Elizabeth Taylor: A Regal Presence with a Relatable Flaw
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Elizabeth Taylor, the late iconic actress, is remembered for her remarkable talent and striking beauty, but also for her genuine and down-to-earth personality. While she projected a regal aura on screen, she was also loved for her approachable nature. Insights shared by her attorney and close friend, Barbara Berkowitz, shine a light on the complexities of Taylor’s character and the little quirks that endeared her to many.

Berkowitz reminisced about her time working with Taylor, indicating that while the actress had many admirable qualities, she was not without her flaws. Known for her activism and contributions to the film industry, Taylor’s legacy is undeniably positive, yet those close to her can acknowledge that she was human, like the rest of us. Berkowitz stated in an interview, “She was so above the fray of so many things. She herself had no tolerance for gossip, backstabbing or pettiness.” This trait, she noted, was central to Taylor’s character; however, there was one aspect of her behaviour that occasionally frustrated others.
One of the notable quirks of Elizabeth Taylor was her tendency to be late. Berkowitz shared with PEOPLE magazine that this habit drove her to distraction at times, stating, “I don’t know how her getting-ready team… I would’ve had an ulcer, let me put it that way.” Her tardiness, according to Berkowitz, was largely due to Taylor’s elaborate beauty routine, which involved a meticulous process of preparation.
The extensive efforts Taylor undertook to prepare for public appearances were astonishing. Berkowitz provided insight into Taylor’s glamour routine, noting that the actress often took a bath as the final step in her make-up application. This seemingly simple act was, to Taylor, a crucial component of her beauty regimen, as it helped set her makeup. “I would say, I’d call going, ‘How’s she doing?’ and they’d go, ‘Okay, she’s in the bath.’ You would think that she’s just starting her process,” Berkowitz recounted, emphasising the unconventionality of Taylor’s habits.
In Taylor’s view, the bath was not just a cleansing ritual, but an essential final flourish before she dressed and donned her jewellery. This attention to detail perhaps explains why she always appeared so exquisite in front of the cameras. As Berkowitz explained, “Her hair was done, her makeup was done. It was very fast after that.” This final touch, a quick bath to set the makeup, was an integral part of her persona.
Interestingly, it seems Taylor had a passion for her makeup that few could rival. Berkowitz admitted that while professionals often came to style the actress, Taylor believed she excelled at her own make-up application. “She absolutely did her own makeup the best,” Berkowitz affirmed, reinforcing the notion that Taylor had an innate understanding of her own beauty.
In the digital age, Elizabeth Taylor’s beauty regimen has garnered renewed attention, with her official website detailing some of her unique practices. According to information published on her site, once her makeup was completed, she would indulge in a quick bath, utilising the steam to set her face. The description noted her penchant for dewy skin well before it became a popular trend. Complementing her look, Taylor utilised sheer foundation to let her freckles show and opted for a subtle grey cake eyeliner, effectively crafting what could be referred to as an early variant of the ‘no makeup makeup’ look.
As fans continue to reflect on Elizabeth Taylor’s life and legacy, her personal quirks have become part of the tapestry that weaves together the essence of who she was. Despite her celebrity status and glamour, Taylor’s character was grounded in a relatable human experience, allowing those who knew her to appreciate both her brilliance and her imperfections.
In the end, Elizabeth Taylor’s legacy extends far beyond her stunning filmography and philanthropic efforts. It encompasses a warm and relatable persona, shaped by traits and habits that must have made her life, and the lives of those around her, all the more colourful. Her tardiness, while perhaps a source of annoyance for her friends, is now a charming anecdote that adds depth to her remarkable identity, making her just as beloved off-screen as she was on.
