Colors for Blondes

[jitterbugdoll]

Inspired by mysterygal's post regarding redheads, here is one aimed at blondes :)

I am a cool-skinned, pale blonde, and I find that I can wear a wide variety of colors: pinks, reds, blues, purples, greens, yellows, browns, and even some shades of orange. As I am a very pale-skinned person, I find that the trick is to choose more saturated colors. Luckily, the popular colors of the 1930s-40s fit this bill perfectly ;)

Some photo examples of Jean Harlow and Carol Landis:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d910b3127cce8b8430bd2c5000000015108AatmbRq2ctP

http://www.anthropoetics.ucla.edu/cl/cl_sguide746.jpg

http://www.anthropoetics.ucla.edu/cl/cl_slnd641.jpg

http://www.anthropoetics.ucla.edu/cl/cl_hitp745m.jpg

http://www.anthropoetics.ucla.edu/cl/cl_pho643m.jpg

http://www.anthropoetics.ucla.edu/cl/cl_dixie2.jpg

http://www.anthropoetics.ucla.edu/cl/clp_lavender.jpg

http://www.anthropoetics.ucla.edu/cl/cl_parasol.jpg

[Paisley]

I have similar coloring, although my hair is now dark blond. I get the most compliments when I wear white, red and lavendar. The red that works best is light, cool red, not burgundy or orange-red.

As for yellow, I used to wear a yellow shirt sometimes when I went dancing. I couldn't get arrested in that shirt.

[jitterbugdoll]

I can wear maroons and burgundys quite well. Also, orange reds, corals, and salmon pinks work well, too. I find that pale shades with little saturation wash me out like nothing else; they don't work with my very pale skin.

Here's Carole showing the color yellow I can wear--she's certainly garnering attention in this dress :)

http://www.anthropoetics.ucla.edu/cl/cl_momlc.jpg

[Irena]

I say that I'm blonde, though my hair has more metal tones... gold, brass, and copper, along with a darker under-layer. Because of my hair color, I cannot wear much gold (the metal) as it clashes. My skin doesn't help... I cannot wear many greens or anything brighter than a butter-yellow (I turn yellow/green), or very many pinks (I turn salmon-ish). Neutral tones (beige, tan, mauve) wash me out.

On the up-side, I look wonderful in dark or light colors other than green and yellow, and including black and white.

My eyes change constantly: blue, green, grey, and violet are normal, and I have a few yellow specks.

Looking back at what I wrote, I must sound quite odd.

[Naama]

Ok, I'm a blonde, but as faked as bossible ;) Naturally I'm a darker brown, my skin colour? I don't know, I just can't say if it's cool or warm, but some days ago afriend of mine said I look cheesy (over here you say that unpolite to pale people) [huh] Very nice....
I mostly wear bleack and white, I think I like the contrast or the all white look pretty much!


Naama

[AllaboutEve]

You're all so lucky I always wish I'd been born a blonde or suited blonde. It's such a "cult" colour: think Marilyn, Diana Dors, Veronica etc.......
I think that of all the hair colours you have the widest choice of colours you can choose from and you always look FABULOUS in red.

[jitterbugdoll]

Another photo example:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d620b3127cce8b8fd6ca92d100000025108AatmbRq2ctP

[Paisley]

In the above picture, I think the colors work only because the model looks like she has some flint in her. Otherwise, given her coloring, those clothes would be wearing her. In any case, cobalt blue would look better on her, and would still look serious.

[jitterbugdoll]

I have very similar coloring (paler, though) and I love the way that shade of pink looks on me (that's why I posted the photo actually, because it is a color I would choose to wear.) I can wear the gamut from rose to magenta, actually.

[Paisley]

I think a warmer pink or coral would look better on her than lilac pink. But I was looking more at the black suit as being a little too intense.

[jitterbugdoll]

I would wear the black, too--I think the overall look is quite striking because of the contrast. Nothing washes me out more than a lack of color--I need something that plays against my fair coloring.

