Oscars 2023: The Best Celebrity Beauty Looks on the Red Carpet

Finally, we've arrived at the biggest and best night of awards season! 

The Academy Awards have been going strong for 90 years now, and as you know, celebs have always paid homage to classic old Hollywood style on the red carpet.

Last night seemed different. Yes, there were still a few cases of vintage waves and “safe” makeup. But overall, I saw more colour, more freshness and more FUN in the beauty than ever before!

Ready to see the looks? Here are all the close-ups:

Makeup: I never thought I'd write this sentence, but I LOVE Emma's shimmery, '80s-inspired pink and purple eyeshadow! It's actually even more '80s because of the hot pink “power blush” applied high up, towards the eyes (similar to Rihanna's Met Gala look last year). This is the kind of playful makeup I like to see on her—not the dark, cool tones she wore at the Globes! Hair: The smooth, straight lob in a deep side part is perfection (as is her strawberry blonde colour).

Emma is wearing: Face mask ‣ Sheet mask ‣ Eye cream ‣ Moisturizer (mixed with foundation) ‣ Foundation ‣ Blush in Kingpin ‣ Blush in Buzzed ‣ Eyeshadow palette in Wanted ‣ Lip balm ‣ Lip crayon in Let's Go Crazy ‣ Lip gloss in Super Orgasm ‣ Hair oil ‣ Volumizing spray

Margot Robbie

Makeup: Margot went super-natural, which makes sense with the white dress (although I maintain that her 'I, Tonya' tour looks have been more exciting!). There's a kiss of colour on her lips, with matching rosy cheeks and silver eyeshadow. I love that she skipped eyeliner to keep it fresh. Hair: The real standout is her bob, freshly chopped a couple inches shorter. The bend is the 2023 way to do texture!

Margot is wearing: Face roller ‣ Blush in Rose Écrin ‣ Highlighter in Ivory Gold ‣ Eyeshadow in Titane ‣ Eyeliner in Clair ‣ Mascara in Noir ‣ Brow pencil in Brun Clair ‣ Lip colour in Tender Rose ‣ Lipstick in Cécile ‣ Hair oil ‣ Smoothing lotion ‣ Texturizing spray ‣ Hairspray

Lupita Nyong'o

Makeup: The Lupita looks just keep getting better and better. Her skin is even more incredible than usual, and I love the tone-on-tone effect with the bronze lipstick. As we've come to expect, she did colour on her eyes—a bright blue inspired by an ancient Egyptian goddess! Hair: The hair is equally cool; there are three braids woven with gold string, a nod to traditional Rwandan hairstyles.

Lupita is wearing: Blush in 6 ‣ Blush in Rum Raisin ‣ Highlighter ‣ Eyeshadow in It List ‣ Eyeshadow in All Made Up ‣ Eyeliner in Bleu Magique ‣ Lip balm ‣ Lip liner in Amandelle ‣ Lipstick in Henne

Gal Gadot

Makeup: We've seen versions of this makeup on Gal before, but it was definitely the right choice for her Art Deco-style dress. It's all about the lush berry lip with long lashes and perfect brows. Her skin is very fresh, and there's just enough contouring to accentuate her amazing bone structure. Hair: The clean, simple updo looks chic and glam.

Gal is wearing: Foundation in Warm Golden ‣ Powder in Light/Medium ‣ Highlighter in Sunlit Dream ‣ Eyeshadow in creme Brûlée ‣ Eyeshadow in Caramel ‣ Eyeliner in Onyx ‣ Mascara in Black ‣ Lip liner in Wine ‣ Lipstick in Bombshell Red

Jennifer Lawrence

Makeup: My first thought was, “Jennifer Lawrence is wearing A LOT of makeup.” But I think it's also the hair and the dress that are contributing to sensory overload! Technically, the application is flawless. I love winged shadow on her (like we saw here) and I do think we're seeing the return of strong eyes with strong lips. Hair: The waves are great, but I think they're better on her with more natural makeup (I'm thinking of the Boho vibe she had going on here). I would've done a slick, tight-to-the-head updo instead. It's always good to have one element clean and fresh, otherwise you start looking a bit aggressive!

