Marilyn Monroe for MAC Cosmetics

MAC’s Director of Makeup Artistry, Gregory Arlt answers some questions about the highly anticipated Marilyn Monroe collection.

Q: Describe Marilyn Monroe’s signature look. What made her look iconic?

Gregory: When you look at images of Marilyn, you immediately notice her perfectly arched brows, defined lash line, and lips. She had a very heavy eyelid that she accentuated with lighter colours, which was contrasted by her signature cat eyeliner that started in the middle of her lids and winged out, making her eyes look sleepy and sexy. Her other signature, red lips, were shaped in a voluptuous bow. And let’s not forget her beauty mark and platinum hair! She is iconic because her look epitomises femininity.

Q: How do you think Marilyn Monroe influenced the way woman wear make-up?

Gregory: She was a total trendsetter! Back then, actresses had more pronounced, harder looks: think Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, and Marlene Dietrich. But there was a softness to Marilyn’s make-up that you really didn’t see in the 40s and early 50s. Later, you can see that influence in actresses ranging from Grace Kelly to Scarlett Johansson.

Q: Do you think Marilyn Monroe’s make-up look translates to celebrity make-up looks today?

Gregory: Definitely! Many actresses love old Hollywood glamour and wear a simple, soft eye with a chic red lip on the red carpet. This classic, iconic look never goes out of style.

Q: This collection is so glamorous! Especially the bold red lip colours. Are the colours wearable for everyday looks?  
 
Gregory: Definitely! If you want to rock bold colour but are intimidated by wearing a red lip, you can just dab it on as a stain. There’s also a beautiful neutral shade called Pure Zen that looks amazing for every day as a softer colour that can be paired with Phiff! Dazzleglass on top for a more glamorous, three-dimensional lip look.

Q: What are some of your favourite products from the collection?
 
Gregory: Besides the lipsticks, I can't get enough of the new blush colours because they truly give the skin a flush, like an English rose. I also love the easy-to-use Rapidblack eyeliner. It's basically like a makeup pen, making "drawing" on the liner super easy. The formula really stays put, which allows you to have a sexy cat eye all day.

Q: Marilyn was a fair-skinned, blonde. Can these products be worn by all different skin and hair types?
 
Gregory: I absolutely believe that there’s something for everyone in this collection. Don’t forget that you can also alter or switch up lip colours by using different pencils with them. For darker skin tones, you can blend a darker liner into the lips, then use a brush to add one of the lipsticks over it to get an even deeper shade. The shadows are versatile as well, with a strong blue/silver frost shadow that looks amazing on darker skin tones.

Q: What celebrities do you work with? Describe their signature looks.

Gregory: I work with Dita Von Teese, who truly embodies the Marilyn Monroe era with her strong brows, cat eyes, and red lip. AnnaLynne McCord is my quintessential “California Girl” with her bronzed skin, warm golden smoky eyes, and pale lip. I call Anne Heche my “English Rose” because I usually keep her makeup very soft by using shimmery colours and a lovely pink-coral flush on the cheeks. And Katy Perry is like a versatile cartoon character or a 50s pin-up who is never afraid to wear colour on her eyes or lips.

Please note that the Marilyn Monroe range is available at selected MAC Cosmetic stores nationwide until stocks last.

What do you think of the Marilyn collection? Which product would you like to try out most and why?