From classic red lips to DIY skincare, we have Old Hollywood stars to thank for many of our beauty tips and tricks. Their undeniable charm and grace will always be admired and emulated, making them the perfect example of timeless beauty.
5 tried-and-true beauty tips from these Old Hollywood stars, from the faces of celebrities like Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, and more.
Subtle Contouring
Heavy contouring, shimmer, and baked-in contouring methods have become more popular over the years, but this contouring technique originally started with a lighter approach. Grace Kelly chose to contour with just blush, applying a dark blush just below her cheekbones and a lighter blush on the apples of her cheeks.
Meanwhile, Old School Hollywood actress Carole Lombard would use white eyeliner to draw a line along the bridge of her nose to add a highlight effect and make it appear straighter.
Lip Focus
Marilyn Monroe’s full red lips were undoubtedly one of the most recognizable beauty looks of the time. Her makeup artist used five different shades of lipstick, darker at the edges and lighter in the middle to create a more three-dimensional effect.
Attention to Detail
Whether it’s creating a crisp cat-eye liner or ensuring that mascara doesn’t clump, makeup requires precision. Audrey Hepburn’s makeup artist was known for carefully separating each lash with a pin after applying mascara to create her signature glamorous eyes.
Smooth Skin
The youthful looks of Hollywood actresses weren’t the result of the social media filters we use today. Elizabeth Taylor shaved regularly to remove pregnancy hair to achieve a flawless look, while Monroe chose to keep her light peach fuzz to show a soft glow for the camera.
Pantry Items
If your go-to moisturizer isn’t enough, look to your kitchen pantry. Mae West credited coconut oil for her youthful vibe, while Sophia Loren preferred olive oil baths.