Halle Berry may have gotten her start competing in beauty pageants, but she had bigger ambitions in sight. In 2002, Berry became the first Black woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress. Since then, she has gone on to land a number of accolades, among them, a Golden Globe and an Emmy. But when she's not busy working, this former Bond girl — who's still super fit and taking sexy selfies at 56, by the way — is having fun with her ever-evolving style, whether that's purple curls and a plunging top for date night or costume bin dressing beachside.
Keep scrolling for Halle Berry's beauty evolution from the 1980s to now.
1985
After graduating from Bedford High School in Ohio, Berry won the Miss Teen All-American pageant. We're guessing that her natural beauty and contagious smile had something to do with it.
1986
"In the '80s it was all about big hair, lots of makeup, and trying to look older than you really were," Berry once told us. After winning the Miss Ohio USA title, the well made-up pageant queen placed second in Miss USA and sixth in the Miss World competition.
1993
Debuting what would become her signature crop, Berry promoted her role in the Queen miniseries.
1996
The Race the Sun actress briefly returned to shoulder-skimming strands. Curtain bangs and flipped-out ends add some '90s pizzazz.
1997
"I have very curly hair — this is its natural texture," Berry said of this look. For those with a coily hair type, incorporating strategic layers is key in lending structure to your style. Complement with frosted makeup to nail Berry's ice-queen beauty.
1998
With tight cornrows drawing focus to her flawless face, the Bulworth star played up her baby browns with false lashes and soft eyeliner.
1999
Berry rounded out the '90s by going short, sweet, and blonde. "I just see myself as a short-hair, spunky kind of person," said the Introducing Dorothy Dandridge lead.
2002
The actress earned an Oscar for her risky role in Monster's Ball. Less risky? A lightly tousled version of her favorite pixie.
2002
Growing out her short cut ("There's only so much you can do with a pixie!"), the Die Another Day Bond Girl worked in a fluffed and feathered style.
2004
Berry attended a Catwoman premiere with newly-lengthened locks. "These extensions were great," she told InStyle. "I would just wash and go."
2006
For the Tokyo premiere of X-Men: The Last Stand, Berry kept it simple with neutral makeup and a straight chin-length bob. By slightly tucking in ends, you can add instant oomph (read: volume) to thin or fine tresses.
2007
Berry framed her flawless features with long glossy waves and a fringe that hits just at the eyes — and highlights them. To get her mane's high-octane shine, apply a little hair oil.
2007
Awaiting daughter Nahla Aubrey, Berry discovered the benefits of pregnancy: "My skin is aglow from all the hormones. I actually wear less makeup now."
2009
The actress met motherhood with a chic new look: a honey-highlighted layered bob. Its warm-toned color goes perfectly with her skin's warm undertones.
2011
How many ways can Berry wear a pixie? This longer-on-top version with its tousled texture feels at once edgy and chic.
2012
The Revlon spokeswoman changed up her hair for a role in The Hive. "I look at hair as an accessory, just like a handbag or a pair of shoes," she told People. "It's something you can put on, play with for awhile and then take it off and try something different."
2012
Berry went with a sexy smoky eye for the L.A. premiere of Cloud Atlas. "To keep the feeling strong on Halle's modern, yet romantic, Dolce & Gabbana lace dress, I created an eye look with blended charcoals and shimmery silvers to complement the silver colors in the dress," said her makeup artist Kara Yoshimoto Bua. "Her lips and cheeks were kept subtle in soft peaches."
2013
Berry's gravity-defying 'do was a fun complement to her colorful Atelier Versace gown at the Golden Globes. Its subtle highlights add a nice color contrast, plus dimension. A smokey gray eye and nude lip finished off he red carpet look.
2014
Piecey bangs gave her trademark pixie an edgy twist at an Oscars after-party. Meanwhile, her glossy pink pout adds a tinge of softness.
2015
Berry opted for a sun-kissed lob made up of beachy waves to attend the 2015 ESPYs. To score her tousled texture, we recommend investing in a curl-enhancing product, like Briogeo Superfoods™ Banana + Coconut Hydrating Soft Wave Texture Spray.
2016
The actress's shoulder-length hair was styled in loose curls at the 2016 MTV Movie Awards. Her go-to smoky eye and nude gloss finished off the sultry look.
2017
Berry pulled back her highlighted locks into a loose updo with curtain bangs framing her face. She completed the look with a glossy lip and bronze eyeshadow.
2018
Berry showed up to the much-anticipated Vanity Fair Oscar Party looking like a 10 out of 10. By keeping her makeup to a minimum, she lets her long, stick-straight strands do the talking.
2019
Berry is effortlessly cool with her "no makeup" makeup and tousled waves. Looking for a low-maintenance way to style long hair? Simply tie it back into a loose updo or tuck it into your collar for an instant faux bob.
2021
Berry gives the '60s bouffant a modern-day makeover and we're taking notes. From its soft waves to its perfect shade of bronde, this style is utterly romantic.
2022
Berry served up Storm vibes at the 27th Annual Critics Choice Awards. Her two-toned asymmetrical undercut is equal parts edgy and mod.