Lessons from the Past ~ Fashion and Beauty Secrets from Old Hollywood Glamour Girls

Audrey Hepburn

By Amber Lynette Lyons

From today’s hottest celebrities to the everyday woman, we are constantly inspired by the glamorous styles of Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Lena Horne, Grace Kelly, and many other starlets of the 1940s through the early 1960s. But, have you ever wondered why we are so strongly influenced by the beauty and fashion trends of these classic vixens after all these years.

Why this particular style is considered timeless?  What makes the beauty trends of this era more interesting than others? This is perhaps because not only is this style considered elegant and refined, it also contains a level of sex appeal that is stimulating yet tasteful. Many women aspire to attract the opposite sex while still leaving a little to the imagination.

These vintage celebrities exemplify this very concept. Also, these trends are considered the most feminine and glamorous compared to other eras. As a result, this look gives an air of fantasy and make-believe while contradicting with the practicality of the “real world”. The woman of this era placed fashion before function every time she got ready to face the world. Here are several methods that these women applied to their everyday routine and outfits that made them such timeless trendsetters.

Photography by Subbotina Anna

1. The Sultry Eyeliner

One of the most sought after makeup look is the sexy cat-eyeliner. This is still considered a hot, beauty trend even today. A way that Allan “Whitey” Snyder, the mastermind makeup artist behind many golden actresses, achieved this look was quite simple. He would draw a thin line from the corner eye upward to the very center, and from the center, he would draw a thin line going down towards the outer corner, creating a long, upside-down “V” shape. He then would fill in the space between the “V” and the lash-line, and then would draw a thin, pointed wing extending out from the corner of the eye. This would give that doe-eye that was the perfect combination of innocent and sultry.

2. Half-Lash

One way that Marilyn Monroe would add to the cat-eye affect is by cutting her false lashes in half. This would create an angle that gave the eye a sexy shape, while not distracting from the overall look. Often times, we would like to add drama to our lashes while looking natural – this is the perfect solution. However, it is best to use lashes that are already angled so that they will blend in with the natural eyelashes.

Anastasia Brow Definer, $23 Sephora.com

3. Bold Brows

When I think of the perfect brow, I always picture the lovely Audrey Hepburn. Many women of this era sported the thick, arched brow, but it was Audrey who truly nailed the trend. Although the thin brow may come and go, the defined brow will always create a classic statement. A way to achieve this is by using the Brow Definer by Anastasia Beverly Hills that will create a bold yet natural look for any brow.

4.Gel Highlighter

A simple, inexpensive way these actresses would highlight facial features was by placing a dime-sized amount of Vaseline under the brow-bone, cheek bones, and cupids-bow. This gives a natural, dewy glow that will effortlessly brighten the face.

5. Contour Lips

With the cat-eye being a close second, the glamorous, crimson lip has to be the number-one sought after beauty trend of the Golden era. Since its popularity began in the 1930s, the red lip has been associated with femininity and sex appeal. Marilyn Monroe was best known for the contoured lip. To achieve this look, start by applying a thin layer of concealer or foundation onto the lip to create an even base. Next, line the lips with a brown or burgundy lip liner. When drawing the top line, draw a dip at the top, center of the lip to define the Cupid’s bow. After the line is drawn, fill in the entire inside of the lip with a red or crimson lipstick and blend it with the darker lip liner. Next, with a white, shimmery eyeshadow or blush, place a small dot on the center of the bottom lip and at Cupid’s bow. The matte lip is very popular right now, but if you would like an added touch of glamour, top this look off with a clear gloss.

Olivella Moisturizer Cream, $19 dermstore.com

6.Olive Oil Moisturizer

According to BBC, a way that Sophia Loren gave her skin a gorgeous glow is by moisturizing with olive oil. A great way to give your skin the same soft, hydrated look that Loren has had over all these years, is by using moisturizers such as Olivella Moisturizer Cream which contains 100 percent virgin olive oil.

Old Hollywood Glamour. Penelope Cruz and Adrien Brody in Manolete

7. Steam Facial

A method that Audrey Hepburn would use to detox her skin was very simple and absolutely free! She would first pour steaming water into a large, bowl. Then, she would hover her face over the steaming water for 1-2 minutes. This method would remove dirt and dead skin, leaving the skin feeling fresh and hydrated.

8. Separate for the Occasion

Edith Head, the stylist behind many of these starlets, had several methods of organizing a wardrobe. According to Daily Mail, one of those methods including organizing according to occasion (formal, professional, dinner, parties, sporting events, etc). Head believes that it is important to keep pieces that are practical in our lives and removing irrelevant pieces.

Woman in pin curls
Photography by: Studio10Artur

9. Pin and Sleep

A damage-free way to achieve gorgeous, vintage-inspired curls is by replacing your curling wand with bobby pins. Before turning in for the night, simply twist an inch or two of hair into a roll, and pin it to the scalp (also known as a pin curl). Repeat until the whole head is covered, and for added security, tie the hair with a scarf or silk bonnet. When you take the pins out in the morning, voila, you have glamorous curls that will last beautifully throughout the day!

10.Audrey Hepburn’s Beauty Tips

Lastly, let’s not forget Mrs. Hepburn’s famous quote on how to remain eternally beautiful:

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone!” – Audrey Hepburn

-AL