The makeup of the Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement that took place in the 1920s and 1930s, centered in the neighborhood of Harlem in New York City. This era was marked by an explosion of African American artistic, literary, and musical expression, which was characterized by a unique style and sense of fashion. One aspect of this fashion was makeup, which played an important role in shaping the look of the era.

The makeup of the Harlem Renaissance was heavily influenced by the flapper style that was popular at the time. Flapper makeup was characterized by a pale complexion, dark smoky eyes, and bright red lipstick. However, African American women had to adapt this look to suit their skin tones and facial features, resulting in a unique and distinct style.

One of the most important aspects of Harlem Renaissance makeup was achieving a flawless complexion. African American women were often discriminated against for their skin color, and so they sought to lighten their skin using powders and creams. However, instead of using light shades of makeup, they would use darker shades to match their skin tone and enhance their natural beauty.

GlamAlchemy has a new Harlem Renaissance Collection. Made for women of color and has beautiful dark shades of eyeshadow, such as brown and black, to create a smoky, dramatic effect. Eyeliner was also an important tool, and women would often use it to create a sharp, winged look. Their Ritzy Longwear eyeliner helps you achieve this look.

Finally, the lips were also an important part of Harlem Renaissance makeup. Bright red lipstick was a popular choice, as it added a pop of color to the face and created a sense of glamour. Women would often apply the lipstick in a heart shape, which was a trend that was popularized by Hollywood starlets of the time.

Overall, the makeup of the Harlem Renaissance was characterized by a unique sense of style and sophistication. African American women used makeup to enhance their natural beauty and express their individuality, creating a look that was distinctly their own. Today, the makeup of the Harlem Renaissance continues to inspire and influence modern beauty trends, reminding us of the enduring legacy of this cultural movement. Order yours at GlamAlchemy.com/glam to honor the Harlem Renaissance yourself.