The Best Makeup for Your Hair Color

Looking to expand your beauty horizons? There’s nothing like an exciting new hair color to transform your look—but your makeup bag will need a makeover, too. From your eye shadow and blush, to the lipstick and lip gloss you stow in your purse for on-the-go touchups, it’s important to find the best makeup for your hair color, as the best makeup for blondes certainly isn’t the same as what’s best for brunettes. Below, we’re covering it all—makeup for black hair, red hair, brown hair, and blonde hair—so you can find you makeup match, based on the color of your strands.

THE BEST MAKEUP FOR BLONDES

There are two things that no one wants to be washed out: their hair color or, even worse, their complexion. Unfortunately for you golden girls, sometimes looking washed out comes with the territory. But have no fear—it’s easy to make even pale skin pop with the right makeup. Check out these easy makeup tips for blondes to make being blonde more fun.

Blonde Makeup Tip #1: Keep your eyes light and shimmery. Light eye shadows and eyeliners complement your golden locks. Try shimmery vanillas, apricots, and pinks. For more drama, charcoals and chocolates are simply striking.

Product pick: L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Little Beige Dress or L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Always Pearly Pink

Blonde Makeup Tip #2: Use pinks, berries, and peaches on your cheeks. These colors will brighten your complexion—but remember to keep it light. Too much can overwhelm light skin and hair. 

Product pick: L’Oréal Paris Paradise Enchanted Fruit-Scented Blush Makeup in Bashful or Just Curious

Blonde Makeup Tip #3: Give a glossy pink lip a go. A little lip color makes your skin tone instantly more vibrant. Go glossy with sheer berry and peach tones or make a starlet-worthy statement with a bold crimson lip. 

Product pick: L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Plump and Shine Lipstick, Sheer Lipstick in Guava Plump or L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipstick in Sparkling Rose

THE BEST MAKEUP FOR BRUNETTES

You brunettes have it pretty easy. Whether your color is light or dark, cool or warm, brown hair is versatile enough to look great with almost any shade of makeup. That doesn’t mean you can’t accentuate the positives, though. Here are a few makeup tips for brunettes to take your look from cute to breathtaking.

Brunette Makeup Tip #1: Try metallic, neutral shades. Might as well revel in bolder shades since you can pull them off. When it comes to eye shadow, try deep browns, rich purples, and berry tones. But remember the rule—bold eye, neutral lip.

Product pick: L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Matte-ison Avenue and L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Burst Into Bloom

Brunette Makeup Tip #2: Take your skin tone into consideration. If you have a fair complexion, rosy pinks and peaches will give you that vibrant, sweet look. If you’re medium to dark, you may want to try berry, brick, or bronze tones.

Product pick: L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Blush in Apricot Kiss or Spiced Plum

Brunette Makeup Tip #3: Perk up your pout with oxblood. Want that showstopper look? Go for burgundies and brick reds. Looking for an everyday color? Try a berry-tinted gloss.

Product pick: L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature, Lasting Matte Liquid Lipstick in I Am Worth It and L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Plump and Shine Lipstick, Sheer Lipstick in Wild Fig Plump

THE BEST MAKEUP FOR BLACK HAIR

Black hair and red lips. There is no look that more closely defines the term “striking.” It’s sultry, sophisticated, fierce, and the absolute ultimate in femininity. But it’s also a nighttime look, and a girl’s gotta be just as pulled-together during the day. So, check out these makeup matches to make your midnight-colored hair work for you from dusk ‘til dawn. 

Black Hair Makeup Tip #1: Look royal in jewel tones. Plums and jewel eye shadow tones are simply smashing when paired with black hair. For fair to medium complexions, go with sheer shadows. For dark complexions, try an opaque formula.

Product pick: L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Glistening Garnet and L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Smoldering Plum

Black Hair Makeup Tip #2: Consider your complexion. This varies a lot depending on your complexion. On darker skin, you’ll want to use deep roses, magentas, and a little gold to highlight. On fair skin, go lighter with soft pinks and peaches.

Product pick: L’Oréal Paris True Match™ in Barely Blushing or Baby Blossom

Black Hair Makeup Tip #3: Look classic in red. An iconic red lip color is always a good idea. Try one that’s got a hint of yellow to brighten your complexion. For everyday wear, go with opaque glosses in rich berry shades.

Product pick: L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature, Lasting Matte Liquid Lipstick in I Don't and L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Plump and Shine Lipstick, Sheer Lipstick in Watermelon Plump

THE BEST MAKEUP FOR RED HAIR

With those fiery locks, redheads don’t need any help standing out in a crowd. But, as every ginger knows, your color can clash with red-toned makeup like pinks and berries. If you want to double up on those double-takes, you’ve really got to master your complementary colors. Here are a few makeup tips for those with red hair, to keep you looking red hot.

Redhead Makeup Tip #1: Natural shades always pair nicely. Copper and earth-toned eye shadow shades are perfect on most redheads, but if you’re feeling extra fiery, experiment with plums, greens, and grays.

Product pick: L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Pain Au Chocolat or L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints Metallics Eye Shadow in Caged

Redhead Makeup Tip #2: Use a light hand. Since red hair already adds warmth to your complexion, go light on blush. Think soft pinks or peaches dusted only on the apples of your cheeks.

Product pick: L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Blush in Rosy Outlook or L’Oréal Paris Infallible Longwear Blush Shaping Sticks in Sexy Flush

Redhead Makeup Tip #3: Again, go natural but bold. Neutral eyes go well with bold lips like brick reds, while bold eyes can be paired with neutral lips like sweet pinks and clear glosses. It’s all about creating balance since your coppery locks already make a major statement and too much color can overwhelm your visage.

Product pick: L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature, Lasting Matte Liquid Lipstick in I Choose or I Explore

Now that you have a better feel for what makeup will look best with your hair color, check out our article on How to Match Your Makeup to Your Skin Tone.