Brandy's Best Beauty Moments In Her 40s (So Far)

'90s icon Brandy has undeniably shaped not only the course of R&B music but also the standard for Black beauty within the entertainment industry. The singer, who also starred in the hit sitcom "Moesha" in the '90s, has helped pave the way for many artists to come. And now in her 40s, Brandy is setting a standard for what beauty in the decade looks like. It's no secret that the entertainment industry is harsh toward women once they enter middle age, but stars like Brandy are defying the notion that female stars aren't as valuable as they get older. In fact, we've seen plenty of beauty moments from celebs over 40 in 2026, all of which serve as a great reminder that age is not defining.

Speaking to Elle in 2021, Brandy shared what beauty means to her. "Beauty is really within. It's really the person that you work on every day, to try to be the best version of yourself," the "Have You Ever?" singer said. "And it definitely reflects on the outside. It makes people feel like they can relate to you — it shows in your eyes, in your skin, it radiates when you've really done the work on the inside. Being Black is icing on the cake." And while we couldn't agree more with the star, we can't help but notice all the fabulous ways Brandy accentuated her beauty in her 40s, from rocking blond curls to wearing pink eyeshadow!

Every now and then, Brandy dares to add some color to her look, as her hair and makeup for the 2019 Black Girls Rock! event show. That August, the 40-year-old singer attended the Newark, New Jersey event with black-to-pink ombré rope twists and matching baby pink eyeshadow. The look was fun and unexpected, showcasing that Brandy may have entered a new decade, but her style was all about keeping up with the trends.

Ringing in the new year, Brandy performed during Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest on December 31, 2020. For the performance, "The Boy Is Mine" singer wore an edgy all-black look paired with a braided bob. A hairstyle we rarely see, the bob was a reminder that it's never too late to explore a new look, as the 41-year-old star looked incredibly cool with the hairdo. Speaking of her braids, in 2020 Brandy told Allure, "Having the same braider is very important — she knows my hair, my scalp, and my style."

Throughout her career, Brandy has always been known for her soft glam makeup, ensuring everything she wears is always well-blended and never too harsh. By her 40s, the star has perfected her go-to makeup routine, but that doesn't mean we're not in awe every time we see her. In October 2021, the 42-year-old star was photographed in New York City, and while her beautiful curls were at the forefront of her look, we couldn't help but also notice her impeccable makeup.

When 42-year-old Brandy set foot on the stage of the 2021 American Music Awards as a presenter, all eyes were on her incredible makeup and hair. The singer rocked a dramatic yet beautifully blended smokey eye, which was definitely fighting for attention with her delicately swooped edges. Brandy pulled both off with ease, showcasing just why style and beauty might be best in your 40s, when taking risks and rocking two bold elements doesn't seem as scary anymore.

Brandy attended the Hollywood Walk of Fame Star ceremony for her friend, actor and musician Jenifer Lewis, in July 2022. For the occasion, Brandy stunned in a pale pink look. While the 43-year-old's outfit, hair, and makeup were beautiful, it was her almondetto-shaped French tip manicure that instantly caught our eyes. While the almondetto nail shape trend was everywhere in 2023, Brandy was among the celebs who embraced the look early.

While there are some common makeup mistakes that leave you looking older, in Brandy's case, her makeup always enhances her youthful appearance. When the 44-year-old singer was photographed in New York City in December 2023, we couldn't help but gush over her makeup base. The former "America's Got Talent" judge has perfected her contour-and-highlight routine, ensuring her face always looks snatched and dewy. With a subtle hint of blush, Brandy's base is a stunning example of what makeup in one's 40s can look like.

45-year-old Brandy could teach everyone a lesson in finding the bang style that will suit your face shape, as the singer rocked beautiful choppy bangs in February 2024. The "Brokenhearted" singer showed up at a Stella Rosa event in Atlanta, Georgia that month, rocking loose black curls and a choppy, straight-across fringe. While bangs like these can easily look like you've cut them yourself, Brandy paired the look with preppy fashion and classic makeup for that perfect balance.

Back in 2024, we discussed how cherry cola hair was the fieriest way to do red, and two years later, the trend is still going strong. However, unlike the vibrant cherry cola hair color, the 2026 version is a bit more toned down, as Brandy's hair in April showed. Photographed outside ABC Studio in New York City, the 47-year-old rocked ultra-long, reddish brown hair that beautifully enhanced her complexion.

For Independence Day 2026, Brandy performed at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture in New Orleans, Louisiana, where she stunned with multiple different looks. For one performance, the "I Wanna Be Down" singer showed up on stage with breathtaking blond curls, channeling her inner disco diva. At the age of 47, Brandy is certainly not afraid of mixing it up, as the musician loves changing her hair (even if it's only temporarily with a wig).

Brandy has been fond of braids throughout her career, and in her 40s, she's still rocking them regularly. "I think braids are so beautiful. It just speaks to the culture," she shared with Elle in 2021. In July 2026, the 47-year-old singer gave us yet another memorable beauty moment during the ESSENCE Festival of Culture in New Orleans, Louisiana. Brandy rocked long, platinum-blond braids, styled in a half-updo that beautifully moved with every step the singer took on stage.