These days, being hot isn’t just about winning the DNA lottery and hiring a good stylist. The hottest women in the world have conquered social media and dominate newsfeeds. They make or break trends. And with millions of fans following everything they do, these women are as savvy as they are sexy, their careers expanding into new territory all the time.
The faces to break a thousand hearts deserve our applause and more, especially considering that these women are actresses, singers, models, and bona fide businesspeople. Let it be known that our annual round-up of the hottest women in the world aren’t just pretty faces (though we’re hardly complaining).
Without further ado, let’s get into the 30 hottest women in the world right now.
The Hottest Women in 2022
1. Rihanna
The queen of Bajan pop and IDGAF Instagram comments has spawned 14 number ones on the Billboard Hot 100, eight albums in almost as many years, and collected over 141 international music awards. But she didn’t stop there. The majority of her $1.7 billion net worth comes from her multiple businesses – Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, and Savage x Fenty, her fire lingerie brand. You can’t blame people for dancing, or for fawning over her to the point of obsession, as Rhianna remains one of the hottest women in the business (okay, businesses), year after year.
2. Selena Gomez
She started as a cherubic-faced Disney star and quickly eclipsed the star-power even Disney holds (which is a lot). Gomez is now the seventh most followed person on Instagram with a whopping 270 million followers, which is more than even Ms. Social Media herself, Kim K. She’s a singer, an actress, and a business owner with her new beauty brand, Rare Beauty. Which accurately describes Selena, as she is clearly one of the hottest (and most successful) women of all time.
3. Adriana Lima
Victoria’s worst-kept secret has to be Adriana Lima. The Brazilian demigod made what could be one of the tackiest runway shows on earth, a must-see cultural phenomenon, leading a pantheon of beautiful women to follow suit. The 40-year-old is also a mother of two while still achieving the title of Victoria’s Secret’s most valuable model in 2017. Probably why she keeps going back.
4. Kate Upton
Supermodel Kate Upton is curvaceous and bodacious, and her four Sports Illustrated Swimsuit covers have certainly celebrated that fact. She also graced the cover of the 100th-anniversary Vanity Fair cover, and she’s appeared on the covers of Italian, American and British Vogue. Basically, she’s an international sensation, and it’s not hard to see why. Upton is a supermodel of the top degree, and that’s why she’ll always earn her spot on the hottest woman list.
5. Scarlett Johannson
Scar-Jo recently made her debut as the Black Widow, and she’s a real-life superhero too. She’s public about her support for multiple charities that fight poverty and promote cancer research. Her films have grossed her over $14.3 billion worldwide, making her the ninth highest-grossing star of all time. And we get it – if Scarlett Johansson is in it, we’ll be there. Her recent marriage to funny-man Colin Jost had us all mourning, as if we had a chance, anyway. One of the richest women is also one of the hottest, and that’s proof that the universe does indeed play favorites.
6. Bella Hadid
While the elder Hadid goes for the all-American girl-next-door, Bella is happier to play the black sheep in a series of the hottest topless shoots, risqué outfits, and a barely-there Victoria’s Secret appearance. There’s science to back this pick, too. According to a renowned cosmetic surgeon, Bella has the most symmetrical face in the world, making her the most beautiful woman alive. Her high profile ex, The Weeknd, helped Bella’s star rise even more when we were all left wondering which songs on his recent album were about her. The lucky guy has dated another woman on this list (Selena Gomez), and that’s why we’re not giving up on our rap career just yet.
7. Gigi Hadid
Turns out good things do come in pairs. From a Real Housewives afterthought to the princess regent of supermodels, Gigi Hadid is not only among the hottest women in the world, but has navigated her career better than Lewis Hamilton at the Monaco Grand Prix. It all started with a Desigual show in 2014. From there, the LA native racked up gigs with Carine Roitfeld, Vogue (several issues), Versace, and Chanel, paving the way to the throne with a series of front covers and closing runway appearances. Factor in the model’s must-have famous baby daddy – in this case, Zayn Malik – and Gigi is set for a place on the sexiest woman list for years to come.
