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Home • Beauty

Celeb Beauty: Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution

Kelly Rowland is having a moment. Whether it's her uber-fierce red carpet persona or the realness of her hit single "Dirty Laundry," Kelly Rowland is on top of her game -- and she's never looked better! Here, we look back at our September cover girl's best beauty looks.
By Essence · Updated October 27, 2020
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01
2001: New Girl

At the 2001 Billboard Music Awards, Kelly Rowland wore matte plum eyeshadow and matching gloss.

Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
02
2002: Feelin Blue

At the Grammy Awards, Kelly Rowland sported baby blue shadow and berry gloss.

Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
03
2003: Fierce Flush

Kelly sported a strong, rosy flush at the Entertainment Weekly It List Party.

Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
04
2004: Lush Lashes

Kelly Rowland sported mile-long lashes and flawless foundation at the Shrine Auditorium in 2004.

Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
05
2005: Crimson Tide

At a 40/40 Club fete in Atlantic City, the lovely Ms. Rowland sported Diana-curls, a deep berry flush and bright crimson lips.

Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
06
2006: Smoke Signals

Rocking smokey, winged-out eyeshadow and nude lips, Kelly Rowland smoldered at the American Music Awards.

Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
07
2007: Color Guard

At an appearance in London, Kelly Rowland was colorful in periwinkle eyeshadow, metallic teal pencil, bright coral blush and shimmery strawberry gloss.

Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
08
2007: Sultry Siren

Kelly Rowland looked sultry wearing expertly blended kohl shadow and flawless brows at MTV’s Total Request Live.

Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
09
2008: Gold Mine

Kelly sported soft gold shadow and a sheer, gold shimmer-flecked gloss at the Brit Awards 2008.

Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
10
2009: Red Alert

At a screening of ‘The September Issue’, Rowland rocked strong brows and a luscious, matte red mouth. So glam!

Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
11
2010: Grey Day

At a VEVO party, Kelly Rowland went ultra-bold with a wash of strong grey shadow all over her lid.

Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
12
2010: Lip Service

Sporting thick, curled lashes, a beauty mark and scarlet lipstick, Kelly Rowland channeled Old Hollywood starlets at a Compound Entertainment event.

Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
13
2010: Oooh-La-Lash

Kelly Rowland attended the Wango Tango Concert in neutral makeup and long, lush lashes.

Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
14
2010: The Eyes Have It

At a Miami Dolphins game, Kelly Rowland rocked perfectly blended violet-and-gold eyeshadow with a lovely sheer plum gloss.

Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
15
2011: Rainbow Bright

Kelly Rowland opted for a bold, colorful look when she arrived at her album release party for “Here I Am.”

Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
16
2011: Pretty in Pastels

At the 2011 Billboard Music Awards, Kelly Rowland sparked a major trend when she sported ultraviolet eyes and candy pink lips!

Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
17
2011: Emerald City

Wearing shimmery emerald eyeliner, just-pinched cheeks and sweet pink lips, Kelly Rowland looked stunning at the 2011 X Factor auditions in Birmingham, England.

Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
18
2011: Color Rush

Kelly Rowland attended an event for her album “Here I Am” in a colorful makeup look complete with peach eyeshadow, blue liner and hot pink lips.

Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
19
2011: Blue Belle

Again, Kelly Rowland sports a strong under-the-eye makeup look with electric blue liner at the 2011 Children in Need event.

Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
20
2012: Ultra Glam

At Dwyane Wade’s 30th Birthday Celebration, Kelly Rowland sported gold eyeshadow and pretty, sparkly lip gloss.

Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
21
2012: True Blue

Kelly Rowland arrived at the 2012 BET Honors in a metallic blue liner and soft pink lip gloss.

Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
22
2012: Sunny Delight

Kelly Rowland was a ray of sunshine in orangey-bronze shadow and lush lashes at the 2012 ESSENCE Black Women in Music event.

Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
23
2013: All Eyes On You

Kelly Rowland decorated her eyes, lashes and lips in a wow-worthy beauty statement that centered around her color-rich eyeliner.

Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
24
2013: Looking Gorgeous

Kelly Rowland attended the Fox all Star Party wearing a bright streak of turquoise eyeliner on her lower lids for a bold pop of color.

Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
25
2013: The Golden Touch
Kelly Rowland
Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
Getty Images
26
2013: Lovely in Lilac
Kelly Rowland
Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
Getty
27
2013: Cover Girl

For more of Kelly Rowland’s glorious makeup looks, be sure to check out the September issue of ESSENCE, on newsstands now!

Kelly Rowland's Makeup Evolution
Lorenzo Agius