Norma Jean was never ugly, but when she became Marilyn Monroe, she lit the imaginations of men and women. On close inspection of Miss Monroe’s makeup you can see she was never overly made, with the exception of her true red lipstick, but she had a makeup style uniquely her own. You can get this classic Old Hollywood makeup look for yourself by using our secret Marilyn Monroe makeup tips. Top off a glamorous Halloween costume or a stunning nighttime look by doing your makeup just as the Queen of Hollywood did hers.
Start with Moisturizer
Marilyn’s look was dewy and flawless. To get smooth makeup, start with moisturized skin. Use an oil-free moisturizer as a face primer before applying your makeup. Try using Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion. Get good facial moisturizer that works without the high price.
Select a makeup for your facial skin that is slightly lighter than your natural skin tone. Pancake makeup was the kind used by Miss Monroe, but today, you can choose from just about any kind. Liquid or pancake makeup would be best for this look. A water-activated pan cake makeup like Max Factor’s is perfect fro getting a smooth finish. Apply this makeup with a makeup sponge.
Conceal
Today we add concealer first, then makeup. A secret Marilyn Monroe makeup tip is to put the concealer on after the makeup. Use a creamy, supple concealer that matches your skin type. We suggest Mary Kay’s Concealer in a color that best matches your skin’s color. Dab a little on your finger tip and apply it lightly to the areas that need a little extra coverage.
Powder
Dust your face with translucent powder and use a big powder brush. Dust over your entire face with the powder and your neck too. This will set your makeup. Select Tru Blend’s translucent powders for a finely milled finishing powder.
Use an eyebrow pencil to get the signature arch worn by Marilyn Monroe. If you need to, visit your beautician for a good waxing before applying your makeup. Use a light brown eyebrow pencil to get the look. Make small feathery strokes, upwards to give the eye the illusion of lift.
False Eyelashes
Apply black false eyelashes to your eyes. Apply these to the tops of the lashes. Practice using false eyelashes to master them. Avoid buying individual sections of lashes. Buy the entire eyelash in black.
Eyeliner
You will need three eyeliners to get the Marilyn Monroe makeup look. Line the inside of the bottom of the eye with white kohl eyeliner pencil. Use the dark brown eyeliner pencil and line the top and bottom of the eyes. Never allow the two lines to meet. This will make eyes look small. Use the third eyeliner, gold, on top of the brown that is on the upper lid. Try a white eyeliner from Jane and apply the liner from the inner eye to the outer edge of the eye.
Eyeshadow
You only need two eye shadows for Miss Monroe’s look. Add a shimmery highlighter in sand, white or gold under the brow bone, and in the corner of the eye. Accent the eye contrast by rubbing in light brown shadow in the crease of the eye. Blend these colors together using an eyeshadow brush. We recommend Mary Kay’s White Sand and Vintage Gold.
Blush and Bronzer
Use a light red blush to very lightly create cheekbones. Stroke under the cheekbone to accentuate it. Use a bronzer all over the face to get Marilyn’s ethereal look. Try CoverGirl’s Classic Color Blush in Rose Silk.
Lips
Select a true red lip color with no orange undertones. Apply the lipstick to the top and bottom of the lips. Line the lips with red lip liner after applying the lipstick. Add a dollop of clear lip-gloss to the center of the bottom lip.