Zoey Deutch

Makeup: If you've never thought about matching your lipstick to your eyeshadow, I bet you're considering it now! These berry tones (with bold brows and soft lashes) elevate Zoey's classically glamorous look. I just wish her skin wasn't quite so matte. Hair: I didn't realize her hair was this long now! Even though we've seen retro waves a zillion times before, they look fresh at this length. Her colour is gorgeous, too.

Zoey is wearing: Essence ‣ Serum ‣ Foundation ‣ Powder ‣ Bronzer in Light ‣ Blush in Perfect Peach ‣ Eyeshadow in Pourpre Profond ‣ Eyeshadow in Marron ‣ Eyeshadow in Lilas d'Or ‣ Eyeliner in Eros ‣ Brow pencil in Brun Profond ‣ Brow mascara in Brun ‣ Mascara in Character ‣ Lip colour in Burning Berry

Eiza González

Makeup: When your dress can stop traffic, you don't need much in the way of makeup, and that's exactly how Eiza played things here. The sunny, orangey-red lipstick adds a nice pop, but the rest of her face is natural and fresh. I'd love to see her brow tails grown in more (or microbladed). Hair: There's nothing contrived about this hairstyle; it's just soft and easy.

Eiza is wearing: Mascara in Black

Zendaya

Makeup: I swear this photo has not been retouched—Zendaya's skin really looks this air-brushed! I could also stare at her smoky eyes for DAYS, the blending is so immaculate. Clear lip gloss balances them out nicely. I think her brows and lashes are more natural than we've seen in the past. Hair: The top knot is cute… this was not the place for one of her exaggerated wigs!

Zendaya is wearing: Moisturizer ‣ Tinted moisturizer ‣ Skin booster (mixed with foundation and as highlighter) ‣ Foundation in 9 Dark ‣ Contour in Medium to Dark ‣ Highlighter ‣ Concealer in 6 Medium ‣ Powder in 3 Dark ‣ Eyeshadow in The Dolce Vita ‣ Mascara in Glossy Black ‣ Brow pencil in Naomi ‣ Brow mascara in Clear ‣ Lip gloss in Hall of Fame

Sandra Bullock

Makeup: It's been a while since we've seen Sandra, and I really like her new edgy vibe—thanks to the combination of brushed-up eyebrows and smudgy, smoky charcoal eyeshadow. Her cheeks look a little over-injected, but the blush and lip colour are both pretty. Can you believe she's 53?! Hair: She was born to wear this centre-parted, straight hairstyle.

Emily Blunt

Makeup: For once, Emily's makeup isn't too harsh for her colouring. I love the peachy-pink lipstick and blush, and the silver eyeshadow was a nice touch to pick up on the colour of the dress. (But man, this dress! HARD PASS on the puffed sleeves and high neckline.) Hair: There was no other choice here except an updo. But between the blonde hair and pale dress, she looks washed-out. I miss her brunette!

Emily is wearing: Lip crayon in Vibe ‣ Lip crayon in Ruthless

Salma Hayek

Makeup: Few people could look as gorgeous as Salma in purple lipstick! I think it makes her dress look more lavish and elegant. As always, her skin defies the aging process. I'm just not a fan of the unnaturally long lashes (but at least they're not heavy). Hair: The romantic low chignon with face-framing wavy pieces was the obvious choice for this look.

Salma is wearing: Essence ‣ Serum ‣ Moisturizer ‣ Primer ‣ Foundation ‣ Concealer in Custard ‣ Blush in Beam ‣ Highlighter in Quartz ‣ Powder in Diffused Light ‣ Eyeshadow palette (lavender and plum shades) ‣ Eyeshadow in Slip ‣ Eyeliner in Prunella ‣ Mascara ‣ Brow pencil in Soft Brown ‣ Brow mascara in Brown ‣ Lip liner in 11 ‣ Lip colour in Velvet Slipper

Allison Williams

Makeup: Finally, Allison got the memo! Previously this awards season, we'd seen her in harsh, dry, brown-toned makeup. So this is a huge improvement, even if it's not very memorable (and the lashes are a bit over-the-top). Hair: The waves look soft and touchable, but the effect is too “done”—too boring and conservative.

