Old Hollywood glamour is making a strong comeback, and A-list celebrities are leading the charge. From red-carpet appearances to editorial shoots, stars like Sabrina Carpenter, Selena Gomez, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Zendaya are reviving the classic beauty trends that defined Hollywood’s golden age.
But achieving this timeless look is not as hard as it seems. With the right techniques and expert-approved tips, you can bring vintage sophistication into your beauty routine. Here’s how to recreate the magic of Old Hollywood with six essential beauty looks.
A bold red lip epitomizes Old Hollywood elegance. Selena Gomez showcased this timeless look at the 2025 SAG Awards, pairing her ruby-red lipstick with a high-shine lob. To emulate this style, opt for a matte or satin-finish red lipstick that compliments your skin tone.
Marilyn Monroe famously enhanced her lips by applying five different shades of lipstick and gloss to create dimension. She placed darker reds on the outer corners and brushed lighter hues in the center to give the illusion of fuller lips. To get the same effect, use a lip liner to outline and slightly overdraw your lips, then layer multiple shades of red for extra depth. Finish with a touch of gloss on the center for added shine.
Nothing defines Old Hollywood glamour quite like a sharp, precise winged liner. This technique, also known as the “kitten flick,” elongates the eyes and adds an air of sophistication. Elle Fanning stunned this at the 2025 SAG Awards with her exaggerated feline flick, nodding to the iconic beauty of the ‘50s.
To get this, use a gel or liquid liner with a fine tip. Start by drawing a thin line along your upper lash line, gradually thickening it as you reach the outer corner. Extend the line slightly upwards to create a lifted effect. Pair this with a neutral eyeshadow base and voluminous lashes to keep the focus on the eyes.
Unlike today’s heavy black smokey eye, Old Hollywood glamour favored softer, more diffused eye makeup. A classic taupe or brown smokey eye enhances depth without overpowering the face.
Zendaya recently revived this look at a high-profile fashion event, opting for a wash of warm brown eyeshadow blended seamlessly into the crease. To replicate this, choose earthy tones like bronze, cocoa, or taupe. Apply a soft brown shade across the lid, blending it into the crease for a gradient effect. A touch of champagne shimmer in the inner corners will add a touch of radiance.
A smooth, matte complexion was a signature of Hollywood’s golden era. Unlike today’s dewy, glass-skin trends, classic Hollywood makeup favored a powder-finished, velvet-like base.
To do this, start with a long-wear matte foundation that provides full yet natural coverage. Use a damp beauty sponge to blend it seamlessly into the skin. Set with a finely milled translucent powder, focusing on the T-zone to control shine. For a subtle glow, dust a soft, peachy blush onto the apples of your cheeks.
Eyebrows play a crucial role in framing the face, and Old Hollywood beauty was all about bold yet structured brows. Think of Audrey Hepburn’s perfectly arched brows or Elizabeth Taylor’s full, dramatic shape.
To recreate this timeless brow look, start by filling in sparse areas with a fine-tip brow pencil, using hair-like strokes for a natural effect. Avoid overly sculpted or laminated brows—Old Hollywood brows were defined yet soft. A tinted brow gel can help add volume and set them in place without making them look overly harsh.
Unlike today’s heavy contouring techniques, Old Hollywood relied on soft, natural shading to enhance the bone structure. Marilyn Monroe’s makeup artist was known for using contouring tricks to create the illusion of higher cheekbones and a slimmer nose.
To try this, use a cream contour or matte bronzer a shade or two darker than your skin tone. Apply it under your cheekbones, along your jawline, and on the sides of your nose, blending thoroughly to avoid harsh lines. The goal is to subtly sculpt the face without making the makeup look overly dramatic.
Adding these Old Hollywood-style makeup looks to your beauty routine is a guarantee of adding sophisticated glamour to any event. Whether you are channeling Marilyn’s bold red lip, Audrey’s delicate liner, or Rita Hayworth’s bombshell waves, these makeup trends prove that classic elegance never goes out of style.
Want to go one step further? Pair these makeup looks with retro-inspired fashion. Think satin slips, fitted blazers, and elegant pearl embellishments to get your very own Old Hollywood glamour moment.
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