The Marilyn Monroe Effect: How Her Sanpaku Eyes Influenced Fashion and Beauty Trends in the 1950s and Beyond

Marilyn Monroe remains an icon in the world of fashion and beauty, and for a good reason. Her unique style and looks were unparalleled, with one of her most distinctive features being her Sanpaku eyes. In this blog post, we'll explore how Marilyn Monroe's eyes influenced fashion and beauty trends in the 1950s and beyond.

Firstly, it's important to understand what sanpaku eyes are. This unique feature occurs when the white of the eye is visible either above or below the iris. Marilyn's eyes were known for having a significant amount of white space underneath her irises, a trait that represents an imbalance in the body and mind according to Eastern philosophy.

Despite this, Marilyn Monroe's eyes were seen as a thing of beauty, and they helped shape her overall aesthetic. Her signature winged eyeliner was often used to accentuate the shape of her eyes, with the liner flicking upwards at the outer corner to elongate her further already almond-shaped eyes.

In the 1950s, Marilyn's Sanpaku eyes were seen as an epitome of beauty, and she soon became a trendsetter in the fashion and beauty industries. Beauty products were designed and marketed specifically to enhance the eye shape, with eye makeup tutorials in magazines teaching women how to create the 'Marilyn Monroe eye look.' This look often involved layering multiple coats of mascara on the lashes and using eyeliner to elongate the eye and make the iconic winged shape.

The trend continued well beyond the 1950s, with Marilyn's Sanpaku eyes still being emulated today. Her timeless look has inspired countless beauty products, including false eyelashes and winged eyeliner pens that make it easier than ever to recreate her iconic eye makeup look.

Furthermore, the influence of Marilyn's Sanpaku eyes wasn't limited to just the world of beauty. Her unique eye shape had a significant impact on the fashion industry as well. Designers would often create clothing that accentuated the shape of the eyes, with dresses featuring necklines that emphasized the collarbone and décolletage. High-waisted skirts and form-fitting dresses also became popular, as they accentuated Marilyn's curvy figure and helped to draw attention to her face.

In conclusion, it's clear that Marilyn Monroe's Sanpaku eyes profoundly impacted the world of fashion and beauty. Her unique and distinctive look continues to be celebrated and emulated today, over 50 years after her death. Whether you're a makeup artist or a fashion designer, Marilyn's Sanpaku eyes remain a source of inspiration, creativity, and beauty.