It was after a trip to Mr. Max Factor that Norma Jeane became Marilyn Monroe, the ultimate blonde bombshell and a screen icon that has continued to capture the world's imagination for decades after death in 1962. 

As 2015 marks 80 years since Mr. Max Factor Junior opened the doors of his Hollywood make-up studio, the makeup brand has returned to one of its most famous clients for a new campaign.

So the story goes, Norma Jeane entered Mr. Max Factor's Blonde Room in the late 1940s as a brunette, and emerged complete with platinum blonde hair and a beauty look fit for Marilyn Monroe.

Before and after - From Norma Jeane to Marilyn Monroe

Today Max Factor has announced Marilyn Monroe as its global glamour ambassador.

Max Factor Global Creative Design Director, Pat McGrath comments on the signing: “Marilyn made the sultry red lip, creamy skin and dramatically lined eyes the most famous beauty look of the 1940’s and it’s a look that continues to dominate the beauty and fashion industry. It is the ultimate look that defines glamour – nothing else compares. Ruby Tuesday, inspired by one of Marilyn’s favourite Max Factor lipsticks, is still my go-to red today for an instant shot of glamour, and continues to be one of the most popular shades for both make-up artists and real women. It’s the ultimate glamorous red.”

“Through expert diagnosis and make-up artistry, Norma Jeane’s facial features were pulled out and dramatized through make-up.  Her skin was creamy and flawless, the shape of her eyes was elongated through clever use of eyeliner and her lips were accentuated with a sultry red shade, becoming the key focal point of the entire look.  Through make-up artistry and the right products, Max Factor helps women today identify their best features so they can undergo their own glamour transformation.”

Platinum blonde locks and a red lip - Marilyn's signature beauty look

Marilyn Monroe famously said, “I used to think as I looked out on the Hollywood night, ‘There must be thousands of girls sitting alone like me dreaming of being a movie star. But I’m not going to worry about them. I’m dreaming the hardest.”

The announcement coincides with Max Factor's #GlamJan, a call out to women around the world to post their most glamorous "transformation" selfie using a #GlamJam message about how good it feels to glam up. Says the brand: "After all – why should January be about doing without, paring down your make-up and enduring diets..."

The "original blonde bombshell” is set to feature as both Norma Jeane and Marilyn Monroe in new TV, print and online campaigns from 6^th January 2015.