Try These 5 Old Hollywood-Approved Beauty Secrets
From a classic red lip to DIY skincare, we have Old Hollywood stars to thank for a number of beauty tips, tricks and techniques. Their undeniable glamour and elegance will always be venerated — and emulated — making them models of timeless beauty. From the vanities of Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and more, L'Officiel uncovers five tried-and-true beauty secrets from these film icons.
Over the years, the heavy contour, strobe and bake routine has gained popularity, but the face-shaping technique began with a lighter hand. Grace Kelly chose to contour using blush alone, applying a darker shade underneath her cheekbones and a lighter one on the apples of her cheeks. Meanwhile, Old Hollywood actress Carole Lombard would draw a straight line of white eyeliner down the bridge of her nose, adding a subtle highlight and making it appear straighter.
Marilyn Monroe's full red pout is arguably one of the most recognisable beauty looks of the time (and of all time). Her makeup artist reportedly used five different shades of lipstick — darker around the edges and lighter in the centre — to achieve greater dimension.
Whether creating a sharp flick of cat-eye liner or ensuring that mascara doesn't clump, makeup application requires a precise hand. Audrey Hepburn's makeup artist was known to painstakingly use a pin to separate each individual lash after applying mascara in order to achieve the star's signature doe-eyed look.
Hollywood actresses’ youthful complexions were secured without the social media filters we have today. To achieve her flawless complexion, Elizabeth Taylor regularly shaved her face to remove baby hairs, while Monroe opted to keep her light peach fuzz intact to create a soft glow on camera.
If your go-to moisturisers just aren’t cutting it anymore, look no further than your kitchen pantry. Mae West attributed her youthful glow to coconut oil, while Sophia Loren was partial to olive oil baths.
