We can wear the most glorious and bright colors, and totally pull them off.
I found this photo of the gorgeous Liya Kebede on Supermodels NL, a comprehensive site of model news, business, and fabulous photos. I’ve been mining it for makeup inspiration since always-knowledgeable afrobella Coffy suggested it as a good link for makeup newbies.
You might find a makeup muse in some of these other beautiful black supermodels – Ajuma Nasenyana, Yasmin Warsame, and of course rude gal Naomi Campbell.
If you prefer your models on the fledgling side, you’re in luck because the eighth season of America’s Next Top Model will be starting on February 28 (damn, has it been eight seasons already?).
Every season we’re guaranteed some fierce, unusual makeup looks; like this one my girl Toccara got in season 3.
Truth be told, I haven’t watched a season of ANTM all the way through since Nik lost to Nicole in cycle 5. I turn to Television Without Pity and Rich’s recaps to get my fix vicariously.
We’re not in the right season for extreme brights, but my philosophy is wear what you want, when you want. And I’m fiending for bright, quality eyeshadow.
I’m keeping a close eye on the Urban Decay Deluxe Eyeshadows. Some new shades have hit store shelves, and I must have Sting and Ransom. Seriously, I must. Brights do a lot for my mood and attitude. Fierce eye makeup and a glossy yet understated lip is a bonafide attention getter, makeup newbies. If you’re the kind of afrobella who tends to stick to earth tones, try something new! Go for a bright yellow, orange, or fuschia shadow and watch that color just illuminate your beautiful brown skin.
thanks for this afrobella. i always want to branch out and try these lovely strong colours but feel too nervous about it. i mean its okay for these gorgeous models on a photoshoot. but how do you pull it off at the supermarket, office and outside the school gate?
Bella,
I have a totally unrelated question. This morning, as I was getting dressed for work, I had on a shirt that was a little to blousy. My husband suggested I put on a belt or scarf around my waist. It was a new shirt and the only thing I had to match was the new scarf I had purchased to tie back my hair. When I pointed this out, my husband said, “You are really too old for headbands.” As if!!! Not to mention I am only 33!! I said I understood his point of view, but when going natural, a headband (scarf) is a beautiful way present your hair. My hair is short (pixie) and my curls are 3C. It’s just not long enough to wear wild and free (my ultimate dream). My husband said he understood and that he likes my hair, but brought up the point that although it is nice and neat, it may be unprofessional in the eyes of the white workplace. I work at a research company where you can wear jeans everyday if you wish. I see plenty of Bellas rockin the natural. This is my hair, the natural state and I know it is beautiful and that I am presentable. I don’t see it as holding me back, but I am curious to know your thoughts as well as your loyal readers on this subject. How do you think Natural hairstyles are viewed in the workplace?
Thope, ugh. Feel free to print and show this to your husband.
It always amuses me when the men in our lives feel like they can turn fashionista. Whenever one of the men in my life tries to pipe up his opinion on my style, I just think to myself, “There’s only one Andre Leon Talley in the world, and sweetie, you ain’t him.” Then I re-assess my situation and do what feels right to me.
Valentine’s Day is hardly the day to call your loved one’s fashion choices into question. And you’re NEVER too old for headbands! I mean, unless there are embroidered hearts or Sesame Street characters on your headband, I really disagree. I just bought two new headbands on Saturday. Why? Because they hold my big natural hair back and make me look more polished for work.
I think natural hair is quite welcome in the workplace, but Thope, like you I work in a jeans-n-teeshirt office. I can wear my hair as big as I want. Hell, one of my favorite coworkers has been rocking a bathrobe around the office for a month now. (That’s as extreme as it’s gotten. Yes, he wears it over his clothes). So I might not be the best person to ask for a general office rule-of-thumb, but I do think a classy black headband can be used to pull your hair back into a chic puff. Headbands are an afrobella’s friend. Here see- I wrote my first ode to headbands in September.
