Beauty’s Greatest Icons Throughout History: Marilyn Monroe, the Red Lip Revolutionary

March 11, 2025

Class is in session, and today’s topic? Marilyn Monroe—Hollywood's ultimate bombshell and the woman who turned a single lipstick shade into a legacy.

Let's set the scene: 1950s Hollywood, a time when glamour was the currency, and no one spent it more lavishly than Marilyn Monroe. With her platinum blonde curls and that unforgettable red pout, she didn't just follow beauty trends—she created them.

The Look: Channeling Marilyn's Timeless Glam

One of our talented Lucy Makeup artists recently took a deep dive into Marilyn's beauty arsenal to recreate her iconic look. Here's how you can achieve that Monroe magic:

The Signature Red Lip

Marilyn's lips were the epitome of seduction and confidence. She didn't settle for just one shade; she meticulously layered multiple reds to achieve a multidimensional effect. To emulate this:

Line and Define: Start by sculpting your lips with the Seventeen Longstay Lip Shaper. This ensures precision and prevents any color bleeding.

Layered Lipstick: Apply the Golden Rose L.O.N.G.S.T.A.Y. Liquid Matte Lipstick as your base. For added depth, consider layering a slightly darker red in the center.

Flawless, Dewy Skin

Marilyn was known for her luminous complexion. Her trick? A touch of Vaseline under foundation for that dewy glow. To modernize this:

Silky Base: Use the Revolution Skin Silk Serum Foundation to achieve a smooth, radiant finish.

Rosy Cheeks: Add a hint of color with the Max Factor Face Creme Blush on the apples of your cheeks for that youthful flush.

Alluring Eyes

Marilyn's bedroom eyes were a result of subtle yet effective techniques.

Brighten the Waterline: Apply a white eyeliner to the waterline to make your eyes appear larger and more awake—a trick Marilyn popularized. Consider emulating this with Catrice’s Kohl Kajal or Essence’s Inner Eye Brightening Pencil.

Why Marilyn Monroe Was That Girl

Beyond her beauty routine, Marilyn was a pioneer who understood the power of image and self-presentation.

📜 The Psychology of Red – Marilyn recognized that red is more than a color; it's a statement. It conveys confidence, allure, and authority. By consistently donning her signature red lips, she cemented her status as a formidable presence both on and off the screen.

🛁 Innovative Beauty Hacks – Long before the era of beauty influencers, Marilyn was experimenting with techniques to enhance her features. Her use of Vaseline under foundation for a glowing complexion is just one example of her ahead-of-the-curve beauty regimen.

🌿 Enduring Influence – Marilyn's impact on beauty and fashion is timeless. Her iconic look continues to inspire artists and celebrities. For instance, Beyoncé recently channelled Marilyn's classic hairstyle, showcasing the enduring appeal of Monroe's style. 

💡 A Beauty Pioneer – Marilyn's approach to beauty was both artful and strategic. She understood that her appearance was a powerful tool, using it to navigate and dominate the Hollywood landscape of her time.

So, the next time you swipe on that red lipstick or perfect your winged liner, remember: you're paying homage to a legend who transformed the beauty world with just a few bold strokes.

Which Marilyn-inspired product will you be adding to your collection? Share your thoughts in the comments or drop us a message - we'd love to hear from you!

(And if you missed our previous beauty history lesson, check out our latest video for a deep dive into Marilyn's beauty secrets!)

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