Last week, beauty felt personal again. There was color, confidence, and intention in the way makeup and hair were worn—the kind of choices that say something without ever needing to announce it. These were expressive beauty moments, shaped by mood, identity, and presence. Some appeared on magazine covers, others dazzled on red carpets, and a few captured attention through viral social media posts that had everyone reposting and screenshotting.
Together, these looks told a larger story about leaning into self-expression and owning the face and frame you choose to show the world. More than ever, beauty is shifting toward personality-driven choices: color when emotion calls for it, structure when presence needs definition, volume when softness seeks air, and short silhouettes when edge needs room to breathe. It’s not about following trends anymore; it’s about wearing your point of view.
The Looks
Makeup
Starting with makeup, Laha Hathaway delivered one of the week’s most striking statements. Her vibrant, shimmery fuchsia eyeshadow radiated energy, balanced by precise definition at the outer corners and framed by lush, full lashes. Her brows, tinted to mirror the same hue, tied the look together with thoughtful symmetry. By keeping her lips soft and neutral, she allowed her eyes to take center stage. Indeed, it was a powerful reminder that expressive beauty doesn’t always require competition. Sometimes, one bold feature is enough to speak volumes.
In contrast, Teyana Taylor embraced a more grounded and sculptural approach. Her neutral smoky eye, paired with razor-sharp winged liner and clean contouring, created a look that was all about shape and control. The matte skin finish and nude, glossed lips added harmony rather than distraction. Her gaze became the focal point—sharp, defined, and deliberate. Taylor’s look lived in that perfect intersection of glamour and restraint, proving that expression can exist just as powerfully in precision as it does in color.
Hairstyle
When it came to hair, texture, and silhouette carried as much personality as pigment. Keisha Epps brought effortless movement to the red carpet with a voluminous, shoulder-length bob—softly waved and side-parted for natural dimension. The subtle bounce in her style added ease and vitality, while the warm, multi-toned blonde brought light to her complexion. With sweeping bangs framing her face, the look felt soft yet intentional. It was a gentle statement of confidence that floated rather than forced.
Meanwhile, Taraji P. Henson went in the opposite direction with a razor-sharp asymmetrical pixie cut that embodied bold rhythm and attitude. The contrast between the cropped side and the longer, dramatically swept bang created a striking sense of movement. Her pixie didn’t just frame her face. It amplified her features, directing attention to her angles, expression, and undeniable presence. It was hair as architecture, designed to reveal power through precision.
Check out the expressive hairstyles and makeup looks spotted on Black celebrities last week…
Iman
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Taraji P. Henson
Shop editor’s edit
Cynthia Erivo
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Teyana Taylor
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Jodie Smith
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Laha Hathaway
Get the eyes
Chloe Bailey
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Adut Akech
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Precious Lee
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Keisha Epps
Shop the hair
—Read also
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