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Home · Beauty

Great Beauty: The Evolution of Mary J. Blige

As ESSENCE Music Festival quickly approaches, we're amped for the lineup of stellar stars -- especially MJB! Over the years the stylish songstress has rocked everything from mile-long lashes and gold gloss. Here, we take a look back at the EMF headliner's many looks, from 1992 to today.
By Virginia Lowman and Tia Williams · Updated October 27, 2020
01
1992: Goldilocks

At an early performance at the Beacon Theater, Mary rocked gilded lipstick to match her golden locks.

Great Beauty: The Evolution of Mary J. Blige
02
1995: Model Pretty

At the 1995 Billboard Music Awards, Blige spored a model-perfect makeup look: ruby red lips, contoured eyes and winged liquid liner.

Great Beauty: The Evolution of Mary J. Blige
03
1997: Purple Haze

Blige sported electric purple lipstick and a jeweled bindhi at the Sounds & Vision concert.

Great Beauty: The Evolution of Mary J. Blige
04
1998: Frosted Femme

The songstress rocked frosted metallic makeup at an appearance in ’98.

Great Beauty: The Evolution of Mary J. Blige
05
1999: Red Alert

Mary sported warm, reddish/copper-toned eyeshadow and lipstick to flatter her auburn locks.

Great Beauty: The Evolution of Mary J. Blige
06
1999: Coral Cutie

At a Radio City Music Hall gala, Mary sported delicately shaded lids and sheer coral lipgloss.

Great Beauty: The Evolution of Mary J. Blige
07
2000: Color Guard

Mary went for a super-colorful look at the 14th Annual Soul Train Music Awards, sporting vinyl-finish crimson gloss and pearly mint-green eyeshadow.

Great Beauty: The Evolution of Mary J. Blige
08
2001: Sparkle City

At the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards, Blige sported sparkly eyeshadow and frosted pink lipstick.

Great Beauty: The Evolution of Mary J. Blige
09
2002: Bronze Goddess

At the 2002 MTV VMA’s, Blige rocked bronze-toned shadow, blush and lipstick to flatter her brown leather ensemble.

Great Beauty: The Evolution of Mary J. Blige
10
2003: Caramel Kissed

Blige went for soft, caramel toned makeup (with black liner to add definition) at the VMA’s the following year.

Great Beauty: The Evolution of Mary J. Blige
11
2004: Shim-Shimma

Mary J. Blige wore shimmery, metallic golds and bronzes at a tribute to Ray Charles in L.A.

Great Beauty: The Evolution of Mary J. Blige
12
2006: Fresh Face

At the ABC Television Network Upfront, Blige looked fresh-faced and radiant in soft pink lids, cheeks and lips. She anchored the look with high-glam faux lashes.

Great Beauty: The Evolution of Mary J. Blige
13
2008: Feelin’ Blue

Mary wore a chic smudge of shimmery blue eye liner on top and bottom lids at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala.

Great Beauty: The Evolution of Mary J. Blige
14
2010: Batting a Thousand

At the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards, Mary accentuated her eyes with white pencil on the inner bottom rim and a row of lush false lashes.

Great Beauty: The Evolution of Mary J. Blige
15
2011: Kohl Mine

Mary J. Blige looked better than ever at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards, rocking lush blonde bangs, plummy-kohl eye shadow and a glossy nude lip.

Great Beauty: The Evolution of Mary J. Blige
16
2013: Red Lips, Bright Eyes
Mary J. Blige
Great Beauty: The Evolution of Mary J. Blige
17
2014: Chic in Pink

MJB flaunts flawless skin with subtle pink lips and a perfectly blended smokey eye at the 31st Annual Fashion Group International Night of the Stars.

Great Beauty: The Evolution of Mary J. Blige
Taylor Hill/FilmMagic
18
Lady in Red

Who doesn’t love a killer red lip? MJB pairs hers with perfectly contoured and flushed cheeks. Perfect your pout by tracing your lips with an angled brush dipped in concealer.

Great Beauty: The Evolution of Mary J. Blige
Getty Images
19
2015: Into Nude

MJB owned this look at the Ladylike Foundation’s 7th Annual Women of Excellence Scholarship luncheon. Feathery lashes, nude lips and a gentle smokey eye create a look that is perfectly feminine.

Great Beauty: The Evolution of Mary J. Blige
Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic
20
2013: Perfect Pout
Mary J. Blige
Great Beauty: The Evolution of Mary J. Blige
Michael N. Todaro/WireImage & Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images
21
2013: Silverscreen Betty

MJB sported an au natural look inher portrayal of Dr. Betty Shabazz in the 2013 film Betty & Coretta.

Great Beauty: The Evolution of Mary J. Blige
Phillipe Bosse/ Lifetime
22
Gunmetal Stare
Mary J. Blige
Great Beauty: The Evolution of Mary J. Blige
Getty Images

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