8. Beyonce
Beyonce is the queen bee, and everybody knows it, which is why no “hottest woman” list would be complete without her. Her star knows no limits, made evident by the fact that she almost never does press and still manages to sell her albums like hot cakes. She’s won an astounding 28 Grammy Awards, the female artist with the most Grammy wins ever. Her accomplishments aren’t limited to her music career, as she’s also wife to Jay-Z (ever heard of him?) and mother of three. She’s the GOAT, and undeniably one of the most attractive women of all time.
9. Emily Ratajkowski
There’s only one Emily Ratajkowski, and you still can’t pronounce her name properly. The beautiful woman that made ‘Blurred Lines’ a cultural phenomenon (though only Robin Thicke can be blamed for the backlash) has gone from strength-to-strength in Hollywood. She’s not simply content with steaming up your Instagram feed, either. The London-born model is making a play for the big screen too, appearing as an actress in Gone Girl and We Are Your Friends in all her wonderful, technicolor glory.
10. Charlize Theron
Beauty doesn’t have an age limit, and 46-year-old Charlize Theron proves it. She’s one of the world’s highest paid actresses, recipient of multiple awards, including an Academy Award and Golden Globe, and she’s drop-dead gorgeous to boot. Her performance in Monster won her the coveted Best Actress Award, though her breakout role was in the horror flick, The Devil’s Advocate. Theron has been gracing our screens for over 20 years, and we hope she never stops.
11. Gal Gadot
She first caught our attention when she appeared as Wonder Woman in 2017, but we were even more intrigued when we discovered that Gal Gadot is a real-life superhero. Originally from Israel, Gadot served two years in the Israel Defense Forces as a soldier. Picking that is enough to make our jaws drop, but Gal is ever the overachiever, as she also holds the title of Miss Israel. She’s beauty, she’s grace, and she can kick your ass. Basically, our dream girl.
12. Blake Lively
Gossip Girl was the mid-noughties’ biggest guilty pleasure, labeled as one of the most shocking teen dramas of its time. It wasn’t. Blake Likely, however, was one of the best things about it. She’s graduated from piss-poor scripts about Upper East Side brats and is taking on decidedly more adult roles – while also being a wife and full-time parent alongside Ryan Reynolds. She’s still one of the hottest women in Hollywood and beyond, with beauty that transcends age and time. The Age Of Adaline star gets our XOXO.
13. Kendall Jenner
There are hot women, and then there are the Kardashian-Jenners. The Kardashians are the Hollywood equivalent of an indulgent, definitely-not-good-for-you meal — you know you shouldn’t, but resistance is futile. One of the younger flagbearers – Kendall – is proving to be far less divisive than the TV show that propelled her family to fame. Which is a real cultural anomaly, considering her CV. First, there was that ill-advised Pepsi ad for this model. Then those Notorious BIG ‘vintage’ t-shirts that transposed her own face alongside one of hip hop’s most revered figures – despite the fact they’d never even met. And we still forgive her, every single time. Can’t imagine why.
14. Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian haters can back off. Not only did she reclaim excessive use of the letter K back from hood-wearing rednecks, but she’s also made a mint by identifying what the people want: her. Through Instagram, television, and magazine covers, the most famous Kardashian has built a $1.2 billion brand by just being her. She has not one business, but several, ranging from makeup to shapewear, and throws some of the most lavish parties in Hollywood, on top of being a mother of four, thanks to rap legend, Kanye West. Detractors may feel entitled to their criticism, but it won’t put them on the same pay grade… or make her any less sexy.
