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These 2010s Celebrity Makeup Moments Will Make You Instantly Nostalgic

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These 2010s Celebrity Makeup Moments Will Make You Instantly Nostalgic

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Ashley Rebecca

A seated woman holding a black cat, smiling at the cameraA seated woman holding a black cat, smiling at the camera
Ashley Rebecca
Ashley Rebecca is a NYC-based contributor for Byrdie, where she covers makeup, skincare, and more. She has 20+ years of experience as a makeup artist and has contributed to Byrdie for the past ten years.
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Published on December 13, 2025 07:30AM
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 02: (EDITORS NOTE: Image contains partial nudity.) Rihanna attends the CFDA Awards at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center on June 2, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Rabbani and Solimene Photography/WireImage)NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 02: (EDITORS NOTE: Image contains partial nudity.) Rihanna attends the CFDA Awards at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center on June 2, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Rabbani and Solimene Photography/WireImage)

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Nothing gets us in our feels quite like revisiting nostalgic beauty moments, especially those so iconic they’ll never be forgotten. The 2010s were an exciting time for pop culture, fashion, and beauty as a whole, with makeup being no exception. The red carpet was buzzing with celebrities who were all about self-expression and then some, from the glitter of Kesha’s early days to the bold beauty of 2016.

While we sadly can’t go back in time, there’s nothing wrong with reminiscing about such a pivotal moment. Ahead, we’ve sourced 20 standout 2010s makeup moments that we’re still referencing today—keep scrolling to relive all the good memories.

01of 20

All That Glitters

Kesha with a glittery eye makeup look and feathered earring at the 2010 Grammy AwardsKesha with a glittery eye makeup look and feathered earring at the 2010 Grammy Awards

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Kesha is no stranger to self expression, and this glitter eye look from the 2010 Grammys complemented both her aesthetic and the surrounding beauty trends. We like her approach: Apply liberally, and live your best life. With a combination of both silver and gold glitter, the contrast with the pitch-black eyeliner is all the inspiration we need to add a touch more sparkle in our makeup routine.

02of 20

Smoky Eyes, Glowing Skin

Rihanna with smoky eyes, light lipstick, glowing skin, oversized earrings, and a sparkly durag and dressRihanna with smoky eyes, light lipstick, glowing skin, oversized earrings, and a sparkly durag and dress

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Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and Rihanna checked every box with her sizzling makeup look for the CFDA Awards in 2014. Contrasting her smoky eye, deep gray hues, and black liner, her skin was sculpted and glowing to the max. Soft, barely there pink lip gloss tied the whole look together. It’s safe to say we think about this look every time we pull out our most dramatic eyeshadow palettes.

03of 20

Bold Lips, Shimmering Lids

Taylor Swift wears red lipstick, shimmery eyeshadow, and false lashesTaylor Swift wears red lipstick, shimmery eyeshadow, and false lashes

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Taylor Swift is no stranger to a red lip. We’ve seen her wear this signature style for well over a decade, and this classic statement from the 2010 Grammys marks an earlier, more subtle rendition. Paired with shimmering lids and some false eyelashes, this timeless makeup look transcends current trends.

04of 20

Mod Girl

Hailey Bieber wears a radiant makeup look with mod black eyeliner and pink highlight to the 2019 Met GalaHailey Bieber wears a radiant makeup look with mod black eyeliner and pink highlight to the 2019 Met Gala

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Mod makeup meets highlighted skin in this makeup look from Hailey Bieber. The cat eye, shimmering rosy highlight, and pastel pink lips make a statement that all beauty enthusiasts can appreciate. When applying highlighter on your brow bones and cheeks, start slowly and layer the product as you go to create a glow that lasts.

05of 20

Modern Soft Glam

Zendaya wears dreadlocks and a neutral soft glam makeup look to the 2015 Academy AwardsZendaya wears dreadlocks and a neutral soft glam makeup look to the 2015 Academy Awards

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Zendaya never disappoints on the red carpet, and this versatile soft glam look from the 2015 Oscars remains incredibly popular today. Thanks to the subtle contrast of the smokier eye and softer lip, the magic of this makeup look speaks for itself.

