Television’s biggest night, the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, took place recently at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The ceremony honors excellence in American television by celebrating outstanding artistic and technical achievements by individuals and shows in areas such as acting, directing, writing and programing. The Television Academy, which includes over 22,000 professionals in the industry, vote to nominate and select the winners. Winners receive the Emmy statue which serves as a prestigious symbol of peer-validated success and excellence. Hollywood’s finest A-list stars from television come together on this night and walk the pre-show red carpet, an event that has become a show unto itself in recent decades. A show that many of us find more interesting and entertaining than the Emmy broadcast itself.
This year’s Emmy red carpet was a procession of fashion and beauty inspiration. The couture leaned into modern elegance with a mix of Old Hollywood, futuristic tailoring and playful pops of color. Power reds, metallic silvers and all variations of pink were prevalent colors seen walking the carpet. Sheer “naked” and shimmering “liquid-like” gowns were also popular choices. Stars also opted for bold necklines, structured bodices, sophisticated draping and flowing trains. Beyond the cavalcade of fashion, what really stood out were the dominant hair and makeup trends, which offer a glimpse at what will no doubt be seen everywhere this fall.
The most dominant hair trends on the Emmy carpet this year were chic bobs, vibrant red hair colors and sleek ponytails. Shorter hair was a clear winner on the red carpet with celebrities sporting bobs in many variations, including Old Hollywood glamour curls, blunt power bobs and face-framing curtain bangs that add movement and youthfulness. Several stars went a step shorter with cropped pixies that paid homage to the Jazz Age.
Red hair tones ruled the night, and the Emmys showcased a spectrum of shades from strawberry blondes to deep auburns and coppers. This aligns with broader fashion forecasting confirming that red hair will be a major fall trend.
Sophisticated styling was also favored for longer hair with sleek, high ponytails proving to be powerful and polished options. Not only is it elegant and stylish, but it keeps the hair away from the face to showcase other elements of a look.
Deep side parts were another popular hairstyling choice. Breaking with the long-standing trend of center parts, many celebrities returned to the side part for the evening.
Across many hairstyles, there was a strong focus on high-shine, glossy finishes which were achieved by using products like hair gloss and taming balms. More on that below.
When it came to makeup, glowing skin was the ultimate accessory. Nearly every look emphasized radiant, hydrated complexions with barely-there foundation and strategic highlighting. Dewy finishes replaced matte coverage which gave the stars a natural glow under the flashbulbs. This trend reflects the broader “skin-first” movement in beauty recently.
Another standout makeup trend of the night was bold red lips making a statement in both deep and bright shades. In contrast to the bolder lip colors, some attendees opted for more delicate lip looks in shades of pink like soft rose, glossy fuchsia and subtle mauve. Deep wine and bright berry were also popular choices. The lips were showcased as a focal point on many stars by being paired with an otherwise neutral makeup.
Blush was another highlight, with many makeup artists using peach and coral tones to add warmth to the face. Blended across cheeks and even up toward the temples to create a lifted, sun-kissed look that photographed beautifully.
Finally, smoky eyes, a long-standing tradition on red carpets, evolved into softer, more diffused versions this year. Taupes, mauves and warm browns replaced jet black to create definition without dramatic, harsh edges. Paired with fluttery lashes, the effect was sultry yet approachable.
The 77th Emmy red carpet proved that beauty is all about balance. The predominate hair and makeup looks celebrated individuality while still nodding to timeless red-carpet glamour, reminding us that style is as much about expression as it is about tradition
Below is a sample of some of the trending glam at this year’s Emmys.
Jenna Ortega
Presenter Jenna Ortega stole the red carpet show in a Givenchy top made entirely of colorful gemstones, pearls and crystals draped over her torso paired with a sleek, high-slit black skirt. Makeup artist Melanie Inglessis focused on creating a gothic glam look with bleached brows, steel blue, soft smoky eyes and vampy, oxblood lips using all Dior makeup. Her flawless complexion is compliments of Forever Hydra Nude Foundation. Inglessis used the Forever Skin Contour Stick to sculpt the star’s cheekbones and Diorshow 5 Couleurs Longwear Creamy Powder Eyeshadow in Denim on her frosted lids.
