The Most Iconic Golden Globes Hair and Makeup Looks of All Time
A glamorous journey through decades of unforgettable Golden Globes beauty moments, from retro waves to bold contemporary transformations.
The Golden Globe Awards are more than Hollywood’s star-studded kickoff to awards season—they’re where fashion and beauty moments cement their place in pop culture history. From old Hollywood glamour to boundary-pushing modern transformations, the red carpet is always overflowing with dazzling hair and makeup inspiration. Join us as we remember the most iconic Golden Globes beauty looks ever—from classic finger waves to gravity-defying updos, electrifying smokey eyes to the freshest natural complexions.
Why the Golden Globes Matter for Beauty Trends
Every January, celebrities stop the world with their Golden Globes arrival. Beauty at the Globes isn’t just about looking good; it sets the tone for the year’s trends. Major artists, visionary hairstylists, and boundary-breaking makeup teams transform red-carpet regulars and rising stars into trendsetters overnight. These moments ripple out to inspire editorials, runways, and everyday style.
- Old Hollywood influence: Timeless looks, such as deep side parts, glossy waves, and red lips, often return to dominate beauty conversations.
- Modern reinvention: The Globes is the testing ground for cutting-edge haircuts, unexpected color, and playful accessories.
- Globes glow: Impeccably glowy skin, expertly contoured features, and bold brows send a message: every detail matters.
20+ Golden Globes Hair and Makeup Moments We’ll Never Forget
These unforgettable looks have stood the test of time, launching Pinterest boards, viral tweets, and imitation on red carpets everywhere. Here are the standout hair and makeup moments that have defined the Golden Globes.
1. Audrey Hepburn: The Original Beauty Muse
Audrey Hepburn made the pixie crop and wide-eyed eyeliner an instant classic with her serene, sophisticated beauty. Her look: perfectly arched brows, luminous skin, a touch of pink on the lips, and that signature short hair gave the Golden Globes its first dose of European cool.
2. Marilyn Monroe: Platinum Waves and Red Lips
Nothing says Hollywood quite like Marilyn Monroe’s bombshell, side-parted platinum curls and flawless ruby lips. Her combination of glowing skin, fluttering lashes, and that unmistakable pout created the ultimate screen siren look that is replicated year after year.
3. Elizabeth Taylor: Lush Lashes and Violet Eyes
The queen of glamour, Elizabeth Taylor, elevated every look with her thick black eyeliner, lush lashes, and her famously violet-hued eyes. The sculpted brows and rich, glossy lips launched a thousand makeup tutorials.
4. Farrah Fawcett: 1970s California Waves
In the ’70s, Farrah Fawcett changed beauty forever with those feathered, sun-kissed layers. Paired with a bronzed glow, nude lipstick, and sunbeam highlights, it’s a look that still inspires beachy blowouts today.
5. Angela Bassett: Braided Crown and Berry Lips
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Angela Bassett stunned with her intricate braided updo, perfectly laid edges, and rich berry lipstick—a celebration of natural hair artistry and melanin magic.
6. Madonna: Old Hollywood Pin Curls
Madonna redefined ’90s red carpet style with platinum pin curls and power brows, topped with a bold matte red lip. Channeling Marilyn, she brought classic glamour back with her own rebellious edge.
7. Halle Berry: The Modern Pixie
No one rocks short hair like Halle Berry, whose spiky pixie cut paired with muted makeup and radiant bronzer created an effortless, cool-girl glam.
8. Nicole Kidman: Romantic Updos and Porcelain Perfection
Nicole Kidman has graced the Globes with an impressive array of romantic updos and luminous, porcelain skin. Her intricate low buns and soft, peachy makeup continue to be a go-to for elegant events.
9. Beyoncé: Honey Blonde Waves and Bronze Goddess Glow
Beyoncé debuted honey-blonde cascading waves complemented by a sunlit glow and gold-infused nude lips, embodying red carpet royalty with every step.
10. Jennifer Lopez: Sleek Topknot and Highlighted Cheeks
Few have turned the red carpet into their stage quite like Jennifer Lopez. Her high-glam, sculpted topknot, luminous cheekbones, and just-right glossy nude lips created a modern, envy-inducing staple.
11. Lupita Nyong’o: Sapphire Shadow Statement
Lupita Nyong’o’s electric blue liner and shadow, matched with her natural coiled updo, broke new ground for colorful beauty at major awards—and instantly trended worldwide.
12. Margot Robbie: Princess Curls and Rosy Radiance
Margot Robbie has brought multiple Globes hair wins, but her voluminous, bouncy curls with petal-pink cheeks and lips channeled both modern sophistication and youthful romance, landing on nearly every best-beauty list.
13. Zendaya: Bold Short Cuts and Sculpted Contour
With fearless experimentation, Zendaya has given retro bobs, bold crops, and tightly slicked updos their red carpet moment. Always paired with bright eyeliner, radiant skin, or rich brown lips—she embodies a generation’s confidence in beauty expression.
14. Lady Gaga: Pastel Hair Dreams
Lady Gaga turned heads with an ice-blue updo matching her couture gown—pastel dreaminess paired with volumized lashes, shimmering highlighter, and subtle rose lips for a totally unforgettable look.
15. Emma Stone: Fresh-Faced Elegance
Emma Stone’s perfectly placed freckles, peachy blush, and perfectly tousled waves created a “your-skin-but-better” ideal that has been copied at proms and parties everywhere.
16. Salma Hayek: Sleek Waves and Bold Brows
Salma Hayek combines sculpted brows, classic deep brunette waves, and signature cat-eye liner for drama—delivering a timeless Hollywood beauty with a modern twist.
