Last week, beauty arrived with attitude, intention, and undeniable presence, and the looks at the GQ Men of the Year (MOTY) Awards easily led the charge. Yet the energy didn’t stop there. Across other red carpets, stars moved with a confidence that translated seamlessly into unforgettable hair and makeup moments. As the days unfolded, beauty became its own spectacle: glowing under camera flashes, commanding sidewalks, and shifting the atmosphere in every room. Each appearance felt charged, almost cinematic, as Black women delivered beauty choices rooted in creativity, self-possession, and deliberate expression.
In addition, editorial shoots entered the conversation, infusing the week with artistic depth. These visual stories expanded the beauty landscape, introducing ornate details, imaginative textures, and modern reinterpretations of classic styles. When placed alongside other highlights, these off-carpet looks broadened the mood into something more layered, more expressive, and undeniably richer.
The Looks
Makeup
To begin, Tems stepped into the GQ spotlight with a look that held both softness and power in perfect balance. She embraced a rich, dramatic palette—her sharp winged liner lifting her eyes with precision, while a deep plum lip added the kind of depth that grounds an entire aesthetic. A glossy finish pulled the elements together, creating a luminous counterpoint against her white outfit and pearls. The result felt intentional and cinematic, as though every detail carried its own line of dialogue.
Transitioning into the editorial sphere, Olandria’s Harper’s Bazaar look offered a beauty moment rooted in quiet fantasy. Pearl accents encircled her eyes like halos, casting soft reflections and adding layers of texture. A subtle shimmer washed over her lids, while a glossy nude lip provided balance. The overall effect was ethereal—beauty that doesn’t shout, but instead lingers in the mind.
Hairstyle
As the week progressed, hairstyles carried just as much narrative weight. Brandee’s braided updo emerged as a standout, celebrated for its precision and sculptural elegance. Intricately woven braids swept upward into a defined top bun, creating a look that felt both architectural and deeply rooted in craft. It was a style that spoke before she said a single word.
Tems’ hair, meanwhile, showcased a softer side of the beauty spectrum. Her short, curly bob offered effortless movement and a sense of ease, introducing a gentle contrast to her bold makeup. The defined curls framed her face with natural volume, while side-swept bangs added dimension. Within the landscape of standout beauty looks at the GQ MOTY Awards, this hairstyle felt refreshingly grounded.
Check out the best beauty looks seen on celebrities at the GQ MOTY Awards and other events last week…
Queen Latifah
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Tems
Shop editor’s edit
Halle Bailey
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Lizzo
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Da’Vine Joy Randolph
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Chase Infiniti
Get the lips
Brandy
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Monica Denise
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Taís Araujo
Shop the hair
Holland
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—Read also
Last Week’s Best Beauty Looks Gave Room To Bold Color And Personality
