Classic red carpet makeup that will stand the test of time
From Oscar's Elizabeth Taylor to Valentino's Zendaya, the looks of beauty that we consider "classic" have evolved over time. In the 70s, pretty pastel was all the rage; in the 90s, makeup was all matte brown and pink; and in the last decade, we've seen dramatic, bold eye makeup take center stage. But regardless of your favorite 10 years and makeup trends, you can love the appearance of eternal beauty on this list.
Whether you have a formal event to come or just want to evolve your "classic" go-to makeup, there's something on this list for you below, the most classic red carpet beauty ever.
At the 1974 Grammy Awards, not long after Cher split from Sony, she debuted this infamous butterfly costume — with a hair clip. As for the beauty, the matching purple and silver eyeshadow is very 70s in a great way and I love mauve glossy lips as a contrast
Obviously hard to see in this photo, but Lauren Hutton's iconic Pastel Halston dress at the 1975 Oscar was the first of its kind at the prestigious event. It was a standout from the event. She kept her makeup simple and was able to focus on the dress: her skin was gently tanned, but little blush or eyeshadow
The real supermodel Bella Hadid has rocked a number of edgy beauty looks. It relies on pink blush and deep fuchsia lips for a vivid, "sun-kissed" atmosphere, for the fashion of the Relief Cannes2018 event.
The 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party is considered one of Haley Bieber's best beauties to date, and this is really saying something.1 She has a "illuminated from within" glow on her face, and the rest of the look relies on soft pink and brown for a higher version of the look with no make-up.
Drew Barrymore probably didn't know he would reach the pinnacle of the '90s with this appearance from the 1998 Oscar. But something to do with the combination of daisies, dark mauve lips, very thin eyebrows, short bangs, and body glitter that combined everything we loved
Lily Collins's cute pink gown at the 2017 Golden Globe Awards is already epic. But in a genius move, instead of asking for contrasting colors on her face, she really leaned forward. In addition to the bright pink blush and eyeshadow, its deep red lips were made for a truly synergistic moment.
At the last premiere of the 2011 Harry Potter franchise (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2) Emma Watson was ready to show off a more daring look. Short, smooth back hair and black eyeshadow with gold specks delivered it in spades.
At the 2014 CFDA Awards, Rihanna gave us a very sheer outfit that was both stylish and bold at the same time. The matching headscarf was perfectly sparkly (consistent with the color of her pale pink lips). But her ombre smoky eye may be my favorite part.
It's one of her most indelible images 1: Reese Witherspoon looks like a yellow vision at the 2007 Golden Globe Awards. Her pretty wheat-colored highlights — which are complementary but do not match her dress ・ plus the deep pink of her lips and cheeks make her look cohesive
Rita Ora likes dramatic makeup. Therefore, this is no exception from the 2018 Grammy Awards, but I think the way she unfolds red lipstick here is phenomenal. The bright silver eyeshadow will match her gown and jewelry, and her dark roots will match her dark brows.
Charlize Theron is a familiar presence at the Oscars — this is from her 2016 Red carpet appearance. She keeps things simple with a soft updo and the lowest smoky eyes; pink lips (instead of the more anticipated red) the look feels romantic instead of bold
I lost the number because Lady Gaga gave us so many edgy and cool makeup looks. It was a great experience. When she began to enter the era of "Old Hollywood", a star was born (this is from the 2019 Grammy Awards), but I loved it just as much. This graphic eyeshadow perfectly matches her dark roots.
Dua Lipa appeared at the 2024 Grammy Awards wearing a gorgeous metal chain mail dress. Naturally, her silvery eyeshadow matches, and her lips and cheeks are somewhat complementary in a neutral way. But the reddish-brown hair, for me, looks from beautiful to legendary.
At the 1969 Academy Awards, Barbra Streisand was a vision of soft, graphic cat eyes and her distinctive hairstyle. We may not see this very dull bob as often as we do today, but it was quite synonymous with Streisand at the time. Frankly, she matches her statue perfectly.
Lucy Liu's leading red carpet track record spans decades. This is from the 2013 Golden Globe Awards, where everything feels "messy" and "undone" in the best way. Soft flashes of lips and cheeks, dirty eyeliner, and full and messy braids all match her romantic dress.
