Norma Shearer, a prominent figure in Hollywood's Golden Age, was known not only for her acting prowess but also for her dedication to maintaining a healthy and vibrant lifestyle. While often perceived as a delicate glamour queen, Shearer was, in fact, quite athletic and committed to a strict diet and exercise regimen. This article delves into the details of her routine, drawing from various sources, including a 1925 article in Beaute Craft and a 1929 interview with the Pittsburgh Press, to provide a comprehensive overview of how she achieved and maintained her enviable figure and radiant complexion.
Early Morning Rituals and Exercise
Shearer's day began before dawn with a commitment to physical activity. She was known to go for long jogs and swims, showcasing her dedication to cardiovascular fitness. In a 1929 interview Shearer revealed that "Before I get out of bed in the morning I have a glass of hot water and then I go through a five-minute set of exercises in bed. These are stretching and bending exercises which awaken me and give me pep to start the day." She followed this with a cold shower and, when possible, a swim.
Her commitment to fitness extended beyond simple cardio. For her role in the film "Marie Antoinette" (1938), Shearer trained with Agnes de Mille to master the choreography for the dance sequences. She also engaged in activities such as tennis, horseback riding, and gymnastics, demonstrating a well-rounded approach to physical fitness. Later in life, after marrying ski instructor Martin Arrouge, she embraced skiing, further highlighting her active lifestyle.
The benefits of Shearer's morning rituals are supported by modern science. Light stretching activates muscles, increases flexibility, and reduces depressive symptoms. Cold showers increase circulation, strengthen the immune system, boost energy levels, and potentially improve mood by releasing endorphins.
Diet and Nutrition
Norma Shearer's diet played a crucial role in maintaining her clear skin and slim figure. According to a 1925 article in Beaute Craft, Shearer attributed her clear skin to a healthy diet that included:
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- Water: Drinking plenty of water was a cornerstone of her routine. She recommended two glasses immediately upon rising, a glass after each meal, a glass between meals, and a glass before bed.
- Vegetables and Fruits: Shearer emphasized the importance of consuming plenty of vegetables and fruits, particularly raw cabbage with a light cream dressing once a day.
- Limiting Certain Foods: The article suggested temporarily abstaining from meats, eggs, fish, and cheese for a few weeks.
In the 1929 interview, Shearer mentioned that her breakfast was "an old-fashioned one, orange juice first and then real Canadian porridge (the kind that is cooked the night before) toast and coffee." Breakfast has long been lauded as the most important meal of the day, as it's been shown to kickstart the metabolism and stabilize blood pressure, especially when the foods are high in fibre, like Shearer's porridge.
Beauty Secrets and Skincare
Beyond diet and exercise, Shearer also had specific beauty practices. Actress Miriam Hopkins said “I love the sun but after I have been out in it I always oil my skin well.” This highlights the importance of moisturizing the skin after sun exposure.
Actress Katherine Crawford said “I use a tea-colored liquid that routes out any remaining makeup or dirt. It is a formula that helps to balance a skin condition that is either too oily or too dry.” This emphasizes the importance of a clean makeup routine.
Actress Denise Darcel said “When you live in California! you forget what cold winds and winter weather do to your complexion. At first I was continually complaining about chapped hands and lips. In France we don’t have central heating the way you do. The halls and lobbies of buildings and even the theaters are too cold for comfort but the houses are kept pleasantly warm with open fire places and this is much easier on your skin. The average European coming to the United States finds an overheated building most unpleasant” This highlights the importance of adapting your skincare routine to different climates.
Mental Well-being and a Harmonious Environment
Norma Shearer recognized that external beauty is connected to a positive state of mind. In 1932, Shearer shared a beauty hint about creating a harmonious environment. She believed that surrounding oneself with pleasing colors and restful decorations could have a dissolving effect on troubles, similar to finding solace in a garden. This holistic approach to well-being suggests that Shearer understood the importance of mental and emotional health in achieving overall beauty.
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