When you’re watching a movie, the hair, makeup, and costumes are just as important as the story itself. Some movie looks are so iconic that they become just as famous as the actors in the films. Since we love beauty, we made a list of five famous movie looks that inspire us!
Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”
Audrey Hepburn’s depiction of the complex and romantic Holly Golightly is one of the most iconic images in cinema history. Even if you haven’t seen this classic film, you’re probably familiar with the little black dress, diamond tiara and pearl necklace, and of course, the long, elegant cigarette holder. Hepburn’s makeup and hair in the film is a chic take on a classic 1960s look. Her cat-flick eyeliner and chic bun are styles people continue to replicate year after year. This is a chic, glamorous look that remains as timeless as a diamond necklace.
Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman”
This 1980s film was a modern take on the “Pygmalion” story that quickly became a classic. Julia Roberts’ character Vivian sports a wide variety of looks throughout the movie, from a Los Angeles party girl, to a refined lady at a horse race. However, it’s Roberts’ look when she and the male protagonist attend the opera that most people remember. The red dress and white gloves paired with an elegant updo and red lip– it’s the cinematic epitome of a formal, black-tie look that will always stand the test of time.
Olivia Newton-John in “Grease”
Who doesn’t want to embrace their inner rebel? The 1970s musical classic is full of fantastic, 50s looks from start to finish. These include, but are not limited to: poodle skirts and ponytail scarves, leather jackets, super-short basketball shorts, curly bouffants, and of course, the iconic “greaser” pompadours. While we love all the looks from “Grease”, who could ever forget sweet Sandy’s transformation into “Bad Girl Sandy” at the end of the movie? Olivia Newton-John swaps the pastel poodle skirts and ponytails for a leather jacket, skin-tight satin pants, voluminous curls, and bright red lipstick, creating a look that still gives us electrifying chills.
Natalie Portman in “Black Swan”
In this psychological thriller, Natalie Portman plays a twisted ballerina who sports more than one look to die for. In the beginning of the film, Portman’s character, Nina, is a shy, naive dancer who longs for the lead role. She wears romantic, soft pink clothing, as well as delicate blush-toned makeup looks. As the character delves further into her own madness, her looks become darker and edgier. At the end, Nina dances the lead in “Swan Lake” wearing a dark and dramatic makeup look that became a go-to Halloween costume overnight. For looks that incorporate both the dark and light sides of humanity, check out “Black Swan”.
Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, and Brittany Murphy in “Clueless”
If you told audiences in 1995 that the fashions from “Clueless” would be worn on runways in 2018, they’d probably say “As, if!” The actresses in this cult classic all brought us looks that everyone is copying today. Cher, played by Alicia Silverstone, brought us sleek, straight hair, brown lipliner, and an iconic yellow plaid co-ord. Her best friends in the movie, Tai (Brittany Murphy) and Dion (Stacey Dash) delivered 90s grunge looks and athleisure before it was cool. Braids, pigtails, bangs, curls, scrunchies, and barrettes galore were just a few of the hairstyles these characters rocked throughout the movie. So if you’re looking for some premium 90s beauty and fashion inspo, this is a film you need to watch!
Want to Learn How to Create These Looks?
Reading about movie looks is fun, but creating them is even better! At TSPA St. Louis, we can teach you the hair and makeup skills you need to create these and other iconic looks from the silver screen. Contact us to learn more about enrolling in our cosmetology program!
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