2024 was equally the longest and shortest year. (Yes, the end of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Moo Deng’s rise to fame all happened within the last 12 months). Though from start to finish, countless celebrity beauty moments still live rent-free in glam lovers’ minds.
In January, makeup artist Pat McGrath shook everything up with the porcelain doll-like glass skin makeup look she created for the Maison Margiela haute couture show. The Rococo-era pigments and thin brow aesthetic had a chokehold on the beauty world all year: Zendaya rocked a gothic-leaning take on the trend at the Met Gala in May, and Julia Fox sported similar Marie Antoinette-coded glam in December.
Some unexpected hair transformations took place on the red carpet this year, too. Kendall Jenner ditched her signature brunette tresses for a luxe “New York City blonde,” for one. Although the moment only lasted for a couple months, her bold hue dictated winter’s hair color trends all the same. Similarly, Sydney Sweeney said goodbye to her blonde roots for a single night at the Met Gala, arriving on the chic carpeted steps in a jet-black bob that had everyone doing a double take.
And that’s just scratching the surface. In no particular order, take a look back at the most jaw-dropping celebrity red carpet beauty moments from 2024.
1Zendaya’s Gothic 1920s Mood
Zendaya owns every red carpet she steps on. Her appearance at the Met Gala was further evidence of this: For the first of her two looks, the actor paired a dramatic couture gown with an unexpectedly gothic take on 1920s makeup.
2Miley Cyrus’ Full-Send Texas Hair
In February, Miley Cyrus not only took home her first Grammy, but made a statement with her XXL “Texas hair.” Mega volume continued to trend, and was also spotted on Beyoncé, EmRata, and Kacey Musgraves.
3Chappell Roan’s Sword-Inspired Nails
At the VMAs, Chappell Roan fully embraced a medieval fantasy with her intricately braided hair, though her dramatic, sword-like nails took centerstage.
4Kendall Jenner’s Blonde Moment
5Taylor Swift’s Grunge Glamour
6Ayo Edebiri’s Vibrant Pink Blush
With her stunning Barbie pink draped blush, Ayo Edebiri looked like a springtime vision at the Met Gala.
7Kim Kardashian’s Sultry Flipped Bob
8Charli XCX’s XXL Spiked Updo
Charli XCX took the Y2K-inspired spiked hair look to new heights with her larger-than-life updo at the Met Gala. The “Apple” singer added intensity by painting her lips a muted burgundy, and left her eyes minimal and bright for a gorgeous contrast.
9Tyla’s “Sands Of Time” Texture
Tyla’s conceptual “sands of time” ensemble made her Met Gala debut a best-dressed moment. While the “Water” singer had chic wet hair and beautifully glowing glam, the textured sand details on her skin felt like an avant-garde extension of her structural dress.
10Julia Fox’s Victorian Glam
Julia Fox is known to push the boundaries of beauty and fashion. While in London in December, she referenced the Rococo era with her powdered skin, barely-there brows, and pastel blue eyes. Hello, modern Marie Antoinette.
11Rihanna’s Honey-Hued Natural Coils
Ever the beauty chameleon, Rihanna showed off her healthy, honey-toned coils at her Fenty Hair launch party in June.
12Sydney Sweeney’s Jet-Black Bob
13Kylie Jenner’s Retro Curls
14Doja Cat’s Metallic Tears
Doja Cat paired her draped wet T-shirt dress at the Met with metallic tears and a fierce smoky eye.
