Cinema has long been a key source of inspiration for makeup artists. After all, what could be more unforgettable than a talented actress, her gorgeous and expressive face plastered on an enormous screen, scene after scene, for the better part of two hours? And let’s not forget classic movie posters: some of these striking images’ impact on beauty and fashion has lingered for decades. Here, SOMA examines some particularly memorable looks inspired by iconic movie characters and the actresses who played them, and how to achieve the look with the best new products for Fall 2014.

GOLDEN GLOW
When Ursula Andress, playing Honey Ryder in Dr. No, emerged from the waves, audiences were blown away by her badass belted white bikini and diving knife, but truth be told, her beauty look was pretty unforgettable, too. For a tawny glow, Perricone MD No Bronzer Bronzer is a new universally-colored serum that delivers a sheer, perfecting bronze glow along with SPF 30. This multi-talented product, which amazingly works with any skin tone, is also designed to be used for contouring, to recreate Andress’ killer cheekbones. Accent this sporty look with perfect brows sublimated with Makeup For Ever’s Aqua Brow, an easy to apply, waterproof formula. Complete with a generous application of the aptly named Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Waterproof Mascara. Lips shouldn’t try to compete. Lip Tar by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics in Matte Lightest Peach is an opaque formula with great staying power that will contrast well with sun-kissed skin and provide a welcome respite from all the shine.

SHE NAILED IT
Usually, in film, the focus is on the face. Barbra Streisand’s star turn as Katie Morosky in The Way We Were changed all of that. Audiences were mesmerized by the multi-talented chanteuse’s
long, impeccably manicured nails. On the A/W 2014 runways, grown-up nails were finally back after years of cutesy nail art. A longer, almond shape now feels sophisticated and modern. Colors to try? Chanel Coco Blue, a sweet pastel, may seem like an odd choice for fall, but then again, that’s what makes it memorable. For a more conventional yet no less dramatic look, Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer in Jezebel is a luscious dark, black cherry tone. Butter London Nail Lacquer has come out with a fabulous shade called Brick Lane, a dark pumpkin orange shot through with gold shimmer. Also, GIVENCHY
 Le Vernis Intense Color Nail Lacquer in Rouge Precieux is a glossy, limited edition red that Babs would flip for.

THE UNNATURALS
Forget subtle beauty. These film legends had a look that was pure artifice. Think Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra. The eye makeup in that lush production may be the single most memorable detail
of the film. Metallic teal outlined in swooping lines of black kohl gave Taylor’s legendary violet eyes a suitable frame. For a similar intensity, MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow in Smutty Green and Blue Flame delivers strong pigment along with metallic shine. Draw the line- along the lashes only, if you don’t want to look like an extra- with Benefit They’re Real! Push-Up Liner, a genius, easy-flowing gel liner in a pen. Pair with They’re Real! Mascara for fluttery lashes. Another unforgettably made up character actually happened to be playing herself. Eccentric Edith Beale, who appeared in the cult documentary Grey Gardens, rocked an eccentric but nevertheless fashion-forward pairing of dark lipstick and scarf head wrap. To emulate the look while remaining on the safer side of normal, try Marc Jacobs Beauty Lovemarc Lip Gel in Cabaret. This is plumping, anti-aging, and moisturizing, infused with miraculous myrrh extract and scented with vanilla. The final nominee for Best Use of Lipstick in a Drama is Faye Dunaway’s precise red pout when she played Evelyn Mulray in Chinatown. The modern way to achieve this is with a lightweight but highly pigmented, long-wearing product such as Smashbox Be Legendary Long Wear Lip Lacquer in Legendary, a pure red. Apply to the cupid’s bow with a small brush for more precision.

EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED
There are some actresses­—think Italian bombshell Sophia Loren, chic Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor, and ethereal beauty Uma Thurman, whose unique facial structures catch the light just so. The queen of this category? Pam Grier, whose roles in Foxy Brown, Scream Blacula Scream, Sugar Hill, and Coffy, were camp to say the least, but always let her unique beauty shine through. These actresses’ gorgeous faces are one of a kind, but highlighting formulations can go a long way in emulating their glowing looks. Try Josie Maran
Argan Infinity Lip And Cheek Creamy Oil in Everlasting Honey on cheeks for subtle color and a gleam that will naturally bring out cheekbones. Anastasia Beverly Hills Pro Pencil, a new product from the Los Angeles queen of eyebrows, will help to bring out your brow bone for more dramatic eyes. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat is the granddaddy of all highlighting products. This season the luxury brand has come out with a flattering new tone, Or Rose. The formula is perfect for precision highlighting: slim the nose, illuminate the inner eyes, and play up the cupid’s bow.

HAIR AND NOW
Brigitte Bardot’s actions in Belle de Jour may have been beyond risqué, but the Gallic character never deviated from a super-elegant look. Throughout the movie, not a golden hair is out of place on her perfectly coiffed blonde head. Hairstyles hold longer on slightly dirty locks, so a dry shampoo such as Bumble and Bumble Prêt-à-Powder is an invaluable ally. A shot of Bumble and Bumble
Thickening Dryspun Finish will give hair an airy lift without weighing it down. Finish with a touch of Oribe Gold Pomade, a product that adds shine moisture, hold, and yes, gold flecks.

When the first Lord Of The Rings movie came out, the elves’ shining strands induced quite a bit of hair envy. Long, flowing, perfectly straight, and an otherworldly shade of white, the look is not easy to achieve, but definitely unforgettable. In terms of the color, Manic Panic Virgin Snow Amplified is a miracle product that will eliminate all yellow tones from bleached hair. Next comes the styling: chemically treated hair is fragile, so protect with a specially formulated product such as Chi Straight Guard before using the best-selling Chi Flat Iron to eliminate any rogue waves.

Text by Karena Akhavein