Category Archives: cosmetics in movies

Margot Robbie Takes You Inside the Barbie Dreamhouse (2023)

Last June Architectural Digest released an exclusive behind-the-scene video from the set of Barbie, the summer blockbuster directed by Greta Gerwig. The protagonist Margot Robbie gave a tour of the Dreamhouse and the movie set; moreover, Gerwig herself, production designer Sarah Greenwood and set decorator Katie Spencer explained how they created such a unique world which pays homage to Palm Springs mid-century modernism and to the whimsical Dreamhouses of the past.

It’s not a secret that Chanel had a key role in the costume department (Barbie’s transparent wardrobe contains an extensive collection of Chanel clothes and accessories), but the influence of the French maison didn’t stop there.

As a matter of fact, Barbie’s Chanel collection includes three tubes of Coco Baume hydrating conditioning lip balm in a very pale pink shade. Simple and chic in their white and gold packaging, the tubes are displayed alongside tweed suits and gorgeous bags.

Don’t miss the video: getting a glimpse of the talent and creativity of those who worked on the set is fantastic.

Kung Fu Master! (1988)

There are several Guerlain products in Mary-Jane’s wood-lined bathroom.

The first is a box of Les Météorites pressed-powder pearls sitting on the marble sink counter.

On the wooden shelf by the bath tub there are a flacon chauve souris of Shalimar and a flacon abeilles of Eau Impériale.

Kung-fu Master! (1988)

There are some interesting items on a marble counter on Mary-Jane’s bathroom.

The miniature bottle on the left is Chanel 8° 5 Lotion Fraiche.

The tall cardboard box on the right contains Manetti & Roberts Borotalco, probably the most iconic talcum powder made in Italy.

In front of it, another cardboard box contains Coty Airspun loose face powder.

Priscilla (2023)

What does it take to become a beauty icon? Judging from the opening scene of the film, lots of work. Priscilla meticulously applies black eyeliner in a perfect cat-eye shape and that is just the beginning of a strict routine that her over-controlling partner imposes on her.

The eyeliner in question is Guerlain Mad Eyes intense eyeliner in Glossy Black. It’s not a historically accurate choice but in Sofia Coppola’s cinematic world this has never been a problem.

When the trailer of the film was first released, lots of online discussions focused on the brand of the false eyelashes she wears. Now we can confirm the brand  Shirley Joyce doesn’t exist, so this object is simply a prop.

Her lipstick is not a prop, though: the one she wears is by Chanel.

The black glossy case appearing in the film is not historically accurate because in the 1960s Chanel lipstick had slightly different details in gold metal.

The finishing touch on her trademark beehive updo is Rayette Aquanet hairspray. Lots of it!

Bound (1996)

Violet (Jennifer Tilly) is a woman who is looking for a way out of a dangerous situation: her boyfriend is a money launderer for the mafia, so she wants to make a new life for herself with the help of Corky, her fascinating ex-con neighbour.

Her femme fatale look features dark red lipstick: the one she’s applying in the screencap above is by MAC (old packaging).

The make-up brushes sitting on her mirrored dressing table are by MAC, too.

The squared bottle with black stopper on a glass shelf in the bathroom is a Chanel liquid foundation.

Thanks to Alessandra for submitting this post.

May December (2023)

The blush in stick form that Gracie (Julianne Moore) is holding is by ILIA.

She also uses Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin foundation.

The lip colour Gracie applies on Elizabeth is the Divine lip & cheek duo by Lilah B.

Thanks to Alessandra for submitting this post and to Jane Daly for the Lilah B. id.

The Birds (1963)

Once in Bodega Bay, Melanie (Tippi Hedren) gets attacked by a seagull. Mitch (Rod Taylor) tends to her head wound after taking her into a diner.

The gold compact Melanie is holding is Revlon Petite Love-Pat in the early 1960s design by French jewellers Van Cleef & Arpels.

This compact was refillable with either Love-Pat complete make-up (it combined pressed powder and foundation) or Touch and Go pressed powder.

Thanks to Daniel Roldán for submitting this post.