Beauty Secrets of Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe, one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures, left an undeniable mark on beauty standards worldwide. Her signature look—blonde curls, red lips, and flawless skin—is still admired and emulated by many. But what were the secrets behind her timeless allure? Here, we explore the beauty techniques and products Monroe swore by, many of which are as effective today as they were in the 1950s.

1. Skincare Above All

Marilyn took skincare very seriously, understanding that a flawless makeup look starts with a smooth canvas. Her dermatologist, Dr. Erno Laszlo, crafted a personalized skincare routine for her that included moisturizing cleansers and rich creams to keep her skin hydrated. Marilyn was reportedly dedicated to her nighttime routine, using moisturizing treatments to keep her skin soft and prevent signs of aging. This commitment to hydration helped her achieve that famous dewy look, a timeless skincare secret everyone can adopt. Today, we know hydration is essential for glowing skin, and many moisturizers on the market offer the same benefits Marilyn sought.

2. Signature Makeup: Bold Red Lips

One of Monroe’s most recognizable features was her bold red lips. She would layer multiple shades of red lipstick and finish with gloss to create dimension and make her lips appear fuller. Marilyn’s makeup artist, Allan “Whitey” Snyder, was key in crafting this iconic look, using lipliner to overdraw her lips slightly, enhancing their shape and fullness. For those looking to replicate Monroe’s look today, the key is finding a red shade that complements your skin tone and layering it with a touch of gloss for that added shine.

3. Bright Eyes and Thick Lashes

Marilyn’s eyes had a captivating quality, achieved through careful makeup techniques. She used white eyeliner along her waterline, which made her eyes appear larger and more open. Her eyelids were dusted with soft, neutral shades to maintain a natural look, with a slight contour to add depth. Monroe also loved using false lashes and applying several coats of mascara to enhance her lashes’ thickness and length. Her makeup artist would apply false lashes in small sections, focusing on the outer corners to give her that seductive, elongated eye shape. This technique is still popular today and is perfect for achieving a glamorous, vintage-inspired eye look.

4. Maintaining Flawless Skin with Makeup

Marilyn was known for her radiant, glowing skin. She achieved this look by using a creamy, full-coverage foundation, followed by a powder to set her makeup and prevent shine under studio lights. Marilyn was also careful with blush, opting for peach or pink tones that added a natural flush to her cheeks. She applied blush high on her cheekbones to give her face a lifted appearance, which complemented her classic, glamorous style. Today, you can achieve a similar effect by using creamy foundations and setting them lightly with translucent powder, then adding blush strategically to enhance your face’s natural shape.

5. Embracing the Power of Scent

Another of Monroe’s beauty secrets involved her favorite fragrance. Marilyn famously claimed she wore “only a few drops of Chanel No. 5” to bed, solidifying her status as a style and beauty icon. Scent was a significant part of her allure and charisma. Many fans believe her use of this classic fragrance contributed to her magnetic charm. Using a signature scent is a timeless beauty tip that can add an air of elegance and individuality, helping create a lasting impression.

6. Hair Care and Styling

Monroe’s platinum blonde curls were an essential part of her look. To achieve this iconic hair color, she bleached her hair regularly, which required extensive care to keep it healthy and manageable. She used special treatments to prevent damage, such as deep conditioners and leave-in products, which kept her hair soft and shiny. To style her hair, Monroe would use rollers to create her signature curls, a look that continues to inspire vintage hairstyles today. While hair care products have evolved, Monroe’s commitment to maintaining her hair’s health remains a valuable lesson in how self-care impacts overall beauty.

Timeless Lessons from Marilyn Monroe’s Routine

Marilyn Monroe’s beauty secrets teach us that self-care and confidence are the true foundations of beauty. Her dedication to skincare, bold makeup choices, and use of iconic beauty products remind us that beauty is about finding what works best for you and embracing it. Today, many people still look to her timeless style and adapt it to modern routines, proving that Monroe’s beauty influence will never fade. Embracing a few of her tips might be just what you need to add a touch of old Hollywood glamour to your daily routine.