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Letter from Lisa: Marilyn Collection

Hi beauties,

For as long as I can remember, Marilyn Monroe has been a personal, professional and cultural inspiration to me. As a young girl I adored her films, but I was equally fascinated by her makeup and the artistry behind the image she created.

Later, as I entered the fashion industry as a makeup artist, Marilyn became an enduring beauty reference point. Long before online image archives existed, any makeup artist worth their salt needed to instinctively understand how to recreate and reinterpret Marilyn’s iconic beauty look on demand. Her signature red lipstick, softly sculpted skin and luminous glamour became part of the visual language of beauty itself.

But the more I learned about Marilyn over the years, the more I became interested in the woman behind the iconography.

Through interviews, letters and recollections from those who knew her personally, I was struck by how much authorship she had over her image. Marilyn wasn’t simply “made”; she was deeply involved in the artistry of her transformation, from the makeup shades she wore to the lighting, hair and beauty techniques she carefully refined alongside her trusted makeup artist Allan “Whitey” Snyder.

That relationship between artist and client resonated with me profoundly. As a makeup artist myself, having worked with some clients for decades, I understand the trust and creative shorthand that develops over time. Makeup is never just about appearance. It’s about confidence, comfort, ritual and transformation. Marilyn understood that instinctively, which is one reason this collaboration feels so synonymous with my brand and philosophy.

Historically, I’ve often felt that Marilyn’s story has been overshadowed by tragedy and sensationalism. Yet those who truly knew her consistently spoke about her joy, humour, intelligence and sense of freedom. So, when the Marilyn Monroe Estate approached me about this collaboration, I immediately wanted to celebrate that side of Marilyn instead.

I wanted to create a timeless edit of shades that captured that softer, joyful side of Marilyn while still honouring the glamour and artistry she is so famous for.

Every shade was diligently researched using authentic vintage colour references that Marilyn wore and loved, then reimagined through my own cutting-edge formulas and textures. The result is a hand-picked collection of curated shades designed to feel instinctively Marilyn, while still feeling modern, wearable and luxurious today.

To make it even more special, I am launching this collection with a brand new complexion product inspired by the luminous glow of classic Hollywood cinematography. Elevated Glow Balm Concentrate was born from my fascination with the lighting techniques used throughout the golden age of film.

The shades Butterfly Light and High-Key Light are named after iconic Hollywood lighting styles that softly sculpted, diffused and illuminated the face in the most flattering way. I wanted to translate that intentional soft-focus glow into a modern formula that melts seamlessly into the skin - the result is a fresh, dewy, believable luminosity.

Named after the woman behind the icon, I feel Norma Jeane represents her warmth and vitality. I wanted this modern classic red lipstick to feel joyful, vibrant and alive... a sophisticated red lipstick shade that still feels incredibly wearable.

The vibrant red-orange tone was inspired by authentic vintage lip colours associated with Marilyn, but reimagined in my Rouge Experience formula to deliver beautiful, modern, comfortable, luminous finish.

Amagansett takes its name directly from the secluded Hamptons haven Marilyn stayed at in the Summer of 1957. I wanted it to feel effortless yet still unmistakably glamorous. The bold and pretty carnation pink brings a beautiful freshness to the face, also reimagined in my Rouge Experience formula.

During the development process, I became fascinated by a shade of lip pomade Marilyn wore called Strawberry Blonde, originally created by the legendary House of Westmore. I spent time speaking extensively with the Westmore family themselves, discussing the authentic shades and makeup techniques used throughout Marilyn’s career. That history became the inspiration behind the Strawberry Blonde Velveteen Liquid Lip Colour.

I wanted to reinterpret that true scarlet tone in a formula that felt modern, versatile and incredibly wearable - something that could be applied as a soft strawberry stain or built into a full glamorous, Hollywood scarlet lip. The silky texture offers the performance of a longwear lipstick while still feeling weightless and comfortable on the lips.

Throughout this entire process, my goal was never simply to recreate Marilyn nostalgically. I wanted to honour the artistry behind her image. Marilyn’s beauty was intelligent, collaborative, intentional and deeply expressive. That’s what I hope this collection captures... not only the glamour of Marilyn Monroe, but the creativity, intimacy and authenticity behind it.

Love,
Lisa Xx