The 98th annual Academy Awards Ceremony took place recently at the Dolby Theater in downtown Los Angeles, marking the end of awards season with Hollywood’s biggest night of the year. A night that has become as much about fashion and beauty as it is about film. Strapless gowns, feather embellishments, floral accents and classic black and white were top fashion trends of the evening. Modern glamour with fresh luminous skin, soft diffused lips, pastel tones, nostalgic Old Hollywood waves, sleek pixies and sophisticated polished updos also dominated the red carpet.
A closer look at some of the biggest hair and makeup trends on this year’s Oscar red carpet:
- Soft “Ballet Slipper “Lips
One of the most noticeable makeup trends on the carpet was what beauty insiders dubbed “ballet Slipper lips”. This soft, cool-toned pink lip look combines satin or glossy textures with a slightly blurred edge.
- Monochromatic Makeup
Matching makeup to the tone of the gown was another defining trend. Stars coordinated eyeshadow, blush and lip colors to echo the hues of their dresses – lavender eyes with purple gowns, rose-toned makeup with pink satin dresses and bronze tones paired with gold couture.
- Fresh, Glowing Skin
Heavy contour took a back seat this year to luminous complexions. Many makeup artists focused on skin prep and subtle highlighting to create a dreamy glow.
- Old Hollywood Waves
Classic waves returned in full force. Soft, brushed-out curls reminiscent of the 1940s were paired with modern textures and center parts to keep the look contemporary.
- Sculptural & Architectural Hair
While waves dominated, some celebrities leaned into sculptural styles – sleek buns, braids and structural updos that looked almost architectural on the red carpet.
If the 2026 Oscars proved anything, it’s that beauty is moving toward effortless sophistication. Stars embraced softer skin, romantic colors and hair that felt polished yet natural. True red-carpet beauty isn’t about looking overly “done”, it’s about looking like the most radiant version of yourself.
Ahead is a look at 9 of my favorite beauty looks from the 98th annual Academy Awards red carpet and some of the products used to achieve them.
KATE HUDSON
Fellow nominee for Actress in a Leading Role in Song Sung Blue, Kate Hudson wore a custom, jade-green Armani Prive bustier gown adorned with sparkling crystals. Her dreamy, rosy glow and soft pink smile were compliments of makeup artist Tonya Brewer and Charlotte Tilbury cosmetics. Products used included the Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation, Hollywood Flawless Filter, Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder and K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in Penelope Pink, all locked in place with the Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray. Her modern Old Hollywood, side-parted waves were styled by Renato Campora using GHD’s Curve Classic Curl Iron and Joico products such as the Dream Blowout Thermal Protection Cream and Firm Hold Design Foam.
CHASE INFINITY
Presenter and star of One Battle After Another (her feature film debut) Chase Infinity walked the carpet in a custom lavender Louis Vuitton silk dress. Hair stylist Coree Moreno created her “architectural yet fluid”, hip-grazing, boho knotless braids using Briogeo products. Makeup artist Amber Dreadon first prepped the actress’s skin with the NuFace Trinity+ to lift, tone and contour her face before applying Louis Vuitton Beauty products like the lilac shadow that matched her dress and really made her hazel eyes pop.
NICOLE KIDMAN
Presenter Nicole Kidman never looked better in a custom, powder-pink Chanel couture gown that featured a strapless bustier bodice and feathery accents. Her glowing soft peach-toned glam with subtle smoky eyes and neutral pink lips was designed by makeup artist Gucci Westman to compliment her dress. She used Cle de Peau Beauty products that included the Radiant Cream Foundation and Concealer. Her middle-parted voluminous blowout with cascading layers was done by Adir Abergel with Virtue Labs haircare including the Damage Reverse Serum, Volumizing Primer and Healing Oil.
DEMI MOORE
Presenter Demi Moore stunned in a dramatic, custom strapless Gucci gown covered in black and iridescent green feathers. The eternally youthful actress sported a glowing complexion with soft-focused lips thanks to makeup artist Raoul Alejandre and Charlotte Tilbury cosmetics. Her polished, center-parted, sleek, glossy blowout was styled by Dimitris Giannetos using Kerastase’s Densifique Densimorphose Hair Mousse, Chronologiste Overnight Youth Serum, Chronologiste Thermique Regenerant Heat Protectant and Laque Couture Hair Spray.
ZENDAYA
Though she didn’t walk the red carpet, presenter Zendaya still tuned heads in a chocolate brown Louis Vuitton gown with a one-shoulder neckline, high slit and side cutouts. Her polished and sleek “bixie” (bob-pixie hybrid) was deep side-parted and tucked behind her ears. It was designed and styled by Ursula Stephen using Moroccanoil Treatment, Hydrating Styling Cream and Luminous Hairspray -Strong for a flexible, long-lasting hold. She also used Tangle Teezer’s The Ultimate Detangler Hairbrush and GHD tools. Makeup artist Ernesto Casillas used Prada Beauty for her monochromatic, bronzy brown glam to compliment her dress.
ROSE BYRNE
First time nominee for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Rose Byrne was elegant in a black, strapless Christian Dior fishtail gown with three-dimensional floral embroidery details. Her Old Hollywood glam featured a bold red lip and cool-toned gray eyeshadow applied by Hung Vanngo with Christian Dior Beauty. Specifically, the Contour Lip Liner, Rouge Dior Lipstick and Diorshow 5 Couleurs Longwear Creamy Powder Eyeshadow Palette. Harry josh styled her classic, polished low twisted bun inspired by Grace Kelly using products from Kerasilk.
JESSIE BUCKLEY
Another Grace Kelly inspiration was the custom Chanel gown worn by winner for Best Actress in a Leading Role for Hamnet, Jesse Buckley. It featured an off-the-shoulder red satin stole and pink chiffon skirt. Her makeup, by Nina Park, focused on a lived-in red lip and glowing skin with Chanel products including Joues Contraste Powder Blush and Le Volume De Chanel Mascara. Bryce Scarlett styled the star’s modern, sleek, side-parted pixie with products from Nexxus and Olaplex with the latter’s No. 3 Hair Perfector as a final touch for shine.
ZOE SALDANA
Presenter Zoe Saldana shined in a black Saint Laurent gown with a sheer lace corset bodice, spaghetti straps and a long silk satin skirt. Makeup artist Vera Steimberg applied her sultry, elegant glam with Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation, Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer, Blush Subtil Powder Blush, Lip Idole Squalane – 12 Butterglow Hydrating Lip Balm in 30 Lisa’s Coral Glow topped with Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss in 07 Magic Spell. Her modern, relaxed low bun with a clean center part was styled by Aviva Perea and designed to highlight the open back of her dress.
ELLIE FANNING
Another first-time nominee for her role in Sentimental Value, Elle Fanning looked like a modern-day fairytale princess in a strapless white Givenchy ball gown with a structured bodice and silver floral embroidery. In yet another nod to Grace Kelly, hairstylist Jenda Alcorn created her elegant low chignon using Loreal Paris products with the Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Unscented Hairspray as a final step to lock every strand in place while adding shine. Her fresh-faced glam, allowing her freckles to shine through, was compliments of Erin Ayanian Monroe and Loreal Paris makeup including their Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Peony Pink.
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