Last Week’s Best Beauty Looks Were Just Too Good To Gatekeep

Last week brought a refreshingly upbeat energy, as Black women set the tone across a variety of engagements with standout beauty looks. While the calendar featured only a handful of red carpet moments—like the ESPYs—more casual appearances offered just as many reasons to shine. From podcast guest spots to live music performances, Black celebrities showed up and showed out, using makeup and hairstyles to make a lasting impression. Once again, they proved what we already know to be true: baddies never take a day off.

The Looks

Makeup

Last week, Tracee Ellis Ross reminded us that radiant skin is the ultimate beauty statement. While promoting her new show, Tracee Travels, the actress stepped out in a high-neck pleated leather dress from Givenchy Fall/Winter 2025, complete with sliced-back detailing that added just the right edge. But it wasn’t just the dress turning heads. Tracee embraced a skin-first approach to beauty, opting for a no-makeup makeup look that let her natural glow take center stage. Perfectly groomed brows, fluttery mascara-coated lashes, and a whisper of blush brought soft definition, tying the entire look together with effortless precision.

Nigerian music sensation Tems lit up the stage at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey—not just with her vocals, but with a beauty look that was equal parts fun and flair. Her now-iconic pencil-thin brows and dramatic spider lashes framed her eyes with precision, while a bold flush of blush brought a touch of 2000s nostalgia. Glossy ombré lips added dimension and shine, perfectly complementing the shimmer of her gold eyeshadow. The result? A striking, head-turning look that made it clear: Tems wasn’t just commanding the stage with her sound, she was owning it with her style.

Hairstyle

Platinum hairstyles continue to reign as a favorite among Black celebrities, and last week, Ciara delivered another rendition on the trend. Attending the 2025 ESPYs alongside her husband, the singer made a statement with super loose platinum blonde waves, crowned by black streaks at the base. The shoulder-grazing style framed her strong jawline beautifully, while the icy hue created a stunning contrast against her skin—equal parts ethereal and edgy.

Meanwhile, over at the inaugural Pete & Thomas Foundation gala, Megan Thee Stallion championed a different kind of hair moment: a sleek, jet-black low bun punctuated by a single “antenna” loose strand at the front. While the event itself raised an impressive—and well-deserved—$1.2 million for underserved communities, Megan’s modern, minimalist hairstyle still managed to steal headlines, cementing it as one of the week’s most memorable beauty moments.