See photos of every major moment in Zendaya’s beauty evolution, including the ‘Euphoria’ star’s best hair and makeup moments.
She’s the glow-up GOAT.
Zendaya didn’t just become the style icon she is today overnight. In fact, she’s been growing into her current role as a fashion and beauty powerhouse since she started her rise to fame at just 13 years old. Over the course of her teenage years, Zendaya transformed from a Disney star into a heralded actor whose red carpet looks leave everybody breathless. She’s come a long way, but Zendaya’s beauty evolution over the years has never been boring.
Before her 27th birthday, the Euphoria star has more than earned her mononym status. Her singular name is synonymous with high fashion and daring makeup looks intensified by modeling skills that literally run in her blood. (She did, in fact, get it from her momma.) Nowadays, if Zendaya is attending a red carpet event, you know to show up hungry because you will be *served* a seven-course lewk. From fully committed to the bold matte lip craze of 2013 to wearing waist-length goddess-worthy locs to the 2015 Oscars, Zendaya’s beauty evolution started strong and only got stronger. From start to finish, this girl’s an icon.
Of course, because Zendaya is Zendaya, the power of her beauty looks goes beyond aesthetics (although don’t get me wrong, those are always on point). Zendaya is also known for bringing Black hair textures and styles to the most exclusive red carpet events in Hollywood and around the world. It’s been incredible to watch her prove, again and again, that braids, locs, and curls are just as high-fashion as updos and blowouts. Seeing her beauty evolution is like watching the stars come out, so scroll on and prepare to be dazzled.
Look at baby Z! Leading up to the launch of her first Disney show Shake It Up, the actor began making her red carpet appearances featuring fresh-faced looks like this one from Aug. 2010. At just 13, Zendaya rocked sparkly lipgloss, a touch of mascara, and some cute barettes. It reminds me of my first foray into the cosmetic side of Claire’s at the same age.
At 15, Zendaya upped her red carpet makeup, ever so slightly, and brought out the blush for a Teen Vogue party in Sept. 2011. It’s not an overwhelming makeup look, but it definitely shows a growing affinity for trying new makeup looks and playing with color.
The year was 2012, and no one, not even Zendaya, could escape the power that colorful lipstick had on the culture. In July 2012, the Spiderman: No Way Home actor went super bold with a fuchsia lip. Compared to the lip drama, the rest of her makeup was subdued — just some mascara and a light, shimmery eyeshadow.
Are you kidding me with this hair? I’m obsessed. Zendaya’s intense side bang is everything a middle schooler wanted in 2013. This was one of the first out-of-the-box looks Zendaya tried with her hair. It’s playful, unexpected, creative, and just a hint of who Zendaya will become on red carpets.
2014 was the year Zendaya started being known as a red carpet icon, and her makeup began to reflect her more daring fashion choices.
