The Beauty Evolution of Kim Kardashian: From Paris Hilton’s BFF to Paris Fashion Week
Love her or hate her, you can’t deny that Kim Kardashian West is the ultimate style chameleon. From sleek middle parts to ethereal blonde strands, the reality star has proven time and time again she’s not afraid to think outside the beauty box and be the first to try a trend. Like her sister Kylie, Kim is always changing her look — which means we’re always guessing what bold lip or daring ‘do is yet to come.
Kim may have burst onto the scene as Paris Hilton’s BFF and stylist in the early 2000s, but Kim has come a long way since then. Click through to see some of her very best looks over the past 10 years — and stay tuned for more.
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Photo: FilmMagic2/26June 2006
Kim was the picture of early aughts pretty with a flattering side part, long straight hair, and nude lip gloss — right on trend.
Photo: WireImage3/26February 2007
Kim turned things up a notch for an appearance at New York Fashion Week with this shimmering smoky eye. With such dramatic shadow, Kim was smart to tone down the rest of the look with a pale pink lip and super soft curls.
Photo: WireImage4/26June 2008
The launch of Keeping Up with the Kardashians only made Kim even more impossible to miss. Making an appearance at a television festival in Monaco, Kim went all out with kohl-lined eyes and some serious curls.
Photo: Getty Images5/26June 2008
2008 was the year of the volumized crown. Kim’s half-up 'do did not disappoint.
Photo: FilmMagic6/26November 2008
Years before her sister Kendall walked the runway, Kim attended the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Miami with glowy, luminous skin and a side parted low ponytail — major ‘70s vibes!
Photo: WireImage7/26December 2008
Kim… with bangs?! We never thought we’d see the day, but Kim did indeed take the plunge in late 2008 with these eyelash-grazing strands.
Photo: FilmMagic8/26October 2010
Of course, Kim is always changing things up. For a charity event in New York a few years later, the reality star sported Victoria’s Secret-esque waves almost as big as her incredible jewels.
Photo: WireImage9/26January 2011
Is this Kim’s most elegant ‘do or what? She looked amazing at the People’s Choice Awards in L.A., channelling iconic Old Hollywood movie stars with this elegant updo and impeccable makeup.
Photo: Getty Images10/26March 2012
Kim easily stood out at Perez Hilton’s 34th birthday with major lashes and pretty pink blush — but it was her tiny hat that made the biggest statement of them all.
Photo: Getty Images11/26March 2012
Kim has always had a thing for high ponytails. She accessorized this early version with tons of fake lashes, but kept the lips simple and sweet.
Photo: FilmMagic12/26April 2012
Kim was an early pioneer of the contouring trend. Here, she shows off one of her very best looks.
Photo: FilmMagic13/26April 2012
Attending the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner is a major deal. Kim totally dressed the part with this elegant bun and glowing simple makeup.
Photo: Getty Images14/26May 2013
Who could forget this epic moment in Met Gala history? Kim and Kanye were the talk of the town after the 2013 Met Gala, where she sported a floral Givenchy gown, sleek ponytail, and glossy berry lips.
Photo: FilmMagic15/26October 2013
Kim’s ombré ‘do totally changed her look — and made her fans think about lightening up, too.
Photo: WireImage16/26March 2014
Kylie may be the queen of matte lips now, but Kim gave her sister a serious run for her money with this bright red in 2014.
Photo: Getty Images for USC Shoah Foundation17/26May 2014
Kim may love to try out crazy beauty trends, but she can be serious when she needs to be. Attending a charity gala in Century City, the star opted out of dramatic eyes or lips and instead stunned with a slick ponytail and flawless makeup.
Photo: FilmMagic18/26August 2014
Kim showed off her pretty auburn-hued highlights at the 2014 Teen Choice Awards with this simple, straight look.
Photo: WireImage19/26August 2014
Go ahead, tear out this pic of Kim at the MTV Video Music Awards for your next salon appointment. It’s the definition of effortless waves. It just is.
Photo: Getty Images20/26March 2015
Kim shocked her fans and foes alike when she bleached her hair for Paris Fashion Week in early 2015. But it wouldn’t last long…
Photo: WireImage21/26June 2015
Back to black, Kim looked as sleek as ever with brushed back hair and her signature bold brows.
Photo: AFP/Getty Images22/26November 2015
As edgy as she can be, Kim doesn’t wear a lot of dark lipstick. However, when she does, as in this appearance at LACMA’s 2015 gala? It’s totally and completely epic.
Photo: Getty Images for Yeezy Season 323/26February 2016
Kanye’s Yeezy Season 3 show at Madison Square Garden was one of the most talked about moments of New York Fashion Week. The other most talked about moment? Kim’s (brief) return to platinum blonde hair!
Photo: Getty Images24/26May 2016
Kanye may have tried to steal the show with his custom blue contacts, but they were nothing compared to Kim’s fierce combed-and-gelled ‘do, smoky eye, and blinged out ears.
Photo: FilmMagic25/26July 2016
Nowadays, Kim’s look is all about having her hair brushed back and her skin super glowy. She amped it up recently with piled on mascara, perfectly groomed brows, and pretty peachy-pink lips. What’s next for Kim? We’ll have to wait and see.
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