Most of you would think that writing about Brazilians should be an easy task, right? Since the “Girl from Ipanema” days in the 50´s, all the way to glorious Giselle Bundchen, Brazilians have showed their genetic gift for beauty. (Yes, I am positive any serious anthropologist like Helen Fisher would love to stop here and research why this country is blessed with so many wonder females.) Research aside, the purpose of this article is an attempt to rank the current Top 20 most dazzling Brazilian brunettes.

Before we review the Brazilian Top 20 Brunettes Ranking, I´d like to describe a bit of the selection criteria I considered in this difficult ranking. To join this list, Brazilian beauties would necessarily need to have a “Brazilian Look, which normally means dark hair, brown eyes, and sun-tanned skin famous in Rio-de-Janeiro. The age would be an unimportant factor. Career wise, also not relevant, but most of us normally know people in the artsy scenario or entertainment world. Another very important selection criterion was body shape. Since we up-front defined the “Brazilian Look” as a must for this list, catwalk type models were avoided. Curves are an essential item for a true Brazilian Brunette, or “morena” in Portuguese. A good set of proportions goes without saying. Eyes apart from being brown must have a distinguishing appeal. Last but not least, grace was also highly considered. Excessive build women were also avoided, since we prefer true genetic and natural gifts. The ranking was numbered from 1 to 20, being number 1 the candidate with most scores defined on the criterion list above.

Finally, apart from proving a brief biography of each selected artist, we also explained why the dazzling Brazilian brunette was chosen to be a part of this unique ranking. Okay, enough of talking! I know you are all anxious for the final list and I don’t want you to have a heart attack.

TOP 20 Brazilian Brunettes Ranking


Top Brazilian Brunette # 1: Natália Guimarães

Short Biography: Former Miss Universe Brazil. Natália Guimarães won the title in April 14 2007 beating out over 26 other contestants from states and the Federal District, Brasília. Natália also won the 2007 Top Model of the World International Pageant. However, she resigned due to her participation in Miss Universe. On May 28, 2007, Natália competed in the 2007 Miss Universe Pageant held in Mexico City, Mexico. She finished as the 1st runner up. The day after the Miss Universe competition, a Mexican television show asked the public who should have won the pageant. Natália Guimarães won this poll with almost a third of the votes.



Why in the TOP 20 List? If an E.T. from Mars landed on Earth and asked me to appoint the best example of a Brazilian brunette that would be her. Long perfect straight hair imaginative dark and unparalleled smile confers Natália Guimarães the number 1 post.


Top Brazilian Brunette # 2: Juliana Paes

Short Biography: Actress, former model and drum queen. Juliana Paes is the typical Carioca Girl, born in the State of Rio-de-Janeiro.

Cover girl for several Brazilian magazines, she is considered the top sensual symbol in Brazil. Juliana was also ranked by “People Magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People" in 2006. Juliana gained famed after successful leading role participations in GLOBO TV soap-operas. She has also done some cinema, musicals, theater plays, and even some fashion shows. As a multi-talented artist Juliana Paes has proven she has more than a gorgeous spirit.




Why in the TOP 20 List? Juliana Paes is the equivalent of Marilyn Monroe in Brazil and is still considered by many Brazilians as the most sensual woman alive in the country. In addition to her lively personality, Juliana has fascinating eyes and nearly perfect curves. Juliana is our silver medalist. Juliana Paes genetic backgrounds include the native Indians of Brazil, Negro and European roots. The downside, Juliana Paes is getting married this year...


Top Brazilian Brunette # 3: Natália Anderle

Short Biography: Model. Natália Anderle is 22 years old and was born in the countryside of Rio Grande do Sul, a state in the south of Brazil. Natália Anderle was crowned Miss Brazil Universe 2008 at a beauty pageant held in the Citibank Hall, in Sao Paulo, Brazil.




Why in the TOP 20 list? Natalia Anderle has beautiful long legs, thin nose and shiny straight dark hair. Her eyes are of rare symmetry and are very Brazilian. Natalia will definitely reach the limelight.


Top Brazilian Brunette # 4 : Mariana Felício

Short Biography: Until four years ago, no one in Brazil ever heard of this wonder girl from the country-side of Sao Paulo. Mariana Felício had a tough life from the moment she was born. Her father used to work in agriculture and her mother was house keeper. For a long time she modeled and also worked as a fisherwoman, until was invited to join a reality show, where she showed all her charisma and personality.



