Throughout the 20th century and beyond, there have been certain faces which consistently lit up cinema screens, shone out of glossy magazine pages and caused several stampedes at beauty counters, with hordes of women wishing to ‘get the look’ for themselves. Many of these icons haven’t faded over time, and 50 or so years later, their pictures are still sighed over by showbiz reporters as well as being imitated by today’s young starlets. There have been far too many over the years to condense them into one list, but here are some of our personal favourites, with some products to help recreate their look….

Beauty icons; from chic and elegant to oozing sex appeal...

Sophia Loren

The original beauty icon whose almond eyes and chiselled cheekbones made her a strong contender for the most beautiful woman in cinema history, and who famously quipped “Everything you see I owe to spaghetti.” Now well into her seventies, the Oscar-winning actress is still the envy of women half her age.

Our Tip: Get Sophia’s luscious lashes using YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara for high-impact without any clumping.

Alek Wek

With her rich ebony skin and shaven head, supermodel Alek is a refreshing antidote to the predominantly Western ideas of beauty, and has walked for the likes of Calvin Klein, Donna Karan and John Galliano, as well as having been the face of Clinique. Alek is also a missionary for World Vision and member of the U.S. Committee for Refugees’ Advisory Council. Not just a pretty face, as we’re sure you’ll agree…

Our Tip: To achieve Alek’s gorgeous even skin tone apply BECCA Stick Foundation in Molasses.

Catherine Deneuve

“Ne me quitte pas!” wailed a 21 year old Deneuve in the famous 60s film The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. And with her tumbling flaxen locks, chiselled cheekbones and feline eyes (which would later be used to advertise Chanel No.5) how could any man indeed walk away from her?

Our Tip: For Catherine’s crowning glory get your tresses tinted by expert colourists at Aldo Coppola, with salons located across Europe.

Louise Brooks

This 1920s silent film star immortalised the ‘flapper’ haircut in famous films such as Pandora’s Box and Diary of a Lost Girl. Her hair was as cute and compact as a Lego helmet, with her beautiful brown eyes peering out from underneath her perfectly cut fringe. Her iconic look is often emulated by an array of movie stars – and has never looked dated.

Our Tip: Make sure your bob is as slick and shiny as Louise’s with Mop Glisten Shine Drops

Jane Birkin

The English actress/singer caused a scandal when she breathlessly uttered the words ‘Je t’aime’ in her most famous song with then-husband Serge Gainsbourg. Her fresh-faced English Rose complexion was synonymous with the swinging sixties, and the Hermés Birkin Bag christened after her became one of the most sought-after accessories in fashion’s history.

Our Tip: Recreate Jane’s ingénue glow with Bobbi Brown’s Pot Rouge in Blush Rose for lips and cheeks.

Iman

Not only did she forge a career as a successful supermodel (winning David Bowie’s heart in the process) but also went on to found her own cosmetics range for women of all ethnicities. With her delicately carved features, flawless skin, cheekbones you could sharpen knives on – and still smoking hot at 55! – Iman is a true beauty pioneer.

Our Tip: If you’re lucky enough to have a full pout like Iman’s, accentuate it using her Luxury Lipshine in Exotique.

Timeless beauty and exotic looks ensure iconic status...

Rita Hayworth

“Rita Hayworth gave good face…” were Madonna’s famous lyrics to the popular song Vogue – and she wasn’t joking about this silver screen goddess, with her tumbling red curls and come-to-bed eyes. Her bombshell status was sealed when her likeness was placed on the first nuclear test bomb after WWII in 1946. Not many can lay claim to that…

Our Tip: Keep your red curls as ravishing as Rita’s with John Frieda’s Radiant Red Shampoo and Conditioner.

Debbie Harry

Her striking acid coloured make up stood out in a previously male-dominated world of punk rock. Rather than try to be one of the boys, Debbie was happy to pile on the war paint, and let her music speak for itself. Today her Studio 54-inspired eye make-up, signature red lips and peroxide hair can be seen emblazoned across T-Shirts and recreated in Vogue by Sophie Dahl.

Our Tip: For Debbie’s trashy flashy eyes use Urban Decay Book of Shadows Volume III- an assortment of colours inspired by New York and the last days of disco.

Diana Mitford

One of the famous Mitford Sisters, Diana was a 1930’s society beauty photographed by the likes of Cecil Beaton, and of whom family friend, James Lees-Milne wrote; “She was the nearest thing to Botticelli‘s Venus that I have ever seen”. Her porcelain features belied her controversial political life, becoming the lover of British Union of Fascists’ Leader Oswald Mosley, as well as her close involvement with Adolf Hitler.

Our Tip: Achieve Diana’s flawless complexion the English way with Liz Earle’s Cleanse & Polish – fast becoming a cult beauty product.

Devon Aoki

With her Japanese, German and English heritage, Devon’s ethereal beauty is as heart-stopping as it is unconventional. The model and actress has graced the cover of I.D. Magazine three times, as well as being the face for Lancôme, Chanel and Versace. And who can forget that iconic image of her in a kimono by Alexander McQueen?

Our Tip: Want Devon’s luminous skin? Try MAC Prep + Prime to create a shimmer under your foundation.