16 Best Beauty Moments in Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show History
Some people are there for the OTT wings and lingerie. Some people tune in for the musical guests (this year, you’re getting Lady Gaga, The Weeknd, and our boyfriend, Bruno Mars). And some of us can't get enough of the bombshell waves and gorgeous makeup on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway, now in its 21st year. Last year, Angolan model Maria Borges made headlines when she strutted down the runway in her own short, natural Afro. That’s why we’re looking forward to more YAS-worthy events with this year’s show, which happens to be happening in Paris. So while we tear into some croissants (to, you know, prepare), feast your eyes on the best Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show beauty looks of all time.
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Getty Images2/181994
The first Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show ever (!) was low on beach waves and heavy on layers, which were huge at the time. (If you need proof, just Google “the Rachel.”) Skinny brows, tight eyeliner, and brown-toned lipstick round out a makeup look that’s actually an excellent summary of the 1990s.
Getty Images3/181997
The makeup was fairly basic at the 3rd annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show—think clear gloss and big lashes—but the hair deserves a slow clap. Naomi Campbell’s long, natural curls are the OG bombshell hair.
Getty Images4/181998
Highlighter has been around for ages; consider this the proof. The pairing of a dab of highlighter around the eyes and peachy blush will never go out of style, but we’re especially into the pink lipstick so dark that it looked almost red.
Getty Images5/182001
The real bombshell in this slideshow: The hair at the VS Fashion Show used to be stick-straight. This may have been the lone moment in her life when Gisele Bundchen didn’t wear her signature beach waves.
Getty Images6/182003
The hair! The (faux?) tan! Is there any surprise that this coincided with the height of Britney Spears? The big, brushed-out curls and perfectly sun-kissed skin sum up the 2000s.
Getty Images7/182006
With dewy skin and pops of pink on both the cheeks and the lips, the vibe here is natural, but still super-feminine. Highlighter on key spots, like the inner corners of the eyes, gives Alessandra Ambrosio’s skin that lit-from-within glow.
Getty Images8/182008
Bronzer has just been discovered. Okay, not really, but makeup artists wielded it with abandon this year to enhance cheekbones and give skin the warm glow that’s now a signature of the show.
Getty Images9/182009
Drama around the eyes turns up the smolder, but the rest of Chanel Iman’s face is pretty simple and polished. Like in 2006, dewy skin is essential here, and it’s elevated by pink-nude gloss. This is the ultimate date-night look—and Iman’s big smile doesn’t hurt.
Getty Images10/182013
A smoky eye and otherwise bare face are all that’s needed to emphasize Cara Delevingne’s famously thick set of brows. Also, leave it to her to bring a sexy edge to soccer.
Getty Images11/182014
Consider this proof that you don’t need bold colors or crazy touches to make a serious impact. This makeup look does it in two steps: eyes edged in black and flushed cheeks. May it inspire all of our GNO looks now and until forever.
Getty Images12/182015
2015 was the year when Kendall catapulted to supermodel status, appearing on multiple mag covers, and nabbing a coveted spot on the VS catwalk. Her pure joy, seen backstage, nails exactly what it feels like to be an angel.
Getty Images13/182015
There was literally nothing but love backstage between Gigi (she received her wings for the first time in 2015) and Maria Borges, who rocked her mini Afro and, in turn, continued a conversation on the natural hair movement and why diversifying the show is so important.
Stephane Cardinale - Corbis14/182016
It wasn’t just artfully placed highlighter giving Irina Shayk her glow on the 2016 runway: She was the first ever model to hit the catwalk pregnant.
Frazer Harrison15/182017
Natural curls are (finally!) becoming more of a mainstay on the VS runway, and in 2017 Alecia Morais showed off a gorgeous set of her own.
Kevin Mazur16/182018
For her final strut down the VS runway, veteran model Adriana Lima showed off some seriously undone beach waves. “We’re celebrating individuality—we don’t want the girls to look like a generic army of robots. We’re celebrating each girl for who she is," said Conair hairstylist Anthony Turner of the looks from the 2018 show.
Dimitrios Kambouris17/182018
Winnie Harlow made history as the first ever woman with vitaligo to strut the iconic catwalk, serving looks in bronze eye makeup and a glossy pink lip.
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