15. Margot Robbie
Margot Robbie, the rose of Wall Street, harkens back to a Golden Age of Hollywood when the roles were coveted, and the actresses behind them even more so. The 31-year-old is only set to increase the trend, too. Appearances in The Legend Of Tarzan, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Suicide Squad – which, let’s be honest, was only watchable because of her – all point to great things for the sexy Australian actress who is more than deserving of leading her next big flick. Sorry fellas, but Margot’s better than all of you put together and remains among the hottest women of all time.
16. Priyanka Chopra
Don’t ever discount Bollywood. Not only is it one of the most profitable film industries in the world, but it’s also given rise to hot women like Priyanka Chopra to spread the message abroad. Appearing in over sixty films across all four corners of the globe, the actress caused the world to listen up to Indian cinema and, better yet, take it seriously. She’s also making the switch to Western movies, with a raft of blockbusters already under her belt. And, her high-profile marriage to Nick Jonas is the envy of love-sick women everywhere.
17. Mila Kunis
Let’s be honest – she was your crush while appearing on That 70’s Show alongside now-husband Ashton Kutcher, and she’s still your crush now. Mila Kunis is as savvy as she is sexy. She managed to snag her starring role as Jackie at just 14 years old, and she’s been voicing Meg Griffin on Family Guy since 1999. A mother of two, Kunis is now making headlines for not washing her kids regularly, and that somehow makes her even more relatable. This girl-next-door deserves a place as one of the hottest women ever.
18. Ashley Graham
Ashley Graham: proof that beauty comes in all sizes, and a collective sigh of contentment from men and women the world over. The 34-year-old American model changed the perceptions of an industry obsessed with cookie-cutter sizes when she graced the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue in 2016, the first plus-size model to do so. Although there’s much more work to do, we can sit Graham atop a trend that’ll stimulate some welcome change. Nothing screams “hottest women” quite like some curves.
19. Emilia Clarke
Mother of Dragons, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Breaker Of Chains (and hearts), actress Emilia Clarke’s racked up a series of titles to rival Liz Windsor herself. They’re all very well-earned, too. Okay, so they’re all fictional. Ever since Clarke appeared on our screens as Game Of Thrones‘ Daenerys Targaryen though, we’ve been hooked to this new brand of swords, dragons, and shagging. Next up: the Han Solo movie. Geeks everywhere rejoice because one of the hottest women gracing our screens is here to stay.
20. Jourdan Dunn
Jourdan Dunn is the ultimate girl-done-good. From humble beginnings in Greenford, the 30-year-old became the first black British woman to appear on Forbes’ top-earning models list – all while juggling the travails of motherhood. Her portfolio is proof of sheer hard work, too, lined with the likes of Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Balmain, and Burberry all previous paychecks that show no sign of Dunn fatigue. Thank God this beauty isn’t going anywhere.
21. Megan Fox
Megan Fox got the attention of men everywhere in her 2007 appearance in Transformers, and she hasn’t lost it yet. She was called “the first bona fide sex symbol of the 21st century,” by The Los Angeles Times and we couldn’t agree more. Aside from her role as the star of the posters on every teenage boy’s bedroom walls throughout the 2000s, Fox has appeared in countless films, including Jennifer’s Body and Rogue. She’s been making headlines recently thanks to her cringe-inducing over-the-top PDA relationship with Machine Gun Kelly, but thanks to her contributions to female kind, we’ll forgive it.
22. Irina Shayk
For all the anti-Russian sentiment, just consider Irina Shayk. The former face of Intimissimi is reason enough to book a one-way ticket to Moscow. Following stints with Armani, Elle and an appearance in Kanye West’s music video for ‘Power’, Bradley Cooper’s baby mama has been keeping life on the DL since the birth of her daughter, Lea. We can’t wait for the inevitable comeback, which will likely be the hottest one yet.
23. Jasmine Tookes
Jasmine Tookes really is one of the hottest women in the world. With African, Central American, and British heritage, the California girl has walked for Miu Miu, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, Saint Laurent, and Tom Ford amongst others – all before the age of 30. Plus, thanks to a rolling contract with everyone’s favorite babestable Victoria’s Secret, this child of the world is set to take the globe. Just a shame she’s not in ours.
