The magic of Hollywood’s golden age never seems to dim, and there’s nothing quite like owning a piece of its iconic starlet, Marilyn Monroe. Recently, an Elizabeth Arden lipstick, once owned by the legendary Hollywood actress, sold for a jaw-dropping $65,000 at auction. This slice of history, infused with Monroe’s captivating charm, enchanted collectors and fans alike. It stands as the second-highest lipstick sale ever recorded at an auction.
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Marilyn Monroe: An eternal symbol of beauty and charm…
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Marilyn Monroe, celebrated for her beauty, charisma, and charm, continues to hold millions in her thrall, despite her untimely death. Her makeup, particularly her bold red lipstick, symbolized her allure and became an integral part of her signature look. It’s not surprising that a piece of her collection would command such a remarkable price tag. This lipstick, once kissed by the scripts and love letters of a bygone era, now adorns the collection of a devoted history enthusiast.
The glamorous legacy: From silver screen to auction block
Monroe, renowned for her roles in classics like “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” “Some Like It Hot,” and “How to Marry a Millionaire,” remains an eternal symbol of beauty and seduction. Her possessions, including this lipstick, evoke a sense of nostalgia and fascination.
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There is a mystique surrounding Marilyn’s beauty rituals. She famously favored Max Factor red lipstick and reputedly only wore Chanel No. 5 to bed. Embracing trends ahead of her time, she was rumored to indulge in “slugging,” a skincare practice involving Vaseline for a radiant complexion.
Despite her tragic demise in August 1962, Monroe’s life and legacy continue to captivate audiences today. Her extensive collection of memorabilia, clothing, and personal effects has been a subject of fascination for years. However, this assortment of Marilyn Monroe’s makeup stands as the most extensive seen thus far.
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The auction extravaganza: Hosted by Julien’s Auctions
Julien’s Auctions hosted the event, which took place on March 30th, both in Beverly Hills and online. Alongside the lipstick, other personal items of the late actress were up for grabs, fetching hefty sums. Among these were an empty eyelash box and a perfume receipt.
Auction highlights: Marilyn Monroe’s glamorous treasures
To put it in perspective, in the same auction, her Max Factor lipstick sold for $15,625. While impressive, it was the Elizabeth Arden lipstick, that realized $65,000, that made the headlines. Why wouldn’t it? Meanwhile, the empty eyelash box realized $1,152, and the Chanel perfume receipt sold for $5,625. Other beauty items from Marilyn Monroe’s collection, such as her makeup bag and kit, also sold for impressive sums.
The pinnacle of luxury: Cartier lipstick holder
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In 2017, a Cartier lipstick holder adorned with 18-karat gold and a blue sapphire sold for £56,250 (approximately $72,500 at the time), making it the most expensive lipstick auctioned. Allegedly cherished by Audrey Hepburn herself, the holder now rests in the hands of makeup artist Lisa Eldridge, ensuring it will be well-loved and treasured. As for the lucky buyer of Marilyn Monroe’s lipstick, let’s hope they will cherish it just as much.
Featured image: Milton H. Greene via @marilynmonroe/Instagram
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