Marilyn Monroe was a timeless beauty icon known for her bombshell looks and glamourous style. On what would have been her 98th birthday, Vogue explores Monroe’s Old Hollywood beauty routine. Monroe avoided sun exposure to maintain her iconic blonde hair, preferring a “pillowcase white” shade that required regular bleaching by top hairstylists. She also used Johnson’s Baby Powder as a dry shampoo to keep her hair looking fresh without washing it too frequently.
One of Monroe’s makeup secrets for achieving her signature full, pouty lips was to use multiple shades of red lipstick. By applying darker shades on the outer edges and lighter shades towards the center, her makeup artist created the illusion of dimension and plumpness. Monroe understood the importance of sleep and made sure to get between five and 10 hours of rest each night in her wide single bed. She cherished her Sundays as a day of total leisure, taking her time to wake up and enjoy every moment of drowsiness.
Monroe had a particular bedtime routine that included wearing Chanel No. 5 Eau du Parfum spray to bed instead of pajamas. She believed that clothes and “creepy nightgowns” disrupted her sleep, opting for just a few drops of her favorite perfume for a restful night. Additionally, Monroe was ahead of her time when it came to skincare, as she used ice-cold baths to keep her skin firm and tight. This practice, now popularized by figures like Wim Hof and athletes, was just one of the many beauty secrets Monroe employed to maintain her flawless appearance.
Marilyn Monroe’s beauty routine and skincare practices continue to inspire many today, with her timeless glamour and iconic style still resonating with fans around the world. Her commitment to maintaining her signature blonde hair color, multiple shades of red lipstick, and dedication to rest and relaxation are just a few examples of how Monroe’s beauty secrets have stood the test of time. By embracing unique techniques like ice-cold baths and using Chanel No. 5 Eau du Parfum spray for bedtime, Monroe was able to maintain her flawless appearance and leave a lasting legacy as a Hollywood beauty icon.
Overall, Marilyn Monroe’s beauty routine was a combination of dedication to her appearance, creativity in makeup application, and commitment to self-care through sleep and skincare practices. By staying out of the sun, bleaching her hair to a specific shade of blonde, using multiple shades of red lipstick, and embracing unique techniques like ice-cold baths, Monroe was able to maintain her iconic bombshell look. Her timeless beauty secrets continue to inspire and captivate audiences today, showcasing the enduring legacy of the ultimate Hollywood beauty icon.
