Nina Simone’s timeless legacy isn’t just heard in her soul-stirring melodies—it’s reflected in the way her beauty defied convention and celebrated unapologetic Blackness. From her radiant skin to her bold brows and striking gaze, Simone’s aesthetic was a reflection of her power, resilience, and artistry.
The legendary singer was known for her sultry eyeliner, luminous skin, and natural textures—an embodiment of self-expression that transcended trends. Let’s take a look at some of her most iconic beauty moments, shall we?
In 1964, Simone switched up her hairstyle for a special moment, posing alongside her daughter, Lisa Celeste Stroud, for a Crest toothpaste advertisement. Just three years later, she embraced the regal Nefertiti-inspired updo at the Newport Jazz Festival, a style that cemented her as a beauty icon.
By 1968, when she performed at the BBC Television Centre in London, all eyes were on her—not just for her mesmerizing vocals but for her effortlessly chic beauty look. A simple swipe of red lipstick was all she needed to command attention. And while she could always rock a classic lip, Simone was also known for her bold eyeliner. In a series of stunning headshots, she rested her head in her hands, allowing us to take in her elegance in its purest form.
Fast forward to 1975, Simone graced the stage at a concert with a head turning beauty moment: blue eyeliner and eyeshadow, deep brown highlighter, and her signature red lip. Even in the final years of her life, her beauty choices remained as captivating as ever. At the Rainforest Foundation’s 11th Annual Carnegie Hall Benefit Concert after-party in New York City, for example, she wore a short pixie cut, paired with bold blue and gold eyeshadow and a deep burgundy lip—a testament to her fearless approach to beauty.
In honor of what would have been Nina Simone’s 71st birthday, let’s celebrate some of her most unforgettable beauty moments below.
American soul, jazz and blues vocalist Nina Simone (1933 – 2003) relaxes at the Hanover Grand during a reception held for her in London. She is here on a promotional visit and is scheduled to appear on the television show ‘Frost On Sunday’. (Photo by Ian Showell/Getty Images)
02
02
Jazz Singer Nina Simone Dies
UNSPECIFIED – OCTOBER 18, 1964: American pianist and jazz singer Nina Simone performs October 18, 1964 in an unidentifed location. Simone, whose deep, raspy voice made her a unique jazz figure and later helped chronicle the civil rights movement, died in her sleep on April 21, 2003 of natural causes after a long illness. She was 70. (Photo by Getty Images)
03
03
FILE PHOTO – Nina Simone
NEW YORK – APRIL 13: (FILE PHOTO) Jazz singer Nina Simone attends the Rainforest Foundation 11th Annual Carnegie Hall Benefit concert after party at the Pierre Hotel on April 13, 2002 in New York City. Simone, whose deep, raspy voice made her a unique jazz figure and later helped chronicle the civil rights movement, died in her sleep on April 21, 2003 of “natural causes” after a long illness. She was 70. (Photo by Jimi Celeste/Getty Images)
17th September 1979: American jazz singer, Nina Simone (1933 – 2003). (Photo by Monty Fresco/Evening Standard/Getty Images)
UNSPECIFIED – CIRCA 1970: Photo of Nina Simone Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
UNSPECIFIED – CIRCA 1970: Photo of Nina Simone Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
30th October 1969: Headshot profile portrait of American vocalist Nina Simone (1933 – 2003) resting her head on her hand. (Photo by Jack Robinson/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
circa 1968: Studio portrait of American pianist and jazz singer Nina Simone (1933 – 2003) reclining on the floor in a sleeveless, V-neck dress with a shell neckpiece. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
19th March 1965: Seated portrait of American singer Nina Simone (1933 – 2003), seen reflected in a round mirror in her dressing room, at the Village Gate before a live recording session, New York City. Her shoes rest on the floor in front of the mirror. (Photo by Sam Falk/New York Times Co./Getty Images)
circa 1985: Profile headshot of American jazz singer and musician Nina Simone (1933 – 2003), wearing a gold lame outfit and colorful, glittery eye makeup, 1980s. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
UNSPECIFIED – CIRCA 1970: Photo of Nina Simone Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
12
12
Nina Simone In Oakland
OAKLAND – DECEMBER, 1979: Jazz singer and songwriter performs in a tribute to Billie Holiday at the Oakland Colosseum in December 1979 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Tom Copi/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
13
13
Nina Simone At The BBC
American singer, songwriter, pianist and civil rights activist Nina Simone (1933-2003) performs on a television show at BBC Television Centre in London in 1968. (Photo by David Redfern/Redferns)
UNSPECIFIED – JANUARY 01: Photo of Nina SIMONE; posed, studio (Photo by Gilles Petard/Redferns)
15
15
Nina Simone And Daughter
CIRCA 1964: Jazz singer, songwriter and pianist Nina Simone poses with daughter Lisa Celeste Stroud for a Crest toothpaste advertisement circa 1964. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
16
16
Nina Simone at the Newport Jazz Festival
(Original Caption) 7/1/1967-Newport, RI- Nina Simone wears a revealing net costume at Newport Jazz Festival. She is shown singing on stage.
(GERMANY OUT) Nina Simone *21.02.1933-21.04.2003+Sängerin, USA- während eines Auftritts- 1967 (Photo by Schirner/ullstein bild via Getty Images)
UNSPECIFIED – JANUARY 01: Photo of Nina SIMONE; posed, studio (Photo by Gilles Petard/Redferns)
Publicity photo of American jazz singer and pianist Nina Simone, New York City ca 1955. (Photo by JP Jazz Archive/Getty Images)
UNSPECIFIED – CIRCA 1968: (AUSTRALIA OUT) Photo of Nina SIMONE in performance (Photo by GAB Archive/Redferns)
21
21
Nina Simone At The Beacon Theater
American Jazz and Blues musician & Civil Rights activist Nina Simone (born Eunice Waymon, 1933 – 2003) plays piano as she performs at the Beacon Theater, New York, New York, May 1, 1993. (Photo by Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images)
UNSPECIFIED – circa 1970: (AUSTRALIA OUT) Photo of Nina SIMONE (Photo by GAB Archive/Redferns)
23
23
GettyImages-84900723 Cropped copy
