The late singer continues to be an inspiration for beauty trends today.

Earlier this week the late singer Aaliyah was immortalized with her own wax figure in the world famous Madame Tussauds wax museum in Las Vegas. The figure mimics her likeness in her iconic “Try Again” outfit, where she donned a blinged-out bra with matching choker and belt, leather pants, and the best metallic smoky eye of 2000.

The unveiling marked a truly special moment as it comes almost two decades after the beloved singer died in a tragic plane crash on her way back to the United States after filming a video for her hit “Rock the Boat.” That last video she shot was poised to be a turning point for the star, who was revealing a new image with that album. She had shed the tough street persona that she came out with and began to adopt a softer and more mature style, even with her makeup.

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Aaliyah Gets a Wax Figure at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

An Aaliyah wax figure was unveiled at Madam Tussauds in Las Vegas nearly 18 years after the singer’s death.

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Aaliyah was always one for keeping her hair laid, and as she got older she began to open up with her beauty, embracing makeup color trends, and even being first to wear many. We lost her too soon, but not before she could make her mark on the beauty world, inspiring looks that we go to when we want to slay today.

So here’s to the many times the late legend got it right with a beauty trend, unaware that she was truly ahead of her time.

01

The 2001 ESSENCE Awards

She was giving mod eyes with dramatic bottom lashes in 2001. We just saw this re-emerge on the spring 2019 runways last year.
 RJ Capak/WireImage

02

At “The Others” Premiere

We’re can’t confirm that the singer was wearing a unit, but that looks like the sickest lace front we’ve ever seen. And if nothing else, the baby hair is laid.
 Jim Spellman/WireImage

03

In “Queen Of the Damned”

Aaliyah was rocking that crown long before music festivals made this a staple for every girl’s summer wardrobe.
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04

The 2000 MTV Awards

The late singer was the one to keep up with on that ombre hair trend when Khloe Kardashian was still a teenager.
 Kevin Mazur/WireImage

05

“Try Again” Video

Her green metallic shadow and dramatic smoky eye were mimic-worthy in 2000 when this video was released, and still continue to be 19 years later.
 Pinterest

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Unveiling Your Authenticity: Crafting Your Personal Brand Narrative

Some of fashion’s most influential voices—Edvin Thompson, CFDA’s Emerging Designer of the Year in 2021, and L’Enchanteur, finalists for this year’s CFDA awards—are set to share their insights in a conversation with ESSENCE Chief of Staff, Barkue Tubman. This panel will explore the importance of crafting a brand narrative that resonates authentically with your audience while staying true to your identity. Whether you’re establishing your story or strengthening your market presence, these designers will provide valuable advice to help elevate your business.

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06

At Diddy’s Independence Day Softball Game and BBQ

Her berry lip gloss was popping seven years before Lil Mama got that memo.
 D. Kambouris/WireImage

07

At the “Anastasia” New York City Premiere

Rihanna rocks these small glasses and nude lips like a melanin goddess the same way Aaliyah did back in 1997.
 Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images

08

In Her “Rock the Boat” Video

For all the Euphoria fans who love Maddy’s metallic and gem combo makeup, just know that Aaliyah did it first.
 Youtube

09

A Young Aaliyah Attends Urban Aid

In 1995 the singer had a thing for the same metallic lipsticks that we love today.
 evin Mazur/WireImage

10

2001 MTV Movie Awards

Her inner corner winged liner was daring and new, perfectly paired with her shimmery lip and flawless skin.
 Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

11

In Her Classic Debut Album Look

The no makeup makeup look is hard for some of us to pull off, but the singer did it so seamlessly, it made you wonder if she had anything on at all.