Secrets of Marilyn Monroe’s Iconic Beauty Routine Revealed—And Why It’s Still Relevant

Marilyn Monroe, one of the most iconic figures in American culture, continues to inspire beauty routines decades after her passing. Born Norma Jeane Mortenson in 1926, Monroe became a global sensation with her portrayal of glamorous, often misunderstood characters in films like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Some Like It Hot. Her distinctive beauty, with its platinum curls, glowing skin, and bold makeup, became the epitome of Old Hollywood glamour. What many don’t realize is that Monroe’s beauty routine was as meticulous and innovative as her performances, influencing beauty standards that persist to this day.

The Foundations of Marilyn Monroe’s Beauty Routine

Monroe’s beauty regimen, shaped with the help of her dermatologist Dr. Erno Laszlo and makeup artist Allan “Whitey” Snyder, became a model for beauty routines in the decades following her rise to fame. From skincare to hair care, Monroe’s approach was holistic, blending effective products with practices that were ahead of her time.

Skincare
Monroe’s morning skincare routine involved cleansing her face with Erno Laszlo’s Active Phelityl Soap, followed by the application of Shake-It Tinted Skin Treatment in Neutral. Her evening regimen was centered around hydration—she would splash her face 20 times with hot water and use Erno Laszlo’s Intensive Cream. One of her famous quotes on skincare was, “I’m personally opposed to a deep tan because I like to feel blonde all over,” reflecting her preference for keeping her skin fair and hydrated. She also used Vaseline and Nivea Creme to create a dewy, glowing complexion under her makeup.

Hair Care
Maintaining her signature platinum blonde hair was no easy feat. Monroe’s hair was bleached every three weeks by renowned stylists like Pearl Porterfield and Kenneth Battelle. To preserve her color and volume, she used Johnson’s Baby Powder as a dry shampoo every two days, avoiding frequent washes to prevent damaging her hair and maintaining its luster.

Makeup
Monroe’s makeup techniques were as iconic as her image. She was known for her striking red lips, achieved by layering darker reds on the outside of her lips and a lighter shade in the center for added dimension. She also favored bold, sensual eyes, enhanced with heavy eyeliner and mascara. For a soft-focus glow under the harsh studio lights, she used petroleum jelly (Vaseline) as a primer, which gave her a smooth, radiant complexion. Monroe also embraced contouring, a technique now ubiquitous in modern makeup routines, to accentuate her heart-shaped face.

Other Beauty Habits
Beyond skincare and makeup, Monroe’s beauty habits were just as unique. She famously wore Chanel No.5 perfume to bed, often adding it to her bath water, allowing the fragrance to envelop her as part of her self-care routine. She also avoided tanning, preferring an alabaster complexion that was unconventional in the sun-drenched California of the time.

The Marilyn Monroe Effect: Enduring Inspiration

The “Marilyn Monroe Effect” continues to captivate and inspire people today. Her beauty routine has become a symbol of glamour and femininity, influencing contemporary beauty trends and routines.

Timeless Look and Iconic Status
Monroe’s beauty remains iconic, with her platinum curls, red lips, and glowing skin frequently replicated by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Ana de Armas. Her image still graces fashion shoots, Halloween costumes, and social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where Gen Z embraces her fuller figure and confidence. Monroe’s timeless appeal shows that her influence transcends generations, reinforcing her status as a symbol of classic beauty and sophistication.

Effective and Relevant Techniques
Many of Monroe’s beauty techniques are still in practice today. Contouring to define the face is now a staple in makeup tutorials, and the method of using multiple lipstick shades for added dimension remains a popular technique among makeup artists. Her use of dry shampoo (baby powder) aligns with the modern-day popularity of dry shampoo products, and her focus on hydration, using products like Vaseline, has influenced current skincare routines. These elements demonstrate how her beauty habits were ahead of their time and remain relevant in today’s beauty industry.

Pioneering Approach to Beauty
Monroe’s personalized skincare routine, prescribed by Dr. Erno Laszlo, is an early example of the tailored approach to skincare that is now prevalent in the beauty industry. Her avoidance of sun exposure also resonates with modern beauty advice about sun protection, making her routine applicable to today’s health-conscious beauty enthusiasts.

Confidence and Empowerment
Monroe’s beauty routine was more than just about appearance; it was part of her self-expression and transformation from Norma Jeane into the confident, iconic figure of Marilyn Monroe. Her beauty rituals weren’t just about looking good—they were about feeling empowered. This aspect of her routine inspires people to find confidence through beauty, as seen in modern beauty articles and lifestyle blogs where the “Marilyn Monroe Effect” is linked to boosting self-esteem and personal transformation.

Cultural and Commercial Impact

Monroe’s beauty legacy has had a profound cultural impact, with many of the products she used still being sold today. For example, Erno Laszlo continues to offer products like the Shake-It Tinted Skin Treatment, once a staple in Monroe’s routine. Her influence can be seen in both the commercial success of these products and their enduring popularity in the beauty industry.

Conclusion

Marilyn Monroe’s beauty routine was a blend of innovative practices and timeless elegance that continues to inspire beauty enthusiasts and celebrities alike. Her skincare, hair care, and makeup techniques were revolutionary for their time, and many of them remain relevant today. The “Marilyn Monroe Effect” is a testament to her status as a beauty icon whose influence transcends generations. Her ability to maintain her signature glamour, while embracing self-care and confidence, remains an inspiration for anyone looking to feel empowered through beauty.