Hello lovelies, intimate letters from Erno Lazlo to Jackie Kennedy have recently been released to the Makeup Museum. Jackie Kennedy is a huge part of American culture in the 1960s. The first lady was known for her classic style, beauty, and sun-kissed complexion.
Jackie was a loyal client of Hungarian dermatologist Erno Laszlo, who also treated Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe during that era. The archives have now been released, and you can see what Erno Lazlo prescribed Jackie for her skincare routine, and most of the products are still available at Erno Lazlo.
The typewritten letter details Jackie’s skincare consultation with Erno Lazlo and even has advice for her husband, President John F. Kennedy. This letter was written pm May 1st, 1963, six months before the President’s unfortunate death. This letter breaks down seasonal specific guidelines for the summer of 1963, where Jackie and John spent their last vacation together in Cape Cod.
Erno Lazlo instructs Jackie to use the facial toner on her armpits and to eat a protein-rich diet with lots of fish. He also recommended that she spend time in the sun, and she should not be afraid of brown spots as her will make them fade in the fall.
For her morning routine, Jackie was instructed to slather on two products daily. This included the Erno Laszlo Light Controlling Lotion and Erno Laszlo Phelityl Oil. He also recommended that Jackie applied the toner to her underarms. Dr. Laszlo also recommends she massage the Phelityl Oil into her arms and legs, likely to keep her body well moisturized.
The letter also features a suggested meal plan for Jackie to help out with her skin health. Lazlo suggested two hard-boiled eggs with breakfast and beef and fish for lunch and dinner. Lazlo also permitted Jackie to drink champagne, and according to the record, “that is the only thing she drinks.” The document also notes that the doctor recommends Jackie exercise by walking, but claims that it “bores her.”
Lazlo recommends that Jackie avoid using heavy moisturizers and oils on her face in the summer. “Dr stresses upon the importance of never applying more oil or creams on the face than what he has advised in his Instructions,” the note reads. “Otherwise, the ‘bumps’ will never disappear, and blackheads and pimples will reappear.” Based on the detailed document, it seems that Jackie had acne-related skin concerns.
The prescription from Erno Lazlo also gives details instructions for Jackie to treat her husband’s breakouts on his back. Jackie was advised to smooth the Activeversion of the Phelityl Oil on his back to prevent breakouts and irritation from frequent bathing. “[His back] is so dry and breaks out in pimples, because he has to take four baths a day,” the document claims.
To help, Dr. Laszlo recommended the late President coat his back in Phelityl Oil before sinking into the bath, and then use the Controlling Light Lotion afterward. “Mrs. K said she was not sure whether he would do all this,” the note says. “However, if it gets really bad, she thinks he would, but she will speak to him anyway.”
