The Oscars are full of inspiration for hair, makeup, and accessories as well as fashion. Here are my favorite ideas and trends from this year's red carpet.
Perfect Color
I instantly fell in love with Kristen Bell's auburn highlighted look - especially since we're used to seeing her sport platinum blonde locks. I thought the color really warmed up her complexion and made her elegant updo featuring a low bun and volume at the crown look even more dramatic. She kept her makeup simple, with rose lipstick and blush to complement her dress' frosty color.
Vintage Waves
Vintage waves and a side part are so flattering on Cate Blanchett. She kept her makeup simple, with black curled eyelashes, peach blush, and a nude lip, so that her rhinestone-accented dress and statement earrings were the focus.
Simple, Dramatic Makeup
It was all about the eyeliner for Olivia Wilde, Charlize Theron, and Anna Kendrick. Olivia's look included a dramatic, mod-inspired winged cat-eye with a touch of white shimmer to match her white drop earrings and the details on her dress, paired with nude lipstick and matte balm. The Revlon spokeswoman's messy chignon hairstyle looked effortless and gorgeous. Charlize Theron and Anna Kendrick both went with sleek, polished hairstyles. Charlize's makeup included bold black liner, perfectly sculpted brows, and a nude lip. Anna Kendrick added an extra pop of color with matte coral lipstick, and I adore her art deco influenced tassel earrings.
Smoky Eyes
Angelina Jolie and Penelop Cruz both brought perfect, glossy chesnut brunette haircolor and bronze smoky eyes to the red carpet to complement the romantic muted tones of their gowns. Angelina wore a pale pink glossy lipstick, white Penelope wore a pearlescent pink shade.
Drama and Romance
Mom-to-be Kerry Washington looked so pretty with her half-up, curly hairstyle, soft blush, and dramatic plum lipstick. She was one of the only actresses to sport a dark lip and it looked surprisingly perfect with her lavender gown and matching vampy manicure.
Edgy Accessories
Lupita Nyong'o, Sandra Bullock, and Maria Menounos each spotted eye-catching, edgy cluster earrings that cuff the earlobe. Clearly these earrings look great with any hairstyle, from Lupita's feminine Fred Leighton headband, to Sandra's highlighted vintage waves, to Maria's braided boho chignon. I think all of these fresh-faced ladies are winners in the makeup category as well. Lupita looked dewy and glowing with gray eyeshadow, bright coral lipstick, and a Deborah Lipmann La Vie En Rose manicure to complement her "Nairobi blue" gown. Sandra's navy waterline eyeliner looked modern but not too over-the-top paired with pale pink blush and lipstick (the way to go with colored liner). Maria's bold eyeliner and nude lip rounded out her high-fashion look.
Which of these looks is your favorite? Can you see yourself rocking any of these trends?