Why in the TOP 20 List? Our fourth position goes to Mariana Felício´s dazzling eyes and low-key personality. Mariana shows it is possible to be a tall model, and display natural Brazilian curves. Her beauty may be a simple one, but in this case, less means much more.




Top Brazilian Brunette # 5: Jaque Khury

Short Biography: Model Jacque Khury was born in São Paulo, April 6th 1980. She started her career posing for TV ads and minor participations in movies and TV shows. In 2008, Jaque was invited to join the Brazilian version of Big Brother in its 8th edition. She posed for a famous men´s magazine in March 2008 wearing leather boots and caused great success.




Why in the TOP 20 List? Jaque Khury has unique golden skin that has attracted fans all over Brazil. Part of every new list of the new national sensual symbol, Jaque has a>provocative mouth and perfect teeth. She is now studying theater. Also, she have participated in SuperPOP TV show, always with smart comments and intelligent moves.




Recently, the Muse was elected for Drum Queen Post as the Brazilian Carnival, See photos.

Top Brazilian Brunette # 6: Cléo Pires

Short Biography: Actress. Cléo Pires Ayrosa Galvão, usually known simply as Cléo Pires, is a Brazilian actress, born in Rio-de-Janeiro. Cléo is the daughter of Glória Pires, actress, and actor Fábio Jr.; both Brazilian.

Cléo won the best actress award in the Festival do Rio 2003 for her role in "Benjamim". Recently, Cléo Pires enjoyed much success with "">Meu Nome Não É Johnny" movie, where she played Sofia, girlfriend of main role movie character Johnny. Her talent is a true promess to the Brazilian TV and Movie scene.




Why in the TOP 20 List? Cléo Pires has a distinguishing overall “Brazilian look” with dark eyes, eye brows, and native Brazilian Indian dark straight hair. Cléo´s Carioca style adds charm to this ranking.


Top Brazilian Brunette # 7: Gisele Itié

Short Biography: Actress and Model. Born in México City, but was raised in Brazil since the age of four. Gisele Itié started her carrier as a model and had her commercial debut in a national perfume campaign in 2000. Gisele Itié had a leading role in The Mystery of Sintra from Portuguese classical author Eça de Queiroz . Giselle participated in several soap operas from GLOBO NETWORK TV, such as “Pé na Jaca” and “The Prophet”, where her character Sabine enjoyed great success. Gisele was also invited to participate in an episode of a cable TV series called “Mandrake”. Today she also lives in Rio-de-Janeiro.




Why in the TOP 20 List? Gisele Itié is the owner of probably the most sensual look in Brazilian TV. Her intense eyes reflect her charismatic personality. Gisele’s proportions are the best proof that Rio de Janeiro has turned her into a true Brazilian.


Top Brazilian Brunette # 8: Patricia Poeta

Short Biography: Journalist, started at the Globo TV in February 2000 presenting daily weather forecast and was later promoted to anchorwoman in Daily News with “Bom Dia São Paulo”, “Bom Dia Brasil” . Patricia spent several years in New York working as an international correspondent for Globo Network TV.



Why in the TOP 20 List? Patricia Poeta is the owner of one of the most gorgeous straight brunet hair in Brazil. Her black eyebrows are also typically Brazilian. Patricia Poeta is a perfect example that beauty and content can work together. She is married now with two kids and lives in Rio-de-Janeiro



Top Brazilian Brunette # 9: Carol Castro


Short Biography: Actress, model.

Carol demonstrated her talent in several soap operas such as “Beleza Pura” and Senhoras do Destino. She has starred several Brazilian music video clips, such as "Esverdear", by Forroçacana, "Festa", by Ivete Sangalo, and "Morro no Brasil", by Farofa Carioca. In the theater, the muse Carol Castro she is having great critic and public success in the award winning Jorge Amado´s play Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands now playing Rio-de-Janeiro.



Why in the TOP 20 List? Carol Castro is the Brazilian brunet that could be our “dream girl next door". Carol Castro´s sensual tattoo adds extra pepper to this ranking.


Top Brazilian Brunette # 10: Luciana Gimenez


Short Biography: Luciana Gimenez is a Brazilian fashion model and TV show hostess. Luciana started her modeling career at age 13, and has worked in many cities around the world, such as Paris, Hamburg, Milan and New York. Luciana is a TV hostess in Brazil's Rede TV, and her show is called “Superpop. She is of Spanish and Lebanese background. Luciana is a proof that models can be multi-talented if they work hard. Luciana is a true carnival muse too!