[maisie]

Another photo example:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d620b3127cce8b8fd6ca92d100000025108AatmbRq2ctP

Ohh! I have a crepe dress in the same colours as that, the dress is black with that bright pink as the colour on the bodice with a few black sequins in rows across the front! It is such a fab colour combination and it looks fab in that pic!!

[Paisley]

...Looks divine in navy and coral pink:

http://www.gasolinealleyantiques.com/celebrity/images/Movie/day-screenguide-nov.JPG

...but not so hot in lilac pink.
http://www.oldies.com/i/boxart/large/68/090431680124.jpg

Soft orange does her justice...
http://www.televisionheaven.co.uk/dorisday.jpg

...and she look like a million bucks in warm, clear red!
http://themave.com/bijou/cvrs/cvr60-doris.jpg

[jitterbugdoll]

Betty in red:
http://home.att.net/~movie.stars.1950/fashion_betty_grable200x258.jpg

And yellow:
http://www.suspense-movies.com/stars/betty-grable/Grable4.jpg

Cream:
http://www.classicmoviemusicals.com/grable2.jpg

Veronica in black:

http://peek-a-boo-bang.wyrdweb.com/gallery/face/ss33l.jpg

Warm rust and green:
http://peek-a-boo-bang.wyrdweb.com/gallery/face/ss54l.jpg

Pink:
http://peek-a-boo-bang.wyrdweb.com/gallery/face/ss50l.jpg

Red:
http://peek-a-boo-bang.wyrdweb.com/gallery/bikini/b20l.jpg
http://peek-a-boo-bang.wyrdweb.com/gallery/seat/a42l.jpg

Blue:
http://peek-a-boo-bang.wyrdweb.com/gallery/face/ss51l.jpg

Note how the makeup is adjusted to complement the different colors, and also note how a slight change in hair color warmth allows for different colors to be worn.

[maisie]

Warm rust and green:
http://peek-a-boo-bang.wyrdweb.com/gallery/face/ss54l.jpg

Note how the makeup is adjusted to complement the different colors, and also note how a slight change in hair color warmth allows for different colors to be worn.

I love those two colours! I think her hair looks a slightly warmer shade, even verging on a ginger shade, in this picture, but it definatly works!

[jitterbugdoll]

Inspired by Queenie, here are a few photos of my favorite colors to wear:

I love to wear navy blue:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d623b3127cce8bb135ccbb7500000025108AatmbRq2ctP

Yellow and Black:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d937b3127cce92a18e8f4d0000000015108AatmbRq2ctP

Royal Purple:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d937b3127cce92a0062aec9d00000015108AatmbRq2ctP

Cadet Blue:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d625b3127cce8ba54df469fc00000006108AatmbRq2ctP

[VintageJess]

Great pics Jitterbugdoll! I like the navy blue especially! That hat is great!

[mysterygal]

I'm having a hard time finding a lipstick color that goes well... I have fair skin (pale, but I don't think as pale as jitterbugs) and blue eyes. I'm looking for a pink shade and a red shade that would be complementary. The ones I had with my black hair seems way too dark with me being blonde now!
Also, after bleaching my hair, after a week, it starts getting a yellow 'hue' to it. Is this what they call 'brassiness?' what products keep this from happening or is this just enivitable?

[LolitaHaze]

Yes, brassiness is that yellow/orange hue that stinks. Go to a hair store an pick up a bottle of Shimmer Lights by Clairol, it's a violet shampoo. It works wonders, but the only down side is that in my opinion it smells like flea dip for dogs.

[jitterbugdoll]

Violet shampoo works wonders on bleached and natural blonde hair. You do have to be careful about leaving it on your hair for too long, as your hair will start to take on a very distinct purple cast.

I can wear a wide range of reds and bright pinks, but I especially like very bright, true and blue-based reds. I do avoid orange-based colors, as they clash with the cooler tones in my skin. My favorite reds are MAC Ruby Woo and Besame Red; MAC Girl About Town is a great pink shade.

[Miss Neecerie]

Artec makes a violet shampoo and conditioner as well....maybe it doesn't smell like flea dip.....might be worth the price difference.

