I Lived Like Marilyn Monroe for a Week

Like Marilyn Monroe, Loni Venti wears bold red lipstick, loves winged eyeliner, dyes her hair platinum blonde and styles it in a shoulder-length bob, loves ‘50s-inspired dresses, and favors cat-eye sunnies. But, like her idol, the beauty editor struggles with crippling insecurity. “I’ve tried hypnotism, therapy, personal trainers, and The Secret. But any time things lighten up a bit, my confident outlook quickly fizzles and I’m back in an endless hole of self-doubt,” she said.

So to help her conquer these feelings and connect with the woman Monroe, she embarked on a week-long journey of living just like the screen siren. From chugging raw eggs to getting glammed up everyday, the seven days were eye-opening. “Living as Marilyn for a week was pretty much a dream come true. It led to me falling in love with her all over again, feeling more connected to her than I ever thought possible, and maybe — just a little — helped soften some of my own self-hating issues.”

Success!