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Whitney Houston’s 17 Most Iconic Beauty Moments – Essence

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Sixty-one years ago, Whitney Houston was born. She grew up in New Jersey in a star-studded family — her mother, a two-time Grammy winner, sang backup for Aretha Franklin and her cousin Diona Warwick was a ’60s pop star — reaching for Chaka Khan records to pump up her angelic grooves. Taking a cue from her vocals and sweetness, Houston earned a short lived modeling profession under Wilhelmina after being spotted acting at Carnegie Hall. As beautiful as she was, “Too picky for me,” she told ESSENCE in its 1990 cover story. “You stand there in front of the camera and just smile.”

Now, looking back, the Scout had an actual eye. In 1984 (the 12 months before she released her debut album of the identical name), Houston performed with Jermaine Jackson in New York City wearing a cropped Afro and a sculpted fuchsia blush that matched her matte lipstick. At the 1988 Grammy Awards, her full brows sat above gold eyeshadow and her signature smoky lash line. In the ’90s, her shorter version of Diana Ross’s “Twiggy” lashes were paired with smoky purple makeup, turning the look into her signature take a look at the United Negro College Fund Dinner.

As her afro grew more puffy, she began experimenting with wigs: an asymmetrical bob for the 1999 EMAs on MTV, and a historic blonde updo for the inaugural BET Awards in 2001. In the run-as much as her final years, she attended Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party like a Golden Girl—together with her hair in a shade of brunette and makeup to kick off the evening. Despite her premature death in 2012, Houston’s angelic beauty will remain etched in history (and our hearts) until the tip of time.

In honor of her divine birthday, let’s have a look back at Whitney Houston’s most iconic beauty moments.

Introducing fuchsia makeup

Whitney Houston performed with Jermaine Jackson in New York City wearing her trademark fuchsia makeup and heavily smoky eyes.

Whitney Houston's 17 Most Iconic Beauty Moments
NEW YORK – JULY 1: Singer Whitney Houston performs in concert on July 1, 1984 at The Limelight in New York City. (Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

Iconic white headband

The then 21-12 months-old previewed the white headband she wore during her performance on the 1991 Super Bowl.

(*17*)
Portrait of American singer and actress Whitney Houston (1963–2012) at her mother’s home in West Orange, New Jersey, May 28, 1985. (Photo by Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images)

Manicure without hands

Now that bare nails are all the trend, Houston was years ahead of the curve by pairing her no-mani manicure with a hairstyle harking back to Jheri curls.

Whitney Houston's 17 Most Iconic Beauty Moments
Whitney Houston on the Park West In in Chicago, Illinois, May 29, 1985. (Photo: Paul Natkin/Getty Images)

The image of perfect beauty

She posed with gold eye shadow and deep lipstick on the thirtieth Annual Grammy Awards, where she won awards for Best Album and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

Whitney Houston's 17 Most Iconic Beauty Moments
American singer and actress Whitney Houston attends the Grammy Awards on March 2, 1988 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

Short, glued eyelashes

She added short, tufted lashes within the Diana Ross “Twiggy” style to her signature combination of fuchsia, pink and smoky eyeliner.

Whitney Houston's 17 Most Iconic Beauty Moments
Singer Whitney Houston attends the forty sixth Annual United Negro College Fund/Frederick D. Patterson Whitney Houston Awards Dinner on March 8, 1990 on the Sheraton Center in New York City. (Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

Lipstick Hall of Fame Moment

At the twenty first annual Songwriters Hall of Fame, she traded in her usual purple lipstick for red to be inducted into the hall.

Whitney Houston's 17 Most Iconic Beauty Moments
Singer Whitney Houston attends the twenty first Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Awards Dinner on May 30, 1990 on the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. (Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

Bang! Bob-ish pixie

Houston paired her short haircut with an asymmetrical bob and a pixie cut, and in addition painted her lips red, added muted purple eye shadow and chocolate blush.

Whitney Houston's 17 Most Iconic Beauty Moments
Whitney Houston and her husband Bobby Brown, November 11, 1999 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo: Eric CATARINA/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

Pigments, pigments, pigments

At a non-public party after her performance at Madison Square Garden, she had the chance to do her hair in an enormous way, wear lipstick and add eye shadow.

Whitney Houston's 17 Most Iconic Beauty Moments
Singer Whitney Houston attends a non-public party following her concert at Madison Square Garden on September 10, 1987, aboard Princess Yachts, World Yacht Club in New York City. (Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

Beauty Pageant Queen Coded by Chaka Khan

The beauty queen’s look recalled her idol Chaka Khan’s curly locks on the thirteenth Annual American Music Awards.

Whitney Houston's 17 Most Iconic Beauty Moments
Singer Whitney Houston attends the thirteenth Annual American Music Awards on January 27, 1986 on the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

Purple under the attention

Instead of eye shadow on her lid, she opted for purple eyeliner on her lower waterline and left the upper line a smoky black.

