Inspired By: Marilyn Monroe
views · 11-03-2020
When I sit down to get ready every day, despite how much I do love fashion, the first thing I do is scour Pinterest for makeup inspiration, and then put together my clothes. I believe the right makeup can make or break an outfit look (this doesn’t mean it’s necessary to do a ton of makeup). A few days ago, I actually didn’t even need to hit Pinterest. I happened to stumble across this picture of Marilyn Monroe on Instagram the day before creating this look, and felt like channeling her in my makeup (and sort of, in the hair and outfit, too). Here’s exactly what I used in this ruby lips and curls look, and why:
- BH Cosmetics Desert Oasis Palette -
I used the light gold shade for the eyes and as highlighter on the nose, cheekbone, and upper lip to really add a glow to this look. After all, I had to match Marilyn’s glowing skin and fabulous smile!
- Smashbox ShapeMatters Palette-
Marilyn’s brows aren’t too over defined or colored in, and are more on the brown side. I used the brown shade in this palette to lightly color in my arches.
- Clarins Supra Volume Mascara -
This mascara has always been a favorite since it doesn’t make me look like I’ve tried too hard on my lashes. Just a few strokes and my eyes are awakened, without making my lashes look too done up. Besides, Marilyn’s look is all about effortless glam and one bold red lip.
- Clarins Crayon Kohl -
My favorite liner to achieve a subtle wing is this one by Clarins. It’s easy to either create a sharp wing with a sharp tip on this pencil, or else smudge out the wing with your fingers/nails to make it less sharp if you need to. In retrospect, I think Marilyn’s subtle wing has become my daily go to!
- E.l.f. 16 Hour Camo Concealer -
Since this concealer is a lot lighter than my natural skin tone, a little goes a long way to achieve a natural effect like Marilyn’s. I use maybe two quick dots of it under my eyes, and blend away!
- Lancome Teint Idole Foundation in 310 Bisque Cool -
Typically, I’m into mixing foundations to get a nice warm skin tone, but old Hollywood glamour is all about brighter looks. I decided that I’d use this one on it’s own without any added darker shades in this look.
- Lancome Le Lipstique Spiced Apple -
Because Marilyn’s lips are ruby, yet bright, I wanted to start with a deep red liner to line and color in my lips, and then use a brighter red on top to strike just the right balance.
- YSL Rouge Pur Couture 13 -
This is a really nice bright red that paired very well with the spiced apple lip liner to create Marilyn’s classic ruby red.
- Surratt Artistique Blush Rougeur -
This is likely the darkest pink blush I own, and seeing as Marilyn has a blush that’s somewhere in between a pink and brown, I figured I’d use this mauve-ish shade! It’s not exactly what Marilyn has on, but it’ll do.
I’d say I’m someone who is very much inspired by minimal makeup with one bold element to it. Whether that’s a bold red lip with subtle eye makeup, or bold eye makeup with a neutral lip, I believe makeup is all about balance. Marilyn (or her makeup artist), definitely seemed to have believed in this philosophy, too!
XO,
-MS
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