It was certainly worth the wait. After years of pursuing other projects and pressing pause on her music career, Rihanna came back in a big way at the 2023 Super Bowl in Arizona, performing many of her hits and hinting at her second pregnancy, which her rep confirmed after the show. (Congrats, Rih!) For many, her appearance was the highlight of the night if not the year thus far, and the Fenty Beauty founder didn't disappoint.
Rihanna made her triumphant, much-anticipated Rih-turn to the stage for the Halftime Show singing “Bitch Better Have My Money,” "Only Girl in the World," "Pour It Up," and "We Found Love," among others. It was amazing to hear all the classics once more, plus her hair and makeup were equally showstopping — just like we knew they would be. (And, yes, there was even a quick cameo from Fenty Beauty when Rih whipped out some blotting powder!)
The star was ready for action in a sporty-chic style as she entered the stadium hanging from the ceiling alongside her dancers in a bright red outfit with her hair in a multi-strand braided Medusa ponytail with red lipstick to match. Her hair was slicked down and parted in the middle with face-framing tendrils pulled out on either side of her face, perfect for dancing and treating us to the highlights of her extremely impressive musical catalog. The musician and Savage X Fenty founder kept her makeup relatively minimal, except for fresh, glowing skin, skinny brows, and a pop of sparkly eyeshadow ons her lids for subtle definition — just like those diamonds in the sky she once sang about.
There were no costume changes or hair and makeup swaps, but after a few songs, RiRi ditched her long, red gloves to show off her matching manicure, similar to the one she wore earlier in the week. Her fleet of dancers rocked all white, making the star the center of attention in scarlet, complete with red sneakers and a red latex strapless bra top layered over a turtleneck. According to Rihanna, red is the color of 2023, not magenta — and if Rihanna says so, we're listening.
Priscilla Ono, Rihanna's longtime makeup artist and a Fenty Beauty global makeup artist, said the look was three months in the making and a nod to the Rihanna we've come to love over the past 15-plus years. “This is such an iconic moment, so we wanted the beauty look to be classic, iconic Rihanna,” she told Allure. “The inspiration really started from the stage design. It’s the biggest stage in the world, so we took our cue from that, followed by her styling. Styling, hair, skin care/makeup — we all are constantly working together and with Rihanna to bring the vision to life.” Once the team knew that the stage would be red, everything “fell into place” and they decided on flawless skin and a “Rihanna red lip” for the big game — specifically Fenty Beauty Fenty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick in The MVP.
Ono said that she watched a plethora of shows in search of the most timeless look for RiRi. “I didn’t want to be able to guess the year of the show based on the trendy beauty looks of that time,” she said. “I wanted this performance to live on forever and look good at any time. That was my biggest goal.” To prep Rihanna's skin for the event, Ono gave her mini facials each night and then used “lots of thin layers” to ensure the makeup stayed in place under the hot stadium lights. “All Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r products — primer, foundation, powders — were created to be sweat- and humidity-proof and long-lasting, so it was perfect. The products did all the work for me!” Ono said.
Ono applied Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen before multiple thin layers of Pro Filt'r liquid and powder foundation, plus setting powder. “This is what really allowed the complexion to work for this moment. I honestly think this is what she had in mind when she made the Pro Filt’r collection. It was perfect for this,” Ono added. She prepped Rihanna's lips by exfoliating and nourishing each day with Fenty Beauty Pro Kiss’r Lip Loving Scrubstick and Fenty Skin Plush Puddin’ Intensive Recovery Lip Mask. “Even the day of, the first thing I did was put on a layer of Plush Puddin’ so that her lips really soaked in all that hydration while I did the rest of her makeup,” Ono explained. “I wanted them to be smooth and supple and ready for just one swipe of Fenty Beauty Fenty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick in The MVP. ” Yes, that vibrant red lip was done in just one swipe!
Ono's biggest advice for a Halftime Show-worthy look is to use a light hand. “Don't over-apply! Caking it on never works or looks good," she said. “Your skin ends up overcompensating from the heaviness of the makeup when you cake it on.”
Celebrity nail artist Kimmie Kyees was responsible for Rihanna's classic red squoval mani. “We wanted the nails to pop, so we went with CND’s Shellac Devil Red, which is the perfect true red that really complements her tone," Kyees explained. “The longer-length, square-shaped tips also beautifully lengthened her hands while still staying true to the classic look.” Kyees cleaned up Rihanna's cuticles with Cuticle Away, then added length with their pro Future Forms extensions before applying two coats of polish, then finished with Solar Oil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner for a gorgeously, healthy, moisturized glaze. And voila! A truly iconic Super Bowl beauty look was born.
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That Rihanna rain just won't let up:
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- You Need This 360-Degree View of Rihanna's Twisted Golden Globes Updo
- Rihanna's Box Braid Charms Have Me Running to the Beauty Supply Store
Now, watch Rihanna's makeup artist Priscilla Ono discuss some of her most iconic looks:
