My Top Ten Beauty Looks of Rock n' Roll!

Everyone who knows me well knows that I'm a music fiend with a passion for rock n' roll old and new. While an artist's image is not inherently linked to the quality of their music, fashion, beauty, and performance have gone hand in hand for several decades. Some musicians have built a career around their image, but I've always had a penchant for those who can back up their unique look with veritable talent. In the spirit of honouring the fusion of music and style, here are 10 of my all-time favourite beauty icons of rock n' roll!

It was way too difficult to rank them, so here they are in random order:


1) Debbie Harry
Although it's no surprise that a former Playboy bunny would know a thing or two about glamming it up, Debbie Harry brought a creative, colourful, punk edge to her makeup while fronting Blondie in the '70s and '80s. Her look is still emulated today by those who want to capture her punk-pop-disco spirit.

2) Karen O
This Yeah Yeah Yeahs frontwoman is never lacking in energy and is constantly sporting bold colours that mirror her spunk and intensity. With her signature bangs and vibrant red lips, she is instantly strinking and recognizable.

3) David Bowie
Despite David Bowie's immense musical talent, his daring, androgynous image is what made him a superstar. Whether it be his incarnations as Ziggy Stardust or Aladdin Sane, Bowie embodied the glam rock trend of the '70s and was never afraid to push the envelope. He's one of my all-time favourite artists and undoubtedly a beauty icon.

4) Diana Ross
Diana Ross, one of the most recognizable faces of Motown in the '60s, has always been known for her glamour, fashion, and- at times- her eccentricity. Call her a diva, but you can't deny her influence on the beauty trends of the 1960s (and beyond). Mod meets Rhythm and Blues.

5) Patti Smith
Althought it may seem strange that I've included a perpetually makeup-free artist on my list, Patti Smith is one of my beauty icons because her look was characterized by pure confidence and lack of concern for conventional, feminine beauty. This simplistic punk aesthetic ironically ended up creating her signature, and much emulated, androgynous image.

6) Gwen Stefani
Although my interest in Gwen's music quickly declined after the dissolution of No Doubt years ago, I cannot deny that her signature style has had a massive impact on the music world as well as on teenage girls everywhere. It's a look I've copied many times myself! Certainly inspired by the Hollywood starlets of the 1940s and '50s, Gwen introduced the red-lipped, bold lashed look to a new generation of women in the '90s.

7) Joan Jett
One of the original female pioneers of rock n' roll, Joan Jett was bold, brash, and definitely talented. A perfect combination of glamour and edge. And who else could make a mullet look so good? :)

8) Bjork
Although she's always been more well-known for her eccentric fashion choices, I've always been drawn to Bjork's playful, colourful approach to makeup. Her look, like her personality, is quirky, eclectic, and energetic.

9) Alison Mosshart
Though this may be somewhat of a self-indulgent choice (as most of you probably don't know who this is), I've added Alison Mosshart to the list not only because she is one of my all-time favourite female singers, but also because she has a unique style that is both classic and carefree. Fronting both the Dead Weather and the Kills, her ever-dishevelled hair and cat-eyed liner complement her powerful, sultry voice.

10) Boy George
... And one more male beauty icon to round off my list. Everyone who has known me for a while knows that I went through a bit of a Boy George phase in high school. Although the music he created with Culture Club in the '80s was undoubtedly infectious, it was his fearless, colourful image that fascinated me. His was another look that I emulated when I was younger- in a more toned-down, Catholic school-friendly sort of way :) Love or hate his look (or his often questionable antics), he has definitley earned his place as a beauty icon.

So there you have it! I hope you enjoyed this one as much as I did. Agree- or disagree- with any of my choices? Think I left anyone out? Let me know! I'd love to hear your comments about this...