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Home • Beauty

Great Beauty: Rihanna's Makeup Evolution

Besides stumbling upon a sale at Sephora and finding a truly clumpless mascara, there's nothing more delicious to a beauty junkie than a celeb makeover. And of all the stars in celebdom, we'd venture to say that Rihanna has undergone the most dramatic beauty evolution. In the six years since she first winded on the scene with "Pon de Replay," she went from a fresh-faced sweetie pie to a raven-haired, smokey-eyed seductress...and these days, she's settled on being a crimson-lipped, retro redhead. And we've loved every second! In honor of Black Music Month, let's take a look back at the songstress' most memorable makeup looks since 2005.
By Essence · Updated October 28, 2020
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2005: Teal Deal

On a visit to TRL, a fresh-faced Rihanna added a pop of color to her look with bright teal eyeshadow.

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2005: Bright Eyes

At the MTV Video Music Awards, she brightened her eyes with a subtle smudge of bronze eyeliner in the inner corners and individual false lashes.

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2006: Baby Blue

Rihanna sported a wash of sheer, baby blue eyeshadow and nude lips at her first MTV Video Music Awards.

Great Beauty: Rihanna's Makeup Evolution
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2007: Nude Scene

At the Clive Davis’ Pre-Grammy party, RiRi looked radiant in neutral shades and a seriously glossy pinky-nude lip.

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2006: Pink Lady

On a visit to TRL, Rihanna accented her heart-shaped mouth with a vivid pink gloss.

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2006: The Lady is a Vamp

Rihanna went full-on vampy at the 2006 Billboard Awards, rocking waist-length extensions and fire engine red lips.

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2007: Color Guard

Rihanna rocked TRL in subtle turquoise liner, fucshia lips and crimson highlights.

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2007: Violet Femme

At the 2007 MTV Movie Awards, Rihanna rocked a brand new look: black flapper bob, blue-tipped faux lashes and a pale violet lip. Fierce!

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2008: Natural Woman

Rihanna attended a star-studded dinner party rocking neutral, tawny-toned makeup — with expertly filled-in brows and spiky lashes for definition.

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2008: Silver Belles

To light the Empire State Building in celebration of Cartier’s “Love Day,” RiRi wore silver smokey eyes and a golden lip.

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2008: Blue Period

At the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, Rihanna rocked one of her sexiest looks yet: cobalt blue eyeliner and bright pink lipstick. So stunning with her jet-black tresses!

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2009: Copper Tone

At a pre-Grammy party, Rihanna sported a clean, fresh look: copper-kissed lids and cheeks, and a natural pink lip.

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2009: Punk Princess

Rihanna arrives for the 2009 American Music Awards in full punk princess mode, with a two-toned crop, swooping maroon eyeliner and pale lips.

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2009: Berry Pout

At the launch of VEVO, Rihanna rocked a full blonde bang and a pop of bold berry lipstick.

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2010: The Eyes Have It

At an autograph signing in Berlin, Rihanna worked a severe look: two-toned bangs, kohl-rimmed eyes and nude lips.

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2010: Ice Princess

Rihanna was in full ice princess mode at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards, rocking frosty white eyeshadow, mile-long lashes and a glossy, kissable mouth.

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2010: Red Alert

At Paris Fashion Week, Rihanna wore bright red lips to match her fiery new haircolor.

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2011: Wine Not?

Rihanna wore soft pink eyeshadow and a luscious, wine-stained mouth at the Grammy Awards.

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2011: Mute Button

At the 2011 Billboard Music Awards, RiRi wore a layered bob and muted pastel makeup.

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2011: Retro Fabulous

At an appearance on the ‘Today Show,’ she wore retro rolled hair, pale lilac shadow and orangey-red lipstick that picked up the undertones of her tresses.

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2011: Craving Crimson

Rihanna stepped out in a creamy, crimson red lip and dark, kohl-rimmed eyes on the set of her video shoot in Northern Island.

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2011: Feeling Blue

Rihanna stepped on stage during her “Loud” tour wearing a dramatic, bright blue smoky eye and a creamy, rose lip.

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2011: Rose Gold

At the launch of her new scent ’Reb’l Fleur’ at House of Fraser in London, Rihanna blushed at the cameras in a bright, rosy cheek and matching eyeshadow. A soft, pink lip completes the look perfectly.

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2012: Casual Cool

Even on a casual day, Rihanna spices up her look with a chic, red lip as seen here at the Los Angeles Clippers vs. the Memphis Grizzlies game.

Great Beauty: Rihanna's Makeup Evolution