Whether you’re sporting sun-kissed highlights, delicious chocolate-brown strands or a jet-black bob, it’s important to find cosmetics that compliment your look, so that your makeup doesn’t take a backseat to your tresses.
“When we change our hair color, we sometimes have to accommodate for changes in the tones that we maybe wear on our eyes or a lip color,” explains Sari Motley, founder of Sari Motley Cosmetics. “If your hair is lighter and you go darker, for example, your old favorites might not work anymore.”
Factor in textures, too! From thick and curly to sleek and straight, your locks help frame your face and should be considered in the overall impression. In the summer, for example, loose wavy strands pair perfectly with a sheer and dewy complexion or perhaps match a matte look with silky-smooth, straight strands.
Ready to change your ways? Read on for insider advice on maximizing your appearance.
Even landlocked blondes can take a cue from beach babes. Whether you’ve gone platinum, adopted golden locks or a subdued ash hue, it’s important that your make-up doesn’t overwhem your look. Opt for soft shades and shadows that help enhance your sunny sensibility.
Stay away from darks, which contrast harshly against highlights, and look for light-reflecting pastels and subtle shades of pink or nude. Motley’s advice? “Go for coppers and bronzes and maybe even throw in a little melon. Golds are great for anybody!”
It’s possible that Motley might be slightly biased. The striking brunette—who’s often complimented for her well-edited look—asserts that brown-haired gals can get away with pretty much anything.
“Brunettes can be chameleon-like,” she explains. “On me, for example, I can wear anything from navy blue to black to yellow.” Yet, her favorite must-have hue continues to be the femme-friendly plum.
“Purple is universally flattering and really good for any tones,” she says. “You can find plums with red, plums that are plumier or plums that are yellow. It’s a very neutralizing color.”
Experiment with mochas, neutral shades of brown and slightly richer blushes, which add drama and keep brunette beauties from looking too washed out.
Sure, Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks was smoking with her siren-red lips and rockin’ red hair at the 2010 Golden Globes, but the fiery look isn’t for everyone! “Their hair is their statement, so they don’t usually have any other statement pieces,” explains Motley. But that doesn’t mean redheads can’t have fun with their make-up!
Motley does recommend playing with eye-catching lipsticks. “If you can find the right red lipstick on a red head, it’s absolutely beautiful.”
Since most natural redheads have fair skin, spice things up with a light dusting of bronzing powder across the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. The shimmer helps accentuate an already-striking appearance.
While it’s important for women to find the right foundation no matter their hair color, it’s even more important for raven-haired beauties. Pick a shade that’s too pale and the next thing you know, it’s vampire city. Stop by a make-up counter for help finding the right color—don’t be afraid to mix a couple of shades together, either.
“One of my favorite looks for black hair—and it’s not always easy to pull off—is red lipstick,” says Motley. “I love an almost Marilyn Monroe-esque style look with a nice bright red and a really simple polished face.”
If you do opt for a pout that pops, Motley suggests keeping the rest simple with a little cheek color and an understated, but contoured eye. “You’re not seeing color, you’re just seeing dimension with a pretty lash and a smidgen of black eye liner.”
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When it doubt, during the late spring and summer months, keep it simple. Bronze accents are a universal ‘Do’ and a season staple. The warm months are also a good time to consider swapping regular foundation for a tinted moisturizer, which help keep a look from melting off.
Don’t have time to apply a full face? The summer months are a prime time for beauties to go minimal with a little eyeliner and just a sweep of mascara.
Natalie Bogan is a Houston-based freelance writer and editor. Her work has been published in a variety of lifestyle magazines, newspapers and online publications including KC Brides magazine, Houston Brides magazine, Houston Modern Luxury and Southwest Airlines' Spirit magazine.
Comments
This is great information! My hair is really dark brown, but in the summer it lightens up. I will change my makeup up a little in the summer so I look more natural!