I need high school makeup/clothes ideas. Any help is greatly appreciated!?

FOUNDATION

Remember, the purpose of foundation is not to change your skin tone. Rather, it is to even out the skin tone you already have. With this in mind, choose a foundation that closely matches your skin tone and skin type. For fair-skinned redheads, a sheer foundation is a must—don’t cover up those gorgeous freckles. Blend, blend, blend, keeping in mind that a natural, not a made-up, look is the goal. Red- or pink-based foundations are often a mistake, making the complexion look ruddy and out-of-kilter. Instead, opt for a yellow- or gold-based foundation, something peachy or coral. It may take some adjustment to break away from the usual beiges, but once you get used to it, you’ll find it makes a huge difference in the glow of your complexion. And, again, make sure your foundation has an SPF of 15 or higher. To add some extra glow, brush a little bronzer in the T-area.

EYE MAKEUP

As far as eye shadow is concerned, it is true that the complexion of a redhead lends itself well to neutral tones, such as taupe. However, neutral need not be boring. Try chestnut, camel, gold, beige, honey, terra cotta, russet and raisin. Experiment with different shades of browns and peaches, blending and combining shades for a smoky or defined eye look.

Remember, every redhead is unique. Red hair comes in a wide range of shades, from strawberry blonde to deep auburn. So, I encourage you not to listen to the “experts” who say redheads cannot wear color. Experiment with color and step outside the ordinary. Opt for something dramatic but different, such as plums or emeralds. Use a lighter color on the brow bone to open up the eyes. In general, stay away from blues and pinks.

Redheads typically have very light eyebrows and eyelashes, making eyeliner a must to add definition to the eyes. Choose a light or dark brown or brownish-black eyeliner pencil and apply it with a light hand to make your eyes stand out more. Select a mascara which adds a lot of definition to fine or skimpy lashes, something that lengthens, thickens and fortifies. Again, browns are favored over blacks, which can wash out a redhead’s fair complexion and look too harsh. Finally, always wear sunglasses when outdoors to protect the fair and delicate skin around your eyes from wrinkling.

LIPSTICK AND BLUSH

In general, pinks and reds may not make the most of your hair and skin tone. For everyday, choose lipsticks and blushes from more neutral, natural color palettes, such as peaches. But again, experiment with color and find what works best for you. Blue-based reds, such as brick, or brown-based reds, such as toast, are exceptions to the rule. Brick or toast lipsticks and blushes add a great deal of warmth to the redheaded complexion and bring out the natural depth of a redhead’s skin tone. Try golden corals and yellow- or gold-based reds, apricots and tawny peaches. But don’t be afraid to try something different. For example, deep lavender lipstick can be very striking on a redhead.

HAIR

If you are fortunate enough to have naturally red hair, by all means embrace it. This is no time to be a shrinking violet. Experiment with a sassy, short style a la Cynthia Nixon or Molly Ringwald, a long, sleek, straight style like Julianne Moore’s or Lindsay Lohan’s, or a wild mop of curls, such as both Nicole Kidman and Julia Roberts have boasted on many occasions. The best way to show off your beauty is to play up your best features. In your case, based in part on its rarity and mystique, your hair is one of your greatest assets. Show it off. Try a henna shampoo to bring out the natural red highlights in your hair or to boost fading natural red color. Beet juice or cranberry juice will also boost red highlights. To give red hair added shine and also prevent build-up from hair products, add approximately two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the water when you rinse your hair. The really great news? Redheads don’t go gray. Instead, they go from red to a sandy “buff” color then to white.

One final suggestion: Keep in mind that the greatest beauty asset a redhead has is her inner spirit. It’s no myth: Redheads are intelligent, fun-loving, energetic, passionate and fiery. Play up the positive aspects of those traits and allow your inner redhead to shine through.

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