Happy Birthday, Ms Monroe. Today would have been the late star's 94th birthday, and we're celebrating in style. On the list of the most iconic beauties of all time, Marilyn Monroe could arguably clinch the top spot. Her peroxide-blonde waves, elongated winged flicks and glossy red pout have enchanted men and women alike for years and become synonymous with old Hollywood glamour. Having been transformed from Norma Jeane, a girl of humble beginnings into a screen icon that won the world's heart, Marilyn is constantly referenced by modern celebrities as a beauty inspiration.
As well as her captivating beauty, Marilyn enchanted the world with her films, songs and many loves. Later in life, her intellectual side was revealed through the posthumous publication of her diaries, showing how eagerly and intelligently she debated arts and culture.
The longevity of Marilyn’s appeal surely has something to do with how easy it is to add a little Monroe into your everyday look. A swish of red lipstick and maybe even a daubed faux beauty spot can have you feeling a little more sultry in a flash, even if you can’t quite pull off her famous hair. Her look was an instant classic, and we’re all just as obsessed now as we were in the 50s.
She's also remember for her love of Chanel - when asked what she wore to bed, she famously replied 'Chanel No.5' - something the brand celebrated by featuring her in an advent for the fragrance in 2012. Now that she's Max Factor's new Global Glamour Ambassador, we've decided to look back over her beauty best hits.
Marilyn Monroe's Classic Beauty Moments
1 of 6Marilyn Monroe – or Norma Jean – in 1948
Before there was Marilyn Monroe, there was Norma Jean. With darker hair and a fresh-faced approach to make-up, you can still see the beginnings of the superstar she was about to become
2 of 6Marilyn Monroe in 1952
This photograph perfectly showcases Marilyn's megawatt smile and impeccably groomed brows
3 of 6Marilyn Monroe in 1952
Monroe managed to pull off a fairly high octane beauty look with ease – her trademark red lipstick has become iconic, as has her famous beauty spot
4 of 6Marilyn Monroe in 1953
When she decided to dye her hair platinum blonde to be more 'employable' as a model, Monroe morphed into the screen icon we know today.
5 of 6Marilyn Monroe in 1954
In all her sultry glory, this is classic Monroe. We love her wet-look red lip and exaggerated winged liner – two things that are still championed today
6 of 6Marilyn Monroe in 1955
Monroe's beauty spot and perfectly winged eyeliner may have been applied in 1955 but wouldn't look out of place today