The beauty world appoints celebrity ambassadors almost daily, but the new face of Max Factor is somewhat unique; this morning, the global beauty brand announced Marilyn Monroe as their new Global Glamour Ambassador, set to feature in new TV, print and online campaigns from 6th January.

It’s no wonder that the global beauty brand chose Monroe, who epitomises 1940’s glamour, but it does seem like an unlikely pairing. That is, until you know the story behind her trademark beauty look that defined an era.

Norma Jeane, a fresh-faced aspiring actress with brunette hair walked into Mr Max Factor Junior’s Hollywood make-up studio some 80 years ago. It was inside the aptly named ‘Blonde Room’ that her beauty transformation took place and out walked Marilyn Monroe, complete with platinum waves, a feline flick and beauty spot – a look that would soon become her signature.

Max Factor’s Global Creative Design Director, Pat McGrath said, ‘Marilyn made the sultry red lip, creamy skin and dramatically lined eyes the most famous beauty look of the 1940’s and it’s a look that continues to dominate the beauty and fashion industry. It is the ultimate look that defines glamour – nothing else compares. Ruby Tuesday, inspired by one of Marilyn’s favourite Max Factor lipsticks, is still my go-to red today for an instant shot of glamour, and continues to be one of the most popular shades for both make-up artists and real women. It’s the ultimate glamorous red’.

Tell us what you think of the campaign @ELLEBeautyTeam

UPDATE: Gwyneth Paltrow and Coco Rocha have both taken to Instagram to post before and after pictures of their own Max Factor make-up transformations, using the #GlamJan hashtag and nominating someone else to do the same (Amanda de Cadenet is next up). Will this be the first big social craze of 2015? Time will tell.

'day-to-night. I nominate @amandadecadenet to share her most glamorous transformation. #GlamJan #sp@maxfactor'

'Did you know it was Mr. @MaxFactor who helped turn#NormaJeane into #MarilynMonroe? To celebrate#GlamJan with #maxfactor we want women to glam up with makeup, so here I'm wearing a bold eye AND lip! I nominate my girl @margauxbrooke to get involved. Join in and post your most glamorous transformation selfie! #GlamJan #sp'

Candice is the latest star to join in with Max Factor's #GlamJan...

'Through my work with @maxfactor I'm lucky to be able to transform through makeup. Here @patmcgrathreal and @shayashual transformed me into Marilyn. Fact is Mr max factor was originally responsible for making Norma Jean into Marilyn all those years ago...It's the perfect time of year to give yourself a dramatic new look or be more adventurous with your makeup. #glamjan'