It was lights, camera, Country Allure at the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July, where Mzansi’s biggest stars descended on the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse for an unforgettable celebration of fashion, beauty and culture. Marking its milestone 130th edition, Africa’s premier horse racing and social spectacle once again transformed the racecourse into the country’s most glamorous runway. Under this year’s theme, Country Allure, South Africa’s designers reimagined the romance of the countryside through a contemporary haute couture lens, marrying equestrian influences with sweeping feathers, crystal embellishments, impeccable tailoring and rich nods to local heritage.
While the couture moments deservedly stole the spotlight, it was the beauty looks that brought every ensemble to life. From precision haircuts and sculptural braids to radiant complexions, shimmering lids and fearless statement lips, this year’s stars proved that unforgettable style is found in the finishing touches.
Whether embracing timeless soft glam or pushing the boundaries with bold editorial beauty, these are the hair and makeup looks that had us completely captivated.
Kefilwe Mabote
Few celebrities understand the relationship between couture and beauty quite like Kefilwe Mabote. Arriving in breathtaking creations by Gert-Johan Coetzee before changing into another striking look by Orapeleng Modutle, the award-winning digital creator delivered two completely different beauty narratives, both executed to perfection.
Her first look embraced one of beauty’s boldest trends with bleached brows that echoed the futuristic finish of her chrome-inspired couture. It was daring, polished and the kind of beauty risk that only someone with her confidence could pull off. For her second appearance, Kefilwe rocked a precision-cut geometric pixie that instantly felt editorial. Paired with immaculate skin and a bold statement lip, the look channelled effortless sophistication with a distinctly high-fashion edge.
Anele Zondo
Anele Zondo delivered one of the day’s freshest beauty moments. The media personality and musician paired her playful equestrian-inspired couture with cascading waist-length blonde waves and perfectly matched bleached brows, creating a look that felt bold without sacrificing elegance.
A wash of shimmering eyeshadow brought luminosity to the eyes, while glossy nude lips softened the overall look. It was glamorous, contemporary and beautifully balanced, proving that sometimes the best beauty looks know exactly when to sparkle and when to whisper.
Zozibini Tunzi
Former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi reminded us why she’s one of the country’s most compelling style icons. Complementing her vibrant Imprint ZA creation by Mzukisi Mbane, Zozibini embraced beauty with unapologetic confidence.
Richly layered eyeshadow brought depth and drama, while a striking crimson lip delivered timeless glamour. Rather than competing with the fashion, the makeup amplified it, resulting in a look that felt regal, fearless and unmistakably Zozi.
Boity
Boity once again proved that soft glam is far from ordinary. Her complexion radiated warmth, her skin looked beautifully diffused and her signature sculpted glam was elevated by shimmering golden glitter across the eyelids. The sparkle caught the sunlight beautifully, adding just enough drama to complement her striking ancestral-inspired couture without overwhelming it. The result was radiant, luxurious and undeniably red carpet worthy.
Colour Me Simphiwe
As one of South Africa’s leading makeup artists, Colour Me Simphiwe arrived with exactly what everyone expected: artistry. Her breathtaking cheetah-inspired makeup transformed the face into a living canvas, with intricate animal print detailing seamlessly blended into flawless skin. Equal parts editorial and theatrical, the look celebrated fearless creativity while reminding us that makeup can be every bit as expressive as couture.
Kagiso Mogala
Content creator Kagiso Mogala delivered one of the day’s sleekest beauty statements with an elongated metallic gold cat-eye that instantly drew the eye. The graphic liner added dimension and drama while complementing a softly sculpted complexion and understated glam. It was clean, modern and quietly luxurious, proving that sometimes a single beautifully executed detail is all a look needs.
Jessica Nkosi
Jessica Nkosi embraced timeless elegance in a custom Ruberto Scholtz creation, allowing beauty and fashion to work together in perfect harmony.
Her luminous soft glam celebrated healthy, radiant skin, softly defined eyes and a glossy neutral lip that enhanced rather than overshadowed her natural features. A long textured ponytail completed the look, introducing movement and softness that felt effortlessly romantic. It was classic glamour done exceptionally well.
Qhawekazi Mazeleni
Fresh off being crowned Miss South Africa, Qhawekazi Mazeleni brought quiet confidence to the Hollywoodbets Durban July.
Her intricately braided hairstyle was the undeniable hero of the look. The sculptural braiding pattern added beautiful texture and visual interest before flowing into long, polished plaits that framed her face with elegance. Paired with radiant skin, softly defined eyes and a neutral lip, the understated makeup allowed her natural beauty to shine. It was graceful, regal and wonderfully modern.
Siphokuhle
Content creator Siphokuhle celebrated the beauty of natural texture with one of the day’s most memorable hairstyles. Her beautifully sculpted Afro framed her face with confidence and sophistication, offering a refreshing reminder that natural hair continues to command the spotlight on fashion’s biggest stage.
Complementing the hairstyle was luminous soft glam featuring flawless skin, softly defined eyes and glossy nude lips that allowed both her striking features and beautifully crafted ensemble to take centre stage.
Whether embracing sculptural cuts, intricate braids, glittering eyes or bold editorial makeup, this year’s guests proved that beauty was never an afterthought. It was the finishing touch that transformed remarkable fashion into unforgettable moments. At the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July, couture may have started the conversation, but exceptional hair and makeup ensured the glamour lingered long after the final race.