Monroe Promoting Make-Up From Beyond The Grave

She was a beauty icon while she was alive but now, 52 years after her death, Marilyn Monroe has been given the role of "global glamour ambassador" by Max Factor.

In a new advertising campaign, the company claims it was responsible for transforming the teenage Norma Jeane Mortenson into Hollywood's famous blonde bombshell.

"Mr Max Factor transformed Norma Jeane into a glamorous icon. Today we proudly announce her as our Global Ambassador!" Max Factor tweeted.

Monroe died aged 36 in 1962, but her estate continues to earn millions of pounds a year.

In 2011 Dior brought the Some Like It Hot star back to life with CGI, along with other Hollywood icons, for its J'Adore perfume adverts.

"Marilyn made the sultry red lip, creamy skin and dramatically lined eyes the most famous beauty look of the 1940s and it's a look that continues to dominate the beauty and fashion industry," said Pat McGrath, global creative design director of Max Factor.

Max Factor Jr opened a make-up salon in Los Angeles in 1935 which soon became popular with actresses of the era.

Two years later the brand released its Pan-Cake product which was developed for wearing in the new Technicolor films.

It has since worked closely with the film industry to create products which will work on screen.

Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna are among the celebrities who have previously starred in Max Factor ad campaigns.