06of 20

Electric Pink Lips

Katy Perry wears pink lipstick and a blue wig to the 2010 MTV Movie and TV AwardsKaty Perry wears pink lipstick and a blue wig to the 2010 MTV Movie and TV Awards

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In this unforgettably colorful red carpet moment from the 2010 MTV Movie Awards, Katy Perry stood out in electric shades of pink, blue, and yellow. This hot pink lip stirred a collective desire to play with vibrant colors that otherwise might be out of our comfort zone, and the multicolored graphic liner look only adds to the fun. Also, we’d be remiss not to pay our respects to that iconic blue wig.

07of 20

Modern Classics

Lady Gaga wears a lavender blonde and teal wig, meat dress and headpiece, bold choker, and classic makeup look with bold lashes and red lipLady Gaga wears a lavender blonde and teal wig, meat dress and headpiece, bold choker, and classic makeup look with bold lashes and red lip

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From the moment she came on the scene, Lady Gaga became a fashion and beauty icon, always keeping us on our toes. While you’ve certainly heard plenty of discussion surrounding her meat dress from the 2010 VMAs, the classically bold elements of her makeup look that night were just as impactful. Her vivid red lip, thick eyeliner, and lashes are reminiscent of timeless old Hollywood starlets—and Gaga’s way of wearing it was anything but dated.

08of 20

Metallic Maven

Beyoncé wears a high braided ponytail, metallic eyeshadow, neutral lipstick, and glowing skin at the 2016 Tidal X 1015 eventBeyoncé wears a high braided ponytail, metallic eyeshadow, neutral lipstick, and glowing skin at the 2016 Tidal X 1015 event

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Beyoncé never misses, and this 2016 metallic eyeshadow moment met the moment perfectly. With eyes that glisten in all the right places and eyebrows perfectly filled and shaped, metallic eye looks have made their way into the makeup hall of fame and are deserving of a reminiscence.

09of 20

Romantic Beauty

Kate Middleton on her wedding day with a natural makeup look, veil, tiara, and lace dress while riding in carriage surrounded by guardsKate Middleton on her wedding day with a natural makeup look, veil, tiara, and lace dress while riding in carriage surrounded by guards

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Few moments rival the cultural impact of a royal wedding. When it came time for Kate Middleton to marry Prince William and become the Duchess of Cambridge in 2011, she rode from Westminster Abbey in a dreamy horse-drawn carriage while sporting an elegant, swoon-worthy makeup moment. With understated, effortless eye makeup, blush, and lipstick, the look kept the focus on the now-Princess’s radiant glow and has remained wedding makeup inspiration ever since.

10of 20

Think Pink

Helen Mirren with pink hair, lipstick, blush, and metallic eyeshadow at the 2013 BAFTAsHelen Mirren with pink hair, lipstick, blush, and metallic eyeshadow at the 2013 BAFTAs

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Pink has a place in every era, and Helen Mirren’s 2013 BAFTAs look took the sweet hue in a playful direction. By matching her lipstick and blush to her pastel dye job and complementing it all with a bit of sparkly eyeshadow, she showed the power of a bit of creativity in even the most formal of settings.

11of 20

Heavenly Glam

Solange wears a dramatic smoky eye, glossy lips, black durag, and golden halo headpiece at the 2018 Met GalaSolange wears a dramatic smoky eye, glossy lips, black durag, and golden halo headpiece at the 2018 Met Gala

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The 2018 Met Gala’s “Heavenly Bodies” theme was a beloved all-timer, and Solange Knowles’s smoky eyeshadow, contoured skin, and glossy lips were no exception. Her eyes take the glam to the max, with shades of deep gray and espresso brown blended into the crease. Meanwhile, carbon black top and bottom lashlines further intensify the look to be worthy of complementing her Iris Van Herpen ensemble and halo headpiece.

12of 20

Blushing Beauty

Anne Hathaway wears pink lipstick soft glam eyeshadow, and a short haircut to the 2013 OscarsAnne Hathaway wears pink lipstick soft glam eyeshadow, and a short haircut to the 2013 Oscars

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When lips are the focus, you can feel free to tailor the rest of the makeup to suit your features without overshadowing the color. Anne Hathaway’s 2013 Oscars makeup is a prime example, accentuating all her best features while simultaneously creating harmony. The bubblegum pink lip pops effortlessly against her skin tone and pastel gown.

