The 21 Best Billboard Music Awards Beauty Looks of All Time

For over two decades, Hollywood’s hottest celebrities have flocked to the Billboard Music Awards to celebrate the music industry’s most outstanding releases. From larger-than-life performances (think: Beyoncé’s intricate 2011 performance of “Run the World”) to unforgettable pop culture moments, the Billboard Music Awards are always one of the must-watch events of the year.

But for beauty lovers like us, the best part of the night is seeing how our favorite celebrities choose to style their hair and makeup for the big show. Every year, without fail, the music industry’s top acts grace the BBMAs red carpet in beauty looks that run the gamut—ranging from classic and polished to bold and edgy. Ahead, we’ve rounded up to the best Billboard Music Awards beauty looks of all time. From Brandy’s braided ‘do to Priyanka's bold berry lips, keep scrolling to see them all.

01 of 21

Brandy, 1995

Braids have always been Brandy’s go-to protective style. Here, the singer and actress wore her box braids in a stunning half-up half-down look.

02 of 21

Spice Girls, 1997

From red highlights to high ponytails, the Spice Girls hit the red carpet in diverse hairstyles that captured their unique personalities.

03 of 21

Mary J. Blige, 1999

At every stage of her career, Mary J. Blige has been turning heads with her hairstyles. In 1999, the singer rocked a bold red and blonde pixie cut to the award show.

04 of 21

Pink, 2000

One of Pink’s most unforgettable hair moments happened at the 2000 Billboard Music Awards. The singer’s pink and green hair commanded everyone’s attention on the red carpet. Her bold ‘do perfectly complemented her vibrant green eyeliner.

05 of 21

Janet Jackson, 2006

Janet Jackson looks stunning no matter what. But, we especially loved this bob and berry lip combo.

06 of 21

Rihanna, 2011

Rihanna has never been one to shy away from experimenting with her hair. For the 2011 Billboard Music Awards, the Fenty Beauty founder hit the red carpet with an electric red bob and paired it with a glossy pink lip.

07 of 21

Lacey Shwimmer, 2012

American ballroom dancer Lacey Schwimmer played with pastels for her hair look. Her light pink and purple curls were a showstopper on the red carpet.

08 of 21

Alicia Keys, 2012

Alicia Keys’ beauty look for the 2012 award show was nothing short of elegant. We were obsessed with her sleek braided updo and vibrant red lip back then and still are today.

09 of 21

Taylor Swift, 2013

Taylor Swift was a beauty in blue at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards. For hair, the singer kept things simple—pulling her tresses back into a low ponytail. Her makeup look consisted of beautiful blue eyeliner and a pink lip.

10 of 21

Zendaya, 2015

You can always expect Zendaya to show up and show out on the red carpet. For the 2015 award show, the actress opted for a slicked-back high ponytail and neutral makeup look.

11 of 21

Tracee Ellis Ross, 2015

Here, Tracee Ellis Ross’ bold black eyeliner accentuated the beautiful shape of her eyes. For her award show hair look, the actress and Pattern Beauty founder pulled her head full of curls into a simple bun.

12 of 21

Jessica Alba, 2016

It was all about the eyes for Jessica Alba’s 2016 beauty look. The Honest Company founder swiped a shimmery blue shadow all over her lid and waterline.

13 of 21

Vanessa Hudgens, 2017

Vanessa Hudgens’ look exuded classic Hollywood glamour. The bends in her neck-length bob gave the style a playful feel and her pink makeup perfectly complemented her award show ensemble.

14 of 21

Jennifer Lopez, 2018

All eyes were on J. Lo when she stepped out on the red carpet with this sultry and sexy look. The singer looked absolutely stunning with her tousled hair and bold burgundy eyeshadow.

15 of 21

Ciara, 2018

Ciara’s cascading black curls were one of our favorite hair moments from the 2018 Billboard Music Awards. The singer’s gold eyeshadow and fluttery eyelashes added to the glamour of the look.

16 of 21

Halsey, 2019

Halsey delivered one of the most show-stopping makeup moments of the 2019 Billboard Music Awards. Her indigo lipstick perfectly accentuated her black and indigo strapless gown.

17 of 21

Cardi B, 2019

Whenever Cardi B attends an award show, we're always excited to see her glam. In 2019, she hit the red carpet with sleek, center-parted hair and super sharp eyeliner.

18 of 21

Priyanka Chopra, 2019

Priyanka Chopra rocked a smokey eyeshadow look with silver glitter at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards. The actress paired her sultry eye makeup with her signature berry lip.

19 of 21

Doja Cat, 2020

Doja Cat on the red carpet — Getty Images

Doja Cat used a $12 eyeshadow palette to achieve her "Cinnamon Toast Crunch Eyes" at the 2020 awards. Her waist-length cinnamon-colored hair completed the stunning, breakfast cereal-inspired look.

20 of 21

Lizzo, 2020

Lizzo’s 2020 BBMAs look was nothing short of iconic. The singer rocked a high ponytail, glowing skin, and a “vote” manicure that matched her Christian Siriano dress.

21 of 21

Nicole Richie, 2020

Nicole Richie stunned at last year’s ceremony in a glam look that included a dreamy violet smoky eye and ultra-dewy fresh skin. Her understated updo looked polished and allowed her gorgeous makeup and dramatic floral gown to take center stage.

These Are the 2020 Billboard Music Award Beauty Moments You Need to See