Few artists have managed to reinvent themselves as successfully—and as frequently—as Cher. Over a career that has spanned six decades, she has remained a fashion icon and a music legend, never losing her cultural relevance. Whether it’s the rebellious attitude of the 1960s, the disco glamour of the 1970s, or the electrifying edge of the 1980s and beyond, Cher’s looks have always been as groundbreaking as her music.

But behind every dazzling hair flip, bold makeup choice, and jaw-dropping costume in her music videos, there is a team of talented beauty professionals who work tirelessly to bring Cher’s vision to life. While Cher herself is undoubtedly the star of every project, her beauty team has been instrumental in creating the iconic looks that have helped define not just her music videos but also her persona.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the creative process behind some of Cher’s most unforgettable music video looks, exploring how her beauty team works together to create the magic that continues to inspire fans and define popular culture.

The Power of Transformation

Cher’s beauty has always been about transformation. From her early days on The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, she played with looks that defied the norms of the time. In an industry where many women were expected to adhere to a particular beauty standard, Cher stood out by embracing her individuality. Her bold choices in hair and makeup have always been part of her larger-than-life image—an image that continues to evolve with each era of her career.

That spirit of reinvention has carried over into her music videos. Unlike many artists who maintain a consistent look, Cher’s music videos are known for their variety, with each new project providing an opportunity for a complete visual reimagining. Whether it’s the high-octane, futuristic glam of “If I Could Turn Back Time” or the ethereal goddess vibes of “Believe,” Cher’s looks are as versatile as they are iconic.

One of the key figures behind Cher’s iconic looks is makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin. Working with Cher during the 1990s, Aucoin helped define her bold, statement-making aesthetic in music videos like “Believe.” Aucoin’s signature style—dramatic eyes, sculpted cheekbones, and flawless skin—became a hallmark of Cher’s beauty at the height of her career. His work on “Believe” helped create the otherworldly yet accessible image that fans remember so vividly.

Aucoin once said, “Cher is fearless when it comes to her look, and that’s what makes working with her so exciting. She’ll try anything, and she knows exactly how to own it once she does.”

Hair That Defined Eras

If there’s one thing Cher is known for, it’s her hair. From long, straight, glossy locks to wild, voluminous curls, Cher’s hair has always been a central part of her aesthetic. Her ability to pull off any hairstyle—no matter how unconventional—has cemented her as a trendsetter in the beauty world.

Hair stylist José Eber, who worked closely with Cher during the late 1970s and 1980s, was instrumental in crafting some of her most famous hairstyles. Known for his work with the biggest names in Hollywood, Eber understood that Cher’s hair needed to be as dynamic as her performances. “Cher’s hair isn’t just an accessory,” Eber explained. “It’s a part of her identity. Every look we create tells a story.”

In music videos like “If I Could Turn Back Time,” Eber’s bold, voluminous hairstyles perfectly complemented the larger-than-life image Cher projected. Her windswept, teased hair, paired with her daring fashion choices, created a look that was both glamorous and edgy. The hair was as much a part of the story as the song itself, helping to solidify her place as a style icon.

In contrast, the sleek, straight hair Cher wore in videos like “Strong Enough” brought a sense of refinement and sophistication to her look. The simplicity of the hairstyle allowed her makeup and costume to take center stage, showcasing the versatility that has always defined her career.

The Collaborative Process: Designing the Look

What makes Cher’s beauty transformations in her music videos so striking is the collaborative process behind them. Unlike many artists, Cher is deeply involved in every aspect of her look, from the concept to the final execution. Her beauty team works closely with her to ensure that every hairstyle, makeup choice, and costume aligns with her vision for the video.

Makeup artist Patti Dubroff, who has worked with Cher on various projects, describes the experience as a true collaboration. “Cher knows exactly what she wants,” Dubroff says. “She’s not afraid to take risks, but everything has to feel authentic to her. It’s about creating a look that not only complements the music but also enhances the story she’s trying to tell.”

