Celebrity Transformations

Okay, so none of these women were ever ugly, but all of them used hair, makeup and even surgery to go from blah to stunning throughout their careers. In honor of the season premiere of "Ugly Betty" on ABC, we present our gallery of the most noticeable celebrity transformations. Do you like their original look or their new one better?

Simon Cobb, Getty Images | Bryan Bedder, Getty Images | Bryan Bedder, Getty Images | Barry King, WireImage

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz
Then: As a blonde, she lived in the shadow of her big sister, Jessica.
Now: Her red hair (and new nose) helps her stand out confidently on her own.
Tip: Don't want to get surgery but do want to subtly change your features? Check out our Plastic Surgery Minus the Needle story for contouring tips.

Simon Cobb, Getty Images | Bryan Bedder, Getty Images

Jennifer Lopez
Then: Big hair, highly arched brows and dark lips gave her an aggressive look.
Now: Her soft curls and more natural makeup make her look much more approachable.
Tip: Sexy curls like Lopez's are easy to create. Learn how with this wavy hair how-to.

Jim Smeal, Getty Images | Stephen Lovekin, Getty Images

Gwen Stefani
Then: The No Doubt front-woman stole the spotlight with bright hair and over-the-top makeup.
Now: The style icon makes her mark with sleek updos and signature red lips.
Tip: Want to re-create Gwen's makeup look? Check out this how-to video.

Barry King, WireImage | Bryan Bedder, Getty Images

Jennifer Garner
Then: The former TV spy's simple center part and barely there makeup didn't exactly cry "prime-time queen."
Now: The movie-star mom knows how to make a statement on the red carpet with classic, yet glam hair and makeup.
Tip: Try wrapping hair around a curling iron?cid=1311
(as opposed to clamping it in the iron) to get loose waves like Jennifer's.

Chris Weeks, Getty Images / Liaison | Stephen Lovekin, Getty Images

Christina Ricci
Then: Despite her cute layers, she couldn't seem to shake her Wednesday Addams persona.
Now: She's seen the light -- hair color, that is. It softens her overall look.
Tip: If you color your hair, keep it healthy with weekly deep conditioning treatments. See which ones are best by reading these hair mask reviews.

Brenda Chase, Getty Images | Brian Ach, Getty Images for IMG

Heidi Montag
Then: She was a cute teen with minimal hair and makeup.
Now: Long hair extensions (and some plastic surgery) have helped morph her into a reality-show glamazon.
Tip: When clipping extensions into your hair, spritz it with hairspray first to give it more grip so the extensions stay on better. You can also tease the root of your hair for more grip.

Mark Mainz, Getty Images | Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

Claire Danes
Then: She embodied the fresh-faced, tomboy look in her teen years.
Now: She's all grown up with feminine hair and a beautiful bronze glow.
Tip: Try layering bronzer (see Top Rated Bronzers to find one you'll love) and blushing on the apples of your cheeks like Claire did for a natural-looking glow.

Brenda Chase, Getty Images | Malcolm Taylor, Getty Images

Sarah Chalke
Then: At 23, her plain hair and makeup made her look more like 14.
Now: She's channeling her inner sex bomb with wavy hair and bronzy, smoky eyes.
Tip: A smoky eye like Chalke's is perfect for a night out. Create the look with a bronze color like hers for a softer effect. Try Mally Beauty City Chick Smokey Eye Kit in Brownstone to make doing the look easier.

Getty Images | Todd Williamson, Getty Images

Queen Latifah
Then: The only thing glamorous about her was a glossy, bronze-lipped smile.
Now: A smoky eye and nude lip complement her trendy haircut, making her a full-fledged diva.
Tip: To get a glow like Latifah's, dust shimmery bronzer on your nose, cheekbones, forehead and chin. Read bronzer reviews to find your ideal product.

Lawrence Lucier, Getty Images | Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images