My advice is, go for a beautiful, resplendent, long scarf and rock it with an all-black outfit to jazz it up, or wear a subtle cloth headband for those my-hair-is-out-of-control days. I prefer stretchy cloth headbands to the plastic kind, which can cause damage to your hair. Stock up at Claire’s, or your local discount retailer. I bought mine at Ross, and they’re like old-school Dynasty style; thick black jersey with a knot at the front for that “perhaps I am almost wearing a turban” look. Pulling my hair back with a headband makes me look and feel taller and more dignified, and I love to wear bold earrings on headband days to really accentuate the look. I am sure you look gorgeous and professional, and you add a touch of style to the workplace.
Happy Valentine’s!
Oh, and Mochachoc, when it comes to pulling off brights in the daytime, less is more. I’d recommend wetting your eyeshadow brush and just accentuating your upper lid with a thin line of bright color along your lash line for daytime wear. It’s subtle, and depending on the color you’re wearing it can really play up your bright outfit or provide delicious contrast. Less is definitely more for daytime!
Thanks Bella!
Mochachoc – I agree with Bella – a thin line of bright color is a wonderful way to rock the brightness without looking too over the top for daytime wear. You can also try sheer, subtle options – instead of a bright purple eyeshadow, try a more subdued plum, instead of bright green try a khaki with a bit of gold shimmer. You can also try colored mascara to give a bit of “pop” to your eye. Blues, plums and greens look especially good on brown eyes.
thanks bella and toya. I think i’m going to give it a go.
i’m glad you liked the link Bella.not only are the girls makeup inspiration but hair also. they are being touched by the best in the business so when i need a boost i look to them.as much as i like fashion it seems as if Black and Brown women have to find their own supermodels.so this is another page to check out, yes i know it’s long but i think worth it, http://www.thefashionspot.com/forums/f96/favourite-top-african-black-models-29972.html
It’s true! I always get soooo jealous when I see dark people with amazing colors of eyeshadow and liner and mascara ect. because I am quite pale so I can’t wear lots of the blues or like black colors because it just looks wierd . I envy darker people sooo much!
afrobella, you have yet again brought inspiration from the wheps of my seemingly bleak and moderated all natural life. From viewing the portfolios of these absolutley stunning black models I actually think I might start on a pursuit that I contemplated and was proposed before with in the past as a child and that is to become a model. If anything goes I’ll try to post, but otherwise thankyou for the day to day inspiration(believe me if their was a rehabilitation center for afrobella whores i’d be in it now) and pray for me!
lol
I would love to be able to wear bright colors, but I don’t think I have the complexion to pull it off. I love wearing black eyeliner, but I’m afraid bright colors might not pop off in the right manner — it might just look like it’s too much, since I am a light skinned person. =(
I love wearing vibrant greens, gold, blues and yellows! I’m glad you talked about this beccause i’m always trying to get my friends to try no matter how dark/lite they are. I love the Fashion spot, i wish i would have registered before they went to invite.
But someone mentioned on that thread that was linked above on page about a model named jessi that Quote “I love the fact that she can look confident and elegant sporting a afro!!!!” end quote i would mention something but that comment was made a week ago and it would be pointless to mention something now.
i think the key to wearing bright colors,is to find a twin. a twin is someone who shares your complexion, usually a model or celebrity and gather as many photos of that person as possible. it will be easier to try looks when you can see someone who resembles you looking great.
Thank You
We are a grup of volunteers and starting a new scheme in ourr community.
Your site offered uss with valuable information to work on.
You’ve done a fformidable job and our whole community
will be grateful to you.
What’s up friends, how is the whole thing, and what you desire to say regarding this piece of writing,
in my view its truly awesome in support of me.
Just want to say your article is as surprising.
The clearness in your post is simply nice and i can suppose you are a
professional on this subject. Well along with your
permission let me to snatch your RSS feed to stay up to date with coming near near post.
Thanks one million and please carry on the gratifying
work.
As you take these courses, real life scuba
diving is carried out. With a motorhome rental in NZ, you will be able to explore the entire country and all of the
best camping destinations throughout, no matter what you might
be looking for. Working as a Diving Instructor once you start doing it is not
just a job, it becomes a way of life, a fantastic rewarding experience and
a great way to teach people one of the things you love most in life: Diving.
Remarkable! Its in fact amazing post, I have got much clear idea about from this
piece of writing.