Since the dawn of Hollywood, men and women around the world have been emulating the styles and fashions of their favorite stars — and designers have been more than happy to capitalize on their obsessions. Makeup companies like Max Factor and Maybelline also joined the Hollywood craze, using photos (or an illustrated likeness) of A-list celebs, namely Tinseltown’s most glamorous actresses.
In 1949, the Artists League of America voted Rita Hayworth’s lips best in the world. This led to a modeling contract with Max Factor for its Tru-Color lipsticks and Pan-Stik makeup. On Hayworth’s birthday, we’re looking back at the powders, pucker-perfect lipsticks, and other makeup that companies capitalized on using the faces of Hollywood’s most beautiful women. While the vintage headlines and photos are fun to browse, the ads also highlight the impossible beauty standards women have been up against for decades.
Rita Hayworth
Susan Hayward
Lucille Ball
Judy Garland
Yvonne De Carlo
Lana Turner
Grace Kelly
Joan Crawford
Norma Shearer and Joan Crawford
Marilyn Monroe
Louise Brooks
Jean Harlow
Elizabeth Taylor
Phyllis Haver
Rita Hayworth
Ethel Clayton
Lena Horne
Read about Lena’s experience with Max Factor.
Viola Dana
Gloria DeHaven
Gene Tierney
Judy Garland
Esther Williams
Paulette Goddard
Betty Grable
Bette Davis
