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Even in the depths of winter, Black women have an undeniable way of turning up the heat. Last week was no exception, as they brought an effortless flair to beauty that left us wondering—who needs a red carpet to serve pure sass? Despite the lull in award season, they proved that glamour knows no off-days. Whether gracing magazine covers or making waves on press tours, Black women raised the bar with hairstyles and makeup looks that weren’t just fleeting moments but timeless statements etched in beauty history.

Last week delivered a captivating blend of drama and understated elegance, making one thing clear—individuality is set to reign as 2025’s biggest beauty trend. Keke Palmer turned up the heat with cascading wavy ginger locks, while Willow Smith stayed true to her signature style, proving once again that braids are an enduring classic. Ayesha Curry, on the other hand, embraced the soft allure of a clean face beat, offering a heartfelt nod to the ever-graceful, soon-to-depart clean girl aesthetic.

But where Curry kept it minimal, Monica Denise came swinging with bold, statement-making makeup that demanded attention. Together, these beauty moments sent a resounding message: Black women are embracing the freedom to experiment, encouraging everyone to explore a spectrum of looks and hairstyles that celebrate their unique essence.

The Looks

Makeup

At this point, it’s only right to crown Monica Denise the undisputed queen of glam. Week after week, the singer graces us with makeup looks that command attention, and last week was no exception. While in Detroit, she served up a beauty moment that was nothing short of captivating—perfectly sculpted brows met a sultry fusion of purple and black smokey eyes, creating a look that exuded both drama and elegance. To balance the intensity, Monica sealed the deal with matte neutral lips, proving once again that glamour is all about striking the perfect harmony.

Ebony Obsidian brought soft glam to life on the cover of Numéro Netherlands, and it was nothing short of mesmerizing. Photographed by Melissa Cartagena of Perazna, the shoot seamlessly blended high fashion with understated beauty. On one stunning occasion, the Six Triple Eight star let her natural beauty shine with a barely-there makeup look, elevated by dramatic, witchy lashes and a glossy, lustrous pout. This soft glam moment allowed her rich, melanin-infused skin to glow like never before, serving as a reminder that sometimes, less truly is more.

Hair

Black women have been boldly embracing vibrant hairstyles lately, and Keke Palmer is leading the charge. The actress and singer captivated us with a fiery ginger-toned hairdo that beautifully complemented her skin tone. But it wasn’t just the color that made her look pop—it was the cascading waves that gently framed her face, adding both movement and dimension. From the rich hue to the volume and texture, Keke’s hairstyle hit every note.