Marilyn Monroe kept the best beauty tips that we still apply to date, ready to try them? Reviewed by the BeautynFacts editorial team. Last updated:
Marilyn Monroe kept the best beauty tips that we still apply to date, ready to try them?
Reviewed by the BeautynFacts editorial team. Last updated: May 2026.
Marilyn Monroe was a legendary Hollywood icon known for her stunning beauty and captivating presence. Her timeless beauty inspired generations of women to emulate her style and grace. But what were the secrets behind her iconic look? In this article, we will explore some of Marilyn Monroe’s beauty secrets and how you can incorporate them into your own routine.
From the 50s to date, Marilyn Monroe continues to be recognized as one of the greatest beauty icons in the world, because beyond looking completely attractive on the outside, even winning the vote for ‘Sexiest Woman of the Century’, by People, in 1999, the actress always radiated beauty from her thoughts and personality.
Imperfection is beauty, insanity is great and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring’ was one of her Monroe mantras, letting us see how authentic, sincere and funny she was. She marked an era so much that even, decades later, millions of people have tried to replicate her style and honor her memory through various documentaries and films.
That is why today, to remind you of her most glam side , we have gathered the most exclusive and unexpected beauty secrets of Marilyn Monroe . You will be surprised that some today are still a treasure and discovery!
Used perfume to sleep
Marilyn Monroe always smelled delicious and this was not only due to her favorite perfume, but she also practiced one of her best kept tricks: she applied perfume before going to bed. When asked in an interview with Life Magazine what she wore to sleep, she said: ‘I only wear Chanel No. 5.’ And it is that this fragrance smells like freshly washed sheets thanks to its notes of bergamot, iris, flowers, musk, vanilla and more, which in short, is total comfort to feel beautiful while you rest.
Another of his secrets that goes hand in hand? Sleep 9 hours a day.
I applied a luminous foundation
According to photographs of her boudoir, Marilyn Monroe had a foundation that was, in part, the secret to her glowing skin in the 1950s. It’s Daydew Makeup Cream, which is still on sale in several countries. And it has encouraged TikTokers to try it. They say it provides a very natural glow, is very creamy, and provides an effective amount of coverage. It is as if the foundation step is similar to applying concealer.
Mind you, the celeb was known to have dry skin, so she had a special routine assigned by her facialist (and sometimes applied Vaseline as well) to achieve that natural glow on her complexion, in addition to using foundation.
He knew how to make gorgeous red lips
Just look at some of Marilyn’s photographs to see that her sexiest accessory was her red lips. Somehow, she was always right with them! But beyond the tone, it is well known by her makeup artist that she achieved that plumpy effect with a little trick that is now the favorite of many celebrities: combining various shades of red. First the outline was outlined with a dark color and then the interior was filled in with a lighter color to give an effect of spaciousness and greater dimension. Oh, la la!
In addition, she always complemented her mouth with a striking look, for which she used mascara designed by Helena Rubinstein for Monroe’s exclusive use.
Chest exercises
In addition to her rest routine, her long cold baths to prevent cellulite, her egg diet, and her habit of reducing her dessert intake, the Hollywood star exercised to shape her figure. Of course, she liked to be free in her training and, what is known so far, is that working the chest with dumbbell lifts was essential in her workout for a very hot neckline.
Skincare regimen
Marilyn Monroe was known for her strict skincare regimen, which focused on keeping her skin hydrated and glowing. She was a fan of using pure almond oil as a moisturizer, which she would massage into her skin every night before bed. Almond oil is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, making it a great moisturizer for all skin types.
She also used a combination of honey and oatmeal as a natural exfoliant, which helped to remove dead skin cells and reveal fresh, youthful skin. The natural enzymes in honey help to soften and hydrate the skin, while oatmeal provides gentle exfoliation.
Diet and exercise
Marilyn Monroe believed that a healthy body and mind were key to her beauty and success. She was a fan of eating fresh, whole foods and incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables into her diet. She also made sure to drink plenty of water to keep her skin hydrated from the inside out.
In terms of exercise, Marilyn was a fan of yoga and dance. She believed that regular exercise helped her to stay toned and in shape, which contributed to her overall beauty. Additionally, exercise was a great way for her to relieve stress and maintain a positive state of mind.
