Unlike other topics in my Hey, It’s Okay… series where I’ve learned to love and accept certain things about myself, being pale is something I’ve always accepted and strangely liked. Being a redhead and being pale go hand in hand and it’s no secret that I am a proud redhead! I have always been different and as I’ve grown up I’ve realised that those differences are special and aren’t anything to be ashamed of.
Having red hair is a huge part of my identity and I love how it makes me unique! Did you know that redheads only make up 1-2% of the population? I get my fair skin and my hair from my dad but what’s actually really interesting is that there’s Scottish ties on my mum’s side and I’m part Maori. You wouldn’t think it to look at me, but that’s another thing I get that from my dad. I’m also covered in freckles and my favourite way to describe them is, “little kisses from the sun.” I read that somewhere and thought it was beautiful.
I understand though, that redheads aren’t the only ones who are pale and I want my fellow fair-skinned beauties to be able to relate to this post as well. No matter who you are we all want to love the skin we’re in and a huge part of that for me is embracing my natural colour and not trying to change it. I’m not here to preach and tell you not to use tanning products or what to do because every person has their own idea of happiness and how they want to look so who am I to judge? However, I am here to tell you that it’s okay if you don’t do what other people do and you shouldn’t be made to feel guilty for that. I am extremely lucky that I’ve never been made to feel inadequate because of how pale my skin is and I’ve never felt the need to try and change the colour of my skin so I look more tan.
Being pale doesn’t just relate to tanning. There’s been many a time I’ve tested a foundation or concealer in a shop and the light shades are still too dark for me. It’s quite a common problem which can result in a lot of swatching and research but once you find products that work for you, you’ll notice the difference. Personally, I like a natural, light coverage and nothing too heavy. I don’t have dark circles or a lot of lines and I like to think I take good care of my skin. Most of the time, pale skin is a lot more sensitive to the sun and sunburn so you have to be careful about the products you use and how long you spend in the sun.
Like anything, there are positives to being pale. As I mentioned, if you’re a redhead you’re already special because there are only a small number of people like you in the world. When it comes to blood tests, it will be easier to find veins because of how translucent your skin is. When I’m swatching makeup like lipsticks and eyeshadows, the colour doesn’t differentiate if I swatch it on my arm or my hand from when I’m wearing it on my face. My lips are pale too so they don’t dull down or alter the colour of a lipstick and they hold the pigment so well.
One of the best makeup discoveries I made is a range called Dainty Doll by Nicola Roberts. Nicola is best known for being 1/5th of Girls Aloud and created the range to suit redheads and pale skinned beauties like herself. The makeup range was discontinued in 2013 (I think) but I’ve managed to pick up a few products from it online and it is truly marvelous. All of my blushes are from Dainty Doll because I know they aren’t too pigmented and they will enhance the colour of my skin.
There are brands out there that do cater for us pale folk and probably now more than ever. Byrdie compiled a list of five pale girl approved makeup lines along with product recommendations from each one which you can check out HERE!
So, no matter your skin type or your skin colour, embrace it because it’s the only one you’ve got! You never know who might be looking at you thinking how much they wish they were like you or had what you have. Being pale is nothing to be ashamed of, and while it may make shopping for makeup difficult at times, I wouldn’t change it for anything!
Chanelle Hayley 