This level of involvement is one of the reasons Cher’s music video looks are so iconic. Her beauty team isn’t just there to make her look good—they’re there to help her express something deeper. Each look is meticulously crafted to reflect the themes and emotions of the song. Whether it’s the rebellious attitude of “I Found Someone” or the vulnerable sensuality of “After All,” every detail matters.

Dubroff recalls the creation of the look for “Believe” as a perfect example of this process. “Cher wanted to look futuristic but still herself. We played with shimmer and glow in her makeup, making her skin almost otherworldly, but kept the focus on her eyes—those classic, intense Cher eyes. It was all about balance.”

Pushing Boundaries with Fashion

While hair and makeup are central to Cher’s look, her fashion choices are equally important. Her music video wardrobe has always been daring, often pushing the boundaries of what’s considered “acceptable” in the world of pop music. Her fearless approach to fashion has earned her a reputation as one of the most influential style icons of all time.

Cher’s long-time fashion collaborator, Bob Mackie, has been instrumental in shaping her style. Known for his extravagant designs, Mackie’s costumes for Cher have become legendary, particularly in her music videos. His work for the 1989 video “If I Could Turn Back Time,” which featured Cher in a black, barely-there bodysuit adorned with straps and chains, was a defining moment in her career—and in music video history.

“Bob knows how to make Cher look like the goddess she is,” says Dubroff. “His designs are all about drama, glamour, and fantasy—everything that Cher embodies. He understands that her look is not just about being beautiful, but about being powerful.”

Mackie’s influence extends beyond the daring bodysuits and elaborate gowns. In videos like “Heart of Stone” and “Main Man,” Mackie’s costumes elevated Cher’s image from pop star to cultural icon. Each piece was designed to enhance the overall mood of the video, often serving as a visual representation of the song’s theme.

Reinventing Glamour: The “Believe” Era

No discussion of Cher’s iconic looks would be complete without examining the “Believe” era. Released in 1998, the single “Believe” was a global phenomenon, and its accompanying music video became just as iconic. In the video, Cher’s beauty look was a modern take on classic glamour, with shimmering skin, bold lips, and a sleek black ensemble that exuded sophistication.

The futuristic aesthetic of the “Believe” video marked a shift in Cher’s beauty style. Her hair, styled in long, jet-black waves, evoked a sense of timeless elegance, while her makeup—focused on luminous, glowing skin and striking eyes—felt forward-thinking and modern. The look was both ethereal and grounded, a reflection of the song’s themes of resilience and self-empowerment.

“‘Believe’ was about reinvention,” Dubroff explains. “We wanted to create a look that felt both timeless and futuristic, something that reflected Cher’s ability to always stay ahead of the curve while remaining true to herself.”

The visual impact of the “Believe” video not only helped the single dominate the charts but also solidified Cher’s status as a style icon for a new generation. It was proof that even after decades in the spotlight, Cher was still capable of surprising fans with bold, innovative beauty looks.

The Legacy of Cher’s Music Video Glam

Over the years, Cher has given us countless iconic music video moments, each one meticulously crafted by her beauty team to reflect the themes and emotions of the song. From the rebellious glamour of the 1980s to the sleek, futuristic looks of the 1990s, her music video looks have always been a reflection of her fearless spirit and her dedication to reinvention.

Cher’s beauty team—comprised of makeup artists, hair stylists, and fashion designers—works together to create a cohesive vision for each video. Every detail, from the color of her lipstick to the texture of her hair, is designed to tell a story. This collaborative process is what makes Cher’s music video looks so memorable—and why they continue to inspire fans and beauty professionals alike.

In an industry where trends come and go, Cher’s beauty and fashion choices have stood the test of time. Her ability to constantly reinvent herself while staying true to her core identity is a testament to her enduring influence. And while her beauty team plays a crucial role in bringing her vision to life, it’s Cher’s fearless approach to glamour that makes her a true icon.

As long as there are cameras rolling, you can be sure that Cher will continue to push the boundaries of beauty, fashion, and music video glam for years to come.