13of 20

Jewel Tones

Cardi B wears a glam, warm-toned eyeshadow look and dark red lipstick with her gold, gem-covered Moschino headpiece and gown for the 2018 Met GalaCardi B wears a glam, warm-toned eyeshadow look and dark red lipstick with her gold, gem-covered Moschino headpiece and gown for the 2018 Met Gala

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Cardi B makes a statement everywhere she goes, so it’s no surprise that her makeup has consistently matched her energy. With blush-pink eyeshadow blended into the crease and a cool-toned red lip, her 2018 Met Gala makeup is just as sparkly as her bejeweled Moschino gown and headpiece.

14of 20

Hot Lips

Miley Cyrus with a spiky short hair style, bold red lip, shimmery eyeshadow, and contoured, highlighted skin at the 2013 Met GalaMiley Cyrus with a spiky short hair style, bold red lip, shimmery eyeshadow, and contoured, highlighted skin at the 2013 Met Gala

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Going bold or going home, Miley Cyrus knew what she was doing when wearing this saturated orange-red lipstick color to 2013’s punk-themed Met Gala. Paired with glowing skin and slightly enhanced eyes, the lips are the focal point, and for good reason.

15of 20

Winged Focus

Ariana Grande wears bold winged liner and a nude lip to the 2015 Grammy AwardsAriana Grande wears bold winged liner and a nude lip to the 2015 Grammy Awards

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Winged eyeliner is an eternal classic, yet when paired with a nude lipstick, it activates our 2010s nostalgia in the best way. Ariana Grande’s signature liner look has stood the test of time, making an appearance in many of her most iconic makeup moments even as she’s evolved through the years.

16of 20

Artistic Statement

Lupita Nyong'o wears a dramatic sparkly graphic eyeshadow look, afro updo hairstyle with hair combs, and colorful dress to the 2019 Met GalaLupita Nyong'o wears a dramatic sparkly graphic eyeshadow look, afro updo hairstyle with hair combs, and colorful dress to the 2019 Met Gala

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Next time you want to make a memorable statement, consider going all-out with your eye makeup, like this 2019 Met Gala look on Lupita Nyong’o. The bold colors and shimmering, metallic finish of the shadows look positively radiant alongside her glowing complexion, vivid gown, and dark lipstick.

17of 20

’90s Matte

Kylie Jenner with a black-to-teal ombre bob hairstyle and neutral glam makeup at the 2014 Billboard Music AwardsKylie Jenner with a black-to-teal ombre bob hairstyle and neutral glam makeup at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards

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The 2010s showed us that iconic ’90s makeup trends have endless potential for translating into a new era. At the 2014 Billboard Music Awards, Kylie Jenner’s makeup look immediately set the beauty industry abuzz. Structured brows, matte skin that wasn’t too dry, and effortlessly buff nude lips had everyone wanting to recreate this look immediately.

18of 20

Sharp, Warm Smoke

Kristen Stewart with a bleach blonde buzzcut, metallic silver smoky eye, and subtle blush at 2017 Cannes Film FestivalKristen Stewart with a bleach blonde buzzcut, metallic silver smoky eye, and subtle blush at 2017 Cannes Film Festival

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Kristen Stewart turned heads with her bleached blonde buzzcut at Cannes 2017, yet it was her eye makeup that set beauty blogs ablaze. Using shades of warm gray for a smoky eye, rather than traditional black and brown hues, introduced a fresh take that inspired many imitations. Stewart’s eyes were the primary focus here, with the rest of her complexion looking as natural as possible.

19of 20

Dramatic Underline

Amandla Stenberg wears a blue and green braided hairstyle, underlined eye makeup look, and radiant skin at the 2019 InStyle AwardsAmandla Stenberg wears a blue and green braided hairstyle, underlined eye makeup look, and radiant skin at the 2019 InStyle Awards

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Add some wanted drama in your life with this chic underline look that Amandla Stenberg wore in 2019. Choose a contrasting color of liner or shadow from what you’d wear on the top lid and extend it slightly more outward on the bottom, smudging it out with your eyeshadow brush for maximum dramatic effect.

20of 20

High Saturation

Cara Delevingne wears a bold berry lip, warm-toned eyeshadow, and shaved head to the 2017 MTV Movie AwardsCara Delevingne wears a bold berry lip, warm-toned eyeshadow, and shaved head to the 2017 MTV Movie Awards

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Cara Delevingne’s stunning 2017 MTV Movie Awards makeup shows that both contrast and saturation are worth considering when dreaming up memorable looks. The deep, crimson lip hue looks gorgeous when paired with a dramatic swath of golden brown eyeshadow.

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Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/2010s-celebrity-makeup-looks-11855370

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