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Michelle Yeoh's 10 Best Beauty Moments That Prove She’s the Queen of The Red Carpet

Michelle Yeoh, 60, made history last month as the first-ever Asian woman to win an Oscar for best actress in a leading role. During her acceptance speech, for which she got a standing ovation, Yeoh said, “Ladies, don’t ever let anyone tell you that you are past your prime.” To which we say, here here! As we take a look back at some of her most memorable looks in recent years, we are reminded of her beauty and grace, which has only grown stronger with age.

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Michelle Yeoh’s Best Beauty Looks Oscars 2023: a photo of actress Michelle Yeoh
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1. Cinderella Moment

Let’s start with her Disney princess meets Hollywood royalty look at the Oscars this year, where Yeoh took home the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her turn as Evelyn Wang in Everything Everywhere All at Once. The actress’s cascading pin curls were combed to one side and accented with a diamond headpiece to create “something classic that had beautiful ease,” according to her hairstylist Mara Roszak, who adds that the look was “inspired by Michelle’s stunning ethereal dress by Dior.”

Michelle Yeoh’s Best Beauty Looks SAG Awards 2023: a photo of actress Michelle Yeoh
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2. Sculpted Ponytail

Roszak was also responsible for Yeoh’s stunning ponytail at the 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards this year. “I wanted to create a side-swept sculptural shape in Michelle’s hair that was a nod to Schiaparelli, and how they use sculptural movement in their silhouettes,” the stylist shared.

Michelle Yeoh’s Best Beauty Looks Critics Choice Awards 2023: a photo of actress Michelle Yeoh
Monica Schipper/Getty Images

3. Slick Bun

For the 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards, celebrity hairstylist Jenny Cho was inspired by Yeoh’s statement dress from Carolina Herrera. From the front, the actress’s hair looks extremely pared down and simplistic, but if you catch a glimpse from the back, you’ll see the clean details of her updo, which complement the eye-catching ruffles of her dress without competing for your attention.

Michelle Yeoh’s Best Beauty Looks Met Gala 2022: a photo of actress Michelle Yeoh
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

4. Statement Lip

Yeoh reminded us of the unmatched power of a red lip at the Met Gala last spring. The vibrant hue came courtesy of Tatcha’s Kyoto Red Lipstick and the masterful artistry of none other than celebrity makeup artist, Daniel Martin. Sadly, it appears the lipstick has been discontinued (though we have seen the brand bring back limited-edition lipsticks in the past). In the meantime, you can get a similar look with Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lipstick in “Certainly Red.”

Michelle Yeoh’s Best Beauty Looks London Critics Choice Awards 2023: a photo of actress Michelle Yeoh
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

5. Green Mani

A Kelly-green polish might not be the first color you’d think to paint your nails with for a red carpet event, but that’s exactly what Michelle did for the London Critics' Circle Film Awards this year. Herein lies one of the many reasons we always look forward to seeing what the actress will try next: She always finds ways to balance classic elements with fresh twists. 

Michelle Yeoh’s Best Beauty Looks BAFTA Awards 2023: a photo of actress Michelle Yeoh
Samir Hussein/Getty Images

6. Rose Monochrome

Again, Michelle shows that she’s an expert at balancing the various elements of her overall look so that every detail shines without being too over-the-top. Notice how her rosy pink lips and cheeks subtly pick up on the blush tones of her top and brighter pink hues in her ring and bracelet. We also want to call attention to her silver metallic mani, which coordinates seamlessly with her earrings.

Michelle Yeoh’s Best Beauty Looks Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 13th Governors Awards: a photo of actress Michelle Yeoh
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

7. Voluminous Curls

As you may have noticed, Yeoh isn’t one to shy away from color at red carpet events. We especially loved the sunny yellow Bottega Veneta gown that she wore with her signature rose monochromatic makeup and completed with a head full of voluminous curls at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 13th Governors Awards.

Michelle Yeoh’s Best Beauty Looks Film Independent Spirit Awards 2023: a photo of actress Michelle Yeoh
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

8. Faux Bob

Oh my Gucci, it’s hard to choose just one favorite look that Michelle wore during this awards season, but this custom blue velvet number topped with a glamorous faux bob is definitely up there. What better way to show off the extravagant floral-shaped plissé ruffles on this striking dress (and Yeoh’s incredible bone structure)?

Michelle Yeoh’s Best Beauty Looks Crazy Rich Asians LA Premiere: a photo of actress Michelle Yeoh
Michael Tran/Getty Images

9. Pompadour Pony

Before all of the celebration around Everything Everywhere All At Once, Michelle was serving look after look during her promotions for Crazy Rich Asians. Remember this purple Armani Privé gown that the actress wore with an unforgettable pompadour ponytail?

Michelle Yeoh’s Best Beauty Looks Telluride Film Festival 2022: a photo of actress Michelle Yeoh
Vivien Killilea/Getty Images

10. Laid-back Glam

TBH, we’d be here forever if we tried to highlight every incredible look Michelle Yeoh has worn over her illustrious career, so we’ll end this short, but sweet list with a casual, but no less glamorous Yeoh, smiling widely at the Telluride Film Festival last year. Notice how even when she’s not in a bedazzled gown and full makeup, she displays a keen attention to detail with her accessories.

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Jenny Jin Headshot Vertical 2023

Beauty Director

  • Oversees all beauty content at PureWow
  • Has over a decade of experience in writing and editing, both in print and digital media
  • Produces 'Youngish' newsletter, a guide to beauty in your 30s and beyond