The June issue of US nostalgia magazine ReMind takes a closer look at vintage brands and the celebrities who endorsed them – and elsewhere, Marilyn takes pride of place in a list of June birthdays, alongside co-stars Tony Curtis, Dean Martin, and Jane Russell.
When Gentlemen Prefer Blondes was released in 1953, Marilyn had joined a host of female stars – including fellow bombshells Betty Grable and Lana Turner – whose images were used to promote Lustre-Crème hair products, as part of a multi-studio deal. Manufactured by the Colgate-Palmolive conglomerate, Lustre-Crème – more commonly known as Luster Cream – was a household staple during the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s, but was discontinued in the early 1990s.
Another beauty empire endorsed by multiple stars, House of Westmore, was founded by the Westmore family of make-up artists and included a salon on Sunset Boulevard. In the years following her initial breakthrough in The Asphalt Jungle (1950), Marilyn was featured in several print advertisements for their cosmetics brand, which still trades today on television’s QVC shopping network.
In later years Marilyn shunned commercials, although her personal beauty box contained a number of Erno Laszlo skincare products. In the 60 years since her death, Marilyn’s name has been used to promote numerous brands – and thanks to a few artful photos and one witty quote, she will forever be associated with her favourite perfume, although she never formally endorsed Chanel No. 5.
And finally, this month’s ReMind also looks back at headlines from the year 1960 – including John F. Kennedy’s election victory, the death of Clark Gable, and Marilyn’s marriage split (a cover story for Modern Screen.)
Thanks to Tina at MM – The Life and Legend
The Marilyn Report 