We must admit, we were somewhat underwhelmed by the beauty looks last night (did everyone just forget to wear makeup or something?) but there were a few standout stars who reminded us why this is the biggest night of the year for glamour. Here are our picks for best of beauty from the 2014 Academy Awards. Tell us, do you agree? Who were your favorites?
1Lupita Nyong’o
The girl who can do no wrong this awards season nails it again: her close crop with simple headband looks fresh and young. Take a tip from this newcomer, ladies. She owns her looks with the confidence of a red carpet veteran, and everyone loves her for it.
Standout products used on Lupita: Smooth ‘N Shine Go Pro Curls Gelle Parfait, Smooth ‘N Shine Go Pro Gro Crème Oil, göt2b rise and shine luminous lift hairspray
2Cate Blanchett
I think we can all agree that Cate is actually an elf queen in real life, right? How else does she look so otherworldly all the time? (Must be the all the SKII skincare.) Here is an example of what we all aspire to have: perfect, glowing skin, rosy cheeks. And the old-Hollywood hair with a side part is universally flattering for all face shapes.
Standout products used on Cate: Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Eyeshadow Quad #2 Effeto Nudo, Lancôme Hypnôse Waterproof Custom Volume Mascara, Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush #10 Beige
3Angelina Jolie
It’s classic Jolie, but hey, if it works, it works, right? Long, movie star lashes, expert contouring around the eyes to make them stand out without the use of loads of dark shadow, and shiny nude lips. This is grown-up makeup, fit for red carpet royalty indeed.
4Jared Leto
Just when we thought ombre hair was over, Jared Leto happened. And when he told the story about his amazing mother during his acceptance speech? Swoooooon.
5Amy Adams
When you pick a gorgeous navy dress, keeping your makeup monochromatic is a smart move—bronze-y eye/lip/cheek (and not to mention hair) lets the gown take center stage.
6Kerry Washington
In a sea of no-makeup makeup and short hair, Kerry looks great in a bold lip and earth-mama goddess hair. She does it just right—with dark lips it’s best to keep the eyes subtle so it looks cool, not clownish.
7Olivia Wilde
Glowing and pregnant (with bonafide hottie Jason Sudeikis at her side), Olivia’s sixties-style cat eye is coy without being cutesy. Try the look for yourself to flatter any eye shape—the wing elongates for a wide-eyed, feminine look.
8Chrissy Teigan
Bombshell hair for a bombshell girl (and current Sports Illustrated cover model). Chrissy gets is right with the ultimate in sexy-yet-approachable hair: Volume, loose waves and soft texture. Her glow comes courtesy of St. Tropez Luxe Dry Oil on the body and St. Tropez Skin Illuminator to highlight the cheekbones and collarbone. Perfection.
9Olga Kurylenko
We didn’t see many smoky eyes on the red carpet, but leave it to a Bond girl to show us why it’s the perfect way to top off a coral ruffle. We love how there’s a lot going on with her dress/makeup/earrings so she kept it simple with her simply, non-fussy updo.
10Charlize Theron
There were several short blond crops on the red carpet, but Charlize wore it best (no shocker there). If you have a long, graceful neck, short hair looks regal and appropriate for even the fanciest of events. No frumpiness here!
Standout products used on Charlize:
Makeup: DiorBlush Vibrant Color Powder Blush in in Coral Cruise #679, Diorshow Art Pen Intense Professional Felt-Tip Eyeliner in Catwalk Black #095, Dior 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette in Incognito #030, Diorshow Black Out Mascara in Kohl Black #099, Dior Addict Fluid Stick in Frisson #239 (availale for special preview purchase March 15); Dior.com
Hair: Wella Professionals Natural Volume Mousse, Wella Professionals Oil Reflections; wella.com