24. Chrissy Teigen
You’d be forgiven for thinking Chrissy Teigen is but a Hollywood myth. She’s a smart, funny, ridiculously beautiful, hot woman, and has made a habit of antagonizing certain presidents on Twitter. In short, the unicorn of girlfriends. In addition to being the best all-rounder of womankind and the hottest woman on Twitter, the part-Thai, part-Norwegian model can claim quite the career, too: think Sports Illustrated, Maxim, and even a co-host spot on Lip Sync Battle. John, you lucky, lucky man.
25. Emma Watson
From her start as the cute, nerdy Hermione Granger to her total badassery later in the Harry Potter film franchise, Emma Watson is America’s dream girl. She’s just as smart as she is hot, and gives her on-screen double a run for her money, having graduated from Ivy League Brown University. Still, her career never took a backseat. Recently, we’ve seen Emma appear in films like the award-winning Little Women, Beauty and the Beast, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Ms. Watson gets an A+ in stealing our hearts.
26. Hannah Jeter
Wife of baseball legend Derek Jeter, Hannah Jeter has made a name for herself that isn’t associated with her very famous husband. She’s an international model who has appeared in five issues of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, landing the cover in 2015. She’s modeled for Victoria’s Secret (they sure do know how to pick ‘em!), Ralph Lauren, and landed the cover of Elle Mexico.
27. Olivia Wilde
Mostly known for her starring role as Remy on the TV drama House, Olivia Wilde is a wildly sexy woman. With several high-profile feature films to her name, including Tron: Legacy, Cowboys & Aliens, and The Lazarus Effect, Wilde is as hot as she is hardworking. A mom of two with former boyfriend Jason Sudeikis, the 37-year-old belongs on this list as much for her beautiful features as she does for her talent.
28. Rachel McAdams
Rachel McAdams is known for many things: playing Regina George in Mean Girls, being that girl from The Notebook, and looking hot in every single hair color imaginable. The latter is a skill most people don’t have. She’s won numerous awards for her acting chops and even got a nomination from the Academy for her work in Spotlight. She’s still one of the sexiest women in the world at 42 years old, and thankfully, we don’t even have to re-watch The Notebook to know it.
29. Angelababy
The Chinese star and mega-hot woman is a quadruple threat: a model, singer, actress, and she’s even rather charitable on top of all that. Angelababy was named the youngest philanthropist on the Huran Philanthropy List in 2016, making her a gift that keeps on giving. One of her films, Mojin: The Lost Legend, became the highest-grossing Chinese-language film in China. We can’t imagine why people wanted to see it.
30. Kylie Jenner
Like the Hadids, the Jenners harbor their own black sheep. Instead of courting high fashion shoots, Kylie is more at home in front of an iPhone camera – a shop window in which she’s earned millions. Not that we’re leveling this as a criticism. Pair Kylie Jenner’s clear business acumen with a body that is worth every penny, and you’re left with a young, hot woman that’s shrewd as she is attractive. Forbes named her the youngest “self made” billionaire thanks to Kylie Cosmetics, and though that distinction has raised some eyebrows given her famous family name, no amount of skepticism will take away her paycheck.
FAQs
Who is the most beautiful woman in the world?
We just gave you a list of 30 of them, but if you’re still not satisfied, lean into the science. Bella Hadid’s unnaturally symmetrical face was deemed to be 94.35% accurate to the Golden Ratio of beauty. If a world-famous supermodel is only scoring 95%, we’re hoping no one ever runs the Golden Ratio on us.
Which country has the most beautiful women in the world?
Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder and all that, but some people have said the most beautiful women in the world come from Brazil, Turkey, France, Italy, Venezuela, and all the other countries. We don’t discriminate.