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Wednesday costar and fellow-presenter, Catherine Zeta-Jones killed it in a sheer black, strapless, floor-length Yara Shoemaker gown featuring a corset-style bodice, lace appliques and beaded skirt. She kept her hair in simple, loose waves with a center part. Makeup artist Brett Freedman prepped the star’s skin with products from Farmhouse Fresh, including the Whoopie Cream Shea Butter on her body for extra luminosity. He created the sultry Morticia Adams-inspired glam with smoky, gothic eyes using Ardell Naked Lash #421. Her natural flush was Armani Luminous Silk Cheek Tint.
Sydney Sweeney
Presenter Sydney Sweeney channeled Old Hollywood with a modern twist in a vibrant red Oscar de la Renta gown with a plunging sweetheart neckline and matching sash. Her voluminous blowout was styled by Glen Oropeza using Kerastase products including the Mousse Bouffante for volume, the V.I.P. Spray for texture and the Elixir Ultime for shine. Her fresh rosy makeup was applied by Melissa Hernandez using Armani Beauty products like the Smooth Silk Eye Pencil, Eye Tint Liquid Eyeshadow and Lip Maestro Liquid Lipstick.
Selena Gomez
Nominee for Outstanding Comedy Series for Only Murders in the Building, producer and star, Selena Gomez looked stunning in a bright red, custom Louis Vuitton column gown with an asymmetrical halter neck and dramatic collar scarf that cascaded down her back. Makeup artist Hung Vanngo prepped her skin with Mixsoon products before applying the timeless glam using the star’s own brand, Rare Beauty for the classic winged liner and peach toned blush and lips. Hairstylist, Renato Campora used Kerasilk products, including the Taming Balm for extra shine and hold on her slick, high ponytail.
Meghann Fahy
Nominee for Sirens, Meghan Fahy, arrived in a sexy, black velvet Valentino gown that featured a plunging oval and high leg slit. She received a glow-boosting facial from Lord Gavin with Augustinus Bader products prior to her glam. Makeup artist Samantha Lau used Estee Lauder products like the Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation in 2C1 Pure Beige for her radiant complexion, the Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara for her soft, smoky eyes and Pure Color Cream Lipstick in Determined for her neutral lip. Meanwhile, hairstylist, Jacob Rozenberg added hair extensions and used GHD’s Helios Professional Hair Dryer to create her 90s supermodel-inspired, voluminous blowout.
Jessica Williams
Nominee for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Shrinking, Jessica Williams was ethereal in a pale pink, off-the-shoulder Rodarte gown with intricate draping and a cascading train. Her braided hair style was gathered into a delicate, low-slung bun and featured face-framing kiss curls that perfectly complimented her gown. The look was created by SherriAnn Cole using GHD hot tools including the Mini Styler Flat Iron. Her soft, radiant makeup was applied by Cherish Brooke Hill using Armani Beauty products including the Skin Tint mixed with Luminous Silk Foundation, Luminous Silk Concealer and Luminous Silk Glow Fusion Powder to set while maintaining a natural glow.
Cristin Milioti
Winner for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her role in The Penguin, Cristin Milioti wore the color of the night in a crimson Danielle Frankel Gown that featured a structural silhouette with a sculptural neckline, silk draping and a dramatic train. She kept her makeup minimal with a natural fresh-faced, sun-kissed glow. Hairstylist Clayton Hawkins created her sleek, classic, center-parted, straight locks using Amika products including the Superfruit Star Lightweight Hair Styling Oil for shine and Headstrong Intense Hold Hairspray for long-lasting hold.
Britt Lower
Winner for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Severance, Brit Lower got the red hair, red dress, side-parted ponytail memo. She shined in a burnt copper, off-the-shoulder, silk Calvin Klein gown with an open V-shaped back. Celebrity facialist, Lord Gavin prepped her skin with Augustinus Bader products including The Rich Cream for a radiant base. Makeup artist, Zoe Taylor then applied the monochromatic glam that created a complimentary color story of peach, auburn and rust shades using It Cosmetics. Her lips were finished with the Confidence in a Serum Gloss in Self Worth. She wore her signature baby bangs paired with an easygoing, timeless ponytail styled by Kenna.
Brittany Snow
Presenter Brittany Snow sparkled in a form-fitting, hot-pink Wiederhoeft column gown in a chainmail material with a delicate cowl neckline. Makeup artist Shelby Smith prepped the star’s skin before applying the soft, rosy glam using Dermalogica. She kept the focus on a radiant, glowing complexion using the Precleanse Cleansing Oil, Special Cleansing Gel and Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator. Her sleek, polished waves were styled by Glen Oropeza.
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