There are some women whose beauty becomes legend, ricocheting through the decades. Androgenous, hourglass, elfin, siren, whatever: there is an X-Factor about the true beauties and an appealing mystique that places them in a premier league.
Many of the small-busted icons I’ve written about previously are members of this exclusive club — notably Audrey Hepburn. But one of the founders has to be Marilyn Monroe. While I, and many who share my physique, will never be able to achieve her curvaceous shape, I can at least drink in every aspect of her distinctive look and learn a few tricks about how to be a coquette. I can also marvel at the perfection of her makeup and hair and the huge contribution that made to creating her hallmark, much copied, look.
And if I’m tempted to dabble in a Monroe-esque makeup style, I can take notes while watching this excellent masterclass on Marilyn’s beauty secrets by makeup artist Lisa Eldridge on Natasha Bailie’s Vintage Clothing Co blog.
