Inside Sabrina Carpenter’s epic sex symbol transformation from innocent redheaded child star to ‘£42k cosmetic tweaks’

WHETHER it's performing X-rated dance moves in front of thousands or singing some of her best hits in sexy lingerie on stage, Sabrina Carpenter sure knows how to raise a few eyebrows.

The 25-year-old blonde was catapulted into the UK spotlight with her ”song of the year” Espresso in 2024 – and has since sent pulses racing, most recently coming under fire for her raunchy Brit Awards performance.

The former Disney Channel star began her music career at the age of 15 with her 2014 debut single, “Can't Blame a Girl for Trying”;.

Although the tune did not chart on the Official Singles Chart in the UK, it did lead to her debut EP of the same name and her first full-length album, “Eyes Wide Open,” which debuted at number 43 on the US Billboard 200.

Now, a decade later, Sabrina has become one of the biggest popstars in the world, with an estimated net worth of £9.2million.

The 25-year-old has also scored some brand deals, most recently being announced as the first-ever Global Ambassador for Redken, a leading haircare brand.

This collaboration makes perfect sense given her image – Sabrina is known for her luscious blonde locks, and the millions of fans are eager to emulate her beauty routine.

But pint-sized Sabrina has come a long way from her cutesy, child star beginnings.

Here, we chat her epic transformation from innocent redhead to a rauncy sex symbol.

2012 – Humble child star

Born in Quakertown, a small borough in Pennsylvania, US, Sabrina started posting videos of herself on YouTube singing to Noughties star Christina Aguilera and Brit phenomenon Adele, aged 10.

Her father built a recording studio for her to fuel her passion for music.

But it wasn't much later – in 2011 – that she Sabrina landed her first acting role a young victim on the NBC drama series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

In the summer of 2012, Sabrina had a recurring role young Chloe Goodwin, a shy, nerdy girl, in the Fox sitcom The Goodwin Games.

Sabrina hit many red carpet events around this time, debuting her natural hair colour: strawberry blonde.

2014 – Feminine grunge

As Sabrina's star began to rise in the US, she released her debut single “Can't Blame a Girl for Trying”;, aged 15.

She moved away from the fresh-faced, youthful look to more heavy and experimental make-up.

My mum was a dancer growing up, so she basically taught us how to do stage make-up

Sabrina Carpenter25

“I started wearing makeup from a very young age because I was in dance recitals my whole life with my sisters,” Sabrina told Vogue in an episode of their ‘Beauty Secrets’ video series.

“My mum was a dancer growing up, so she basically taught us how to do stage make-up. So I started wearing a lot of makeup.”;

She discussed how her look has evolved, adding: ”It’s definitely changed a lot over the years. I used to wear way too much eyeliner in the waterline.

“I think there’s a time and a place for it ... but when I was 12, it was not the time and the place for it.”

2015 – 60s-inspired style breakthrough

With Sabrina now making a name for herself, she began to work with professional stylists Brit and Kara Elkin – and this black and white number even landed her on Teen Vogue's best dressed list.

Sabrina is now known for her ultra-feminine looks on stage, with outfits that favour sparkly mini dresses and have their very own take on 60s-inspired looks – and it seems that 2015 is the year the young popstar truly started to embrace it.

While the red carpet make-up is still on the darker and heavier side, the teenager is also experimenting with different hairdos at this time – here, posing with two face-framing layers.

2017 – Brigitte Bardot-inspired look

While Sabrina was still a while away from being shot into stardom, she seemed to start perfecting her signature make-up routine around 2017.

As she herself has previously acknowledged, the artist’s approach to make-up in particular is one that has varied greatly, and has since landed on one which beautifully complements her cherubic features.

Her journey to her Brigette Bardot-inspired, blonde and banged bombshell hairstyle is one that’s also clearly marked around this time – starting out favouring softly-tousled waves, and experimenting with long straight lengths.

Sabrina's stylist Jared Ellner, who started to work with the singer a little later, has stated that the vibe for her outfits is reminiscent of the playful, flirty style Bardot is known for.

The midi skirt and Sabrina's overall aesthetic, with its vintage-inspired elements, aligns well with Brigitte's timeless style.

2019 – £30k beauty boost

Although Sabrina hasn't admitted to any cosmetic enhancements to change her appearance, some experts believe that it was 2019 when the young popstar allegedly started getting work done.

I also see some signs here of the potential introduction of lip filler, both to the upper lip and to the lower lip

Dr LinkovNew York, US

Dr Linkov, who is based in New York City, reviewed photos of the blonde bombshell from 2014 all the way through 2024 – and revealed he estimates the Please, Please, Please singer has spent over £30k to boost her beauty.

He delivered his assessment in a YouTube video, saying: ”In 2019 at the age of 20, Sabrina seems to be using make-up to highlight certain aspects of her face.

