12 Famous Women Who Inspired Iconic Vintage Makeup Looks

Classic makeup looks have a way of staying fresh and inspiring through the years. Some of the most iconic styles came from women who defined beauty for their generation. Whether it was a daring eyeliner shape or a perfectly painted lip, these choices became part of their signature image. Today, they still influence how makeup is worn and appreciated. Join us as we revisit the elegance and charm of these legendary styles. You might be inspired to bring one of these looks into your own routine.

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Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe is remembered for her signature glamorous style that defined beauty in the 1950s. She often wore a flawless matte complexion with a soft peach blush. Her lips were painted in her iconic red shade, paired with winged black eyeliner and voluminous lashes. This combination gave her a radiant, camera-ready look that is still copied today.

She was known to layer different red lipsticks to achieve the perfect shade for her skin tone. Her makeup artists used light contouring to create her famous cheekbones. Marilyn’s slightly arched brows framed her eyes beautifully. Her timeless beauty routine continues to influence makeup trends worldwide.

Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn became an icon with her refined and elegant makeup style. She often wore a natural, fresh complexion with minimal blush. Her bold, thick brows and doe-eyed eyeliner became her trademark. Soft pink or nude lipstick completed her polished look.

Her eye makeup was carefully done to open up her gaze, often with a subtle winged line. Long, separated lashes were a key part of her appearance. Audrey preferred understated colors that enhanced her features rather than overpowering them. Her beauty style is still considered perfect for those who love a classic, clean look.

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor was admired for her striking violet eyes and glamorous style. She favored dramatic eyeliner with thick lashes to highlight her unique eye color. Bold eyeshadow shades, including blues and purples, were often part of her look. Her lips were usually painted in rich reds or deep pinks.

Her beauty routine included strong brows and softly contoured cheeks. Elizabeth often matched her makeup to her wardrobe for a coordinated effect. She was known for experimenting with glamorous styles while maintaining elegance. Her looks remain a source of inspiration for high-glam makeup lovers.

Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly was known for her sophisticated and natural beauty. She often wore soft, neutral eyeshadow with lightly defined brows. Her cheeks carried a subtle flush, and her lips were usually in pink or coral shades. This understated style made her look effortlessly graceful.

Her makeup enhanced her features without overpowering them. She preferred a smooth, even complexion with a hint of glow. Grace’s style reflected her refined taste and royal image. Her timeless elegance continues to inspire bridal and formal makeup looks.

Sophia Loren

Sophia Loren was famous for her sultry, dramatic makeup style. She often wore bold eyeliner that extended outward, creating a seductive cat-eye effect. Her lips were painted in rich reds, and her brows were thick and defined. Warm, golden tones often complemented her Mediterranean complexion.

Her beauty routine emphasized contouring to enhance her cheekbones. She used eyeliner both on the top and bottom lash lines for added drama. Sophia often matched her makeup with glamorous hairstyles and accessories. Her bold yet feminine style remains a favorite among makeup artists.

Josephine Baker

Josephine Baker’s beauty style stood out during the Jazz Age. She often wore a smooth, glowing complexion with a hint of blush. Her lips were painted in deep reds or plums, matching her glamorous stage outfits. Thin, high-arched brows framed her expressive eyes.

Her makeup choices reflected the art deco era with dramatic flair. Josephine sometimes added glitter or shimmer for performances. She paired her beauty looks with elaborate costumes and hairstyles. Her style remains a symbol of 1920s glamour and individuality.

Ava Gardner

Ava Gardner’s beauty style was timeless and sensual. She often wore dark, defined brows with bold red lipstick. Her eyes were accentuated with winged eyeliner and lush lashes. Subtle contouring added dimension to her classic Hollywood look.

Her makeup choices highlighted her strong bone structure. She often used rich, warm tones that complemented her dark hair and eyes. Ava’s beauty style was glamorous yet approachable. Her look remains a source of inspiration for evening makeup styles.

Lucille Ball

Lucille Ball was famous for her bright red hair and expressive features. She often wore coral or red lipstick that stood out against her fair complexion. Her brows were well-defined, and her eyes were lined with a subtle flick. Soft blush added warmth to her face.

Her makeup style was cheerful and approachable, matching her comedic charm. She kept her look consistent both on and off screen. Lucille’s signature red lipstick became an essential part of her image. Her style continues to inspire fans of vintage beauty.

Lauren Bacall

Lauren Bacall’s makeup style was sultry and sophisticated. She often wore matte skin, softly defined eyes, and bold red lips. Her brows were arched and neatly shaped, framing her intense gaze. Warm, neutral eyeshadows gave her a polished look.

Her beauty style emphasized elegance and confidence. She often kept her eye makeup understated to draw attention to her lips. Bacall’s signature look became a favorite for evening glamour. Her timeless style is still admired in classic film circles.

Bette Davis

Bette Davis was known for her striking eyes, which were the focus of her makeup. She often wore thick eyeliner and heavy mascara to accentuate them. Soft, muted lips balanced the dramatic eye look. Her brows were natural yet defined.

Her makeup style was bold for her era, making her stand out on screen. She often experimented with eyeshadow to enhance her unique eye shape. Bette’s look became a trademark throughout her career. Her dramatic style still inspires eye-focused makeup designs.

Carmen Miranda

Carmen Miranda’s makeup matched her vibrant stage presence. She often wore bold red lips and heavily lined eyes. Bright eyeshadow colors and dramatic lashes were common in her looks. Her brows were well-defined to balance her colorful style.

Her makeup was part of her lively, theatrical image. She paired her beauty choices with extravagant costumes and accessories. Carmen’s playful and bold approach to makeup made her stand out in the entertainment world. Her looks remain a celebration of color and joy.

Hedy Lamarr

Hedy Lamarr combined classic beauty with elegance in her makeup style. She often wore perfectly shaped brows, dark eyeliner, and voluminous lashes. Her lips were painted in reds or pinks to suit the occasion. Soft contouring gave her face a sculpted look.

Her style was polished yet feminine. She favored balanced looks where eyes and lips complemented each other. Hedy’s beauty influenced many Hollywood makeup trends during her career. Her timeless elegance is still admired today.

These iconic women proved that makeup can be both an art form and a personal statement. Their influence lives on through the trends and techniques that remain popular today. From soft elegance to bold glamour, their styles offer endless inspiration. Take cues from their beauty and bring a touch of classic charm into your own routine.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.