[ohairas]

There are many violet/blue shampoos out... check around. Violet would probably be the better choice for you.

Jitterbug those were fabulous examples! I must say, I usually have to do a double take and make sure they're not pics of you, lol!
I do think the "Barbie" pink looks great on blondes, esp. with black.. afterall, it's Barbie's signature color and it looks good on her, right? Ha!
I also meant to say that JB you look fab in that minty/juniper sweater coat and hat on your myspace page... just lovely!

Sometimes if any of you feel washed out by wearing a certain color, just darken your brows a bit. Does wonders!

Nikki

[jitterbugdoll]

There are many violet/blue shampoos out... check around. Violet would probably be the better choice for you.

Jitterbug those were fabulous examples! I must say, I usually have to do a double take and make sure they're not pics of you, lol!
I do think the "Barbie" pink looks great on blondes, esp. with black.. afterall, it's Barbie's signature color and it looks good on her, right? Ha!
I also meant to say that JB you look fab in that minty/juniper sweater coat and hat on your myspace page... just lovely!

Sometimes if any of you feel washed out by wearing a certain color, just darken your brows a bit. Does wonders!

Nikki

Thank you, Nikki--your comment really made my day! :o

I agree that defining your brows and always choosing a nice, bright lipstick both do wonders for preventing blondes from looking washed out.

[Grnidwitch]

I'm a med golden blonde in the winter and go lighter in the summer. The sun has always bleached out my hair. I don't color my hair, I just nature have it's way. I'm not as fair as JBD, I have a ruddier skin and jade green eyes. I can wear most colors as long as they aren't muddy or greyed down. I can wear pumpkin orange and do in the fall. I get the most compliments when I wear ivory, pink, orange and all the fall colors. I do wear alot of black. Always have. It's very dramatic on most blondes. I'm still on the hunt for the perfect red lipstick. Most lipsticks turn blueish on me for some reason. I use rose and brownish rose blush most of the time. I use raisin tones of lipstick and blush when I wear black. I like the drama.

[BegintheBeguine]

Yes, brassiness is that yellow/orange hue that stinks. Go to a hair store an pick up a bottle of Shimmer Lights by Clairol, it's a violet shampoo. It works wonders, but the only down side is that in my opinion it smells like flea dip for dogs.
lol That is so funny, I LOVE the scent of Shimmer Lights! But maybe it is the olfactory memory thing and reminds me of being on vacation and having sunstreaks in my hair and using Shimmer Lights, the scent was my favorite part about using Shimmer Lights. Just goes to show why I hate most of the current perfumes out there now ;) (Now of course I use the red version of Shimmer Lights. It has a subdued scent :()

[mysterygal]

Thanks for the great tips!
My goal is to have my hair as light as Jitterbugs and Lolita...you gals look SO great!
barbie; lol funny you mention that! I was getting really frustrated with trying to come up with make-up that complimented my skin tone and such that resorted to looking at my girls dolls. This is actually good for me though. I'm NOT a detail oriented person at all! So, studying colors that go together is a big help!

[mysterygal]

I've come to the conclusion that pink is just not my color! I've bought about 5 different shades and NONE look right on me. Brown-based colors seem to be the most complimentary. For any other blonde who's looking for a great lip gloss, I absolutely love the color of this; Cover Girl Wetslicks in mauvelicious.

[mysterygal]

I couldn't find the right kind of shampoo at any of the grocery stores in town, so I finally made the trip to Sally's and found some by L'oreal (which...:eusa_doh: should of done in the first place!) the stuff works great! it even took away some of the brassiness that was starting to develop:eusa_clap

[mysterygal]

lipsticks;
Mary Kay; pink pout lip gloss (this looks a bit scary cause in the tube the gloss looks purple)
Mary Kay; redwood (a very nice brick-red lipstick; also great for redheads)
Palladio (found at Sally Beauty Supplies); geranium
eyeshadows;
revlon colorstay powder eyeshadow-spice (this too looks great on redheads and the shadow is super easy to blend)
eyeliner;
L.A. Colors liquid eyeliner; black
maybelline lineworks (I really like they're purple color)