”But I also see some signs here of the potential introduction of lip filler, both to the upper lip and to the lower lip, to add some hydration and volume.”

A highly popular procedure loved by many beauty buffs around the world, a juicy pout will typically cost you around £250 to a whopping £400, depending on the amount you get.

2021 – cheek filler & other enhancements

In 2021, at the age of 22, Dr Linkov suggested the singer may have started using cheek filler as he observed more volume toward the outsides of her cheeks compared to photos from 2017 where the apples of her cheeks seem to have more fullness.

London-based Dr Andrew Douglas agreed and exclusively told Flying Eze that Sabrina may have also had either ”a chin implant or has had some lipo-filling in order to smooth out her jawline”.

On average, such procedure will set you back anywhere from £7,000 for a standard implant – or a whopping £12,000 for a custom-made – while a lipo-filling is in the region of £5,000.

2023 – landing homages to Marilyn Monroe

In 2023, Sabrina began working with her stylist Jared Ellner, who has outfitted her in body-skimming numbers, metallics, and pastels galore.

Together they have fashioned the former innocent redhead into a sexy bombshell, landing homages to legends such as Madonna and Marilyn Monroe.

After being shot into spotlight, Sabrina also landed more and more interviews – where she revealed some of her top beauty secrets.

I want it to age well, so that's why I applysunscreenevery day

Sabrina Carpenter25

The Grammy-winning singer told The Strategist: ”I have super-sensitive skin and I want it to age well, so that's why I apply sunscreen every day.”

”I've been doing the same [skincare routine] for a long time, but it's a normal routine: cleanser and toner and sunscreen,” she elaborated in Marie Claire.

”Every time I do it, I automatically feel a lot better, and it makes me feel a little bit more centred. I usually try to find really good vitamin C products as well.”

2024 – swearing by a £4 Superdrug buy

The 5'0 stunner – who has sparked reunion rumours with former love interest Barry Keoghan – may be know for her theatre-esque make-up and big bouncy curls.

But when she's not on stage, the singer strips her beauty routine back to basics.

The experts at Cosmopolitan reportedly watched two straight hours of footage to discern exactly what products she uses.

Among her beauty arsenal is the £39 Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter and £29 Laura Mercier Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Concealer.

For foundation, she uses the coveted NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, which costs £38 a bottle.

And while these face products might be on the pricey side for many of us, it’s good news for our pouts.

Sabrina swears by a popular tinted balm to keep up her Polly Pocket-esque vibe topped up on the daily.

She loves the Dr.Pawpaw Ultimate Red Balm to keep her juicy lips soft and hydrated – and this multi-purpose balm typically costs £3.95 for a 10ml tube that's easy to throw into your purse.

£7.99 secret behind the bouncy blow-out

2024 was a busy year for Sabrina who embarked on her sold-out Short n' Sweet – and according to her hairstylist Scott King, the pop sensation uses Brigette Bardot for her hair inspo.

“Sabrina is very hands on with how she wants to look. She’s very specific about what she wants, which I personally love. ... We always create a mood board and share pictures with each other and discuss the vibe we are going for,” King shared with Etonline.

“Brigitte Bardot is always the inspo. We just love a fluffy blowout,” he explained.

“Performance hair is totally different because it needs to withstand the elements,” he said, listing the haircare must-haves for the signature look, including a sea salt spray for texture and a volumizing finishing spray, which you can find for £7.99 at Boots.

2025 – Short n' Sweet but really strong

2024 and 2025 have really been the years of Sabrina who's dominated our Spotify charts, with Espresso alone winning over 2billion streams on the platform.

But despite having been busy on stage and attending star-studded bashes, Sabrina has also been prioritising her health that's helped to stay in top shape.

But what exactly is Sabrina' workout routine? And what is she eating to fuel herself while coming up with even more hits and raunchy moves?

The 25-year-old confessed in an interview with Marie Claire that while she doesn't take exercising super seriously, she does love a class with friends and a trip to the Pilates studio.

“I'm a little [casual] with exercise. It’s not an every day thing by any means, but I try to balance it out however I can, and at least once or twice a week do something a little bit more disciplined,” the singer explained.

“I will take a class of some sort, or do a workout at home. I'll go to Pilates sometimes with friends of mine. I love working out with friends, because it makes me feel like I’m not working out.”

Sabrina is also not afraid to hit the weights, with a video showing the popstar and her sister, Sarah, working out together and using ankle weights while giving their all to donkey kicks, kettlebell squats and more.

Even more shockingly, there is not a single espresso in sight when it comes to her diet – the 25-year-old blonde prefers to kickstart her day with green tea.

Sabrina's love for nourishing smoothies has even extended to a collab with boujee US grocery store, Erewhon – her ‘Short n' Sweet' smoothie is a blend of tropical fruits, fresh strawberries, coconut cream, vanilla oat milk, spirulina, honey and collagen.