Today, on the second Monday of October, the ever-controversial Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated. Columbus Day is a holiday celebrating the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492.
However, the holiday is being reclaimed as Indigenous Peoples Day — a day of solidarity with Native Americans, as well. Given to the criticism of Columbus as a European colonizer whose journeys led to the decimation of American indigenous populations, I prefer Indigenous Peoples’ Day to the Columbus Day holiday as well. Everyone knows the story of Christopher Columbus, a Spanish explorer looking for a passage to Asia for the trade of goods in the late 1400’s. With his three ships, the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria, Columbus set sail and ‘discovered’ America, where he found what he called “Indians,” thinking he found India.
But did you know that the Renaissance created such an impact on the European cultural movement that it’s still influencing artisans and designers in present day. So, in praise of Columbus’ “discovery” of the so-called “New World” I’d like to share some modern day looks for brides inspired by what came out of Europe in the mid-fourteenth century and spread to the colonies in the New World.
As far as their makeup goes, European brides and all other fashionable ladies in this era highly valued pallor. An ivory-like complexion was highly desired by the ladies of the age. Brides who weren’t naturally pale used white lead powder to achieve look of the day, white powders such as ground alabaster were also blended on the face to give the appearance of fair skin.
Today, we are fortunate to have much safer versions like Dermablend’s Professional loose powder. I love using it on my brides because it’s so weightless and truly translucent while setting your foundation for up to 16 hours. Cheeks also remained fair but needed to give off a bit of a glow. Mercury was sometimes added to the white lead powder and rubbed into the cheek area in order to achieve the necessary effect.
If you’d like to have that Renaissance glow sans the poisoned pallor look, I recommend Dior makeup artist’s secret weapon to add instant radiance to any look – the Backstage Glow Face Palette .The palette is designed with two highlighters—one white and one golden—as well as two blush shades—one rosy and one bronze—that can be applied to the cheekbones to express the classic Renaissance ideal of beauty. These easy-to-blend powders and highly-concentrated, shimmery pigments can be worn alone or blended together, giving you the freedom to customize your look from a natural glow to intense radiance.
Since high, wide foreheads were prized, women often pumiced that area to hide any evidence of tweezed hairlines and to assure that no lines cracked the serenity of their brow. Eyebrows needed to remain light and airy, so they were often tweezed or even cut to make certain that they were not overly prominent. Vermilion was commonly used on the lips, which could either be left natural or tinted to full, highly defined, and luscious red color. Women also practiced putting drops of belladonna, an herb, into their eyes. This would create the desired effect of making their eyes sparkle and make their eyes look wider. Unfortunately, it also led to poisoning and permanently harmed their vision with extended use. Long hair was seen as a symbol of wealth and high social status. Elegant and intricate braided hairstyles like the one seen here from Valentino’s catwalk, were popular at the time, and much in favor by sixteenth-century royal bride – Marie de’ Medici.
Much like today, luxury and style have often revolved around the bridal gowns worn during the Renaissance era.The brides of the Renaissance era were known for their distinctive and elaborate sense of style. In fact, European cultures were very fashion-conscious, so wedding dresses were appropriately stylized and remarkable because the purpose of clothing in Renaissance times was to make a statement or establish one’s social status.
The Art of Bridal Makeovers by Aradia – Yes… It’s about the love of fashion history and culture! But mostly it’s about today’s bridal beauty.
CREDITS
The style and cultured elegance of the Renaissance inspired the following gorgeous bridal editorials:
Isabella I of Castile
Magazine: Vogue China (January 2007)
Editorial: Renaissance
Photographer: Pierluigi Maco
Model: Vlada Roslyakova
Vogue editorial The Renaissance
Photographer: Matjaz Tancic
The Art Of Bridal Makeup by Aradia
Specializing in Formal Hairstyling & Bridal Makeup Artistry
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Posted October 14th, 2019. Add a comment
The appealing eyes of Arab women are some of the most beautiful in the world. There’s a whole world of artistry in Arab literature, songs, and poetry devoted to the beauty of their eyes.
