Since the Renaissance era, women have used makeup to highlight their natural beauty and create a unique sense of self-expression. Alternating between various luxury brands and homemade concoctions, women of the Renaissance evolved this art form as an intricate part of their daily lives. Today, it’s interesting to explore the Renaissance and how makeup was viewed in art and society at the time. In this article, we’ll uncover the beauty secrets behind makeup in the Renaissance.

I. Unmasking the Renaissance Ideal of Beauty

The Renaissance was a period of vast expansion of ideals, from art to literature to beauty. But what constituted an ideal of beauty during this time? Many may think of symmetrical facial features, small waists, and long flowing locks of hair as being what made a person beautiful, but this is not the full story. During the Renaissance, beauty was seen as being about harmony, almost musical, within the physical form.

As expressed in the artwork of the time, beauty was seen in many ways, from curves to thinness to strength. Certainly, those who were in power or of higher social standing were thought to possess greater beauty, but it was not confined to any one type of person. As most aspects of Renaissance life, the embodiment of beauty encompassed the many elements of the period—from the classical, to the spiritual, to the natural.

• The Balance of Features – Beauty during the Renaissance was as much about symmetrical facial features as it was about the balance of subtle variations. Many believed that this balance within the face conveyed that the subject was in harmony with the greater beauty of nature.
• The Perfect Figure – During the Renaissance, curves were generally seen as being the epitome of beauty. However, this wasn’t a rigid conception: being thin was not seen as a ‘fault’ nor was being broad or muscular seen as undesirable.
• The Height of Style – Beauty was considered incomplete without style, which constituted the details that showed the individual as apart from the room. This could be intricate hairstyles, bold or modest clothing, or differences in facial ornamentation such as piercings.

The Renaissance was a time of exploration in the realm of beauty, showcasing the appreciation of many ideals and forms. Rather than one single silhouette of beauty, each person was seen as containing a unique harmony of features, figures, and styles.

II. Illuminating the Renaissance View of Makeup

In the 16th Century Renaissance, cosmetics were used both by aristocracy and by those of lesser means. In the world of the Renaissance, cosmetics served multiple purposes, from adorning oneself for festivals and special occasions to expressing emotions and relaying personal stories.

Using vibrant colors to showcase individual style

Renaissance women’s makeup ranges from subtle hues of natural colors to bold, vibrant shades. Colors used in makeup were often derived from easily available natural sources, such as minerals, herbs, and petals, which had to be ground down into powder form. This allowed individuals to get creative and express themselves through their makeup choices. Classic shades of the era included shimmering golds, fiery reds, and deep blues, blending together to create unique and colorful looks.

Using symbolism to communicate stories

Renaissance makeup isn’t only about looking pretty, it often conveys stories and symbols in a subtle, yet unmistakable way. Red was a symbol of vitality and strength, while white was closely associated with innocence, virtue, and piety. Black was worn to connote power and wealth, or to show mourning.

Reviving old traditions

This era also saw the revival of older, more romantic makeup routines, such as the use of Rouge Pot, a traditional ceramic pot which held a salve of pigmentation. This salve used to be blended with beeswax to give a glowing, romantic look to the cheeks. The use of vermeil, a color of gold, was also popular, along with kohl to line the eyes. These subtle yet effective techniques all added up to create the Renaissance look.

III. Applying Makeup to Art During the Renaissance Period

The practical application of makeup during the Renaissance period was both artistic and functional. Today, cosmetics are primarily utilitarian, used to look more presentable and attractive. But during the Renaissance period, makeup was part of the artistic process, both in its use during painting and sculpting.

In the creative field of working with mediums such as oil painting and sculpture, makeup allowed artists to add to their work. This special form of the practice, the use of makeup to help produce artwork, was widely practiced during the Renaissance. With makeup, artists could create a range of new shades and hues.

The Role of Makeup

• To create shading and texture
• To create a base for painting
• To neutralize or highlight certain colors
• To give an appearance of life to a sculpture

In the Renaissance period, makeup was not only used to enhance the appearance of a portrait or sculpture, but it was also used to add an emotional element to the artwork. This could come in the form of a warm and sun-kissed complexion or a cool and pale complexion. With the use of makeup, artists could suggest a range of emotions and feelings.

