The Beauty Evolution of Adele: From Over-the-Top Glamour to Modern Icon
With countless awards (including 10 Grammys and an Oscar NBD) and a habit of breaking records, Adele is one of the most prolific musicians of our time. The singer-songwriter shot to fame after a friend posted a few of her songs on Myspace, leading to her first record contract and release of her first hit “Hometown Glory” — and the rest, as they say, is history.
But the powerhouse’s voice isn’t the only thing fans love about her. The London native is an activist for body positivity and has become an icon for her classic style and enviable cat-eye skills. (Seriously, how does she do it? Oh, right.). While her beauty looks have always revolved around big hair and bold liners, her methods haven’t always been the same. Ahead, revisit some of Adele’s most memorable hair and makeup looks — and see just how much she’s changed over the years.
1/17The superstar songstress has come a long way!
Photo: Dave Hogan/Getty Images2/17February 2008
It didn’t take long for Adele’s star status to take off. Just one month after “Chasing Pavements” was released (Go ahead and pull up that #TBT track, we'll be here when you get back), she hit the red carpet for her her very first BRIT Awards, turning heads with this dramatic side bun and kohl-lined eyes.
Photo: Brian Rasic/Getty Images3/17September 2008
Adele, is that you? The star looked nearly unrecognizable with false lashes, contoured cheeks, and thick, straight-across bangs at an event in London.
Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage4/17November 2008
The star gave us an early peek at her penchant for winged liner at a charity event in New York later that year. With fewer bangs and smoky black shadow, it wasn’t exactly the Adele of today, but it was a serious step closer.
Photo: WireImage5/17February 2009
Adele totally dominated the 2009 Grammys, with four nominations and two wins (one of which was the highly coveted Best New Artist award — flips hair). The icon dressed the part with a curled side ponytail, smoky eye, and super glam set of false lashes.
Photo: Getty Images6/17October 2009
For the BMI Awards in London later that year, Adele went for a slightly subdued look, keeping her hair and makeup minimal with a teased ponytail, a little mascara, and a chic swipe of nude lipstick.
Photo: Getty Images7/17February 2011
Adele debuted a super polished new look two years later at the 2011 BRIT Awards. No black shadow here! Just a glossy updo and sleek bronze lids.
Photo: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic8/17August 2011
Va va voom! There are few words that accurately describe Adele’s bombshell curled hair and iconic cat-eye at the MTV Video Music Awards, so we won’t even try.
Photo: Getty Images9/17September 2011
Is there anything more classic than a beehive updo? Adele accessorized the retro look with bold liquid liner, a rosy pink smoky eye, and impeccably groomed brows.
Photo: Dan MacMedan/WireImage10/17February 2012
Our general rule of thumb was to pick either eyes or lips to make a statement — until we saw Adele at the 2012 Grammys. With a dramatic eye and a matte red lip, the vocal powerhouse proved you really can have it all.
Photo: WireImage11/17January 2013
Adele took her beehive to the next level with bright blonde highlights and soft bangs in the front. Her ever-present winged liner and pink-nude lip gave her an extra oomph worthy of the Golden Globes.
Photo: FilmMagic12/17February 2013
By the 2013 Grammys, Adele was a seasoned pro. She led the pack with a cool updo, extra-long false lashes and pink lip gloss.
Photo: WireImage13/17February 2013
Adele added extra emphasis to her eyes for the Oscars by adding black kohl liner underneath her lash line (note how she stops halfway through to keep the line soft).
Photo: FilmMagic14/17June 2013
It wouldn't be a beauty evolution without a major braid moment. Adele accessorized hers with an over-the-top cat-eye and fresh rosy cheeks.
Photo: WireImage15/17February 2016
Adele showed off her best look yet at the 2016 Grammys, debuting ombre dyed hair and a chic lob cut. Slightly darker brows accented her eyes even more and provided a nice contrast to her lighter new 'do.
Photo: Getty Images16/17February 2016
Adele’s style has come a long way, but she still finds a way to make bold beauty choices feel effortless and fresh.
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