Hollywood has long been a hub for glamour, style, and innovation, and over the years, many iconic makeup looks have been created that are still influencing beauty trends today. From the bold brows of the 1930s to the sultry eyes of the 1960s, Hollywood’s most famous stars have set the bar for makeup artistry. These looks not only defined eras but also became synonymous with the beauty standards of their time. Let’s take a trip through Hollywood history and revisit some of the most iconic makeup looks that continue to inspire makeup lovers worldwide.
- The Bold Lips of Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe’s look is perhaps one of the most instantly recognisable in Hollywood history. Known for her platinum blonde hair, iconic beauty mark, and red lips, Monroe’s makeup was the epitome of glamour. Her signature bold red lipstick became synonymous with her brand of seductive elegance. Monroe’s makeup artist, Whitey Snyder, perfected the look by emphasising her lips and eyes, creating a balanced, classic, and timeless beauty.
The red lipstick trend that Monroe popularised is still a major staple in the makeup world. Today, a bold red lip is often seen as a symbol of confidence, power, and sophistication, making Monroe’s iconic makeup look as relevant now as it was in the 1950s.
- Audrey Hepburn’s Elegance and Natural Beauty
Audrey Hepburn’s makeup look is often described as timeless and effortlessly chic. In films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Hepburn’s makeup was kept relatively simple, focusing on her striking eyes. Her signature look involved a flawless complexion, arched brows, a subtle cat-eye eyeliner, and a light, peachy lip. Hepburn’s makeup artist, Pablo Larrain, used very little colour on her face, allowing her natural beauty to shine through.
Hepburn’s cat-eye look remains a classic that has stood the test of time, with countless makeup artists recreating it in modern times. Her understated yet sophisticated look is a great example of how less can be more, and her makeup style continues to inspire a minimalist approach to beauty.
- The Smoky Eyes of Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor, one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars, was known for her stunning violet eyes and dramatic makeup. In films like Cleopatra and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, her makeup was bold, glamorous, and theatrical. One of the most iconic elements of her look was her smoky eye, which accentuated her eyes and gave her a mysterious, seductive appeal.
Taylor’s smoky eye look was often paired with dramatic lashes, a flawless complexion, and a subtle lip, creating a balanced, captivating effect. Her signature smoky eyes became a mainstay in both cinema and everyday makeup routines, and the trend has evolved over the years into various modern interpretations, from soft and smudged to bold and intense.
- The Pin-Up Look of Rita Hayworth
Rita Hayworth, one of the most famous actresses of the 1940s, is often credited with popularising the pin-up girl look, which has remained an iconic style in beauty to this day. Hayworth’s makeup was defined by strong, defined brows, bold red lips, and perfectly sculpted cheekbones. Her vintage-inspired makeup style helped to define the glamorous and polished beauty of the era.
The pin-up look, with its classic winged eyeliner, red lips, and flawless skin, is still a beloved trend in the beauty world. Hayworth’s ability to create a sultry yet sophisticated look has made her one of Hollywood’s most enduring beauty icons, and her makeup style continues to be celebrated in both fashion and beauty circles.
- The Sultry Eyes of Sophia Loren
Sophia Loren is an Italian beauty icon whose sultry makeup looks are as legendary as her acting career. In films like El Cid and Two Women, Loren’s makeup emphasised her eyes, often featuring thick, winged eyeliner and bold lashes. Her signature look was both dramatic and sensual, drawing attention to her almond-shaped eyes.
Loren’s eye makeup became an inspiration for many women, especially those with similar eye shapes. The thick eyeliner and voluminous lashes she often wore have become synonymous with the Italian bombshell aesthetic, and the look continues to inspire modern makeup artists.
- The Glamorous Gilded Eyes of Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly’s ethereal beauty was defined by her sophisticated elegance and refined makeup looks. In Rear Window and To Catch a Thief, Kelly’s makeup was always impeccably done, focusing on a flawless complexion, soft blush, and pale lips. However, her eyes were where her true beauty shone. Kelly often wore soft, shimmering eyeshadows that complemented her fair complexion, and her makeup artists used delicate, muted shades to enhance her eyes without overwhelming her features.
Her makeup was subtle but striking, focusing on the natural contours of her face and using soft hues to create a glowing, fresh-faced look. Kelly’s soft, feminine approach to makeup remains a symbol of classic beauty, and her looks continue to inspire brides and those seeking timeless glamour.
- The Eyebrows of Carole Lombard
Carole Lombard, known for her sharp wit and comedic timing, also had one of the most iconic makeup looks of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Lombard’s eyebrows were a defining feature of her beauty. Unlike the thin, arched brows that were common at the time, Lombard sported a bold, defined arch that became her signature look. Her makeup was simple but striking, often focusing on her brows and eyes while leaving her lips relatively understated.
Lombard’s iconic brows influenced the natural brow trend that has become so popular today. Fuller, more natural-looking brows are now a beauty staple, and her classic look continues to inspire those who want to achieve a strong yet sophisticated aesthetic.
Conclusion
From the sultry eyes of Sophia Loren to the iconic red lips of Marilyn Monroe, Hollywood history is full of makeup looks that have stood the test of time. These looks not only defined the stars of their era but also set beauty standards that continue to influence makeup trends today. Whether it’s the cat-eye elegance of Audrey Hepburn or the smoky drama of Elizabeth Taylor, these iconic beauty moments remind us how makeup can enhance and define our own sense of style. Hollywood’s legendary stars may have left the silver screen, but their iconic makeup looks are timeless, inspiring new generations of beauty lovers and makeup artists.
