She was also a fan of cold cream, like Pond's, and other iconic products we still use today, including Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream and Nivea Creme, and even olive oil, which she also reportedly applied to her skin to offset dryness.
Skincare has become increasingly popular in the last few years, but Marilyn knew the importance of moisturizer almost 80 years ago! She used Nivea Cream or Vaseline under her makeup to keep her skin soft, supple, and healthy.
To get her signature on-camera glow, Monroe would apply thick layers of Vaseline or white Nivea Creme under her makeup, while dermatologist Erno Laszlo kept her well stocked in his Phormula 3-9—a reparative botanical balm, specially created to heal a scar of hers—and Active Phelityl Cream, an all-purpose moisturizer.
Marilyn Monroe's bespoke skin-care routine from March 1959. Starting from the top, Marilyn's morning skin routine began with cleansing using Erno Lazlo Active Phelityl Soap and warm water.
Her evening skincare routine began with an oil cleanse, using the Erno Laszlo Active Phelityl Oil, then she applied the Active Phelityl Cream and washed it off. She finished with the Controlling Lotion. All of these products are still available today.
Marilyn Monroe famously told interviewers that she wore Chanel No. 5 to bed (and nothing else), but it wasn't her only favorite. Like millions of other women, Monroe was a fan of Chanel No 5. However, in 2002, it was revealed that she also had a secret penchant for Floris Rose Geranium.
Increased breakouts
While Vaseline helps seal moisture into the skin, some experts have suggested that it may also trap in oil and dirt. As such, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) warn that people who are prone to acne may experience breakouts after applying Vaseline to the face.
To avoid washing it too much (which can affect the colour), she swore by a makeshift dry shampoo – Johnson's Baby Powder – applying every two days to keep her hair looking fresh.
Each morning after I brush my teeth, wash my face and shake off the first deep layer of sleep, I lie down on the floor beside my bed and begin my first exercise. It is a simple bust-firming routine which consists of lifting five-pound weights from a spread-eagle arm position to a point directly above my head.
Marilyn Monroe's Scarlet Stories
Guerlain's Rouge Diabolique and Max Factor were among Monroe's go-to brands for her textured, siren red lip.
An Emilio Pucci bag, another one of Marilyn Monroe's favorite brands. The famous perfume associated with Marilyn Monroe is Chanel No. 5… and it really was one of her favorites!
Marilyn's famous beauty mark was on her right cheek above her lip. She used to highlight the mole slightly with makeup. While she was alive and thriving in Hollywood, all the young girls and women of America went crazy following the beauty trends she set.
Royal Jelly: Cleopatra used royal jelly in her beauty rituals to moisturize her skin. Royal jelly is collected from bees. It nourishes skin with essential vitamins and minerals and thoroughly moisturizes the skin. It also adds elasticity and boosts collagen production.
Clarins was reportedly one of the princess' staple skincare brands (also a favourite of the Queen), with the brand's Multi-Active Day Cream and Cleansing Milk with Alpine Herbs (now discontinued) was often used in her daily routine.
They're both very similar to the German version, the main difference being the lack of petrolatum in the latter. Although super similar, Nivea and La Mer aren't 100% identical. Creme De La Mer contains a bunch of antioxidants, which, at first sight, makes it a much better option than the cheaper Nivea Creme.
Marilyn Monroe's Personal Erno Laszlo Beauty Products
From the estate of Marilyn Monroe, this collection includes one container of Erno Laszlo cream, one container of Erno Laszlo face powder, one container of Erno Laszlo 'blush' cream and a bottle of Erno Laszlo fluid.
The classic red shade Marilyn so often wore on her nails was revealed to be the Revlon colour 'Cherries a la Mode' which the brand has since sadly discontinued.
While most women choose either brown or black pencil eyeliners, Marilyn's make-up artist, Snyder, used a combination of both on the actress. Using Elizabeth Arden's classic eye pencils in both hues, he would apply liner to her upper eye lids and waterlines, extending the lash lines with wings to elongate.
Applying Vaseline® Jelly under eyes is a tried-and-tested way to lock in moisture, keeping skin in the eye area soft and elastic, and rejuvenating skin that looks dry and tired.
While, unfortunately, Vaseline won't do much to help erase deep-set wrinkles or brighten dark circles, Sakar said the product can provide some of the same hydrating effects as your go-to eye cream — especially when it's paired with a moisturizing cream. "Vaseline is something that's called an occlusive," she said.
More importantly, Monroe's appearance in Levi's® jeans helped popularize the denim pants — women wanting to dress as Marilyn bought their own blue jeans.
Diamonds are a girl's best friend, but Marilyn Monroe's favorite fragrance costs much less. The star famously swore by a spritz of Chanel No. 5, a scent that's proven almost just as iconic as the actress herself.