This 2019 Oscar is one of Jemachan's record books 1: Even now, the vivid colors of the event could be one of the best looks of the night 1. It is also superbly built so that the rough reflects pink on her face and she has pink on lips, cheeks and even eyeshadow.
This chunky long Bob from Queen Bay (at the 2015 Vanity Fair Oscar Party) is one of her best 1. She doesn't always wear short hair like this, but she carries it perfectly. Simple and accurate cat eyes and pink lips keep her whole look classic, not trendy.
Michelle Williams' mustard-colored dress at the 2006 Oscars was the star of the night. But it may not have had the considerable impact it did without the equally bold lips. So, to choose a beautiful, bright and shiny red lipstick was a cherry on a figurative sundae.
In the Valentino Womenswear Fall/Winter2022/2023 show (with this bright pink front and center), Zendaya showed the potential of color alone. I love this long, graphic cat-eye, which gives us moments of equally bold beauty to match.
When we're trying to pick Tracee Ellis Ross's best beauty looks, we're really spoiled for choice. The 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party is actually a bit more scaled-back at the time, she sometimes does: the red dress and glittering earrings are already impressive, and there's some gorgeous black eye makeup to give it a little extra gravity.
This may be a hot take, but I really enjoyed Emma Stone during her blonde days. This is a bit of a throwback look (it's from the 2011 Critics Choice Awards), but paired with a gorgeous tan and dark but minimal eye makeup, the Stone Beach
Met Gala seeks edgy, out-of-the-way beauty looks (usually to suit the outfit). This extreme cat eye of Gigi Hadid at the 2017 Met Gala is even more detailed than it seems at first glance.
This is Rihanna's 2019 5th annual diamond ball. So the singer-actor-businessman looks appropriately cool and commanding at the event that literally bears her name. Her red lips match the decor behind her, and her hair is not too serious but chic.
At the 1970 Oscar, all eyes were on Elizabeth Taylor's diamond necklace (a gift from Richard Burton, originally designed as a ring, but renovated into this gorgeous piece). It's beside the point but I love her matching lavender eyeshadow and properly big hair.
Sienna Miller has been at the Oscars several times, and every time she gives us a new, delightful beauty look. This, from 2015, is a very accurate cat's eye, and there are some loose but detailed twists in her hair. It just goes to show that simplicity can be as eye-catching and revelatory.
Jennifer Lawrence went up the stairs notorious for her very sweet and goofy fashion at the 2013 Oscars. But while she was also doing it,
Jennifer Garner absolutely nailed her red carpet look: a glamorous, braided, striking updo; a deep, dramatic smoky eye; and a simple pink make・up to complement her dress. This is a very classic, from the 2016 Oscar, there are pink lips and eyes, dark but not too dramatic smoky eyes. My favorite part is the touch of sparkle on her lower eyelid to match her jewelry.
Ruth Negga's silver Golden Globe dress of 2017 often makes the list of "the best red carpet gowns" and has good reason. But do not forget that her silver and gray eyeshadow perfectly matches the dress.
In much the same way, Emily Blunt's beauty look from the 2019 Golden Globe Awards complements her outfit and jewelry. Silver eyeshadow against her cornflower blue eyes brings her whole face to life, ensuring she doesn't get lost in dress.
Cindy Crawford (with Richard Gere on her arm) in a white gown at the 1993 Oscar is pretty perfect ・ and very 90s, in the best way. Makeup is quite minimal, there is a little matte lipstick and brown eye shadow. That's all the look you need: it's not overkill.
Gold is one of the best colors of Janelle Monae 1. If you're not familiar with her, she has a graphic style and wears mostly black and white outfits, but she'll do here at the 2017 Oscars she's covered in hues, up to her eyeshadow and headband.
Angelina Jolie attended the Oscars in 2004 in a dress inspired by Marilyn Monroe's infamous subway scene itch for 7 years. Her beauty look was Marilyn for the modern, with a nod to Monroe's signature cat eyes, but with a dramatic updo and pink lips.
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