Timeless Glamour: A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving the Iconic Marilyn Monroe Makeup Look

Marilyn Monroe. The name alone conjures images of old Hollywood glamour, red lips, and captivating bedroom eyes. Her iconic makeup look, a masterclass in subtle yet powerful artistry, continues to inspire and captivate beauty enthusiasts decades later. Achieving this timeless elegance is entirely possible with the right techniques and products. This detailed guide will walk you through each step, providing you with all the necessary information to recreate Marilyn’s signature look.

Understanding the Key Elements of Marilyn’s Makeup

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s understand the key elements that make Marilyn’s makeup so distinctive:

• Flawless, Porcelain Skin: Marilyn’s complexion was always impeccably smooth and even. This was achieved through careful base makeup application and a focus on a luminous finish.
• Bold, Defined Brows: Her brows were slightly arched and meticulously filled in, framing her face and contributing to her captivating gaze.
• The Signature Winged Liner: The classic cat-eye, carefully applied and elongated, is perhaps the most recognizable aspect of her makeup. It created a sultry, glamorous effect.
• Luminous Eyeshadow: A touch of light, shimmering eyeshadow on the lid and brow bone enhanced her eyes without overpowering the overall look.
• The Red Lip: Her iconic red lipstick was a deep, vibrant hue that defined her lips and exuded confidence.
• Defined Cheekbones: Subtle contouring and a touch of blush sculpted her face, adding dimension and warmth.

Preparing Your Skin: The Foundation for Flawless Makeup

The key to achieving Marilyn’s luminous base is thorough skin preparation. This involves a consistent skincare routine and proper priming. Here’s what you should do:

1. Cleanse: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup residue.
2. Exfoliate (Optional, 1-2 times a week): A gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant will remove dead skin cells, creating a smoother canvas for makeup application. Avoid over-exfoliating, especially if you have sensitive skin.
3. Tone: Apply a toner to balance your skin’s pH and remove any remaining impurities.
4. Moisturize: Use a hydrating moisturizer to keep your skin plump and supple. Choose a formula suitable for your skin type. Allow it to absorb completely before moving to the next step.
5. Prime: Apply a makeup primer to create a smooth base for foundation, helping it adhere better and last longer. Choose a primer that addresses your specific needs, such as minimizing pores or controlling oil.

Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving the Marilyn Monroe Makeup Look

Now, let’s delve into the detailed step-by-step process of applying Marilyn’s signature makeup:

Step 1: Creating the Flawless Base

1. Foundation: Select a foundation that matches your skin tone and undertone. Marilyn favoured a dewy finish, so opt for a liquid or cream foundation rather than a matte one. Apply it evenly with a damp beauty sponge or foundation brush, blending carefully to ensure a seamless finish.
2. Concealer: Apply concealer under your eyes to brighten the area and conceal any dark circles. Use a shade slightly lighter than your foundation. Apply it in a triangular shape under the eye and blend well. Also use concealer to cover any blemishes or imperfections.
3. Setting Powder: Gently set your foundation and concealer with a light dusting of translucent powder. This helps to prevent creasing and ensures your makeup lasts longer. Focus on areas that tend to get oily, like the T-zone. Avoid using too much powder as it can look cakey.

Step 2: Sculpting the Face with Contour and Blush

1. Contour: Choose a cool-toned contour powder or cream that is a couple of shades darker than your skin tone. Apply it sparingly with an angled brush under your cheekbones, starting from your ear and blending towards the middle of your cheek. Also, blend a bit along your hairline and jawline to add dimension to your face. The aim is to create subtle definition, not a harsh line.
2. Blush: Marilyn often wore a soft pink or peach blush. Apply it to the apples of your cheeks, blending it upwards towards your temples. Start with a small amount and build up the color gradually to achieve a natural, healthy flush. Avoid applying too much blush as Marilyn’s look was more about definition than a heavily blushed appearance.
3. Highlight (Optional): Apply a subtle highlighter on your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your cupid’s bow. Choose a champagne or pearl shade for a natural glow. Don’t overdo it, the aim is to create a soft luminosity rather than an intense shine.

Step 3: Shaping the Iconic Brows

1. Shape: Use a brow brush to comb your eyebrows upwards and outwards. Marilyn had a slightly arched, defined brow. If your brows need shaping, tweeze or wax them accordingly.
2. Fill: Use a brow pencil, powder, or pomade that matches your natural hair color to fill in any sparse areas. Use light, feathery strokes to mimic the appearance of natural brow hairs. Don’t make your brows too dark or harsh, instead aim for a natural yet defined look.
3. Set: Use a clear brow gel to set your brows in place and keep them looking neat and tidy throughout the day.

