Shelley and her world-famous Charlie Girl stride, 1976
Shelley first became famous in the 1970s as THE Charlie Girl. In 1976, she was hand-picked to represent the Revlon Charlie brand, as she was the embodiment the brand's ideal – gorgeous, sexy and young. Makeup artist Rick Gillette recalls, "Shelley Hack was really the perfect girl for Charlie. I remember when Revlon creative director David Leddick had Steen Svensson shoot the first presentation with her that got her the contract." They shot a commercial with her and when it debuted, it was an immediate and immense hit. By 1977, Charlie became the #1 fragrance in the world (the first American-made international bestseller) and Revlon sales figures passed the $1 billion mark. Shelley THE Charlie Girl had catapulted to icon.
Shelley in an ad for Charlie Extra Extra-Shine Lipstick, 1978
In 1978, with the success of the Charlie fragrance line, Shelley began to appear in ads for the Charlie Makeup and Skincare line. Aside from cologne and perfume, Charlie cosmetics was available as well. Shelley appeared in Revlon Charlie's 1978 ad for Charlie Extra Extra-Shine Lipstick. Dubbed "The Charlie You Kiss With," the creamy lipstick produced a luscious glistening shine. And the colors available were as pure and distinct as they were special. Now having kissable lips like the Charlie Girl was just a makeup counter away.
Shelley in an ad for Charlie Nail Gleamers, 1978
In 1978 too, Shelley began to appear in ads for Charlie nail color. With the tagline "Charlie Takes A Great Big Shine To Your Nails," Charlie Nail Gleamers were nail polish that smoothed, fortified and whipped women's nails into "show-off shape." And just like Charlie Girl Shelley, every woman wanted her nails to always be in perfect form as she went about her free and independent life. they wanted their nails to get noticed; and that was the whole point.
