Berlin Makeup Retreat
This summer I hosted a retreat in Berlin for makeup artists. Berlin is known for its eclectic blend of history, avant-garde art, and a thriving creative scene, making it an ideal backdrop for artists seeking to push boundaries and find new sources of inspiration. The beauty industry and the art world have always been intertwined, both inspiring each other for centuries.
During our time there, our group was immersed in Berlin’s unique atmosphere. The city’s vibrant street art and diverse neighborhoods provided a dynamic canvas for creative exploration. By experiencing Berlin’s distinctive energy, the artists were encouraged to think outside the box, experiment with new ideas, and incorporate the city’s bold spirit into their makeup artistry. The retreat offered a perfect mix of creative stimulation, cultural exposure, and collaboration, making Berlin an inspiring destination for our artistic journey.
We visited the East Side Gallery which is a preserved section of the Berlin Wall that has been transformed into an open-air gallery featuring works from various international artists. We learned about the historical context of graffiti. During the Cold War Era, The Berlin Wall, divided East and West Berlin and became a massive canvas for artists, especially on its western side. Graffiti and street art on the Wall became symbols of resistance, freedom, and political expression. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, abandoned buildings and open spaces attracted artists from around the world, turning Berlin into a global hub for graffiti and street art.
Berlin’s graffiti scene is dynamic and ever-evolving, reflecting the city’s history, political changes, and cultural diversity. There is a mix of legal graffiti spots and illegal tagging. While some areas encourage artistic expression, other parts of the city face ongoing struggles between property owners and artists. Berlin’s graffiti artists often cross over into the contemporary art scene, with some achieving international recognition and exhibiting in galleries and museums.It remains a crucial part of Berlin’s identity and continues to inspire both artists and visitors.
The Bauhaus is another german art movement & school founded by architect Walter Gropius in the early 20th century. The Bauhaus movement, with its emphasis on geometry, asymmetry, and bold contrasts, is all about making a statement. It had a significant impact on architecture, graphic design, interior design, industrial design, fashion, and beauty. Its legacy continues to influence the world. Bauhaus encourages us to break the rules and experiment with color and shape. It challenges us to be bold and daring with our makeup choices.
Berlin's vibrant and diverse culture offers a wealth of makeup inspiration. Each of these styles captures a unique aspect of Berlin's eclectic culture, allowing for a wide range of creative makeup expressions.
Edgy and Punk Influences: Berlin is known for its rich punk history. Incorporate bold eyeliners, dramatic smoky eyes, and dark lipsticks. Think heavy black eyeliner, dark eyeshadow, and strong contouring.
Minimalist and Natural Looks: The city's modern, sleek aesthetics often favor natural beauty. Opt for dewy skin, subtle highlights, and nude tones for a fresh, clean look.
Artistic and Avant-Garde: Berlin's thriving art scene inspires creative and experimental makeup. Use bright colors, abstract designs, and unconventional techniques like face painting or graphic liners. Think Bauhaus with sharp angles, high-contrast color combinations, and unexpected shapes and textures.
Techno and Club Culture: The legendary Berlin nightlife, especially its techno clubs, influences makeup with metallic finishes, neon colors, and glitter. Try metallic eyeshadows, bold lip colors, and plenty of highlighter.
Retro and Vintage Styles: Berlin has a fondness for vintage fashion, reflected in makeup through classic winged eyeliner, red lips, and pin-up styles.
Street Style: Berlin's street style combines casual and chic, leading to makeup looks that are effortless yet stylish. Think natural tones with a bold accent that makes you look twice.
Feminist Art: The feminist art movement in Berlin empowers makeup artists to explore themes of gender identity and empowerment through their creations, challenging societal norms and advocating for inclusivity.
Graffiti Culture: Berlin's graffiti culture, with its rebellious spirit and urban aesthetic, inspires makeup artists to incorporate edgy and unconventional elements into their designs.
We had the best time in Berlin and can’t wait for the next retreat!
Why I started hosting Makeup Retreats..
Twenty years ago, I wanted to create a space that wasn’t available to me as a growing artist. My dream was to create a community with a higher vibration. With the mantra "Be the change you wish to see" echoing in my heart, I outlined a retreat plan that would serve as a space for introspection and transformation. Fast forward to today, and I am humbled to have curated retreat experiences over two decades, spanning the globe, each one a beacon of inspiration and personal evolution.
