“Pillow case white” was what Monroe dubbed her signature shade of platinum. A rotating team of hairstylists like Kenneth Battelle, Gladys Rasmussen, and Pearl Porterfield—the Hollywood hairdresser responsible for Jean Harlow’s own pale blonde—applied peroxide and bleach highlights every three weeks, according to author Pamela Keogh, and Monroe was said to have minimized washes by dabbing sifted Johnson’s Baby Powder on the roots.
Count Out Exactly Five Drops of Chanel No. 5
“You know, they ask me questions. Just an example: What do I wear to bed? So I said, ‘Chanel No. 5,’ because it’s the truth!”
Famously, Monroe wore five drops of Chanel No. 5 to sleep, but she was said to love the heady jasmine and Bulgarian rose perfume so much that she added pours of the fragrance to her ice baths, too. To wit, an iconic black-and-white photo by Ed Feingersh shows her clutching a crystal bottle and applying No. 5 with a smile.
Chanel N°5 Eau de Parfum
Take Your Beauty Sleep to the Next Level
“I have never been able to wear pajamas or creepy nightgowns; they disturb my sleep.”
After plunging her face in a bowl of hot water each night, according to Keogh, Monroe would grab anywhere from five to 10 hours of sleep in an extra-wide single bed, huddled beneath a heavy down comforter. “On Sunday, which is my one day of total leisure, I sometimes take two hours to wake up, luxuriating in every last moment of drowsiness," she told Pageant magazine of savoring her restorative weekend rest.
1950Photo: Getty Images
Work Out Strategically—But Not Too Much
“I don’t count rhythmically like the exercise people on the radio; I couldn’t stand exercise if I had to feel regimented about it.”
As someone deeply entrenched in the world of beauty, style, and lifestyle, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for the subject matter. My expertise spans the historical nuances of iconic figures, their grooming routines, and the products that have become synonymous with their legendary personas. Let's delve into the intricacies of the article you've shared, where Marilyn Monroe's beauty rituals take center stage.
Marilyn Monroe, an enduring symbol of glamour, was meticulous in crafting her signature look. Her platinum blonde hair, referred to as "Pillow case white," required regular attention from a team of skilled hairstylists, including Kenneth Battelle, Gladys Rasmussen, and Pearl Porterfield. Author Pamela Keogh reveals in-depth details about Monroe's haircare routine, involving peroxide and bleach highlights every three weeks. Notably, Monroe employed a unique method to extend the time between washes by using sifted Johnson’s Baby Powder on her roots.
The article further explores Monroe's bedtime routine, where she famously admitted to wearing only Chanel No. 5 to bed. This was not a mere anecdote; Monroe's affinity for the fragrance extended to her daily life. The luxurious scent of jasmine and Bulgarian rose from Chanel No. 5 was not only part of her nighttime ritual but also found its way into her ice baths.
Monroe's approach to beauty sleep was equally intriguing. After immersing her face in a bowl of hot water each night, she would indulge in an extensive sleep session of five to 10 hours. This rejuvenating experience took place in an extra-wide single bed, enveloped by a heavy down comforter. Her commitment to rest was evident in her Sunday routine, where she relished in two hours of waking up slowly, savoring every moment of drowsiness.
The article also touches upon Monroe's attitude toward exercise, revealing her aversion to regimented routines. Unlike the exercise enthusiasts on the radio, Monroe didn't count rhythmically, emphasizing her preference for a more relaxed approach to physical activity.
In summary, Monroe's beauty regimen, including her haircare practices, fragrance preferences, sleep rituals, and exercise philosophy, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle of an iconic figure whose allure continues to captivate audiences even today.
