Olivia Rodrigo Is the Blueprint for Modern Pop-Punk Glam



Maya Ernest


Photo by Lionel Hahn/Getty Images
Olivia Rodrigo is a pop-punk princess first and foremost, but behind her three Grammys and countless hits, she’s also one of Gen Z’s biggest beauty icons. Ever since she packed on a face full of stickers for the cover of her debut album SOUR, her hair and makeup has served as an extension of her personality, exploring themes from ‘90s grunge to Y2K favorites. Like all of us, she’s also partial to her signature look, including her barely-there eyeliner flick and long wavy locks.
As we sing along to all the songs on her new album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, we’re also reliving all of Rodrigo’s best beauty moments. From statement lippies to perfectly tousled hair, there’s a little something for every occasion (even if the stage you’re headlining is more like your bathroom mirror). Keep reading to see our favorite Olivia Rodrigo looks and how to recreate them, with expert input from the singer’s longtime hairstylist.
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Olivia Rodrigo's Most Iconic Beauty Looks
1. Lengthy Mermaid Waves
These mermaid waves are just as effortless to recreate as they look. When drying your hair, “less is more,” says Clayton Hawkins, Olivia’s longtime hairstylist. He suggests skipping products on wet hair, instead rough-drying until hair is about 70% dry. “Adding too much product early on weighs hair down and prevents volume,” he adds. Once your hair is mostly dry, that’s when you can reach for a body-boosting hair spray and waving hot tool, like those in this Sleek Dream Team Bundle.
2. Grungy Burgundy Lip
Olivia is proof that sometimes, a bold lip is all you need. The next time you want to make a glamorous impact—or do your makeup in less than five minutes—try swiping on a deep burgundy lipstick like the KOSAS Weightless Lip Color in shade “Deep Talks.” Let your lips do all the talking by pairing the look with minimal makeup and dewy skin.
3. Old Hollywood Waves
Old Hollywood hair has been everywhere lately, from award shows to wedding aisles, proving big-barrel curls and deep side parts never seem to go out of style. Of course, Olivia put her own twist on the classic look by pinning her hair back, keeping it out of her face without sacrificing volume and drama. It’s the perfect modification for anyone else used to rocking a middle part.
4. Dewy Skin
Your first step toward dewy skin will always start with a hydrating skincare routine (and yes, that includes drinking water). Your second step? Makeup that gives a lit-from-within glow. For Olivia’s level of sheen, highlight the high points of your face—like the cheekbones, brow bones, bridge of your nose, and Cupid’s bow—and stick to cream formulas for a more radiant finish. The LAURA MERCIER RoseGlow Liquid Highlighter is one of our favorites.
5. Undone Updo
When it comes to an undone updo, few do it better than Pamela Anderson—making her a perfect reference for Olivia (and her hairstylist). Romantic, effortless, and when paired with the right makeup, even a little grungy, this look can go from the red carpet to the afterparty in a second. If you’re planning to recreate Anderson’s style too, we recommend grabbing a styling product like the FATBOY Tousle & Go spray. It’s the perfect blend of dry shampoo and lightweight hairspray, meaning it’ll add lots of texture and volume while still keeping your flyaways in check.
6. Mauve Glossy Lip
Nothing complements sleek strands more than a glossy lip combo to match. While you can choose whichever shade of lippies you like, it looks like Olivia’s products of choice include a cool-toned brown lip liner, a petal-pink lipstick, and most importantly, a clear gloss. To get that same shine—and simplify your lip routine—try out this ĀTHR BEAUTY Dewy Quench Tinted Gloss Stick in shade “Muse.”
7. Romantic Blowout
Blowouts often turn up the volume and bring the drama, but some strategic styling can help the look feel more soft and romantic. We love starting off our blowouts with some classic tricks—like drying your hair upside-down—and you’ll know it’s time to get down to business once your hair is about 70% dry. To get Olivia’s look, use a large round brush to turn your hair out and away from the face as you dry your hair, really defining those bottom pieces. A layered hair cut, like the viral “butterfly cut,” might help those curls shine even more.
8. Rosy Cheeks
There are a million ways to wear blush: Today, some are using blush as under-eye concealer, contour, and even setting powder. Personally? We love Olivia’s take on “boyfriend blush,” which focuses product on the apples of the cheeks, making it look like she’s naturally blushing. You’ll want to use a cream blush, like this cult-favorite ILIA BEAUTY Multi Stick, to get the most organic look.
9. Punk-Rock Ponytails
Second-day hair has never looked cuter. These two ponytails will add some extra life (and extra edge) to your look, especially when paired with a spritz of dry shampoo. According to Hawkins, dry shampoo extends your style just as much as it adds volume and texture—in fact, he prefers using it to most texture sprays. Don’t be afraid to really shake up your hair after applying.
10. Red Lip and Black Eyeliner
When it comes to makeup, nothing is more classic than a red lipstick and black eyeliner wing. Stars like Marilyn Monroe, Taylor Swift, and yes, Olivia Rodrigo have all made the look their signature for good reason. Once you master the art of liquid liner and find the ideal red lipstick for your skin tone, you probably will too!
Final Thoughts
Whether she's channeling '90s grunge, Old Hollywood glamour, or effortless California cool, Olivia Rodrigo proves that great beauty is all about finding a signature and making it your own. While her looks evolve from era to era, a few things stay consistent: healthy, voluminous hair, softly glowing skin, and makeup that feels expressive without trying too hard. If you're looking for your next beauty mood board, Olivia's catalog is full of inspiration.
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