheads

This is where things get a bit tricky. I used to love a pale pink shade, and since becoming a redhead have opted more towards corals, particularly the WONDERSKIN BEAUTY Blush Stain in the shade Sundrop. Turns out, this is makeup artist-approved.  

“I gravitate toward natural-looking shades that mimic a healthy flush, like soft peach, apricot, warm pink, or muted coral depending on your skin tone,” says Lobell. “You want the color to bring life to the complexion rather than look overly bright.” She suggests a peach shade that works on both cheeks and lips, like NEEN’S Going Rouge Cream Blush & Lip in Happy.

Speaking of lips, if you’re a fan of a bold red lip, Lobell says you don’t have to shy away from one just because you’re a redhead. “You just want one with warmth rather than a cool blue undertone,” she says. We love MAC Matte Lipstick in the shade Chili for this. 

The Best Mascara Colors for Redheads

If you haven’t tried it already, Lobell suggests reaching for a brown mascara that gives an effortless, natural look, especially in the daytime. 

“If you're after a little more definition, a rich espresso brown is a good option, she adds. “A plum or deep burgundy mascara can also be more subtle but a little cooler and enhances green or hazel eyes whilst looking a little softer than black.” 

We’re huge fans of the TARTE Tartlette XL Tubing Mascara in shade brown for this. It’s smudge and flake-proof and stays put all day long. 

The Best Foundation for Redheads

Lobell insists makeup finishes are more about skin texture and preference, so reach for the one that works best with your skin’s needs. However, “many redheads have beautiful, fair complexions that look especially fresh with a natural, skin-like finish,” she says. “I love products that leave a subtle luminosity rather than an overly matte or overly dewy effect. Healthy-looking skin always photographs and wears beautifully, regardless of your hair color.” 

We’re fans of the HAUS LABS Triclone™ Skin Tech Foundation and TOWER 28 SunnyDays™ Tinted SPF 30 for light to buildable coverage.