Allison is wearing: Face mask ‣ Face mist ‣ Moisturizer ‣ Eye cream ‣ Foundation in 20 Clair ‣ Concealer in Beige Ivoire ‣ Powder in 20 Clair ‣ Bronzer ‣ Bronzer in Light ‣ Blush in Jersey ‣ Highlighter in Rosy Gold ‣ Eyeshadow in Tissé Rivoli ‣ Eyeshadow in Sable ‣ Eyeshadow in New Moon ‣ Eyeliner in Noir ‣ Mascara in Noir ‣ Brow pencil in Blond Doré ‣ Brow mascara in Blond ‣ Lip balm

Gina Rodriguez

Makeup: Gina's skin looks great, and I think she pulls off pale pink lipstick really well. But I can't get behind the white eyeshadow! I think she needed more shading at the lash lines, not so much at her outer lids—like she had on this red carpet in 2015. Hair: It's way more interesting from the side, as it's not an updo but a low bubble ponytail (well, with only one bubble). I do think it would be nice to see her hair down more often.

Gina is wearing: Eye mask ‣ Foundation in Rich Caramel ‣ Blush in Shy Pink ‣ Eyeshadow in Blooming Desert (champagne shade) mixed with Lip treatment (as highlighter) ‣ Eyeshadow in Shimmering Nudes ‣ Eyeliner in Warm Brown ‣ Mascara in Classic Black ‣ Brow pencil in Brunette ‣ Lipstick in Nile Nude

Allison Janney

Makeup: Allison's eye makeup is fantastic. The liner defines her eyes in a modern way, but because it's in a soft charcoal instead of black, it doesn't look “hard.” The matte pink lip colour is also great, but I'd tone down and warm up the blush. Hair: The updo and side bang are super-flattering.

Allison is wearing: Face mist ‣ Foundation in 8 ‣ Blush in Dusk ‣ Blush in Puff ‣ Highlighter in Quartz ‣ Eyeshadow in Moon ‣ Eyeshadow in Fawn ‣ Eyeliner ‣ Mascara in Carbon Black ‣ Brow mascara in Blond ‣ Lip balm ‣ Lip liner in Ballet Blush ‣ Lipstick in Nude Fizz

Saoirse Ronan

Makeup: I know she's not everyone's taste, but Saoirse has had some of the most interesting makeup looks this awards season. This one was inspired by late 19th century Japanese manga style (how specific is that?!), which translates into a pink stain at the centre of the lips, and pink eyeshadow-turning-into-blush. (Actually, it was all done with blush!) Although her skin's a little dry, I think this suits her far more than the conventional glam she had last year's Oscars. Hair: Just like Margot, she got a new bob. It gives the dress a more youthful, casual feel, which I love. I think the roots were also deliberate!

Saoirse is wearing: Face mist ‣ Face oil ‣ Foundation in 10 Beige ‣ Powder in 10 Beige ‣ Blush in Tender Rose (as blush, eyeshadow and lip colour) ‣ Blush in Orange Explosif (as blush, eyeshadow and lip colour) ‣ Eyeshadow in Undertone ‣ Eyeliner in Mat Taupe ‣ Mascara in Noir Brun ‣ Brow pencil in Blond Tendre ‣ Brow mascara in Transparent ‣ Lip liner in Beige Innocent

Taraji P. Henson

Makeup: Like Salma, Taraji went for a purple lip—I've always liked this colour on her! The silvery shadow is unexpected and cool, although I'd prefer more natural lashes (and less precise brows). Hair: I'm such a fan of this angular straight lob on her; it's definitely her Life Cut.

Taraji is wearing: Exfoliator ‣ Eye gels ‣ Serum ‣ Primer ‣ Foundation in Medium ‣ Setting spray ‣ Blush in Haze ‣ Contour ‣ Highlighter in Confidence ‣ Eyeshadow in Fawn ‣ Eyeliner in Black ‣ False lashes ‣ Lip liner in Cork ‣ Lip colour in Savage ‣ Lip colour in Drama Queen

Nicole Kidman

Makeup: Nicole looks really good here! I like the red lipstick and blush; they brighten her face and look younger/more current than when she does paler tones. The fuller brows are also good, and I'm fine with the lashes since she doesn't have much lid space. Her skin doesn't look dry, like it did at the SAGs. Hair: I'm glad she wore it down! I think updos can be a bit aging on her.

