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

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Published on Feb 10, 2025 • 4 min read
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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?

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Gabrielle Union’s Best Beauty Looks

1. Silver Stunner

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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?


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