Marilyn Monroe is an iconic figure in the world of beauty and style.
Her classic makeup look has been replicated by many, but few can master it quite like she did.
In this article, we will explore the techniques that made up Marilyn’s signature style so timeless and how you can recreate it for yourself.
Who was Marilyn Monroe?
Marilyn Monroe was an American actress, model and singer who rose to fame during the 1950s. She was known for her glamorous, voluptuous figure, her platinum blond hair and her signature beauty look. Her larger-than-life persona combined with her talent and charisma made her a Hollywood star. Marilyn’s unique style and charm made her one of the most iconic figures in modern culture.
Marilyn’s makeup in her iconic image
Marilyn Monroe’s makeup was an integral part of her iconic image. Her look was classic and glamorous, with a subtle hint of sexiness. Her signature makeup look included heavy eyeliner, false lashes and bright red lips. She highlighted her beautiful features by playing up her eyes and lips. Marilyn used a combination of light and dark shades to create a dramatic effect that enhanced her natural beauty.
Marilyn Monroe Makeup Tutorial
Preparation
Preparing your skin for makeup is an important step in achieving a flawless look. Before you begin, cleanse and moisturize your skin to create a smooth canvas for the rest of your makeup. Make sure to exfoliate if needed, as this will help remove any dead skin cells that can cause dullness or unevenness. For best results, use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer suited to your skin type.
Foundation
Once your skin is prepped and ready, it’s time to apply foundation. Start by selecting a foundation shade that matches the natural color of your skin. When applying, use a light hand and blend the product into your skin using a damp sponge or brush for even coverage. For extra coverage, you can spot conceal any blemishes or discoloration with a concealer.
Contouring and Highlighting
The next step in achieving Marilyn Monroe’s iconic makeup look is contouring and highlighting. Contouring helps to add dimension to your face by creating shadows that give the illusion of structure. Use a matte bronzer or contour powder that is two shades darker than your skin tone.
Apply it to the hollows of your cheeks, along your jawline and on the sides of your nose. For highlighting, use a shimmery highlighter in the areas where light naturally hits your face such as the top of your cheekbones, bridge of your nose and cupid’s bow.
Eyebrows
The next step is to fill in and shape your eyebrows. Use a brow pencil or powder that matches the color of your natural brows.
Eye Makeup
Eye makeup is the finishing touch to Marilyn Monroe’s iconic look. Start by lining your upper lash line with a black or brown liquid eyeliner, and extending it slightly beyond the outer corner of your eye for a cat-eye effect. Then, apply several coats of volumizing mascara. Finally, add a pair of false lashes for extra drama. For an even bolder look, use colored eyeliner or eyeshadow.
Lips
The last step is to apply lipstick. Marilyn Monroe’s signature look was a bold red lip, so use a classic red shade for the perfect finish. Start by applying a lip liner and then fill in with your lipstick. To add extra shine, use a clear gloss on top.
The Iconic Marilyn Monroe Look
Red Lips
Red lips were a signature part of Marilyn Monroe’s iconic look. To achieve her signature red lip, start by applying a lip liner in the same shade as your lipstick. This will help give your lips more definition and prevent the color from moving or fading during wear. Then, apply your lipstick, making sure to completely fill in the entire lip area for an even coverage. For added shine, use a clear gloss.
Flawless Complexion
Flawless complexion is an important part of Marilyn Monroe’s iconic look. For best results, begin by cleansing and moisturizing your skin to create a smooth canvas. Then, apply foundation with a light hand and blend the product into your skin using a damp sponge or brush for even coverage. To add extra coverage, you can spot conceal any blemishes or discoloration with a concealer.
Heavy Eyeliner and Mascara
Heavy eyeliner and mascara are key components of Marilyn Monroe’s iconic makeup look. To create this look, start by lining your upper lash line with a black or brown liquid eyeliner, and extending it slightly beyond the outer corner of your eye for a cat-eye effect. Then, apply several coats of volumizing mascara to give your lashes a full, dramatic look. Finish off with a pair of false lashes for extra drama.
