#WCW: Gabrielle Union
We’ve been engaged in a long-term hair and makeup love affair with Gabrielle Union since we saw her in “Bring It On” all the way back in 2000. (Yes, it was that long ago.) We’ve been following the actress’s Hollywood trajectory ever since, and with it, her consistently gorgeous beauty looks. Not only is Gabrielle a major player on the red carpet, but she’s also a women’s health advocate and humanitarian, so she’s basically the girl of our dreams.
Gabrielle and longtime boyfriend Dwyane Wade got married last year after dating since 2009, but we don’t feel satisfied by a celebrity tying the knot until we’ve seen their wedding dress. (We’re looking at you, Jennifer Aniston.) If we can’t feast our eyes on the dress, well, did the wedding really happen? Gabrielle left us in the dark for a year, but last week she shared a few absolutely stunning snaps from her wedding day. Way to make us wait, girlfriend.
In honor of the actress finally fulfilling our wishes to catch a glimpse of her in her wedding dress—and, okay, all the other wonderful things she does for the world—we’re naming her our Woman Crush Wednesday, and looking back on 10 of our favorite Gabrielle Union hair and makeup looks of all time.
The early ’00s were a tough time for hair and makeup, but Gabrielle somehow managed to escape the usual trendy trappings, opting instead for elegant, shiny waves and naturally flushed makeup at the world premiere of “Cradle 2 the Grave.”
Clearly a fan of radiant skin and makeup that highlights her gorgeous features rather than drawing attention away from them, Gabrielle even chose a simple, low-key look for Clive Davis’s pre-Grammys party in 2006.
The wavy retro bob and glossy red lip Gabrielle wore to ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon in 2011 oozed classic Hollywood appeal.
With a sleek center part and stunning smoky eye, Gabrielle proved that she can do edgy looks, too.
A long, tousled fishtail braid, a perfectly blended smokey eye, glowing skin and a natural lip—Gabrielle absolutely slayed in this look.
These bouncy waves are adorable and tons of fun, but still sophisticated enough for a more formal event.
We can’t get enough of the pompadour-inspired updo and deep red lip color Gabrielle wore to Graydon Carter’s Vanity Fair Oscar party in 2014.
This look, with a slick side part, long lashes, and the perfect bright red lip, is class personified.
The blunt edges and subtle caramel highlights of Gabrielle’s glossy lob are everything we’ve ever wanted out of our own shoulder-length cuts.
The perfect wavy long bob, a sexy smokey eye, a gorgeous caramel lip color—this look is everything.
