Ren Faire Makeup: Tips & Looks for the Faire

Are you headed to a Renaissance Faire soon and looking for the perfect makeup look to complete your costuming? The Renaissance Faire offers a unique opportunity to embrace a historical aesthetic and experiment with playful, vibrant makeup. Whether you're channeling a graceful lady, a mischievous jester, or a fierce warrior, the right Ren Faire makeup can elevate your character and truly bring your costume to life.

This guide will delve into the world of Ren Faire makeup, offering tips and inspiration for creating stunning looks that capture the spirit of the Faire. From choosing the right foundation to mastering historical eyeliner techniques, we'll equip you with the knowledge to confidently achieve your desired look.

Understanding Renaissance Makeup

The Renaissance era (14th-16th centuries) was a vibrant period in history, characterized by a newfound appreciation for beauty and artistry. This period saw a shift from the pale, natural looks of the medieval era to more elaborate, colorful makeup styles, often influenced by Italian and French fashion.

Key Features of Renaissance Makeup:

Pale Complexion: A pale face was considered a sign of beauty, with women using lead-based makeup to achieve a ghostly white look.
Defined Eyebrows: Eyebrows were typically plucked into thin arches, emphasizing the eyes.
Color on the Eyes and Lips: Bold colors were used for the eyes and lips, with blue, green, and red being popular choices.
Rouge and Blush: Women used red rouge on their cheeks and lips, sometimes adding a touch to their forehead as well.
Hair: Hair was often styled in intricate braids, plaits, and curls, adorned with jewels and ribbons.

Ren Faire Makeup: Tips for Success

While modern makeup techniques differ from those of the Renaissance, we can draw inspiration from the era's aesthetic to create our own unique Ren Faire looks. Here are some key tips for perfecting your makeup:

1. Choose the Right Foundation

A pale foundation is a cornerstone of the Ren Faire look. Opt for a lightweight, matte foundation that matches your skin tone, as heavy coverage can look unnatural.

Tip: If your skin is naturally darker, consider using a white foundation as a base and blending it with your normal foundation for a more realistic, pale effect.

2. Master the Art of Eyeliner

Eyeliner is a key element of a Renaissance makeup look, and plays a crucial role in creating a dramatic and expressive eye. There are various techniques to explore:

Classic "Cat Eye": This timeless shape helps to elongate and lift the eyes.
Winged Eyeliner: This style creates a sharp, dramatic effect.
"Almond Eye": This technique emphasizes the natural shape of the eye by creating a rounded, almond-shaped appearance.
Tip: To achieve a historical look, consider using a liquid eyeliner with a fine tip to create precise, thin lines.

3. Embrace Color on the Eyes and Lips

The Renaissance era allowed for a playful use of color, particularly on the eyes and lips.

Eyes: Experiment with vibrant shades of blue, green, and red using eyeshadows or eyeliners.
Lips: Choose bold red, burgundy, or pink lipsticks.
Tip: Consider pairing your lip color with a matching or complementary eyeshadow shade for a cohesive look.

4. Use Blush Strategically

Blush adds warmth and dimension to your face, and can be used to create a youthful, flushed look.

Placement: Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending upwards towards your temples.
Tip: Consider using a cream blush for a more natural, dewy look.

5. Create a Defining Eyebrow Shape

While Renaissance eyebrows were famously thin, you can adapt this style for a modern look.

Shape: Use eyebrow powder or pencil to lightly define your eyebrow shape, creating a soft arch.
Tip: Avoid over-plucking your eyebrows, and opt for a natural shape that compliments your facial features.

6. Choose the Right Hair Accessories

The Renaissance was known for its intricate hairstyles adorned with ornate hairpieces.

Consider: Ribbons, headbands, jeweled combs, and flowers are all popular choices for enhancing your Renaissance look.
Tip: Combine your hair accessories with your makeup colors and overall costume to create a cohesive and stylish ensemble.

Ren Faire Makeup Looks: Inspiration & Ideas

With a basic understanding of Renaissance makeup techniques, you can create a variety of unique looks for the Faire. Here are some ideas to spark your imagination:

1. The Lady in Waiting

Foundation: Pale, flawless base with a hint of rouge on the cheeks.
Eyes: Defined eyebrows, soft blue eyeshadow, and a touch of black eyeliner.
Lips: Soft pink or coral lipstick.
Hair: Long, flowing curls adorned with a jeweled comb or ribbon.

2. The Bard's Muse

Foundation: Pale, flawless base with a touch of blush.
Eyes: Dramatic winged eyeliner in black or brown, and a touch of shimmery gold eyeshadow.
Lips: Bold red lipstick.
Hair: Long, loose waves or braids adorned with flowers.

3. The Court Jester

Foundation: White foundation with a touch of rouge on the cheeks and lips.
Eyes: Thick black eyeliner, exaggerated eyebrows, and bright blue eyeshadow.
Lips: Red, orange, or pink lipstick.
Hair: Colorful wig with braided pigtails or whimsical curls.

4. The Warrior Princess

Foundation: Slightly darker foundation with a touch of blush.
Eyes: Bold black eyeliner, thick eyebrows, and a smoky eye in shades of brown, gray, or gold.
Lips: Deep red or burgundy lipstick.
Hair: Braided or updo with a few strands framing the face.

Ren Faire Makeup: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I wear my regular makeup at the Ren Faire?

While you can certainly wear your regular makeup, it may not be the most authentic or visually appealing. Experimenting with a more historical look can enhance your Faire experience.

2. How do I achieve a natural, pale complexion for the Faire?

Use a lightweight, matte foundation that matches your skin tone. If your skin is naturally darker, consider using a white foundation as a base and blending it with your normal foundation.

3. What are essential tools for creating Renaissance makeup looks?

A set of brushes, a liquid eyeliner with a fine tip, a pale foundation, eyeshadows in vibrant colors, and a bold lipstick are key tools for mastering these looks.

4. What should I do if I can't find a foundation that matches my skin tone?

Experiment with different foundation shades and test them on your jawline. You can also use a concealer to cover any areas that look too pale or too dark.

Conclusion

Ren Faire makeup is an art form that allows you to embrace a historical aesthetic and express your creativity. By understanding the key elements of Renaissance makeup, you can create stunning and authentic looks that enhance your Faire experience. Incorporate these tips and inspiration to find your perfect Ren Faire makeup style and transform yourself into a character worthy of the Faire's magic.

Ready to create your perfect Faire look? Explore our selection of [link to related content] and discover even more tips and tricks for mastering your Ren Faire makeup and completing your costume with confidence!