Step 4: Creating the Captivating Eyes

1. Eyeshadow Primer: Apply an eyeshadow primer to your eyelids to ensure your eyeshadow lasts longer and prevents creasing.
2. Lid Colour: Apply a light, neutral shade (like beige or champagne) all over your eyelid as a base. This will create a smooth canvas for other colors.
3. Crease Colour: Apply a matte light brown or taupe eyeshadow to your crease, blending it well to create depth and dimension. Use a fluffy blending brush and avoid harsh lines.
4. Brow Bone Highlight: Apply a shimmering light shade (like ivory or white) under your brow bone to highlight it and enhance your eye shape. This will also help make your eyes look larger and more open.
5. The Winged Liner: This is perhaps the most crucial step to achieving Marilyn’s signature look. Use a liquid or gel eyeliner. Start by creating a thin line along your upper lash line, starting from the inner corner of your eye and moving outwards. Once you reach the outer corner of your eye, extend the line upwards and outwards to create a subtle wing. The key is to keep the wing delicate and not too dramatic. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it right.
6. Inner corner Line: Draw a small, thin line in the inner corner of the eye. This extends the eyeliner line slightly into the inner corner area which will create a more distinct and elongated eye shape, making them look more almond-shaped and sultry.
7. Mascara: Apply several coats of black mascara to your top lashes. Marilyn’s lashes were full and voluminous, so feel free to apply multiple coats until you achieve the desired effect. You can also add a few individual false lashes at the outer corners for extra drama. Apply a coat of mascara to your bottom lashes as well. Don’t over apply to avoid clumps.

Step 5: The Iconic Red Lip

1. Lip Liner: Use a red lip liner that matches your chosen lipstick shade. Start by outlining the edges of your lips, focusing on the cupid’s bow and the outer corners. You can slightly overdraw your lips, especially your cupid’s bow, to create a fuller appearance, a technique that Marilyn often used.
2. Lipstick: Apply a deep, vibrant red lipstick with a brush, ensuring you fill in all the areas within the lip liner. Marilyn often wore shades with blue undertones (like classic reds), so consider using a similar shade for an authentic touch.
3. Blot and Reapply (Optional): Blot your lips with a tissue and apply another coat of lipstick to improve longevity and intensify the color. This is especially useful if you’re going to be wearing the lipstick for an extended period.
4. Add a Touch of Lip Gloss (Optional): Add a touch of clear gloss to the center of your lips for a luscious, dimensional look. This will mimic Marilyn’s glossy lip look.

Tips for Achieving an Authentic Marilyn Monroe Look

• Practice makes perfect: Don’t expect to nail the look on your first try. Practice each step individually until you feel confident.
• Use the right tools: Invest in quality makeup brushes and sponges for seamless application.
• Less is more: Marilyn’s makeup was elegant and refined, not overdone. Avoid applying too much product, and focus on blending everything well.
• Pay attention to detail: Each step, from flawless skin to perfectly lined eyes, contributes to the overall look.
• Find your perfect shade of red: Experiment with different shades of red lipstick to find the one that best complements your skin tone.
• Confidence is key: Marilyn exuded confidence, so carry yourself with poise and grace to truly capture her essence.
• Lighting: Do your makeup in good lighting to see the blending and colors properly, this will help achieve a flawless look.
• Be patient: Take your time with each step, and don’t rush the process. The key is to apply everything carefully and blend well.
• Take breaks: Don’t do everything at once, take breaks between the steps if you need to. This will prevent you from making mistakes.

Product Recommendations

While you don’t need to use the exact brands that Marilyn used, here are some product recommendations that will help you achieve a similar look:

• Foundation: Look for a luminous liquid or cream foundation with medium coverage.
• Concealer: Opt for a creamy, hydrating concealer that provides good coverage.
• Powder: Choose a translucent setting powder with a finely milled texture.
• Contour: Select a cool-toned contour powder or cream that is a couple of shades darker than your skin tone.
• Blush: A soft pink or peach blush will work beautifully for this look.
• Highlighter: Choose a subtle champagne or pearl highlighter.
• Brow Pencil/Powder/Pomade: Opt for a brow product that matches your natural hair color.
• Eyeshadow: Choose a palette with neutral shades like beige, light brown, and ivory.
• Eyeliner: Use a liquid or gel eyeliner with a precise tip.
• Mascara: A black volumizing mascara is perfect for achieving full, lush lashes.
• Lip Liner: A classic red lip liner is a must-have for this look.
• Lipstick: Choose a deep, vibrant red lipstick with a matte or satin finish.
• Lip gloss (Optional): A clear lip gloss.

Conclusion

Recreating Marilyn Monroe’s iconic makeup look is a fun and rewarding experience. By following these detailed steps and practicing consistently, you can achieve a timeless and glamorous appearance that pays homage to one of Hollywood’s most beloved beauty icons. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. Remember, confidence is the most beautiful accessory you can wear. Embrace the glamour and step into your inner Marilyn!