Arched Eyebrows
Marilyn Monroe’s iconic makeup look also included well-defined and arched eyebrows. To achieve this, start by filling in your brows with a brow pencil or powder that matches the color of your natural brows. Then use a spoolie brush to comb through your brows and soften any harsh lines. Next, create an arch using a brow highlighter to highlight the highest point of your arch. Finally, use a brow gel to set your eyebrows in place.
Marilyn Monroe’s Makeup Evolution
Early career makeup
Marilyn Monroe’s early career makeup was much more subtle compared to her later iconic look. During this time, she often went for a natural makeup look, focusing on enhancing her features without looking overly done-up. She typically used light foundation and just a hint of blush to give her skin an even complexion. For eyes, she usually went for a simple cat-eye with black liner and a few coats of mascara. Her lips were typically kept neutral with a light pink or nude lipstick.
How the iconic look was created
To create the iconic Marilyn Monroe look, start with a perfect complexion.
- Begin by cleansing and moisturizing your skin to create a smooth canvas.
- Then, apply foundation with a light hand and blend the product into your skin using a damp sponge or brush for even coverage.
- To add extra coverage, you can spot conceal any blemishes or discoloration with a concealer.
- Next step is to apply heavy eyeliner and mascara.
- Line your upper lash line with a black or brown liquid eyeliner, and extend it slightly beyond the outer corner of your eye for a cat-eye effect.
- Then, apply several coats of volumizing mascara to give your lashes a full, dramatic look.
- With a pair of false lashes for extra drama.
- Finally, add a bold red lip with a lip liner in the same shade as your lipstick. Apply your lipstick and then use a clear gloss for added shine.
- Finish off with well-defined and arched eyebrows to complete the look.
Changes in Marilyn’s makeup throughout her career
Marilyn Monroe’s makeup style evolved throughout her career, from a more subtle, natural look in her early years to the iconic glamour look she is remembered for. In the beginning of her career, Marilyn kept her makeup relatively simple—often opting for light foundation and just a hint of blush to give her skin an even complexion.
The Legacy of Marilyn Monroe
How Marilyn’s makeup influenced future beauty trends
Marilyn Monroe’s iconic makeup look has had a lasting impact on the beauty industry. Her bold and glamorous style of makeup was revolutionary in her time, and it continues to inspire modern beauty trends today. Her signature red lip and heavy eyeliner are still being replicated by many celebrities, fashion icons, and everyday women alike. Her look also paved the way for other celebrities to experiment with bolder makeup looks and take more risks with their beauty choices.
Marilyn’s impact on the beauty industry
Marilyn Monroe’s iconic makeup look has had a lasting impact on the beauty industry. Her bold and glamorous style of makeup was revolutionary in her time, and it continues to inspire modern beauty trends today. Her signature red lip and heavy eyeliner are still being replicated by many celebrities, fashion icons, and everyday women alike.
Her look also paved the way for other celebrities to experiment with bold er makeup looks and take more risks with their beauty choices. Additionally, her makeup look has become synonymous with Hollywood glamour, and it continues to be a symbol of confidence and femininity.
Overall, Marilyn Monroe has left an indelible mark on the beauty industry, and she will continue to inspire generations to come!
Why Marilyn’s makeup is still relevant today
Marilyn Monroe’s iconic makeup look is still relevant today because it continues to inspire modern beauty trends. Her signature red lip and heavy eyeliner are still being replicated by many celebrities, fashion icons, and everyday women alike.
Additionally, her makeup look has become synonymous with Hollywood glamour, and it remains a symbol of confidence and femininity. The boldness and glamour of Marilyn’s makeup look is timeless, and it continues to be an inspiration for many people.
Conclusion
Marilyn Monroe’s iconic makeup look has become a symbol of confidence and femininity for many people. Her bold and glamorous style of makeup was revolutionary in her time, and it continues to inspire modern beauty trends today. Her signature red lip and heavy eyeliner have become staples for many celebrities, fashion icons, and everyday women alike. The look is often associated with Hollywood glamour, which is something that many people strive for. Overall, Marilyn Monroe’s makeup look has left an indelible mark on the beauty industry and continues to serve as an inspiration for generations to come.
