All The Times Cookie Lyon Took Us to Beauty School on Empire

Updated on 11/2/2016 at 4:00 PM

In my opinion, television hasn't seen a badass black-girl heroine quite like Empire's Cookie Lyon. Emmy-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson plays the sassy, unfiltered matriarch who isn't afraid to stick to her guns and change up her look. From fierce stiletto nails to pin-up baby bangs and punchy bold lipstick, Cookie is the definition of a beauty risk taker.

I mean, who else struts out of jail fully glammed with a sleek, high ponytail in tow? Or sits at the head of the boardroom draped in hot pink fur? If you've been wanting to explore your wild side, you're sure to draw plenty of bold inspiration from the diva extraordinaire herself. Keep reading to learn why she'll become your new beauty spirit animal. And keep up with her style every Wednesday at 9 p.m. EST on Fox.

She Sips in Style

Cookie's look of choice for casual champagne sipping? A retro '70s bandana, a velvet purple lip, and printed claws.

She Breaks Unwritten Beauty Rules

The law of muting your makeup when wearing an avant-garde outfit doesn't apply to Cookie. She drew attention to her dazzling emerald eyes by slicking her hair into a bun and completed her look with her trademark pink stamp — all while wearing a feathery frock.

She Can Match Her Lipstick to Her Outfit

Watch and learn. Yes, you can pull off matching your lipstick to your sexy date-night look. Find the closest lip color to match your dress, and keep your hair and the rest of your makeup super simple.

She Isn't Afraid to Experiment With Weave

This bedazzled winged liner and two-toned curly weave is giving us serious Janet Jackson flashbacks.

She Can Pull Off Baby Bangs

Cookie's baby bangs are far from a haircut fail. She perfectly framed her face with a sexy pin-up fringe that has us wanting to pick up our shears.

She Can Rock a Side Pony

Cookie has resurrected the grade-school style. Proving that with some grown-woman waves and grunge brown lipstick, you can totally pull it off.

She Demands Attention

You know it's about to go down when your red lipstick takes center stage at the head of the table.

She's Not Afraid to Stand Out

A boss wouldn't be a boss without a fuchsia pout and the purple fur to match, now would she?

Her Hair Is Always on Point — Even When It Gets Heated

Cookie won't back down (not even for Naomi Campbell), and she makes sure her braided ponytail is on fleek.

She Can Tone It Down

When it's time to get together for a family dinner, Cookie isn't afraid to put her bright lipstick down for barely-there makeup and soft waves à la Michelle Obama.

She's a Trendsetter

She rocked black lipstick before the beauty mavens of Instagram made it a trend.

She Isn't Afraid of Anything

Clearly, not even getting red lipstick all over her white fur coat.

She Knows How To Accessorize

And rocks the hell out of a head wrap.

She Knows How to Keep It Classy

Like finishing her look with a sleek top-knot bun.

She's the Ultimate Diva

Superlong hair, oversize sunglasses, dark lipstick, and a fur coat? This look has diva written all over it.

She Still Looks Good Without Heavy Glam

Even when the dark lipstick and jewels come off, Cookie is still fierce.