Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum artist Monica has been ‘Miss Thang’ well before her debut album made Billboard history in 1995. Monica–who began her career at the age of 12–has had record-breaking success throughout her journey. For one, The Boy Is Mine album spent 13 weeks at no. one, with her name spread across the lips of the industry’s most iconic superstar all before she turned 43.
Not only that, she has continued to remain on her throne well into her career. From starting her record label MonDeenise Music (MDM), putting out new singles, and going on tour. She’s even started her own podcast, “MoTalk,” and she looks damn good while doing it all. With her gorgeous portrait sessions and aspirational award show glam, Monica’s mesmerizing beauty looks are certainly worth noting.
Her hairstyles are always on point: from her signature pixie cut—which she dyed red for the 2015 BET Awards—to the flipped ends and brown highlights that never go out of style. She’s taken her hair dark and natural, too, with her wavy style at the ESSENCE Awards in 2003. And what goes best with her high-sheen hairstyles? The powdery eye shadow and neutral gloss that has graced the artist’s lips since she stepped into the game over 30 years ago.
As Monica celebrates her 43rd birthday today, below, take a look back at some of her most iconic beauty looks.
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01
Spirit Of Dolph Heavenly Birthday Celebration
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 27: In this image released on July 28, 2023, Singer Monica attends Spirit Of Dolph Heavenly Birthday Celebration at Dolphland Pop-Up Museum Westside Cultural Arts Center on July 27, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Young Dolph was killed on November 17, 2021 in Memphis, TN at the age of 36. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)
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02
Monica Performing In Concert
R&B singer, songwriter, and actress, Monica Arnold, professionally known as Monica, is shown performing on stage during a “live” concert appearance on July 7, 1999. (Photo by John Atashian/Getty Images)
Monica at Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala, New York, December 6, 1999. (Photo by Mari Sarai/Wireimage)
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04
Arista 25th Anniversary
Monica during Arista 25th Anniversary Celebration at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Sam Levi/WireImage)
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05
Monica In Store Signing For “Code Red””
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 19: Singer Monica promotes her new album “Code Red” at the Julian Scott boutique inside Phipps Plaza on December 19, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)
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06
2015 BET Awards – Cover Girl Glam Stage
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 28: Singer Moncia attends the Cover Girl Glam Stage during the 2015 BET Awards at the Microsoft Theater on June 28, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Kempin/BET/Getty Images for BET)
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07
MONICA Portrait Session
LOS ANGELES – 1998: Singer MONICA poses for a portrait in 1998 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry Langdon/Getty Images)
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08
MONICA Portrait Session
LOS ANGELES – 1998: Singer MONICA poses for a portrait in 1998 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry Langdon/Getty Images)
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Monica Portrait Session
LOS ANGELES – 1998: Singer Monica poses for a portrait in 1998 in New York. N.Y.(Photo by Harry Langdon/Getty Images)
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10
Monica Live In Chicago
CHICAGO – JANUARY 1995: Singer Monica, poses for photos at Thornridge High School in Chicago, Illinois in JANUARY 1995. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Monica during 2000 GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc)
American R&B singer Monica (Monica Arnold) poses for portraits at the W Hotel, New York, 9th February 1999. (Photo by David Corio/Redferns)
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13
GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! – Press Room
Singer Monica poses in the press room during GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! at Club Nokia on December 1, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/WireImage)
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14
Nickelodeon’s 12th Annual Kids Choice Awards
Monica during Nickelodeon’s 12th Annual Kids Choice Awards at UCLA Pauley Pavillion in Westwood, California, United States. (Photo by Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
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13th Soul Train Music Awards – Press Conference
Monica during The 13th Annual Soul Train Music Awards – Press Conference at Hotel Nikko in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
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23rd Annual American Music Awards
Luther Vandross and Monica during 23rd Annual American Music Awards at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
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1998 Lady of Soul Awards
Monica at the 1998 Lady of Soul awards in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc)
Monica during AMA ’98 in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc)
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Z100’s 5th Annual Jingle Ball – December 17, 1998
Monica during Z100’s 5th Annual “Jingle Ball” – December 17, 1998 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
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50th Anniversary Costume Institute Gala
Monica during 50th Anniversary Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
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21
2003 Essence Awards – Press Room
Monica during 2003 Essence Awards – Press Room at Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California, United States. (Photo by Steve Grayson/WireImage)
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22
16th Annual Essence Awards
Monica during 16th Annual Essence Awards at The Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California, United States. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic)
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23
1998 MTV Video Music Awards
Monica and Brandy during 1998 MTV Video Music Awards at Universal Amphitheatre in Universal City, California, United States. (Photo by Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage)
LONDON – 8th JULY: Photo of MONICA; Monica live @: Scala, Kings cross, London – 8/07/02 (Photo by Tabatha Fireman/Redferns)
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The 3rd Annual BET Awards – Arrivals By Galella Ltd
Monica (Photo by Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
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‘Inspired’ by Music – Bombay Sapphire Honors Atlanta’s Own GRAMMY? Award Winning India.Arie
(EXCLUSIVE, Premium Rates Apply) ATLANTA – SEPTEMBER 15: Singer/Songwriter, Monica Arrives at The Bombay Sapphire “Inspired in Atlanta” party, Honoring India.Arie, At The Americas Mart in Atlanta Georgia on September 14,2007 (Photo by Rick Diamond/WireImage)
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KMEL Summer Jam 1998, Mountain View Calif.
Monica performing at KMEL 106 Summer Jam at Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View Calif. on August 29th, 1998. Image By: Tim Mosenfelder/ImageDirect