Past and present: 15 classic and current Latina beauty icons
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Latina beauty icons
Photo: Getty Images; Yahoo photo-illustration: Priscilla De Castro
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Cardi B
Calling Cardi B colorful is an understatement. While the Dominican-Trinidadian rapper can quickly change her look with a vibrant wig and matching ensemble, she’s best known for keeping her fingertips in top shape. Decking out her lengthy tips in intricate designs and crystal embellishments, she’s brought nail art back to the forefront, and it has since maintained center stage. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Jennifer Lopez
There’s a reason Jennifer Lopez is known for her glow. The Nuyorican (that’s New York Puerto Rican) always looks like she’s just been to the beach, thanks to her honey-blonde strands, beautifully bronzed skin, and a radiant complexion that shines through. Want to channel her look? She’s got you covered: She recently linked up with Inglot to release her own cosmetics collection — bronzers and highlighters included. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Selena Gomez
You can usually spot the Mexican-American singer and actress on the red carpet with a sultry, winged-out smoky eye. While she typically sticks to rich terracotta shades, one of her most shocking looks was a hot-pink version she chose for the 2017 Met Gala. Either way, it’s all about a good eyeliner when it comes to perfecting a smoky eye. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Joan Smalls
We might be mesmerized by Joan’s long locks when she graces the cover of a magazine or struts on the runway, but when the Puerto Rican catwalk queen is off-duty, she keeps her makeup simple and classic. Smalls sticks with the signature “baby cat-eye” that she’s had since middle school. Instead of drawing out a large wing, which can quickly get messy with liquid liner, she shortens the wing for a subtle flick anyone can easily recreate. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Eva Mendes
With her signature bold brows, Eva Mendes has always had the ability to stun on the red carpet. The Cuban actress has transformed into a fashion designer and beauty mogul to deliver some of her best and boldest looks directly to her fans. While achieving her fantastic arches might take some careful tweezing and a brow pencil, you can easily score the rest of her signature fresh-faced makeup with a smudge of brown eyeliner and soft-pink lipstick. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Zoe Saldana
We might pin green skin and pink ombre on Zoe Saldana because of her iconic Marvel character, Gamora, but when she’s not trying to save the galaxy from certain doom, the Dominican actress shines as brightly as her long and glossy strands at every red carpet. Red is her lipstick shade of choice, whether she’s going subtly rosy or sultry crimson. Check out these budge-proof red lipstick options for your next event. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Sofia Vergara
As the face of Head & Shoulders, it’s no wonder Sofia Vergara always has perfect hair. The Colombian actress is known to grace the red carpet showing off her signature long, tousled waves and sun-kissed radiant skin. To get her effortless waves, just opt for a 1.5-inch hair curler for a beachy look. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Shakira
You may not remember when Shakira first stepped on the world’s stage with vibrant raspberry strands, but when the Colombian rocker crossed over into the states, she made the dramatic switch to the blonde we know and love today. Hair color aside, the hip-shimmying songstress is known for embracing her curls, whether she’s on the red carpet or performing onstage. And if you have natural curls like hers, it’s all about having the right products. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Selena Quintanilla
There’s no question that Selena stood out when she hit the music scene, and it wasn’t just because of her embellished bustiers, either. The Mexican singer always sported a bold red lip — Chanel’s now-discontinued Brick hue — along with liquid liner, bold brows, and full bangs, a look that’s cemented in the hearts of her fans long after her tragic passing. In fact, it was the bold look and the love from her fans that led MAC to release a limited-edition collection honoring the Tejano music legend that sold out not once but twice. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Gloria Estefan
If the rhythm wasn’t going to get you, Gloria Estefan’s signature spirals were. While her teased tresses (and bright makeup) were all the rage in the early ’90s, the Cuban hitmaker later shifted to smoother strands and lighter makeup, both of which we associate with the star all these years later. Curled or not, ensure a frizz-free look with humidity-fighting styling products. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Celia Cruz
Aside from a voice that became the sound of modern salsa, Celia Cruz had an onstage presence that became just as iconic. The Afro-Cuban songstress was known for her colorful wigs, vibrant lipstick, perfectly painted nails, and electric eye shadow shades — all of which would change hues depending on her ensemble. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Raquel Welch
The phrase “The higher the hair, the closer to God” could easily refer to Raquel Welch. The Bolivian bombshell became a sex symbol after appearing in One Million Years B.C. in an infamous fur bikini, with tresses that reached new heights, a chic smoky eye, and nude lip that would cement her sultry status for decades to come. Looking to take your hair to new heights? Shop these volumizing products. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Rita Moreno
With a career that spans over 70 years and counting, it’s no surprise that Rita Moreno had the talent to become a certified EGOT. With her signature short hair and penchant for thick, bold eyeliner and matching brows, her look stood out whether she was on the stage or screen. If you want to snag the same look for yourself, reach for a brow pencil and smokey eyeliner. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Dolores del Rio
In the early silent era of Hollywood, it was all about the look, and Dolores del Rio had it in spades. With her graceful confidence and smoldering stare, the Mexican actress became the model of classic elegance and beauty. Talk about a real trendsetter. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Katy Jurado
Katy Jurado epitomized “femme fatale” during the golden age of cinema. Her deep-set eyes, which she played up with a dark shadow sweeping her crease, and her red lipstick made her look glamorous — but she could also snap the audience to attention with an arch of one of her bold brows. The legendary Mexican screen siren worked alongside stars such as Grace Kelly and Marlon Brando during her rise, and her iconic beauty look continues to inspire. (Photo: Getty Images)
Whether you scroll through social media or look to Hollywood’s leading ladies, beauty inspiration is all around.
However, there’s something special about Latinas in entertainment who have made their mark both in their respective industries and when it comes to red carpet hair and makeup. With a litany of legendary and bold looks, these women emulate all the looks, from classic to trendy, while making a unique beauty statement.
Feast your eyes on 15 Latina beauty icons , along with tips on how to snag their signature look for yourself.
Photo: Getty Images; Yahoo photo-illustration: Priscilla De Castro