The practical application of makeup during the Renaissance period was a cornerstone for creating lifelike art. The addition of makeup allowed for a more vivid representation of life by adding color, contrast, depth, and emotion to an artwork. As such, makeup played a valuable role in transforming artist’s works into profound works of art.

IV. Cosmetics Crafting a Higher Echelon of Status

Cosmetics have evolved to more than just a superficial accessory. When brands like Chanel, Tom Ford, and Yves Saint Laurent become a part of your beauty routine, you’re not just creating a stunning look – you’re exercising a prestige that’s projected through your carefully crafted façade.

Investing in a sophisticated line of makeup products is not the same as shopping at a drugstore. Aiming for a high-end aesthetic is about a more elevated, high-end approach. Of course, those glass jars of face cream come with a price tag, but the attention to detail with things like color selection and application and textures that are both modern and wearable offer a luxurious upgrade.

What could provide an even further rush of chic is understanding the science behind the product and why it’s premised on a desired end-result. Stellar skincare line ingredient choices work to hydrate, soothe, and protect from external factors like the sun. For makeup, high-end brands offer color that applies with uniformity and are long-lasting.

It’s no mistake that privileged women took the spotlight in fashion and cosmetics over the last centuries, and not without good reason. Crafting a privileged and respectable beauty look requires creating perceptions of status, and what better way to do so than access to top-notch cosmetics?

V. Transcending Beauty in Renaissance Paintings

The Renaissance period gave way to some of the most striking and iconic paintings and works of art we know today. With beautiful lines, engaging narratives, and an unprecedented attention to detail, Renaissance paintings demand our admiration. To look upon them more deeply, we can find an even greater beauty in the subtle nuances and bold implications of what’s happening in the image.

• Light and Shadow: Most Renaissance paintings make creative use of light and shadow, creating a masterful dichotomy of balance and contrast that draws viewers in. Light is used to emphasize a focal point, while grays and black add a layer of depth and emotion.
• Symbolism: Many Renaissance painters used symbolism in their paintings to bring out a sense of the magical and spiritual. From Mary Magdalene’s white veil to the halo of light surrounding Jesus, symbolism was employed to suggest a higher spiritual level.
• Composition: Renaissance painters delighted in making use of imaginative compositions; from the central daring inspired by Heraclitus to the three-dimensional depth of Paolo Veronese’s The Wedding at Cana, Renaissance painting harnesses our senses and allows us to get lost in its beauty.

The renowned beauty of Renaissance paintings surpasses the obvious. With its creative use of composition, light, shadow, and symbolism, Renaissance art creates a stunning and multi-layered experience that is still relished to this day.

From the delicate beauty of Sandro Botticelli’s La Primavera to Raphael’s vibrant paintings of the Sistine Madonna, Renaissance paintings are a truly unique form of art that captures the beauty and complexity of the world—and of humanity—in a single, spellbinding image.

VI. Enhancing Beauty in Everyday Society

The concept of beauty is ever-evolving, but it’s often seen as something hard to come by or something that needs to be achieved. This doesn’t need to be the case. Beauty can be found in everyday life, if we just take the time to look.

Admiring the natural beauty of the sunrise or sunset is one way to start to appreciate beauty in everyday life. From the colors in the sky to the way the sunlight dances on leaves or ocean waves, there’s so much to be grateful for and admire.

Taking a moment to appreciate some of the smaller details of life can make us more mindful of those around us. Even everyday objects like chairs, trains, and buildings can have a certain allure and beauty when we take the time to appreciate them, especially when viewed from a different perspective.

• Encourage Yourself: Practice expressing gratitude for the beauty that exists in your everyday life.
• Spread The Love: Share your thoughts or favorite moments on social media and inspire others to do the same.
• Experience New Things: Try activities that bring you and others joy, whether it’s yoga, hula hooping, or stargazing.

The beauty of makeup in the Renaissance is something that still captivates us today, as it is a reminder of the creativity and cultural significance that was expressed through art and society during this period. This is a testament to the power of beauty in all its forms, and the impact it can have, even centuries later.