Nicole is wearing: Sheet mask ‣ Moisturizer ‣ Sunscreen ‣ Foundation in Natural Ivory ‣ Concealer in Fair ‣ Blush in Rosy ‣ Blush in Pure ‣ Eyeshadow in Smoky Steel ‣ Eyeliner in Cosmic Black ‣ Mascara in Black ‣ Brow pencil in Blonde ‣ Lip balm ‣ Lip crayon in Classic Red

Helen Mirren

Makeup: Helen wears cool-toned makeup so well. The pink lips and blush are perfect with her skin tone, hair colour and dress. Her false lashes are long, but soft, and there's no harsh eyeliner—just some silver highlights at the inner corners to brighten her eyes. Hair: Just like the twentysomethings here, she's dressed down her outfit with a cool, casual bob!

Viola Davis

Makeup: Viola definitely has a thing for ridiculous lashes! If only she'd gone more natural, I could get behind this look, which is such a fun departure from her usual style. I like how her brows were handled, along with the smudgy liner, light eyeshadow and mauve lips. Hair: Really, this is more about the statement curls (which are actually a ponytail).

Viola is wearing: Contour in Gienah ‣ Eyeshadow palette (Obsidian, Biscotti and Burnt Umber shades) ‣ Eyeliner in Legend ‣ Eyeliner in Black ‣ Mascara ‣ False lashes ‣ Concealer in Café (on lips) ‣ Lip liner in Espresso ‣ Lipstick in Hawkwind

Samara Weaving

Makeup: Emma Stone wasn't the only one doing '80s pink and purple shadow. Samara's eye makeup has a similar vibe, just with more smokiness, less shimmer. It's so good with her full brows and soft coral lips. Her blush doesn't look blended, but hopefully that's just the angle. Hair: You can never go wrong with a loose, soft, feminine updo.

Samara is wearing: Eye gels ‣ Essence ‣ Serum ‣ Eye cream

Jennifer Garner

Makeup: I don't love it. I think Jennifer looks better with more colour on her lips (see here, or even here), not such a pale shade… with obvious lip liner! I'm not opposed to emphasizing the lower lash lines, but I feel it looks kind of dated with the hair and the dress. Hair: She does have amazingly thick, healthy hair, but see that '80s “swoop” at the front? I think you have to be careful with that, past a certain age. It has to be paired with the right makeup and dress to look modern… and this is not the look!

Jennifer is wearing: Moisturizer ‣ Sunscreen ‣ Foundation in Nude ‣ Concealer in Light ‣ Blush in Vibrant ‣ Eyeshadow in Smoky Steel ‣ Eyeliner in Cosmic Black ‣ Mascara in Black ‣ Brow pencil in Soft Brown ‣ Lip balm ‣ Lip crayon in Pink Mocha

Danai Gurira

Makeup: When your hair is this short, it's all about making that cheek pop, which Dani is doing with her plum blush and gold highlighter. I love the similar shade on her lips, in a high gloss, with smudgy black liner to rim her eyes. Hair: The finishing touch? An intricate white stamp and shaved detail on the side of her head, which was inspired by African tribal patterns. So good!

Leslie Mann

Makeup: Leslie looks radiant in this red-orange lipstick to match her dress. Heavy eye makeup would overwhelm her delicate features, so I'm glad she paired it with soft lashes and brows. She has really nice skin! Hair: Long, loose and effortless was the way to go. That not-quite-blonde, not-quite-red colour is gorgeous.

Leslie is wearing: Eye mask ‣ Eye serum ‣ Foundation in Vanilla ‣ Concealer in 2 ‣ Blush in Emotion ‣ Eyeshadow palette ‣ Eyeshadow in Copper ‣ Eyeliner in Oolong ‣ Mascara ‣ Brow pencil in Light Taupe ‣ Lip liner in Desire ‣ Lipstick in Hollyhock

Elisabeth Moss

Makeup: Elisabeth suits a light touch on the makeup, so I approve of this simple, lip-focused look. With her light hair and dress, the bright fuchsia adds some necessary colour. Hair: I'm not crazy about the style, but the bigger issue is the colour. Blonde just washes her out. A medium to light brown would be such a welcome change!

