Pictured above: Rita Hayworth rests in the gym at the Barbizon Hotel for Women, where she lived (c.1943).To round off our two part series on vintage beauty tips that still work (see Part 1 and Part 2), we have collected together a few of the (sometimes startling!) methods used by famous Hollywood actresses of the early 20th century.

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Ginger Rogers

Ginger is quoted as saying that the only thing did to keep fit and in shape was dancing. Which, given her impressive athletic skill, is a little like Einstein saying that the only thing he did to win the Nobel prize was study physics. In order to maintain a close-up worthy complexion for the screen Ginger followed a scrupulous cleansing regime, which involved wiping her skin with cold cream to remove make-up, a soap and water rinse and a brisk pat over with cotton wool soaked witch hazel.

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Marlene Dietrich

The charismatic German actress Marlene Dietrich created memorable on-screen characters, and cultivated a unique sculptured glamour. It is said the star had her molars removed to accentuate the hollows of her cheeks, thus enhancing her bone structure. One of her most recognisable features were her perfectly shaped brows. She achieved this look by shaving them off and drawing them on with kohl.

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Joan Crawford

American actress Joan Crawford was reportedly religious about her cleansing regime, and splashed her face 25 times with ice cold water after every wash. Her favoured method for maintaining her legendary features was chewing gum - she believed this firmed up her jaw and help to drain the toxins out from under her chin.  

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Rita Hayworth

Rita Hayworth's eye catching auburn locks made her one of the most popular 1940s Hollywood pin ups. To keep her hair in lustrous condition Rita relied upon a popular hot oil treatment. After an initial shampoo and rinse she would saturate her hair with oil and wrap it up in a towel for 15 minutes. She would then rinse it out with shampoo and lemon juice to get rid of any left over residue. If you wish to try this yourself, coconut oil is a fantastic choice of oil due to its natural penetrating abilities and unique anti-dandruff action.