Marilyn Monroe Inspired Makeup FOTDs

Hi everybody,

A couple of nights ago, I went through my picture folder in the old laptop ("Lappie") and realized I have so many FOTD pictures. During my thesis writing months, whenever I got bored or tired from writing, I stood up, went to the bathroom, and played with my makeup. Sometimes, the looks were really good. Other times, they failed miserably. Little did I know how many looks I did and how well they accumulated since September (or October.)

As you may know, I am a fan of Kevyn Aucoin's book "Making Faces" (review here.) In there, he did a Marilyn Monroe inspired look that is glamorous yet very easy to do. As I got closer to my defense, my makeup routine became very simplified and I relied heavily on Sephora Beauty Fever palette for eye and cheek makeup. Little did I know how versatile this little palette is until I did this look and since then, I rely on the palette and this simple method to look pulled together fast.

 

The legendary Marilyn Monroe

Source

Before I continue, I need to emphasize there's no way on the great green Earth that I resemble the great MM. I'm just an Asian girl who loves makeup, that's all. The essence of Marilyn Monroe makeup is light eye shadows, downcast eyes, and red lips. In "Making Faces", Kevyn Aucoin wrote great instructions on this look and I highly encourage you to read it.

Want to see how I look? Come after the jump!

Look 1

Look at my t-shirt ;)

What I used

Eyes

(L-R) Almay Pure Blends in Lavender and Sephora Beauty Fever palette

Mix #1 and 2 together and apply to the eyelid with an eyeshadow brush, then use MAC 217 brush to apply eyeshadow #3 to the crease. To highlight, mix #1 and 4 together and apply with the same brush to the area underneath the brow bone.

Line your upper lash line and apply mascara.

Semi-close eye

Cheeks and Lips

Apply the darker blush in the Beauty Fever palette to your cheeks, using a blush brush

Layer NYX Gardenia and NYC Retro Red on your lips for a stunning rouge pucker.

Look 2: Same concept but more neutral

This is a more neutral look that's suitable for daytime

I used LORAC Hollywood Heat eyeshadow trio for my eyes, a pink blush on my cheeks, and Rimmel London Airy Fairy lipstick on my lips

"Why so tired?" you may ask

"Because I took this picture around midnight, sweetheart!" I said.

I used Gold Charge Chrome eyeliner from L'Oreal HiP on the lower lash line to perk up this look

Semi-close eye

If you don't have enough time to do your makeup, the Marilyn look is very simple and glamorous. I was walking around my apartment in awe of how simple yet gorgeous my eye makeup looked. It does not take longer than 5 minutes to do your eyes and since the colors are not dark, this look is pretty much goof-proof. When coupled with crimson lips, you get a festive look for the holiday season. However, if you go with a nude color, this is absolutely perfect for the office.

I hope you will find this look helpful. Please let me know what you think, ok?

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