The World's Most Beautiful Women By Decade

From the Princess of Monaco to top models like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner, see who ranks as bonafide beauty icons.

Bella Hadid. Photo courtesy of Getty Images

According to cosmetic surgeon Dr. Julian De Silva's use of computer technology and ancient Greek measurement methods dubbed the "Golden Ratio," Bella Hadid's near-perfect proportions make her the world's most beautiful woman. Of course, beauty is subjective, but the conclusion doesn't come as a surprise; Hadid is one of the top models of our time.

As long as celebrities have existed, prominent figures in industries like entertainment, fashion, and the overall public sphere have stood as beauty icons of their eras. Looking at models, actress, singers, and more, see the women who have defined beauty over the years.

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1930s: As the Golden Age of Hollywood began, Jean Harlow became one of cinema’s brightest stars. She was among the first sex symbols, admired for her platinum blonde locks and on-screen vampy persona.

1930s: Lisa Fonssagrives is largely considered the world's first supermodel. Her career began in the '30s, and throughout the next two decades she appeared in countless fashion magazines.

1930s: Another legendary actress of Hollywood's golden era is Claudette Colbert. Known for her wit and charm, Colbert earned an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the romantic comedy "It Happened One Night."

1940s: Known for her distinctive husky voice and sultry on-screen presence, Lauren Bacall was an iconic American actress. Among her notable work are "The Big Sleep" and "To Have and Have Not."

1940s: Making her film debut at 10 years old in 1942, Elizabeth Taylor went from child star to celebrated icon. Her violet eyes and dark hair lended to her timeless beauty.

1950s: You might know her as the late Princess of Monaco, but before her royal status, Grace Kelly was a renowned actress. She starred in some of the most highest-grossing films of her time, including "Rear Window."

1950s: In a 2015 UK survey, Audrey Hepburn was named the number one beauty icon of all time. As she broke into the spotlight in the 1950s, audiences fell in love with her doe eyes and delicate features.

1950s: With her signature red lip and blonde curls, a foil to Hepburn’s girlish charm, Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most iconic Hollywood bombshells.

1950s: In high fashion, Dovima emerged as the model of the moment. Her statuesque beauty lended itself perfectly to the editorials of the time.

1960s: Natalie Wood was among the 60s actresses who was praised for her natural beauty. But, she was also known for her emotive performances in iconic films such as "Rebel Without a Cause" and "West Side Story."

1960s: At the end of the ‘50s, Italian actress Sophia Loren found success among American audiences and she became an international star in the ‘60s. Aside from her alluring looks, Loren is an advocate for finding beauty within.

1960s: As fashion moved into he Mod era, English model Twiggy's gamine look defined beauty trends in the '60s.

1970s: Known best for her role in the 1974 film “Foxy Brown”, Pam Grier remains a symbol of beauty and tenacity on and off the big screen.

1970s: One of pop’s biggest stars, Cher’s long, dark hair and ever-present glow defined her look of the era.

1980s: A royal still revered today, Princess Diana’s elegance and timeless nature has made her a symbol of grace.

1980s: Covering "Vogue" at just 14 years old, Brooke Shields’ full hair and brows made her an instant beauty icon.

1980s: There's no doubt that Michelle Pfeiffer is among the most iconic Hollywood stars of the 80s. Still, her career has spanned over four decades, with Academy Award nominations for her roles in films like "Love Field" and "Dangerous Liaisons."

1990s: As the ‘90s moved into the supermodel era, Cindy Crawford rose to the top. With her signature voluminous hair and killer cheekbones, she represented the girl-next-door beauty among the original Big Five model group including Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer, and Naomi Campbell.

1990s: A trailblazer for representation in fashion, supermodel Naomi Campbell’s runway presence and natural beauty continues to inspire today.

1990s: Along with Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford, Alek Wek is among the supermodels who dominated the runways in the 90s.

2000s: From the her breakthrough role in the 2002 film “Frida” to now, Salma Hayek epitomizes effortless glamour.

2000s: Before going into acting, Halle Berry was the first runner-up for Miss USA in 1986. In Hollywood, she made a mark on-screen in 2000s flicks like “X-Men,” “Catwoman,” and as a Bond girl in “Die Another Day.” Usa in 1986.

2000s: While full lips are sought after today, Angelina Jolie had the OG plump pout of the 2000s.

2010s: “People Magazine” dubbed “Black Panther” actress Lupita Nyong’o the Most Beautiful Woman of 2014, reflecting how her elegant beauty and style shines on every red carpet.

2010s: Beyoncé holds the title of Queen Bey for a reason; her music and looks have made her a fixture in pop culture. Last year, she was named the second most beautiful woman in the world according to face-mapping technology that measures beauty according to symmetry.

2010s: There's no doubt that Sofía Vergara is among the most beautiful women to have ever lived. But her beauty is not the only thing she's known for. Following the success of her role on films and TV shows, namely Modern Family, Vergara was named the highest-paid TV actress in 2018.

2020s: Claiming the top spot as the world’s most beautiful woman, Bella Hadid is the Millennials’ answer to “physical perfection,” according to the same scientific study. Whether bare faced or in editorial glam, the model’s looks are always coveted.

2020s: Since 2017, Kendall Jenner has been the highest-paid model in the world, dethroning Gisele Bündchen, who held the spot for 14 straight years. And it's no wonder given that Jenner has been dominating the runways and magazines since her runway debut in 2012.