Elisabeth is wearing: Blush in Truly Flirting

Greta Gerwig

Makeup: I love seeing unexpected shades together, like Greta's mustard yellow dress with matte raspberry lipstick (instead of a predictable red). Long lashes and winged liner add to the drama, with dark, feathered brows to anchor the look. I just think her skin finish could be better (it's so powdery and matte). Hair: The 1920s bob is what takes this to the next level. Finally, a twist on vintage glamour that does not involve Veronica Lake waves!

Greta is wearing: Face mist ‣ Moisturizer ‣ Tinted moisturizer in Medium ‣ Concealer in Medium ‣ Blush in Beam ‣ Highlighter in Moonstone ‣ Eyeshadow in Moon ‣ Eyeshadow in Slip ‣ Eyeshadow in Cub ‣ Brow mascara in Brown ‣ Lip balm in Original ‣ Lip liner in Deep Wine ‣ Lipstick in Full Blooded

Sofia Carson

Makeup: Sofia's skin has a nice dewiness… even though it's obviously lighter and pinker in tone than her neck! I like her strong brows and I can live with the lashes; they're balanced by matching peach shades on her eyes, cheeks and lips. Besides the foundation-matching issue, her bottom lip liner could be more blended, and the brow pencil is too warm. Hair: The side-parted updo is fine, although it's all a bit “princessy.”

Sofia is wearing: Contour in Medium ‣ Highlighter in Light ‣ Mascara ‣ False lashes ‣ Lip gloss in Baileys Vanilla

Haley Bennett

Makeup: I love Haley's flushed cheeks and bright coral-stained lips! She also has such good skin, that doesn't need foundation (or at least looks that way). Her eye shape was handled beautifully, especially with the highlights at the inner corners. But speaking of eyes… WHY does she want to wear these obvious green contacts?! Hair: I like the bob, but not so crazy about the short bangs and the streaky colour! Did you know she used to be a redhead? I love this colour for her!

Haley is wearing: Primer ‣ Blush in Papaya ‣ Blush in Fuchsia ‣ Highlighter in Glow ‣ Eyeshadow in Dream ‣ Eyeliner ‣ Mascara

Mary J. Blige

Makeup: Mary's skin looks good, and her brows were handled well. I also like combo of warm gold shadow with a cooler-toned light pink on the lips. But as a general rule, I'm against white liner in the waterlines (does it ever actually “work” to make your eyes look bigger?!). The lashes aren't my favourite, but compared to Viola Davis, they're fine! Hair: Anytime I see hair like this, I think of 'Something About Mary'! I'd rather see her bang pushed down, sweeping over one eye.

Laura Dern

Makeup: Laura looks good! She seems so comfortable in this makeup, which features a pretty medium-pink lip and soft greenish-greys smudged around her lash lines. It's just enough to emphasize her features without overwhelming them. Hair: I may be “over” side-swept vintage waves, but I have to admit, these are fantastic on her (as is her colour). I think it's because we've never seen her styled this way before!

Laura is wearing: Eyeshadow in Smartorial ‣ Eyeliner in Co(vert) ‣ Hairspray

Molly Sims

Makeup: I think I see some colourful eyeshadow… but it's mostly obscured by the long, chunky lashes! (Again: not bad if you consider them beside Viola Davis'). Overall, I just find Molly's makeup a little dated. Her skin finish is dry, and has a bit of an orange cast, I'm guessing from spray tan. It's funny, her cheeks look very obviously injected but her lips look really natural and have a great shape (and colour). Hair: I think the main problem is that this blonde is not working for her skin tone! Here she is with light brown hair—THAT's her colour!

Molly is wearing: Foundation in Beige and Medium ‣ Concealer in Light to Medium ‣ Concealer in Honey and Custard ‣ Bronzer ‣ Highlighter ‣ Blush in Wild Honey ‣ Eyeshadow in Labyrinth ‣ Eyeshadow in Yogurt ‣ Eyeshadow in Sunset Cove ‣ Eyeliner in Prunella ‣ Eyeliner in Macroviolet ‣ False lashes ‣ Lipstick in Lazy Daisy ‣ Lip gloss in Fenty Glow

Who had your favourite beauty look on this red carpet?