Naturally red hair is not common.In fact, only about two percent of the United States population is born with red hair.So rare are true redheads that, for centuries, redheaded women were hanged or burned as witches.Some theorize that the red hair gene is so recessive that redheads are ultimately doomed for extinction.Thanks to advanced technology, you no longer have to be born with red hair to experience its glamour and sizzle. But, whether you are a natural redhead or get your fiery locks from a bottle, being a redhead requires a unique approach to hair, makeup and life in general.  Today, despite everything we know about the damage the sun causes to our skin and the potential dangers of exposure to the sun, our society continues to equate tan skin with an appearance of health.The popularity of tans makes it particularly difficult to stand your ground as a fair-skinned redhead.But the fact is, sun exposure can be particularly disastrous if you are a redhead, both from a beauty and from a health standpoint.

While a sprinkling of freckles is quite attractive, exposure to the sun can cause not only an overabundance of freckles for the fair of face, but sun spots and other discolorations as well.Keep in mind also that overexposure to the sun causes premature wrinkling.Accordingly, as a fair-skinned redhead, protecting your skin from overexposure to the sun is the first step in any beauty regime. Use moisturizers and foundation containing SPF 15 or better on a daily basis, as part of your makeup routine.Always use sunscreen and wear a hat if you are going to be out in the sun for any length of time. If you simply must experience the pleasures of tanned skin, then take advantage of today’s highly-advanced sunless “tanning” options. Protect your skin at all costs.Believe me, when we are in our sixties or seventies, and our sun-worshipping friends are wrinkled and have dry, leathery skin, while our complexions continue to be youthful and dewy, we will be so glad that we did.

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.

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 eyelash’s, 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.

Lipsticks and also 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 in your case your case, based in part on its rarity and mystique, your hair is one of your greatest assets. Show it off.

Try a Demi- Permanent haircolor to add enhance 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