It's probably clear by now that I find natural, unpredictable beauties most inspiring (we have already had a swoon over Jane Birkin and Michelle Philips). It might be that they seem somewhat relatable with their freckles, heavy brows or fair skin - or it might be that theirs is a simple, down to earth beauty that transcends the need for heavily made-up sexpot glamour in order to be appealing and inspiring. I think that's why Nostalgic Muses appeal so much - there's less of a manufactured, commercial feel to them as there is to many of the starlets today.
One of the most famous of all the gamine beauties is Mia Farrow. I haven't been able to get her (or that wardrobe) out of my head since finally watching Rosemary's Baby recently. The demonic storyline is perfectly offset by the innocence of the shift dresses and Peter Pan collars of her wardrobe and her childlike - almost boyish beauty. Although the film starts off with her having a simple, girlish bob, it’s not long before her iconic Vidal Sassoon crop appears - creating a delicate androgyny. The cut alone has inspired countless others - think Michelle Williams, Kate Moss, Carey Mulligan... And off course Miss Tyra Banks who decides that at least one girl every season needs a Farrow Crop "Shorter!!! SHORTER!!" Fierce. Nothing much comes close to Mia’s original strawberry blonde crop - which only emphasised her already extraordinary cheekbones and eyes. It is a beautiful, simple cut - a challenge to pull off, but well worth it in the long run, and a good incentive to cut off all that sun and heat damaged hair.
Farrow’s beautiful peaches and cream complexion is also to be admired. Achieving the look is really quite simple – it just requires a light hand. Fair brows, bare skin (stick to light tinted moisturiser and minimal concealer) with a girlish flush (I'mgoing with my tried and true favorite of MAC's mineralize blush for this) finished with lashings of black mascara on bare eyes – which is an iconically ‘60s look, but not cartoonishly Twiggy-esque. A beauty look couldn’t be more low key - although it does require good skin; so guzzle water, cleanse, cleanse, cleanse, moisturise and stay out of the harsh sun.
Read Emma Gleason's fashion musings at RagPony
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