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Courteney Cox has been an icon for decades, and her beauty evolution is nothing short of inspiring. From her early days as a rising star in the 1980s to becoming a household name in the ‘90s as Monica Geller on Friends, the actress’s beauty and style have always reflected her unique blend of casual cool and timeless elegance. Whether Cox is feeling her au naturel vibes or more made-up red carpet looks, she is the epitome of effortless meets chic.
The Cougar Town alum’s ability to blend modern trends with her classic taste has made her a standout both on-screen and off. From vintage-inspired hair and makeup to sleek, contemporary ‘dos and beats, Cox’s beauty evolution demonstrates her ability to remain relevant while staying true to herself. Get inspired with a round-up of her most iconic looks to date, including some favorites of Cox’s personal hairstylist, Chris McMillan, ahead.
1982
Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library
Graduating from Mountain Brook High School in Alabama in ’82, the fresh-faced and bright-eyed Cox wears a half-up, half-down ‘do that’s both timeless and statement-making.
1984
Walter McBride/Retna
Cox was pulled into the public eye, shaking her short feathered crop alongside Bruce Springsteen in his “Dancing in the Dark” video. Want to get the look? Ask your stylist for a lot of layers to get the movement that you see in Cox’s hair here.
1985
Frank Carroll/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images
In the mid-80s, Cox starred as Gloria Dinallo in a sci-fi TV show called Misfits of Science. The show may only have had one season, but this minimal makeup look with short, feathered hair will live on in history.
1987
Joe McNally/Getty Images
After booking Misfits of Science, the long-time model (and her appropriately big ’80s mane) was just getting started. This look is all about the volume; fortunately, it can be achieved even if you’ve got fine, limp locks. The key? Getting yourself a good texturizing spray.
1992
Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage
Cox’s Ace Ventura: Pet Detective-era style is indicative of the times. Brown lipstick and liner pair with a cool-girl hair flip and on-point brow arches for a quintessential ’90s look.
1994
Michael Ferguson/Globe
After landing her iconic role as Monica Gellar on Friends, Cox can be seen with neat waves in a voluminous bob and dark lipstick. Consider it a ’90s take on ’40s style.
1995
Jim Smeal/Galella
If you’re debating bangs but are the low-maintenance type, opt for Cox’s side-swept version, which will keep styling time to a minimum.
1997
Steve Granitz/WireImage
Cox went wild at the MTV Movie Awards with crayon-bright highlights. “That was [to play] Gale Weathers, my character from Scream,” she previously told InStyle. “Those magenta streaks are pretty tacky. For some reason, I thought that was a good choice for that particular character.” To modernize this look, consider going for face-framing caramel highlights instead.
2000
Steve Granitz/WireImage
The Scream 3 lead donned a sleek updo and silver lids, which complemented her blue eyes.
2003
Lisa Rose/JPI
Talk about a glow-up. Cox looks fresh and hydrated with her dewy skin and lustrous wavy locks. And her no-makeup makeup look remains popular to this day.
2005
Evan Agostini/Getty Images
The then-new mom (to Coco Riley Arquette) played up her auburn mane with pink monochromatic makeup. With her long, glossy mane, she proves that “mom hair” can still be glamorous. To replicate this movement and body, ask your stylist for long layers.
2007
David Fisher/Rex
For the Golden Globes, the Dirt star went clean with taupe lips, shimmery bronze shadow, and stick-straight locks. The neutral earth toned-makeup really makes her blue eyes pop.
2008
James Devaney/WireImage
Flushed cheeks and pink lips create natural warmth in a fair complexion like Cox’s. Meanwhile, a subtle smoky eye and lots of lashes (lengthening mascara, anyone?) bring the focus to her famous blue eyes. A dark, pared-down hairstyle is the perfect accompaniment to this simple yet stunning beauty moment.
2010
Jason Merritt/Getty Images
Here, the Cougar Town star proves that a messy updo is incredibly versatile. “Great hairdo,” the first-time Golden Globes nom said of her big-night style. “I think it’s sexy. It looks like it started out very prim and then things got a little dirty.” Her smoky eye plays into the sultry vibes.
2010
Tom Betterton
Cox appeared on the August 2010 cover of InStyle with windswept long layers and her trademark no-makeup makeup. Choppy edges add some interest to this otherwise simple and straight style.
2011
Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
A pulled-back updo keeps Cox’s sculpted brows and liquid liner front and center. As a result, the Scrubs alum gets to show off her blue eyes. That said, that shiny, pink pout deserves credit too.
2012
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Cox celebrated Cougar Town’s switch from ABC to TBS wearing loose, sultry waves. This style not only creates movement and body—which is great for thin or thinning hair—but it also lends a certain softness that complements her jet-black tresses.
2013
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
Cox looks relaxed and natural with minimal makeup and laid-back, loose curls. To pull off her neutral makeup, you’ll want to reach for a nude palette. Then, grab a 1.25-inch curling iron and curl away from your face to land her undone waves.
2014
Angela Weiss/Getty Images
Cox accessorized with tousled waves and thick-rimmed glasses at the Tribeca Film Festival. Although we don’t see her wearing glasses too often, this look is working for her.
2015
Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
Cox showed off her freshly cropped lob at the Just Before I Go premiere in Hollywood, California. She delivered equal parts sophistication and ease with a soft wave and side-swept part, along with petal pink makeup.
2016
Chris Haston/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
The Bedtime Stories co-star wore a tousled lob for the An All-Star Tribute to James Burrows TV special. To get her texture, invest in a sea salt spray or texturing spray—you won’t be disappointed.
2017
Todd Williamson/Getty
After taking care of her skin, the Seinfeld guest star knows that applying the right base (read: foundation and concealer) to her fair skin tone is key to building any beauty look. Here, that would be a pink-tinted lip and bold, shimmery eye makeup.
2018
Rich Fury/Getty Images
For a Chanel NRDC benefit dinner, Cox styled her medium-length tresses in loose waves and wore shimmery copper eyeshadow. Applying a tangerine-inspired color on both her top and lower lash line serves to showcase her blue eyes.
2019
Steve Granitz/WireImage
The Friends co-star loves a middle part. It’s classic, polished, and complements her raven waves. Switching up your part is also a quick and easy way to change up your look. When deciding which hair part is right for you, consider your face shape.
2020
Jean Baptiste Lacroix/Stringer/Getty Images
Whip out your trusty blazer to capture Cox’s sophisticated style. Then, opt for tousled waves and a swipe of pink blush to complete this visually effortless look.
2022
Steve Granitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images
Today’s updos favor a more cool and undone finish—just look at Cox as proof. Her swept-back style with face-framing tendrils achieves actress off-duty perfection.
2023
Getty Images
At the world premiere of Scream VI, Cox opted for a subtle smokey eye that’s softened by rosy cheeks and lips.
2024
John Nacion/Getty Images
Leave it to Cox to look chic even wearing a white tee. Her inky tresses are shoulder-length and wavy for a casual, lived-in look.
