It's been nearly four years since we lost Amy Winehouse way too soon. The singer's short but dramatic life is chronicled in the new Amy documentary, which I cannot wait to see — and not just because it's my name, too. The doc features footage of the troubled but talented star with the powerful pipes and it is not without controversy. That said, besides her voice, I always remember Amy Winehouse's unusual style — specifically her beehive, bouffant hair, and thick black eyeliner.
Her signature look was majorly epic and full of high drama. It was also not something just anyone could pull off. Since Winehouse was so petite, it was as though she made herself taller and larger than life with her black bouffant and her smudged, extremely winged liner.
Both elements were imperfect and that's what made them so charming. The only thing bigger than her hair was her raspy, emotional vocal style.
In the past few years, Lady Gaga has actually paid homage to Winehouse with her makeup. It may have been unintentional, but it was there.
Winehouse passed away in 2011 at the tender age of 27, after a long battle with substance abuse. Besides her musical legacy, she left behind an unforgettable look that she made her own.
These are Winehouse's nine best beehive and eyeliner combos.
1. The Signature
And you thought Ariana Grande was the master of half-up, half-down hairdos! This was Winehouse's signature bouffant and elongated eyeliner, which always varied in thickness. But don't you love how her natural, non-teased hair falls in pretty curls around her face?
2. Flower Power
Winehouse added big red roses to her back-combed bump. The contrast of her inky locks and the crimson flower was fabulous. Of course her eye makeup was thick and deliciously defied all liquid liner tutorials, rules, and regulations.
3. A Little Blonde
Winehouse was attending a court proceeding, so she toned things down a lot. The little blonde flash in the front of her hair allowed her to keep her edge. The pearls were a pleasant surprise, too.
4. Turnt Up
Nothing like a headscarf with her ex-husband's name to add a little pop to all that black hair! But she also did a turnt up edge of her winged liner. It matched her smile.
5. Bang Bang
Winehouse added some curled bangs. With her eyes closed, you could see the depth and shape of her eye paint, which nearly touched her brows. There was a total method to her makeup madness!
6. Turn Up The Volume
The height of her hair was massive as was the volume, but it worked for her. So did the upward motion of her liner.
7. Straight Line
Winehouse didn't always do a flick with her version of the cat-eye liner look. Sometimes it was just a straight smudge that jutted outward. But it was as distinct as her DNA.
8. Really Winging It
Even though one eye was obscured by bangs, the other was totally winging it.
9. Slight Variation On The Signature
The hair was always big, but the liner was more pointed to the sky than ever.
As you can tell from these photos, there was always some subtle variation to her style, which kept it fresh and fun.
If you want to try Amy Winehouse's eyeliner M.O., here are two product recommendations.
Ardency Inn's Punker is a Sharpie-like pen that's totally rock 'n' roll. The tip lets you go as thick or as flicked as you want. ($19, sephora.com)
Similarly, the brand's Modster Easy Ride Supercharged Liquid Liner will also allow you to get Winehouse winged eyeliner. The tip is way thinner, but it allows for good control. So you can build your look as boldly as you wish. ($20, sephora.com)
Watch a trailer for the Amy Winehouse documentary below:
Images: Getty (9); Sephora (2)
