This Nail Polish Color Was Marilyn Monroe's Go-To
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Marilyn Monroe may have been one of the world's first influencers. Even before social media was a thing, Monroe was idolized by a band of loyal followers, poised to hang on her every word. And now, over 50 years after her death (via History), she continues to influence us. Monroe taught us that "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," (via IMDb) and white dresses look best when billowing above a street grate. In fact, Monroe remains so influential in today's culture, she was declared one of the "100 Most Significant Americans of All Time" by Smithsonian Magazine.
Monroe, née Norma Jean Mortenson, influenced a plethora of other burgeoning icons, such as Andy Warhol, Lady Gaga, and Madonna (via Medium), due to her complete encapsulation of the idea of femininity. Monroe embraced all aspects of being a woman by oozing beauty, fashion, and sex appeal. Despite her mysterious and untimely death, women (and men alike) all over the world continue to strive for Monroe's effortless facade of "having it all." Even celebrities have attempted to channel Monroe's sultry aura by sporting her signature blonde bob and red lipstick (via Revelist). And now that her favorite nail polish colors have been released, we're guessing Revlon stock is about to rocket.
Marilyn Monroe's favorite red nail polish was sold by Revlon
In 1999, Marilyn Monroe's makeup case — containing her go-to beauty products — was sold at a Christie's auction for over $200,000. While the winner remains anonymous, the content of Monroe's case has been made public. In addition to Elizabeth Arden's Eye Stopper eyeliner for her classic look, Monroe also owned Anita d'Foged "Day Dew" foundation, Max Factor lipstick, Glorene falsies, Shisheido scented lotion, and Revlon nail polish in shades "Cherries a la Mode" and "Hot Coral" (via Christie's). Too bad we can't watch a YouTube video of her morning routine, but we do have a sense of what her skincare routine was like.
Most of these companies remain in business and still peddle the star's preferred cosmetics. Unfortunately, both nail polish colors have been discontinued, but if you're looking to emulate Monroe's red-tipped digits, check out Revlon's virtually identical shades — "Ravishing" and "Fearless." Add mysterious and shocking to the list and you've got four adjectives that perfectly describe Monroe.