Makeup secrets
Marilyn Monroe was known for her signature look, which included a bold red lip and winged liner. She was a fan of using neutral eyeshadow to keep the focus on her eyes and lips. She also made sure to use waterproof mascara to keep her lashes looking long and full, even on the hottest of days.
When it came to her skin, Marilyn preferred to keep things simple and natural. She was a fan of using a light, natural-looking foundation to even out her skin tone and a soft blush to add a pop of color to her cheeks.
Confidence and a Positive Attitude
Aside from her beauty routine, Marilyn Monroe’s confidence and positive attitude were also key to her timeless beauty. She believed that confidence was the most attractive quality a person could have and that a positive outlook on life was essential for a happy, healthy, and beautiful life.
In conclusion, Marilyn Monroe’s beauty secrets are a combination of a strict skincare regimen, a healthy diet and exercise, her signature makeup look, and confidence and a positive attitude. By incorporating these elements into your own routine, you can emulate Marilyn’s timeless beauty and become the best version of yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marilyn Monroe Beauty Secrets
What were Marilyn Monroe’s beauty secrets?
Marilyn Monroe’s beauty secrets included applying Vaseline as a moisturiser and lip primer, sleeping in cream and a chin strap, using two shades of lipstick blended together for fuller-looking lips, contouring with multiple foundation shades before contour was a mainstream technique, and exercising regularly with weights, which was rare for women in her era. She also drank Chanel No. 5 inspired water, kept a strict skincare and grooming schedule, and prioritised sleep. Most of her routines were ahead of their time and influence modern celebrity beauty practices.
Did Marilyn Monroe wear false lashes?
Yes, Marilyn Monroe consistently wore individual false lashes only on the outer half of her upper lash line. The placement gave her eyes a slightly lifted, doll-like look without appearing heavy. Her makeup artist Whitey Snyder applied tiny lash clusters rather than strip lashes, blended into her natural lash with mascara. This subtle lash technique is still used today by makeup artists who want the look of fuller lashes without the obvious finish of strips. Combined with a thick liner, it created her signature wide-eyed expression.
How did Marilyn Monroe get her glowing skin?
Marilyn Monroe’s glowing skin came from a combination of consistent skincare, hormone treatments common at the time, and clever makeup. She reportedly cleansed with cold cream nightly, applied lanolin and hormone creams, and used petroleum jelly on her face overnight for hydration. Her makeup base included multiple layers of foundation in different shades to create dimension, with a hint of red lipstick blended into the cheek for a flushed glow. She rarely sun-bathed and protected her pale complexion intentionally.
What lipstick did Marilyn Monroe wear?
Marilyn Monroe’s signature red lipstick was custom-blended by her makeup artist Whitey Snyder. Five different reds were layered to create her exact shade: a darker red on the outer edges and lips, a brighter true red on the centre, with a touch of gloss on the centre of the lower lip to create the illusion of a fuller pout. Modern equivalents include MAC Russian Red, Besame Bésame Red, and Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Beauty Icon. The layering technique is more important than any single shade.
Did Marilyn Monroe exercise for her figure?
Yes, Marilyn Monroe exercised regularly, which was unusual for women in the 1950s. She lifted weights, jogged, and used resistance bands when most women avoided gym work for fear of bulking up. She also did yoga, which was relatively unknown in mainstream America at the time. Her routine was published in fitness magazines of the era and looks remarkably similar to modern functional training. Combined with a high-protein breakfast that included raw eggs and milk, she maintained her figure with discipline rather than starvation.
What was Marilyn Monroe’s nighttime beauty routine?
Marilyn Monroe’s nighttime routine included a thorough cleanse with cold cream, application of moisturising creams and oils, sleeping with petroleum jelly on her face for hydration, and using a chin strap to maintain her jawline shape overnight. She slept in silk pillowcases long before they became mainstream and aimed for nine hours of sleep when possible. Her commitment to her beauty rituals was almost obsessive but consistent. Many of her practices, silk pillowcases, occlusive moisture overnight, prioritising sleep, are now standard celebrity skincare advice.
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