This exotic style of Arabian eye make-up look will not only enhance your bridal style, but it will give you a very alluring and sexy look. I love offering instructional workshops where I share the secret on how to create this signature eyeliner look. Continue Reading…
Did you know that some of our current-day bridal makeup looks are tied to the past? Just think about everything from the cat-eye to the smokey-eye. All date back to ancient times!
Whether you are a history buff or love to get creative with cosmetics, there is no denying that these stunning ancient bridal queenly looks can still make an impact. These ancient Egyptian inspired bridal makeup application methods continue to influence and inspire today! Continue Reading…
The moon is now waning in Virgo, the sign of sacred space. This is relevant for brides because it resonates with the qualities of Fortuna Virgo. She was an aspect of the Roman Goddess of good luck, Fortuna, Who watched over new brides and brought them luck in their marriages. Virgo is also associated with Virgin Goddesses, often called the Great Goddess or the Great Harlot. She can be both because her divine power comes directly from within herself, not from a consort or god. How appropriate for the modern bride.
When the moon transits through this sign we are urged to honour our bodies as temples. Why? Continue Reading…
Posted September 26th, 2019. Add a comment
Having a chance to try out your makeup look before your wedding is so important! I can’t stress this enough. A trial run session assures that you’ll look exactly as you imagine when the big day comes around. You really want your groom or your bride and your guests to recognize you as you walk down the aisle. Even more importantly, you want to feel comfortable and supremely confident on your special day. True beauty, after all, comes from within.
In my bridal makeup artistry practice, the whole process of makeup trial run is definitely a collaboration between the bride and myself, resulting in a long-lasting look on a gorgeous face. Continue Reading…
Posted September 23rd, 2019. Add a comment
We’re now approaching the full moon in Pisces. We have an opportunity to become more aware, opening our hearts and our perceptions. If you are all about bringing in the sacred to your wedding as well as to your everyday perception of life, then this full moon is for you you! This Full Moon is a powerful Threshold moment that reflects your wedding planning. You are standing right at the doorway about to step into something new and/or something that has been a dream that can now become a reality. Something in your life is asking you to make a commitment that seems edgy or exciting or real or scary. You have the invitation to walk through this Threshold and expand into your brilliance by taking responsibility for your actions, thoughts, and Divine mission.
Pisces is the sign of the intuitive dreamer. Continue Reading…
Posted September 11th, 2019. Add a comment
Are you considering a natural makeup look with a gorgeous ponytail for your wedding hairstyle? Never underestimate the power of a clean, high ponytail. Believe it or not, the basic pony can be dressed up to look bride-worthy. I can’t think of a better way to show off the details on the back of your beautiful gown.
I have a fascination with not only bridal hair and makeup, but with the art of divination, especially the Tarot. And I can tell you that when it comes to your wedding day, it’s easy to overthink things. Sure, it’s one of the biggest days of your life, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take on the less-is-more approach to your wedding-day hairstyle and makeup. Continue Reading…
Posted September 7th, 2019. Add a comment
Venus, the planet of all things related to love, is partnering up with Aquarius during the full moon coming up on August 15th. What a wonderful time for a bridal trial run! Why? Because, Aquarian-qualities infused by Venusian expressions are all about the Feminine and creativity. This makes an ideal time to commit to radical self-love.
It’s also the perfect time for a tarot reading because the lunar qualities of emotions and instincts reach their peak during the full moon. This lunar transit opposite Venus increases your need for love and affection regardless of the consequences. Which means you can expect some major drama in your romantic relationship. Continue Reading…
Today the new moon is in earthy Taurus, so I want to talk about the makeup variations of bridal browns that range from cocoa to golden-tans for our eyes, lips and faces.
A fresh and light makeup, almost invisible and yet perfect to enhance a bride’s natural beauty. A natural bridal makeup look is also perfect as it highlights your features, ensuring you are the best version of yourself on your special day. Continue Reading…
Brides, Embrace The Energy Of This Aries Moon
Tarot isn’t just for divination – it can also be a wonderful tool for relationship guidance. And let’s face it, sometimes romance requires deep examination. What is important for your relationship in the near future? My Tarot readings are intended to provide a complex picture of your upcoming marriage. Continue Reading…
