With the premiere of “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” coming this Friday Dec. 23, there needs to be an accompanying declaration: Whitney Houston was a bonafide beauty icon.
Aside from her incredible outfits — and serve us fashion, she did — Houston often played with her beauty looks in a way that felt effortless but still intentional, especially when it came to her hairstyles. From flipped ends to chic updos, and even a gorgeous color change here and there, Houston’s hairstyles alone influenced countless people like never before. Tack on her ever-present smoky-eye makeup, matte skin, and classic nail looks, and you have a certified ’90s beauty legend that managed to define a generation.
In honor of the movie, we went ahead and gathered some of Houston’s best beauty moments over the years. During every era — from her first step into the spotlight to when she was a full-blown superstar — Houston was a constant source of inspiration and she should be remembered as such. Keep reading for some mood-board worthy looks from one of the queens of R&B.
Getty / Doug Vann
Whitney Houston’s French Twist Hairstyle
Before she was a singer and actress, Whitney Houston was a signed model. For one of her first professional photoshoots in 1980, Houston was seen in a french twist hairstyle. The updo was void of any hair accessories, and perfectly accentuated her off-the-shoulder Giovanni Demoura cheetah print dress.
Getty / Mirrorpix
Whitney Houston’s Pastel Eyeshadow
In 1985, Houston would continue to rise the ranks after the success of her first, self-titled album. Here she’s spotted in a pastel-purple eyeshadow on a visit to London where the album was topping the charts.
Getty / Ron Galella
Whitney Houston’s Monochromatic Makeup
Houston attended the 1986 American Music Awards where she won the award for Favorite Soul/R&B Single. She wore a matching red lip and cheek color for the occasion, a similar shade in the crease of her eye, opting for an emerald green shade on the lid to match her dress.
Getty / Ron Galella, Ltd.
Whitney Houston’s Berry-Toned Makeup
In 1988, Houston was photographed at a press release where she announced that she would make an appearance at a benefit concert for The United Negro College Fund. Houston once again made it a point to wear monochromatic makeup but this time her eyes, lips, and cheeks were various shades of purple.
Getty / Steve Granitz
Whitney Houston’s Bangs and Updo
In the ’90s is when Houston really finds her signature makeup style and instead, starts to play around with her hairstyles. For the 27th NAACP Image Awards in 1996, she was spotted with this piecy-bang-and-updo combination that allowed her taupe eyeshadow and metallic lipstick to shine.
Getty / Peter Jordan - PA Images
Whitney Houston’s Honey-Blond Bob
For an appearance in London, Houston was spotted with a honey-blond hair color. Her hair was also styled into a cropped bob and she wore a bright red lipstick to complete the look.
Getty / Ron Galella, Ltd.
Whitney Houston’s Flipped Ends Hairstyle
Whitney Houston won the Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 2000 Grammys and wore a gorgeous flipped ends hairstyle on the red carpet. The style was accompanied by a dramatic smoky eye and deep purple lips which feels particularly on trend given the fact that marinated makeup is having a moment right now.
Getty / Jon Kopaloff
Whitney Houston’s Jellyfish Haircut
Though this hair trend would certainly come later down the line, we can’t help but notice Houston’s 2004 haircut which would now be known as a jellyfish cut. She wore the look for a Dior event and her brown hair had warm-blond streaks scattered throughout.
Getty / Gregg DeGuire
Whitney Houston’s Side Bangs Hairstyle
In one of her final events before she died, Houston made a strong case for the middle-vs-side part argument. She was spotted at the Clive Davis and The Recording Academy’s Annual Pre-Grammy Gala in a chic lob with a deep side part, nude eyeshadow, and a warm caramel-toned lip color.
