There's an endless list of women who have inspired the public with their talent, personality, and style — and some have become full-blown beauty icons in the process. These particular women have inspired beauty looks [1] throughout the last century and have become known for being unapologetically themselves [2]. Check them out, ahead.
Josephine Baker
In France during the 1920s, Josephine Baker became an icon of the Jazz Age with her bold makeup, thin brows, and iconic banana skirt. Not to mention she later acted as a French Resistance agent [3] and refused to perform in American segregated theatres.
Billie Holiday
Not only did she have a phenomenal singing voice and entranced audiences with "Preacher Boy," "Summertime," and more, but Billie Holiday really knew her way around a floral hair accessory.
Dorothy Dandridge
Dorothy Dandridge was the first African-American actress to be nominated for and Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the 1954 film Carmen Jones. Her short curls and frequent red lip exemplified 1950s style.
Grace Jones
In the '70s, model and singer Grace Jones became synonymous with Studio 54's disco scene and was never afraid of a bold and dramatic beauty look. She experimented with different shaped brows, vivid lip colours, and plenty of blush.
Diana Ross
From her time in The Supremes to her "I'm Coming Out" days, Diana Ross served an endless supply of beauty inspiration. Her '60s spikey lashes and voluminous curls have become her signature.
Roberta Flack
The only thing equally as impressive as Roberta Flack's voice was her beautiful hair and perfectly arched brows.
Whitney Houston
No one had more fun with '80s trends than Whitney Houston. One look at the singer's curly bangs and colourful eye makeup will make you want to dance with somebody.
Donna Summer
The queen of disco was also the queen of big, feathered curls and dark liner.
Michelle Obama
Everyone's favourite First Lady Michelle Obama [4] always looks stunning and elegant.
Lupita Nyong'o
Lupita Nyong'o loves wearing her hair natural on the red carpet and never misses an opportunity to show off her bright makeup choices.
Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys [5] has tried more styles than we can count, including braids, curls, and more. Her choice to stop wearing makeup when she didn't feel like it in 2016 inspired many to do the same.
Rihanna
Not only is she gorgeous, but Rihanna [6] launched Fenty Beauty in 2017, one of the most inclusive makeup lines to date with now 50 shades of foundation.