We Can’t Wait To Try These Beauty Lewks From Janelle Monáe’s ‘Dirty Computer’ Emotion Picture

By Michelle Darrisaw · Updated October 24, 2020

Janelle Monáe aka “The ArchAndroid” premiered a 48-minute “emotion picture” to accompany her third album, Dirty Computer. As we’ve seen in the four music videos she released over the past two months, the highly-melanated and star-studded “Dirty Computer” short film is filled with standout beauty moments and guest star appearances, including Tessa Thompson and Zoë Kravitz.

Monae sticks to her typical androgynous black and white ensembles, however, the hair and makeup is where the CoverGirl spokeswoman truly loosens up. Her signature matte red lip color is on full display in some scenes, but Monáe also adopted softer nudes, cobalt blue eyeliner, sequin lip art and multi-hued lewks to embrace her newfound liberation. Not to be outdone, the natural hairstyles also take center stage in the emotion picture. Ombré twists, textured ponytails, a teased bob, giant crown braids and a sleek chignon are just as much a part of Monáe’s techno-driven love story as the makeup, fashion, and accessories. Ahead, seven hair and beauty looks we can’t wait to recreate this spring and summer.

01

Janelle Monáe Bantu Knots

Here, Monáe sports large Bantu knots and a few small braids down the side, but it’s really her LGBTQ flag-inspired eye makeup we can’t stop staring at.

02

Janelle Monáe Side-Swept Braid

The Kansas City-native is known for her fishtail and halo-style braids. However, she goes for an edgier style in the emotion picture, by rocking one big plait and keeping the rest of her makeup simple.

03

Janelle Monáe Choppy Bob

We love a good bob, and Monáe doesn’t disappoint with hers. What makes her slightly undone bob so interesting is the accompanying long braid down the side.

04

Janelle Monáe Braid Ring

For most of the visual, Monáe’s textured hairstyles are adorned with beautiful accessories, such as pink pom-poms, flowers and kufi caps. But she also accentuated her braid with a big hoop ring.

05

Janelle Monáe Ombré Gray Braids

One of our absolute favorites, the “Pynk” singer looks effortlessly snatched with these chunky ombré gray braids and silver eye makeup.

06

Janelle Monáe Textured Top Knot

Monáe swapped out the braids and scarlet red lip color for a messy top knot and ombré pink lip, and we like that.

07

Janelle Monáe Natural Makeup

In rare form, we see the Hidden Figures and Moonlight star opt for a more natural, fresh-faced look, complete with a sophisticated chignon and nude, glossy lips.