The image of women from the Republican era of China (1912-1949) is indelibly etched in our minds: soft, curled hair, enchanting eyes adorned with willow-shaped brows, and full, red lips. This distinctive “Republican style” has been a constant source of inspiration for fashion media and trendsetters alike. The delicate arched eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, flawless skin, and meticulously styled vintage curls, paired with a bold red lip, exude an air of noble elegance and refined beauty.
Women sporting Republican-era makeup never appear heavily made-up; instead, they embody the traditional Chinese virtues of subtlety, grace, and charm. The focus of this style is on the eyes, which are believed to be the windows to the soul, conveying emotions and captivating onlookers with their gentle gaze.
The foundation for Republican-era makeup is a matte, velvety finish, not necessarily aiming for an artificial whiteness but rather complementing the wearer’s natural skin tone. The key is to ensure a smooth, clean, and translucent complexion that appears natural and radiant. A matte loose powder is used to set the foundation, without the need for additional contouring. As the essence of Republican-style beauty lies in the eyes and brows, there is no need to spend excessive time on the base makeup.
To highlight the gentle and graceful nature of women from the Republican era, the eyebrows are drawn thin and curved. Unlike the straight brows popular during that time, the willow-shaped curved brows add a touch of tenderness and emotion to the eyes, emphasizing the wearer’s refined and delicate beauty. Begin by using an eyebrow pencil to define the shape of the brows, marking the starting point, arch, and endpoint.
Moving on to the eye shadow, use a soft brush to apply an earthy tone evenly across the entire eyelid, not forgetting the lower lash line to create a more complete look. Then, using your fingertips, blend a light brown eye shadow onto the eyelid. Apply a darker brown shade along the crease of the double eyelid and blend it out with a brush for a natural effect.
To enhance the vibrancy of the eyes, apply a shimmery eye shadow to the center of the upper eyelid. Also, sweep the same shimmery shade under the brow bone to add depth to the eye makeup. After creating the aegyo-sal (undereye bags), lightly draw a line underneath using a natural brown eye shadow or nose shadow to make them more prominent.
When it comes to Republican-era makeup, red lipstick is always a classic choice. In films and television series set in the Republican era, full, luscious lips are a prominent feature of the overall look. Before applying a deep lip color, create a base using a nude lipstick or lip concealer to ensure an even application of the red lipstick.
If you are not satisfied with your natural lip shape, you can use a lip liner to outline and reshape your lips to your desired form. The corners of the mouth are often overlooked, so use a lip brush to apply the color evenly from the center of the lips to the corners, ensuring no gaps are left.
The hairstyle is another crucial element in achieving the perfect Republican-era look. The iconic finger waves and pin curls were all the rage during this period, adding a touch of sophistication and glamour to the overall appearance.
To create these vintage-inspired curls, start by applying a setting lotion or mousse to damp hair, then use your fingers to shape the waves and secure them with bobby pins. Allow the hair to dry naturally or use a diffuser attachment on a low heat setting to speed up the process. Once the hair is completely dry, gently remove the pins and use a wide-toothed comb to softly brush out the curls, creating a soft, romantic look.
Accessories played a significant role in completing the Republican-era aesthetic. Women often adorned themselves with elegant hair ornaments such as embellished combs, pins, and headbands, which added a touch of glamour to their hairstyles. Pearls were a favorite choice for jewelry, as they symbolized purity, innocence, and refinement. A simple strand of pearls worn around the neck or a pair of pearl earrings could instantly elevate any outfit, making the wearer appear more sophisticated and stylish.
The fashion of the Republican era was characterized by a mix of traditional Chinese elements and Western influences. Women often wore form-fitting qipao dresses, which accentuated their curves and showcased their femininity. These dresses were typically made of luxurious fabrics such as silk or satin and featured intricate embroidery or floral patterns. The high collar, short sleeves, and side slits of the qipao added a touch of allure while still maintaining a sense of modesty. When paired with the signature makeup and hairstyles of the time, the overall look was a perfect balance of elegance and sensuality.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Republican-era fashion and beauty. Many modern women are drawn to the timeless elegance and sophistication of this period, and have sought to incorporate elements of the style into their own looks. This has led to a renewed appreciation for the artistry and skill involved in creating the signature makeup and hairstyles of the time.
Moreover, the popularity of Republican-era-inspired beauty has also sparked a conversation about the role of women in Chinese society during this transformative period. The Republican era was a time of great change and progress for women, as they began to challenge traditional gender roles and assert their independence. The bold, confident, and stylish women of this era served as role models for future generations, inspiring them to embrace their individuality and pursue their dreams.
In conclusion, exploring the beauty of Republican-era makeup is not only a fascinating journey through history but also a celebration of the enduring power of fashion and self-expression. By understanding and appreciating the aesthetics of this period, we gain a deeper insight into the lives and aspirations of the women who lived through it.
Their legacy continues to inspire and influence us today, reminding us of the importance of embracing our own unique style and staying true to ourselves in the face of ever-changing trends and societal expectations. As we continue to draw inspiration from the past, we honor the memory of these remarkable women and the indelible mark they left on Chinese culture and beauty.