Why in the TOP 20 Brazilian Brunettes List? Luciana is also another vivid example that even cat-walk models can have interesting thoughts. Her elegance and presence has even attracted experienced smooth operators .


Top Brazilian Brunette # 11: Maryeva Oliveira


Short Biography: Model. Maryeva Oliveira was born on Florianopolis,(south of Brazil) December 29th, 1980 and became famous after being tennis player Gustavo Kuerten´s girlfriend. Born from a family of surfers, Maryeva has been cover girl for several magazines such as Nova, Trip, Boa Forma. Today, Maryeva Oliveira s currently a VJ host for a video clip TV show called TOP Mix.




Why in the TOP 20 List? Maryeva´s facial lines are extremely symmetrical, which confers her nearly perfect Brazilian smile. Although Maryeva can walk as a model, she surely has Brazilian curves in the right spots.


Top Brazilian Brunette # 12: Luiza Brunet

Short Biography: Model. From the heart of Pantanal, more precisely at a humble blockhouse surrounded by an exuberant and wild nature, was born Luiza Brunet, on May 24, 1962. Daughter of Luiz da Silva, a farmer from the Brazilian northeastern state of Ceará, and Alzira Botelho da Silva, a homemaker from Rio-de-Janeiro, she had a very poor but happy childhood. Then, Luiza Brunet was a packer at a tissue factory. Beauty, at the time, was a problem for her. She had to switch jobs to get rid of her boss' harassment and went to work at a boutique. She started modeling by chance, right after the wedding. At the time, photographer Nilton Ricardo was charmed by the brunette's beauty and invited her to shoot a book. From that day on, Luiza's career took off.




Why in the TOP 20 Brazilian Brunettes List? Luiza Brunet has fascinating eyes, long proportional legs and a impacting personality. Her enticing dark hair looks the same since her teen years. If this ranking was made a few years ago, Luiza Brunet would be definitely in our top position.


Top Brazilian Brunette # 13: Camila Pitanga

Short Biography: Actress, Model. Camila Pitanga is the daughter of actor Antonio Pitanga and actress Vera Manhães born in Rio-de-Janeiro. "Pitanga", her real surname, is also the name of an acid and exotic tropical fruit of Brazilian Northeast. Camila started her carrier as a model and studied acting and interpretation at Tablado Theater school. Slowly she showed her great talent as an actress. Some of her most important project included soap-opera Paraíso Tropical as Bebel, "Belíssima" as Monica Santana and movies such as "Saneamento Básico, O Filme<", "Noel: The Samba Poet", "
Bendito o Fruto,<” in 2004 and 2006 movie “Mulheres do Brasil” playing a character called Esmeralda. Camila is surely a name Hollywood producers should keep an eye at.



Why in the TOP 20 List? Camila Pitanga has an exquisite skin color and elegant pose that makes 10 out 10 foreigners go crazy. To a certain extent, Camila is perfect example of Brazil’s irresistible melting pot.


Top Brazilian Brunette # 14: Camila Rodrigues

Short Biography: Model, Actress. Camila started her life in the entertainment world as a model, but soon was invited to interpret the shy Mari, with much talent in Globo TV soap opera called “América”. She also worked in special TV series called “Amazônia” and “Desejo Proibido". Camila was divorced a few months ago. Today, she also lives in Rio-de-Janeiro..




Why in the TOP 20 list? With 1,69 meters (5' 6½" feet) and 57 kilos (125 pounds), 24 year old Camila has mysterious eyes and intriguing personality. Camila ´s chameleon looks is a pure blend of the Brazilian girl and the Brazilian magic.


Top Brazilian Brunette # 15: Carol Honório</

Short Biography: Carol Honório is a typical “Carioca” girl, born and raised in the heart of Copacabana district in Rio-de-Janeiro. As the youngest muse in our TOP 20 Brazilian Brunettes list, Carol gained fame after being the finalist in the Brazilian version of reality show “Big Brother”, in its 7th Edition.



Why in the TOP 20 List? Carol Honório has surely the most amazing skin color of this list, probably due to her indigenous and European background. Carol also displays a radiant beautiful smile and a lively personality.


Top Brazilian Brunette # 16: Daniele Souza

Short Biography: Model. Also known as "Mulher Samambaia" or “Fern-Woman”, Daniele was born in the Santa Catarina state, in the city of Lages, January 2nd, 1981. Daniele lived until 2003 in Balneário Camboriú, where she was invited to participate in beauty contest called “As Felinas”. Daniele was hired as an assistant the satire and comic show called “Panico na TV”. The “Fern-woman” is presently studying interior design décor apart from TV show.



