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Ava Gardner's look is the epitome of classic glamour. To see how to recreate it for yourself at home, read more.
•Hair: Loads of soft curls were Ava's trademark style. Start with blow-dried hair, parted deeply to one side (follow the outside corner of your eye up to the hairline, and part back from there). Roll two-inch sections of hair under into medium-sized hot rollers, working from the front of your hair towards the back. Mist lightly with a medium-hold hair spray. Let rollers cool completely, then unravel carefully. For tight curls, don't brush; instead, fingercomb them to loosen slightly, then finish with one last spritz of hairspray.
•Eyes and brows: Ava's look features well-defined eyes and brows. With a soft black eyeliner, smudge a light line across the upper and lower lash lines. Rather than connecting the point at the outer corners of the eye, line the inner corners instead. This opens up the eyes and adds extra oomph. Ava was known for her long, feathery lashes, which are best recreated with falsies, or a super-defining mascara like Lancôme High Definicils. For brows, bold and natural is key. To get that unplucked look, check out this post.
•Lips: If you're a dark brunette like Ava, try a deep, fiery burgundy red lipstick like this Benefit Silky Finish Lipstick ($16) in Ruby Vibes. If your hair is lighter, go with a color with more pink or cherry undertones, such as that same Benefit lipstick in Nice Knickers.