All Makeup Skin Hair Nails How-To Beauty Amplified Spoilers IPSY 101 Ingredient Index

10 Times Gabrielle Union Proved She’s the Ultimate Beauty Icon

Dahvi Shira DefaultDahvi Shira Default
By
Published on Feb 10, 2025 • 4 min read
thumbnail Gabrielle Union Best Beauty Looksheader Gabrielle Union Best Beauty Looks

When you’ve had a career as long and illustrious as Gabrielle Union, there’s no doubt you’re bound to have some standout beauty moments. From movie premieres to awards shows to serving as a support system to hubby Dwyane Wade, there’s no red carpet the Black-owned beauty brand founder hasn’t conquered. Whether it's her colorful style or flawless makeup looks, the timeless stunner has transcended from popular Bring It On actress to an influential beauty and style star. We’re so impressed with her consistent ability to wow at every turn that we decided to break down Gabrielle Union’s best beauty looks of all time below (in no particular order). Do you agree with our picks?

It's about glam time you treated yourself.

Join IPSY
Default Middle Subscribe Module Image - MobileDefault Middle Subscribe Module Image - Desktop

Gabrielle Union’s Best Beauty Looks

1. Silver Stunner

gabrielle-union-best-makeup-hair-01

From the flawless, filter-like face makeup to the stunning soft smoky eye, this look—created by celebrity makeup artist Fiona Stiles—stood out just enough without overshadowing the striking ensemble. With the Met Gala theme of 2021 in America: A Lexicon of Fashion that year, Union proved in stunning silver that not all that glitters is gold. 

2. Bold and Beautiful

gabrielle-union-best-makeup-hair-02

Our girl loves a smoky eye, and we totally get why. Union appears here in dramatic yet approachable makeup at the Tiffany & Co. NYC Flagship Store Reopening in 2023. 

Itching to recreate the starlet’s glam? We love the classic SMASHBOX COSMETICS Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner. A good smudge atop from the MORPHE 3A Deep Smoky Eyeshadow Palette should get that desired aesthetic, topped with the TOO FACED Better Than Sex Mascara.

3. Glam in Green

gabrielle-union-best-makeup-hair-03

The fashionista appeared in a jewel-toned getup from head to toe at a Schiaparelli event in Los Angeles. Not only did the ’fit suit her to a T, but the matching eye makeup was the perfect pop, complementing her skin tone and lip combo. If you want to emulate those jewel-toned vibes, we suggest looking no further than the RARE BEAUTY Magnetic Spirit Eyeshadow Palette.

4. Sleek and Chic

gabrielle-union-best-makeup-hair-04

From the hints of light brown to the stick-straight strands, Union’s hair did not come to play at the 2017 Sleepless premiere in LA. This only leveled up an already stellar combo of dark makeup and sparkly ensemble. 

5. Less Is More

gabrielle-union-best-makeup-hair-05

The FLAWLESS BY GABRIELLE UNION founder knows when to play up her makeup and when to play it cool. Her appearance at the Apple TV+ Truth Be Told premiere in 2023 let the hair and dress take center stage, while a subtle yet flawless beauty getup pulled the whole thing together. When you have a canvas like hers to work with, anything is perfection.

6. Timeless Beauty

gabrielle-union-best-makeup-hair-06

While Union’s updo may be less of an everyday look, her makeup choice was a classic. Appearing at the Strange World UK premiere in 2022, the actress packed a punch with subtle brown eye makeup and a pop on the lips. The look accentuated her natural features while not drawing attention away from her stunning hairstyle.

7. Belle of the Ball

gabrielle-union-best-makeup-hair-07

If there’s one thing Union knows how to do, it’s make a statement. And she surely lived up to her reputation here in this stunning neon green ensemble. But what really pulls it all together is the bright pink eyeshadow, which complements the look instead of clashing with it. And we can’t think of a more fitting hair choice for this than the larger-than-life bun. 

Itching for that pretty-in-pink shade? Same, girl, same. That’s why we turn to our trusty VIOLET VOSS Pinky Promise Eyeshadow Palette, making sure to wet the brush before application. 

8. Light and Bright

gabrielle-union-best-makeup-hair-08

Union was a breath of fresh air in a cream-colored cutout dress at the 2015 NAACP Image Awards. To accompany the calming shade, the star paired dark eyes with a youthful pinky-nude lip that made this look one to remember.

9. Smoldering Starlet

gabrielle-union-best-makeup-hair-09

Appearing in a yellow, high-slit gown at the 2018 Met Gala, Union made her eyes the prize with a dark bold look that expertly contrasted the rest of her aesthetic. Themed to Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination, every aspect of her appearance created a head-turning moment.

10. Natural Beauty

gabrielle-union-best-makeup-hair-10

We love the way Union effortlessly toggles back and forth between a less-is-more approach and full-on glam. The stunning starlet goes for more of an au naturel aesthetic here, and it really plays up her effortless beauty. Who needs more when you have that statement necklace and Colgate smile as accessories?


Liked this post? Share!

UP NEXT: 15 Show-Stopping Taylor Swift Makeup Looks & How to Recreate Them

Related Stories

Zendaya at the New York Special Screening of "The Drama" held at Regal Union Square on April 02, 2026 in New York, New York.Zendaya at the New York Special Screening of "The Drama" held at Regal Union Square on April 02, 2026 in New York, New York.

Makeup

Peak Poptimism Makeup Is Taking Over Festival Season

Published on Apr 13, 2026 • 4 min read

Young suspicious woman with long red hairYoung suspicious woman with long red hair

Makeup

The Best Makeup Looks for Aries Season

Published on Apr 13, 2026 • 4 min read

Beautiful emotional woman with bright make-up applying red lipstick - stock photoBeautiful emotional woman with bright make-up applying red lipstick - stock photo

Makeup

The Best Lipstick Colors That Make Teeth Look Whiter (and the Ones to Skip)

Published on Apr 7, 2026 • 9 min read

Makeup

Is PRADA BEAUTY Blush Worth It? My Honest Review

Published on Apr 3, 2026 • 5 min read

Close-up of model with dewy skin and freshly applied mascara showing long, defined lashes in warm lightingClose-up of model with dewy skin and freshly applied mascara showing long, defined lashes in warm lighting

Makeup

This Mascara Hack Makes New Tubes Work Way Better

Published on Apr 3, 2026 • 3 min read

Model applying YSL Lash Clash Mascara, showcasing dramatic volume and lifted lashes with a bold, fluttery finish.Model applying YSL Lash Clash Mascara, showcasing dramatic volume and lifted lashes with a bold, fluttery finish.

Makeup

I Tried the YSL Lash Clash Mascara—Here’s My Honest Review

Published on Mar 31, 2026 • 8 min read

Model with slicked-back hair wearing frosted blue eyeshadow, glowing skin, and glossy lips for a modern soft glam makeup lookModel with slicked-back hair wearing frosted blue eyeshadow, glowing skin, and glossy lips for a modern soft glam makeup look

Makeup

Frosted Makeup Is Back—But Not How You Remember It

Published on Mar 26, 2026 • 4 min read

Miley Cyrus at the World Premiere for Disney+'s "Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special" on March 23, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Miley Cyrus at the World Premiere for Disney+'s "Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special" on March 23, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Makeup

Hannah Montana Gave Us These Looks 20 Years Ago—And They Still Work

Published on Mar 24, 2026 • 4 min read

Default Bottom Subscribe Module NEWDefault Bottom Subscribe Module NEW

Beauty Picked Just for You

Get 5 products worth up to $70

Exclusive access to epic deals up to 80% off

Starting at just $15/month. Cancel anytime.

Join IPSY