Who Is Brigitte Bardot?
Once dubbed ‘the most beautiful woman in the world’, Brigitte Bardot is a style icon not forgotten. She was a French actress, singer and fashion model in the 1950s and 1960s, and then animal rights activist. She has a son called Nicolas with ex-husband and French actor, Jacques Charrier.
How Old Is Brigitte Bardot?
Born on 28th September 1934, Brigitte Bardot now is 82 years-of-age.
Brigitte Bardot’s Career
As a young girl Brigitte trained to be a ballerina, but at the age of 15 she was discovered by screenwriter and soon-to-be filmmaker, Roger Vadim, whom she then married in 1952 but divorced in 1957.
Brigitte stepped into the limelight by appearing in multiple comedy films, and was on the cover of ELLE. She rocketed to international stardom when she starred in Vadim’s directorial debut And God Created Women (1956), where she played a sexually liberated young woman. Her character was then picked up by feminist writer Simone de Beauvior, who made Brigitte the subject of her essay The Lolita Syndrome, which deemed her as the epitome of female liberation in post-war France.
During her career she starred in around 50 films, performed in music videos and recorded over 60 songs. Brigitte retired from the entertainment industry 1973 because she wanted to dedicate her life to animals. She once said, 'I gave my beauty and my youth to men. I am going to give my wisdom and experience to animals.'
Brigitte Bardot’s Style
She was one of the best-known sex symbols in the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s, famous for her skimpy bikinis, tiny miniskirts, chic pantsuits and floppy hats. She also owned the off-shoulder look which is known as ‘the Bardot’ still to this day.
The secret to her iconic femme fatale-esque style was her signature bouffant blonde hair and cat-eye makeup that she donned whatever the occasion. The overall effect was elegant but sexy; she was the epitome of effortless beauty.
Her timeless look has been replicated again and again since her golden days and still inspires red carpets and catwalks. We show you how you can recreate her look...
How To Get Brigitte Bardot Hair
We’ve enlisted beauty expert and L’Oréal Professionnel Editorial Ambassador Adam Reed to tell us how to create Brigitte's classic beehive look using the '60s Babe range:
'Prep your hair using TecniART volume lift. Apply it to wet hair and then dry using a round brush to add volume, and voila - there you have the Brigitte Bardot hairdo.
'When totally dry, spray Savage Panache through roots and lengths to give texture and lift.
'For a '60s feel, lightly backcomb the top section to create height and secure with a pin. Then, to add movement, use a tong to create loose waves.'
How To Do Brigitte Bardot Makeup
When it comes to makeup, in the '60s and '70s Bardot was almost never spotted without her signature cat eye look. The feline flick is a hard technique to master – our top tips are to use liquid rather than kohl eyeliner, and start with a small flick. Practice really does make perfect. Finish the look with plenty of black mascara and very little else – keep foundation and lip colour natural so your eyes can take centre stage.
See Brigitte Bardot's best looks and get style inspiration
Brigitte Bardot Best Style Moments
1 of 12brigitte bardot style
Brigitte Bardot's sense of ease was partly down to her effortless and unperfected hair.
When drying your hair alternate between a messy towel dry approach and then occasionally blow dry from underneath to add volume.
2 of 12brigitte bardot style
Brigitte Bardot did 'messy up-do' perfectly. The key to achieving this look is plenty of volume.
3 of 12brigitte bardot style
Pantsuits were a staple for Brigitte and they are actually on trend now. Pair yours with a smart pussy bow blouse and slightly tousled locks for the Brigitte-effect.
4 of 12brigitte bardot style
This all-leather look was very popular circa 1960.
To make a statement a la Brigitte, go for straight hair and dramatic black winged liner.
5 of 12brigitte bardot style
Brigitte was not shy about wearing her hair big and poofy. Her look wasn't over-the-top, though, because she didn't accessorise and her clothing was simple and chic.
6 of 12brigitte bardot style
Brigitte channeled androgyny but made it sexy. She wore large oversized trench coats paired with knee-high boots and a Brigitte-esque up-do, making the look entirely covetable.
7 of 12brigitte bardot style
Brigitte's style was care-free but incredibly sexy. She'd wear tight mini dresses that showed off her figure and let hair hair fall naturally.
8 of 12brigitte bardot style
Brigitte was famous for her bangs and even perfectly styled the awkward growing out stage by parting them in the middle and tucking them messily behind her ears. The key to achieving this look is volume in the roots.
9 of 12brigitte bardot style
Brigitte encapsulated the 60s when she was shooting films. Her hair was bigger and her clothes were bold but pretty.
10 of 12brigitte bardot style
Brigitte was famous for her bold eyeliner, nude lips and understated hair.
To accentuate your eyes experiment with thick feline liner.
11 of 12brigitte bardot style
This picture of young Brigitte expresses her free spirit and her confidence, which is arguably why she always looked so good.
12 of 12brigitte bardot style
Brigitte's sleeker hair gave her the added element of glamour when she attended formal events.
Blow dry your roots and curl the ends of your hair to achieve this look.
WATCH: On The Go Beauty Hacks
READ MORE: Happy Birthday Brigitte Bardot! A Look Back At Her Best Beauty Moments