Why in the TOP 20 List? Mulher Samambaia has an architectural aspect. Her suggestive eyes are also distinguishingly Brazilian. Her aloof style adds creative fun to this ranking.


Top Brazilian Brunette # 17: Scheila Carvalho

Short Biography: Dancer, Model and TV Hostess. Scheila Carvalho was born Minas Gerais state in September 24, 1973 became one of the most famous Axé and Pagode< dancers in Brazil. She rose to prominence as a dancer for samba act called "É o Tchan!", and has gone on to appear in numerous magazine photo shoots. Scheila Carvalho was elected by Brazilian magazine as the most beautiful woman alive in Brazil for 3 consecutive years.




Why in the TOP 20 List? As a dancer, Scheila Carvalho used to spend hours working out her fleshy thighs and voluptuous hips. Although not a very a tall woman, Scheila has a striking charisma. Sheila’s brunet color is characteristic of Brazilian woman.


Top Brazilian Brunette # 18: Fábia Borges

Short Biography: Samba Drum Queen, model. 27 year old Fabia Borges is a descendent of a family of carnival and samba makers in Rio-de-Janeiro.

Her mother Juju Maravilha, was a respected samba school Flag Bearer (“porta-bandeira” ) for Unidos da Tijuca Samba school. Fabia Borges started to parade when she was 5 years old, so samba runs in her veins. She had great success parading both for Unidos da Tijuca and Acadêmicos da Rocinha in 2008.



Why in the TOP 20 List? Fabia Borges has the samba sensuality in her veins, legs and feet. Fabia Borges Muse also has a beautiful skin color, very representative of the carnival scene in Rio.



Top Brazilian Brunette # 19: Shayene Cesário:

Short Biography:


Shayene Cesario is a 23 years old Rio model and law student born in Rio de Janeiro. The lovely brazilian brunette has indigenous, European, and Afro-Brazilian roots, which clearly constructed that extraordinary look. Shayene was raised in the traditional São Carlos neighborhood and started to parade at the early age of 8 with Estácio de Sá Samba School in Rio-de-Janeiro. After being considered a muse for the soccer team “Botafogo”, one of her other passions, Shayene Cesário > found about Carnival Queen and Princess Contest promoted by RIOTUR, by a friend. Shayene rightfully enrolled at the conquest since she knew she had a good “samba dance routine” and loved carnival too.

When the Official Rio-de-Janeiro Queen and Princess Contest was over, September 26th, Shayene Cesário could never imagine she would be crowned the Official Rio de Janeiro Carnival Princess, winning over 12 other contenders. The decision was made by a judging panel that considered several attributes for the final scores, including samba dance abilities, overall charisma, sympathy, body elegance and facial expressions. The samba choreography was organized by the renowned Lucinha Nobre, Flag Bearer from Unidos da Tijuca Samba School.



As part of her attributes of Official Rio de Janeiro Carnival Princess, Shayene Cesário had to participate in a series of carnival balls, visit several samba rehearsal promoted by traditional samba schools like Unidos da Tijuca, Mangueira, Salgueiro, Portela, together with the other members of the carnival court in Rio: Carnival Queen and Momo King Milton Rodrigues.

Those who think this marketing pampering campaign is just posing may be unadvised: The carnival promotion marathon is extremely strenuous and fatiguing. As an example of a classic carnival promotional event, the Rio de Janeiro Mayor hands the “city´s keys” to Carnival court and officially opens the carnival festivity.




Why in the TOP 20 List? Well, I guess all of the above!

Top Brazilian Brunette # 20: Tatiana Pagung

Short Biography: Model, actress, movie maker. Tatiana Pagung is a true lover of the samba world in Rio-de-Janeiro.

Started as an actress with 11 years old, and then gained fame as the Drum Queen for Mocidade Independente Samba School. Tatiana Pagung produced a series of documentaries of the carnival community in Rio, and helped to produce a full movie.

Recently, Tatiana Pagungwas invited to shoot in the United States.



Why in the TOP 20 List?


Tatiana Pagung dark gold skin color is blessed by all Carnival Gods, probably due to her Negro, European, and indigenous background. Tathiana Pagung has bewitching eyes that mesmerize even the most experienced samba musician.

Thatiana is also a living proof that modeling can work together with serious and thorough content.