Whitney Houston's 17 Most Iconic Beauty Moments
American singer Whitney Houston (1963–2012), circa 1987 (Photo: Dave Hogan/Getty Images)

Whitney Houston Classic

Among Houston’s most historic moments (except for her Super Bowl performance), essentially the most recognizable thing about her performance at the primary annual BET Awards was her dirty-blonde wig and outsized personality.

Whitney Houston's 17 Most Iconic Beauty Moments
Whitney Houston performs through the first annual BET Awards on June 19, 2001 on the Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. (Photo: M. Caulfield/WireImage)

Deep Tones MTV

At the eighth Annual MTV Movie Awards, she wore her usual makeup look of shades of purple and red, but a darker shade than usual.

Whitney Houston's 17 Most Iconic Beauty Moments
Whitney Houston (Photo by Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

Short cut and red lips

Houston sat next to Janet Jackson on the 71st Annual Academy Awards, wearing a red lip and muted makeup.

Whitney Houston's 17 Most Iconic Beauty Moments
(NO TABLOIDS) Janet Jackson and Whitney Houston attend the 71st Annual Academy Awards and Elton John AIDS Foundation Benefit at Pagani’s in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

Golden Girl Hair and Makeup

She showed as much as Clive Davis’s pre-Grammy party looking just like the Golden Girl she is, with brown hair (and eyebrows) and makeup.

Whitney Houston's 17 Most Iconic Beauty Moments
(EXCLUSIVE, premium rates apply) Whitney Houston *EXCLUSIVE* (Photo: Lester Cohen/WireImage for J Records)

Touched by an angel

Her vocals soared to heavenly heights during her performance at Madison Square Garden, which she attended in her classic make-up.

Whitney Houston's 17 Most Iconic Beauty Moments
UNITED STATES – AUGUST 01: Photo of Whitney Houston (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Brown Mullet Charm

She attended the tenth annual United Negro College Fund Telethon wearing a Czech soccer-style haircut, which is currently very trendy.

Whitney Houston's 17 Most Iconic Beauty Moments
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – NOVEMBER 15: Singer Whitney Houston performs on the tenth annual United Negro College Fund “Lou Rawls Parade of Stars” Telethon Kick-Off on November 15, 1989 at L’Ermitage in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

Inspiration for black girls

Houston hugs her young fans at a concert within the UK, weaving their beaded pigtails and butterfly clips into her asymmetrical bob.

Whitney Houston's 17 Most Iconic Beauty Moments
GREAT BRITAIN – CIRCA 1991: Whitney Houston backstage after a concert (photo: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Celebrity Coverage

ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

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With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is predicted to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Nineteen Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a have a look at 17 of the perfect celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Black artists shine with 2024 Christmas albums – Essence

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This holiday season, a few of the most talented Black music artists are reimagining the sounds of Christmas. From the soulful sounds of gospel legends to the contemporary kind of rising stars, these albums offer something for everybody who wants so as to add splendor to their celebrations. Whether it’s fresh takes on timeless classics, moving original songs, or reissues of beloved favorites, these projects bring joy, warmth and a way of community to everyone.

Jennifer Hudson makes her holiday debut with a track that mixes powerful vocals and heartfelt melodies. CeCe Winans brings a spiritual touch and Coco Jones adds her unique talent. Celebrating her thirtieth anniversary, Mariah Carey returns to the zeitgeist, and the reissue of Boyz II Men offers the right, cozy soundtrack.

As you decorate the halls and meet your family members, let these albums fill your space with music that uplifts, inspires and sets the right holiday mood. Here’s a more in-depth have a look at Black artists bringing joy to the world with their Christmas 2024 releases.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Let Anok Yai’s spiky bun inspire your holiday hair look – the essence

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Earlier this week, Model of the Year nominee Anok Yai appeared at the Fashion Awards gala at London’s Royal Albert Hall. And regardless that the night ended there controversial joke for this yr’s award, the look of her hair stood out, as did her skilled achievements.

Paired with an archival John Galliano gown from 1994, her hairstyle was as avant-garde as the supermodels of the day – and was the most groundbreaking look of the night. On the foundation, a pixie cut with micro-mushrooms framed her sculpted features, and the sides stopped just at the tip of her eyebrows.

However, the summit took an unexpected turn. Almost like a headdress, straight, long strands gathered at the top of the head, overlapping right into a bow. The look was romantic and evoked the essence of Mugler’s Alien Hypersense, of which it’s the face. “I carry a bottle in every purse, it’s an addiction” Yai said in front of the red carpet.

The iconic outfit was repeated by Rihanna, who two days later arrived in an identical style at the thirty eighth annual Footwear Awards Gala in New York. With slight moderation – longer, blunt bangs and full updo – hairdresser Nafia Biała used an identical technique. Could this be the hottest hair trend of the season? These two icons actually suggest that.


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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