MAMA SMURF

Rihanna’s Messy Bun Is Perfect for a Red-Carpet Mom Moment

Featuring the cutest cameo from RZA and Riot.
By Kara Nesvig

Getty Images

Mom life doesn’t stop, even when you’re walking the red carpet! Just ask Rihanna, who took her two sons, RZA and Riot, along as her dates for the premiere of her movie Smurfs—and wore the ideal hairstyle for posing for pics and hanging with her kids.

The singer and Fenty Beauty founder, who plays Smurfette in the animated film, wore her hair in a high, messy bun for a stylish contrast against her espresso brown Saint Laurent gown and leather jacket. Her dark hair, styled by Yusef and Naphia White, was pulled up and piled on top of her head in a loose, full bun, then pinned with plenty of pieces pulled out to add soft texture and movement. The updo of it all feels formal, but the undone finish keeps it effortlessly cool and totally Rihanna.

Rihanna poses at a premiere in a high messy bun. She wears a brown lace gown and leather jacket.
Photo: Getty Images

The bun also keeps her hair out of her face and off her neck, which is key a) on a hot summer day and b) when you’re spending the evening with your toddlers! As previously mentioned, Rihanna brought RZA and Riot along for the event, where they got to meet a few Smurfs and pose with their mom wearing custom Dior. Baby number three—whose arrival Rihanna announced at the Met Gala—will join the family later this year.

Rihanna poses at a premiere with her sons Riot and RZA. She wears her hair in a high bun and wears a brown dress and...
Getty Images

Rihanna’s makeup was as summery as her hairstyle. Makeup artist Priscilla Ono, who has been working with Rih for years, applied a bright pink blush to the star’s cheeks, diffusing it upward, and painted her lips with a similar candy pink color with a glossy finish. (Her blush was a combo of Fenty Cheeks Suede Blush in Lolly Poppy and Tutu Turnt, and her lip gloss was a mix of the Smurfette Smooches products, a color-changing lip oil and Gloss Bomb gloss.) Though you can’t see all the details in photos from the event, Rihanna’s nails aren’t just a light, milky pink; according to manicurist Kim Truong, who often sculpts the star’s nails, they’re embellished with an iridescent, metallic finish for a little touch of Smurf magic and sparkle.

More celebrity beauty looks we love:

  • Nicole Kidman’s Nails Are Having a Hot Goth Summer
  • You Could Play “I Spy” with J. Lo’s Glittery 3D Nails
  • “Voluminous” Doesn’t Begin to Describe Cardi B’s Massive Curls

Now, watch Madelyn Cline’s Allure cover shoot:

Follow Allure on Instagramand TikTok, or subscribe to our newsletterto stay up to date on all things beauty.