Marilyn Monroe wasn’t just a Hollywood icon; she was the epitome of Old Hollywood glamour, embodying a beauty that seemed almost otherworldly.

The iconic blonde bombshell was known for her outstanding acting, iconic films, songs and style. But the secret to her timeless allure wasn’t just in the sparkle of her smile or the perfect platinum waves of her hair—it was in the carefully curated rituals that kept her looking flawless on and off the screen. Hollywood’s favourite leading lady was a pioneer when it came to beauty hack!

 From plunging into ice-cold baths to achieve that enviable glow to her meticulous five-shade lipstick technique that made her pout utterly unforgettable, Marilyn’s beauty regimen was nothing short of legendary.

It’s time to step behind the curtain and discover the sultry secrets that made Marilyn Monroe the ultimate beauty icon, with tips that still resonate today for those who crave a touch of vintage glam. Check out some of Monroe’s top tips and hacks!

The ice bath ritual 

Marilyn would regularly take ice baths to tighten her skin. In general, ice baths are known to reduce inflammation, promote collagen and improve overall skin firmness by giving a more youthful appearance. This icy plunge was a testament to her commitment to maintaining her signature glow, even if it meant enduring the cold. 

Glow like Monroe!

An icon and pioneer in the world of beauty – some of her go-to products are still available to shop today! Her most used products were thick layers of Vaseline under the skin, (now known as the K-beauty hack slugging), white Nivea Creme and Elzabth Arden’s 8 hour cream. Allegedly – she would apply copious amounts of olive on to her skin for a flawless glowy finish! Just know – her luminious skin was not all stage lights and makeup. 

Beauty Sleep 

Marilyn valued her beauty sleep, often claiming she needed at least 9 to 10 hours of uninterrupted rest. Her dedication to sleep was her way of ensuring that she always looked refreshed and rejuvenated.

Blonde fitness

By no means was Marilyn a gym enthusiast or one to starve herself to keep a certain look or her figure. She was dedicated enough to follow a simple but effective exercise routine that kept her body toned without bulking up, maintaining her signature curves. Her routine was simple: 15 reps of each excercise. lifting five pound weights above her head from different angles. She would move the weights in circles with her arms at a 45-degree angle from the floor until she got tired. In an interview with Pageant she once said, “I don’t count rhythmically like the exercise on the radio: I couldn’t stand exercise if I had to feel regimented about it.”

Lipstick Layering

Marilyn Monroe’s signature red lips which became synonymous with her look early on in her career was famously achieved with 5 coats of Guerlain’s Rouge Diabolique lipstick. Although the original is no longer sold, many report that this red beauty from Besame is a pretty close dupe. To create her trademark pouty look, her makeup artist would use darker shades on the edges and lighter ones inside. 

Beauty instructions 

From the archives: Marilyn’s customised beauty routine given to her by Dr. Laszloon on March 17, 1959.