The Odd But Effective Cosmetic Tricks Used By Old Hollywood’s Most Glamorous Stars

Marilyn Monroe’s bright red lips. Audrey Hepburn’s doe eyes and lashes. Sophia Loren’s glowing skin. Hollywood’s Golden Age stars had stunning features – ones that many of us still try and emulate today. But if you want to use their exact methods for achieving these classic looks... well, those aren’t as timeless. Here are the wild ways your favorite old-time actresses got to be so stunning. Just be warned: you may not want to try them at home!

1. A molar-moving facelift

How did Marlene Dietrich get her signature cheekbones? Well, they were there all along, but the actress supposedly had molars removed to highlight them further. The silver-screen icon would also use surgical tape to keep things taut and toned – a temporary facelift, if you like.

2. Slap yourself pretty

Trailblazing actress and director Ida Lupino once told Screenland magazine how she kept her jaw so defined. And the star divulged her best tip, saying, “Slapping briskly along the jawline with the back of the hand encourages a firm, youthful line.” Ouch! If you’re okay with a bit of a sting, though, then give it a try.

3. Acid to clarify the eyes

It was no secret that Joan Crawford had great eyes. And cosmetics icon Max Factor divulged the star’s eyeshadow trick, which involved blending colors on the outer corners to add depth. But he also shared a slightly more concerning routine of his client’s. Supposedly, she washed her eyes two times a day with boric acid to keep them clear and sparkly. Needless to say, we don’t recommend you try this at home!

4. Laundry detergent blonde

You’ve heard of bottle blonde, but Jean Harlow swore by a laundry detergent-based recipe! The actress combined peroxide, ammonia, and an old-fashioned washing product called Lux Flakes. Apparently, the potent mixture stripped away any color in her hair with ease.