Cleopatra’s Legacy from Film to Makeup

Few films are as iconic and influential as the 1963 epic Cleopatra starring Elizabeth Taylor. Beyond its transformative effect on cinema, Cleopatra left its tracks on various aspects of pop culture, including makeup. After a five-year pursuit, a member of The Elizabeth Taylor Archives got their hands on a coveted artifact: the Cleopatra Lipstick Doll. This rare find, originating from a 1961 Revlon ad inspired by the film, carries on the enduring legacy of a cinematic masterpiece that left an indelible mark on culture. 

In 1961, amidst pivotal changes in both Elizabeth’s private and professional life and the entertainment industry in general, the Cleopatra-inspired Revlon ad embodied a significant moment. It coincided with the beginning of the breakdown of the studio system, Elizabeth’s refusal to be under-compensated, and the world’s transition from the conservative 1950s into the swinging 1960s – a time of cultural upheaval and newfound freedom. Cleopatra, with its grandeur and allure, both on screen and behind the scenes, symbolized this era of change and became synonymous with Elizabeth’s transformation into a global superstar. 

At the intersection of entertainment and beauty, the lipstick dolls inspired by Elizabeth’s likeness capture her influence, and in the realm of makeup, Cleopatra’s impact is undeniable. Elizabeth awakened modern fashion, and the dramatic makeup she designed for herself became the defining look of the 1960s mod era. Before Cleopatra, red lips with understated eyes were the trend, but Elizabeth’s makeup in the film inspired heavy liner, daring shadows, and false lashes, revolutionizing beauty standards. Cleopatra’s hold on popular culture also reached iconic artists such as Andy Warhol, who hailed the film as the "most influential movie of the 1960s," and used it as inspiration for a 1963 piece titled Blue Liz as Cleopatra.

The power of Cleopatra couldn't be confined to a screen, leaving its lasting influence on art, fashion, makeup, and cinema. From the dramatic looks to the eternal fascination with her legendary persona, Cleopatra wields the eternal power of film to transcend boundaries and captivate hearts across generations.