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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder — and in the votes of some very dedicated PEOPLE readers. For our first readers’ choice poll about all things beautiful, ahead of our World’s Most Beautiful issue cover reveal on April 22, we tallied thousands of votes to find out who had you feeling pretty confident they deserved a win.
Stars such as Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King, Emma Stone, Rihanna and Zendaya took home wins, as well as creators such as Bretman Rock and the girlies from Gloss Angeles, Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan.
Read on to see who came out on top in categories from Best Hair Transformation of 2025 to the Beauty Trend You’ll Never Try.
Best Hair Transformation of 2025 … So Far
If Emma Stone had an actual face card, it would read “Can wear literally any hair style or color.” The actress, 36, who has been redhead, blonde and brunette, had another major mane moment when she hit the Golden Globes earlier in January with a not-yet-seen-publicly pixie — set off to perfection with Jean Seberg-inspired makeup and a strapless scarlet gown.
The Most Iconic Signature Star Look
With some stiff competition in her category — Taylor Swift’s red lip, Lisa Bonet’s locs and Zooey Deschanel’s bangs — Ariana Grande’s ponytail reigned supreme when it comes to the iconic look you most associate with a celebrity. And we can’t argue with the results — you’d recognize that perfect pony even in silhouette.
Fictional Character Who Had the Best Onscreen Makeover
She went from being an awkward, dorky teen girl to being the elegant (well, work-in-progress) princess of Genovia and that is why Mia Thermopolis’ onscreen transformation beat out Tai from Clueless, Gracie Hart from Miss Congeniality and Cady Heron from Mean Girls.
Favorite Beauty Creator
The hair. The skin. Those eyebrows and perfect teeth! Not only does Bretman Rock give us the best tips and tricks on how to keep our makeup from running and our skin flawless, but he also taught the internet the how to cut a mango and has made us all consider getting chickens at one point or another. (We still adore the other creators in this category, Golloria, Mikayla Nogueira Hawken and NikkieTutorials.)
Beauty Trend You’ll Never Try
We love a bold beauty look, but we also understand if it’s not for everybody. In a category featuring controversial trends including baby bangs, contoured cheeks and mullets (!), bleached eyebrows took top honors for the style you won’t be spotted in. We believe you now, but if stars such as Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus keep trying the trend, will you really be able to resist by the end of 2025?
Basketball Star with the Best Off-Court Glam
When it comes to how she shows up to the court, Angel Reese doesn’t play. This bold fashionista never fails to make each tunnel her personal runway, rocking looks that show off her long legs, toned abs and of course, her edgy sense of style.
Beauty Pro You Want to do Your Glam
When it comes to the girlies who have flawless faces, Patrick Ta has worked with everyone from the Kardashians to Ariana Grande, Chrissy Teigen, Shay Mitchell, Olivia Munn, Adrianna Lima … the list goes on. So, it’s no surprise that you would want a turn in this beauty pro’s chair.
Daniel Martin, Pat McGrath and Mary Phillips were the other beauty gurus who were tough to beat (beauty joke).
Beauty Pro You Want to Do Your Hair
Next up in the dream glam squad: Chris Appleton. The famed hairstylist — who competed against Jen Atkin, Chris McMillan and Kim Kimble — has worked with everyone from Jennifer Lopez to Katy Perry and Ariana Grande and, of course, Kim Kardashian.
Most Coveted Brows
Arch rivals! Zendaya’s pristinely sculpted brows beat out fellow brow-blessed celebrities Zoë Kravitz, Cara Delevingne and Brooke Shields.
Most Beautiful Celebrity Pet
When it comes to celebrity pets who are practically stars in their own right, Taylor Swift’s ragdoll cat, Benjamin Button, bested Jennifer Aniston’s schnauzer mix Clyde, Demi Moore’s chihuahua Pilaf and Glen Powell’s terrier-poodle mix Brisket. The truth of the matter is, though, we’d happily pet sit any of these cuties.
Celebrity Nail Queen
Cynthia Erivo has earned the title of celebrity nail queen. The actress, who revealed it can take up to six hours for her elaborate manicures to be completed, certainly put in the time to take the win over Hailey Bieber, Cardi B and Adele.
Beauty Brand Founder You Are Inviting for Dinner
Rihanna just seems like a good time at a dinner party: She’s funny, engaging and, even if she doesn’t sing anymore (cries at the prospect of never getting R9), she’s guaranteed to get a good playlist going. Other beauty founders in the category were Kylie Jenner, Selena Gomez and Scarlett Johansson.
Biggest Skin Sin
When it comes to skin sins we all still commit, you can sleep easy knowing you’re far from the only person still popping zits like a teenager. And while sleeping in your makeup, skipping sunscreen and overpaying for products are all equally egregious, it can be argued that they are, at least, grown up problems.
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