History's Greatest Beauty Secrets
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Beautywise, we’re living in the most abundant and diverse era in history—but that doesn’t mean we don’t have something to learn from the primping practices of our predecessors. Here,a comprehensive collection of the most evergreen pieces of wisdom ever gleaned about the art of looking and feeling good, from facialist-recommended creams to drugstore steals to the single most transformative makeup item money can buy
Cleopatra wore eyeshadow made of crushed lapis lazuli.
Why not try skincare powered by (anti-inflammatory, glow-boosting) pure gold?
Like your mother probably told you, you could use a little blush.
Diana Vreeland and Madame Virginie Gautreau, the model for John Singer Sargent’s iconic Madame X, even wore it on their ears.
Marilyn Monroe's signature gleam came from a layer of Vaseline.
These highlighters will also do the trick...
Beyoncé swears by inexpensive Aquaphor to lock in hydration.
These drugstore finds also feel like a steal...
... but some cult creams are worth every penny.
Major lashes are always a win (see Liza Minelli for proof).
Wave these magic wands for serious fringe benefits.
Marie Antoinette covered up complexion imperfections with faux beauty marks in the shape of stars, hearts, and moons.
Perhaps you prefer a concealer?
Austria's Empress Sisi, known for her elaborate beauty rituals, slept in face masks made from raw meat and leather.
Modern sheet masks work (and smell) better.
When you need a facialist who can turn back time...
Consider these essential names for your beauty black book:
Tammy Fender, Palm Beach, Florida
Aida Bicaj, New York, NY
Shani Darden, Los Angeles, California
Joanna Czech, New York and Dallas, Texas
And when a facial just won't cut it...
These dermatologists and surgeons cater to the faces that give no secrets away.
Robert Anolik, MD, Board Certified Dermatologist, New York, NY
Macrene Alexiades, MD, PhD, Dermatology and Laser Surgery
Julius Few, MD, Plastic Surgeon, Chicago, IL
Andrew Jacono, MD, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, New York, NY
Dolly Parton owns 365 wigs, one for every day of the year.
Consider these hair beautifiers also worth the investment.
Liberace famously bathed in a $55,000 marble tub.
Indulging in these items will enhance even the simplest soak.
Napoleon Bonaparte went through 50 bottles of cologne every month.
Consider these a modern gentleman's scent essentials:
Elizabeth Arden distributed red lipstick to suffragettes in New York City in 1912 to wear as a symbol of strength and defiance.
The shade is still an instant confidence booster.
Betty Grable, who insured her legs for $1 million in 1943, used cold cream to keep them moisturized.
Guarantee good-looking, gleaming gams with these body-beautifying indulgences.
Barbra Streisand has revealed that the only time she cut her famously long nails was to play Yentl, in 1983.
Keep your talons in tip-top-shape with these tried-and-true varnishes.
Joan Crawford reportedly splashed her face with ice water 40 times every morning.
Extreme cold has been proven to de-puff the face and boost micro-circulation, enhancing glow.
Italian siren Sophia Loren's soft skin secret? Olive oil.
These facial oil formulations lock in moisture and keep skin supple.
Ancient Romans used a thin blade called a strigil to scrape away dead skin.
These exfoliators effectively sweep away dry skin and encourage cell turn over.
King Louis XIV employed a perfumer to create a new scent for every day of the year.
Create your own perfume wardrobe with these must-smell scents.
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