Fresh, enthusiastic and playful, yet with a glamorous secret: who among us hasn’t wished to look like Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday? One of the most mimicked style icons of the 20th century, Hepburn is timeless, a contradiction of girlish sweetness and womanly allure, and she truly shines in this career-launching role.
This summertime classic is ideal inspiration for a look that’s just as beautiful in 2013 as it was in 1953. Get this Hollywood look with natural, healthy cosmetics and beauty secrets that’ll make you feel like a princess ready to ride a Vespa down Via Veneto with a handsome stranger.
“Rome! By all means, Rome. I will cherish my visit here in memory as long as I live,” says Hepburn as Princess Ann, and this enthusiasm for a city that was Hepburn’s own home for twenty years shines through in the film, adding to the actress’ iconic healthy and wholesome glow. Fifty years later, the film has ben re-released in theaters to inspire a whole new generation of wistful wannabe travelers to fall in love with Rome, and Hepburn (not to mention dashing Gregory Peck.)
Hair: Baby Bangs and Soft Pinned Curls
Hepburn’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s look and pixie crop may be her most popular hairstyles to copy, but the softer, sweeter updo she sports throughout most of Roman Holiday is so carefree and perfect for summer. This is a more casual, lower maintenance version of the curled-and-pinned styles popular at the time, and it’s easy to achieve at home with the help of a curling iron and lots of bobby pins. Get a tutorial for a similar look at My Favorite Things Blog.
Baby bangs definitely aren’t for everyone, though Hepburn pulls them off with aplomb. You can fake it by curling the front section of your hair and pinning it in place for a face-framing fringe-like look without the commitment.
Makeup: Fresh Face, Bold Brows and Pink Lips
Audrey Hepburn’s look is all about full, bold brows. Along with her doe eyes and full lips, her brows are her defining feature, and this signature look is back in style. But you know what? They weren’t totally natural. Hepburn needed help in that department, too, with makeup artists reportedly working hard to fill them in and get them just right. The key to filling in your brows is to use short strokes with a sharp pencil, brow marker or brush, mimicking hairs. Tarte offers a serious holy grail product for this purpose: Amazonian Clay Waterproof Brow Mousse, which comes in three shades and includes a brush and wand for application.
A light tinted moisturizer or BB cream like Marie Veronique Organics Everyday Coverage, a swipe of mascara and a touch of pink on the lips and cheeks will finish off this classic Hollywood beauty look.
Accessories: The Neck Scarf
A neck scarf is the final touch for the Roman Holiday look. You can find adorable vintage silk scarves in virtually every color and pattern imaginable on Etsy, eBay and in your local thrift and vintage shops.
Images: Wikimedia Commons
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