17. Taylor Swift: Vintage Glamour Curls
Taylor Swift often opts for vintage-inspired, side-parted waves and red lips, giving a contemporary update to golden-era looks. Feline liner and blush highlight her bright-eyed, retro signature.
18. Zoë Kravitz: Minimalism at Its Coolest
Zoë Kravitz proves less is more with sleek crops, red or berry lips, brushed-up brows, and luminous skin—a masterclass in modern, effortless beauty.
19. Rihanna: Glossy Perfection and Tousled Updos
Rihanna’s gravity-defying updo, with loose, high-glam tendrils and a glass-like, glazed lip, set the bar for statement beauty. Dewy skin and strong liner completed the award-worthy look.
20. Tracee Ellis Ross: Natural Curls and Bold Red
Proudly flaunting voluminous natural curls, Tracee Ellis Ross balances a fuchsia lip and barely-there foundation, proving the power of authenticity on the red carpet.
Trends That Have Defined the Golden Globes
The Golden Globes have launched, revived, or supercharged many major hair and makeup trends. Here are some recurring themes:
- Retro Waves: From Veronica Lake to modern stars, side-parted, shiny finger waves always make a statement.
- Topknots & Updos: Elevating and elongating the neck, these styles are the go-to for a high-fashion moment.
- Bold Lips: Whether ruby red, classic nude, or popping berry, statement lips define the face.
- Graphic Eyeliner: Cat-eyes, floating liners, or neon accents deliver contemporary drama.
- Fresh Dewy Skin: The “no-makeup-makeup” look, with natural brows and glowing cheeks, is the current roadmap to red carpet chic.
Beauty Evolution: Decade by Decade
| Decade | Signature Hair Trend | Makeup Hallmark |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | Glossy finger waves | Strong brows, red lips |
| 1960s | Bouffants, headbands | Defined eyes, pale lips |
| 1970s | Feathered layers, shags | Bronze skin, shimmering shadows |
| 1980s | Big hair, perms | Bold blush, bright lips |
| 1990s | Pin-straight or micro-braids | Brown lips, thin brows |
| 2000s | Loose updos, mega waves | Frosted shadows, lip gloss |
| 2010s-2020s | Glossy bobs, elaborate ponytails | Glass skin, graphic liner, fluffy brows |
Golden Globes Beauty in the Social Media Era
With Instagram, TikTok, and live TV, celebrity beauty at the Globes is instantly accessible—and fiercely dissected. Every angle, every swipe of lipstick or flick of liner is pored over by millions. Top trends:
- Behind-the-scenes: Artists now post skin-prep secrets, product breakdowns, and time-lapses.
- Influencer amplification: A single red carpet close-up can spawn global microtrends overnight.
- Diverse representation: There’s now more room for textured hair, bold artistry, and makeup celebrating all skin tones and identities.
How to Recreate Golden Globes Hair and Makeup Looks
Who says you need an A-list invite to channel Globes style? Follow these tips for your own head-turning interpretation:
- Prep for perfection: Glowing skin stars with exfoliation, hydration, and primer.
- Glossy waves: Use a large barrel curling iron, brush out curls, and finish with shine spray.
- Statement lips: Outline with liner, fill with cream lipstick, and blot for staying power.
- Updo mastery: For red carpet-worthy buns or knots, use texturizing powder and strong-hold hairspray.
- Color play: Don’t be afraid of vibrant yellow, blue, or plum shadow—just keep the rest simple.
- Lush lashes: Layer mascara, or try strip lashes with invisible glue for the camera-ready flutter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Globes Beauty
Which celebrity has delivered the most memorable Golden Globes hair and makeup look?
There’s no single winner, but names like Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Lady Gaga, and Beyoncé are frequently cited for era-defining, unforgettable red carpet moments.
How do stylists prepare for the Golden Globes red carpet?
Prep begins weeks in advance, with trial hairstyles and makeup tests. On the day, artists arrive hours before the event for skin prep, meticulous application, and last-second touch-ups to withstand flashes and long events.
What products are essential for a Golden Globes-worthy look?
High-quality foundation, setting powder, strong-hold hairspray, shine serum, hydrating primers, and bold lipstick are all kit essentials for a red carpet-ready finish.
Has Golden Globes beauty changed over the years?
Absolutely—there’s been a noticeable evolution from strict old Hollywood glamour to today’s mix of fresh faces, daring experimentation, and greater inclusivity in style and representation.
How do paparazzi and social media affect Golden Globes beauty strategies?
Stylists think more than ever about longevity—makeup must look flawless from every angle and hair needs to withstand wind, humidity, and constant camera flashes. Social media means even micro-details go viral within minutes.
Expert Pro Tips to Nail Your Red Carpet Look at Home
- Invest in skin prep: A hydrated, smooth canvas elevates all makeup application.
- Try a professional blowout: Voluminous, sleek hair lasts all night and highlights makeup.
- Lighting is key: Check your final look in different lighting, just like the red carpet pros do.
- Pick a focus: Go bold on eyes or lips, but rarely both—balance is timeless.
- Confidence: Nothing completes a look more than standing tall and owning your signature style.
The Golden Globes show how beauty evolves, inspires, and transcends the screen. Which look will shape the conversation next?
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vKtPtsvj3I
- https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/g25746956/golden-globes-best-red-carpet-looks/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/golden-globes/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/golden-globes/
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/tags/golden-globes
- https://www.zinio.com/publications/cosmopolitan-australia/43741/issues/662277/articles
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