It's been an award show season like no other, but despite the postponements, social-distancing guidelines, and virtual stages, the stars in attendance still went all out in the hair and makeup [1] department, and the 2021 Oscars was no different. The live event saw all nominees and presenters in person [2] for the ceremony for the first time in a long time, and they made the most of it.
Eyes are often on what and who celebrities are wearing [3], but the beauty look is the icing on top of the cake — no outfit is complete without it. Celebrities and their respective glam teams have been primping and prepping for hours for tonight's big reveal. Viola Davis showed up in a dramatic slicked-back, half-up, half-down hairstyle; Maria Bakalova wore a bold red lip that popped against her dress; and Regina King stunned in a blunt bob.
With over-the-top nails, creative hairstyles, and glamorous makeup, the Oscars wrapped up the 2021 award season with a bang. See the best beauty looks from the night ahead.
— Additional reporting by Tori Crowther, Sophia Panych
Regina King's Blunt Bob Hairstyle and Pink Lip
Regina King showed up on the red carpet with a blunt bob hairstyle (courtesy of hairstylist Larry Sims) and a soft pink lip that harmonised nicely with her icy blue Louis Vuitton gown.
H.E.R.'s Ultralong Waves
H.E.R. stepped onto the red carpet with dreamy Rapunzel waves by Nina Monique [4], and ombré purple eye makeup (with the sharpest wing we've laid our eyes on), which was created by Marissa Vossen [5]. We also loved that her lipstick matched her mauve-tinted glasses.
Vanessa Kirby's Twisted Updo and Bold Red Lip
Vanessa Kirby paired a velvety crimson lip with an impeccably sleek (and chic) chignon. To get her hair super slick and shiny, hairstylist Adir Abergel relied on Virtue Healing Oil [6] (£40), which he used to both prep the hair (mixing it with a bit of the brand's Un-Frizz Cream) and finish it, running it over the completed updo.
Margot Robbie's Shaggy Fringe Hairstyle
Margot Robbie looked completely different on the red carpet with her new sandy-blonde hair colour and shaggy fringe bangs, styled by Bryce Scarlett. "I was inspired by the beautiful simplicity of
her Chanel gown and wanted to pair it with
a fresh effortless ponytail", he said via press release, adding that he created the soft S-wave using the GHD limited-
edition 20th Anniversary Platinum + Styler [7] (£199). As for her makeup, Pati Dubroff relied heavily on the Chanel Palette Essentielle in Caramel [8] (£52), which is what the makeup artist used on Robbie as a bronzer, a contour, and an eye shadow.
Viola Davis's Faux Mohawk Hairstyle
All eyes were on Viola Davis's dramatic faux mohawk hairstyle, which was executed by Jamika Wilson, Davis's longtime hairstylist and now historic Oscar winner [9] for her work on Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.
Angela Bassett's Jewel-Toned Shadow and Lipstick
Angela Davis was dripping in jewels on the red carpet — and we're not just talking about her earrings. Makeup artist D'Andre Michael [10] went for sapphire-blue smoky eyes and a garnet red lip play off her red gown. With such voluminous sleeves, hairstylist Randy Stodghill [11] kept Bassett's hair straight and simple. "Minimal, Classic and Sleek was the inspiration for this look", Stodhill wrote on his Instagram of the style.
Andra Day's Curly Updo and Peach Makeup
Andra Day wore her curly hair in a voluminous updo and paired it with a peach makeup look by celebrity makeup artist Porsche Cooper [12].
Tiara Thomas's Minimal, Soft Makeup and Negative Space Manicure
Tiara Thomas was pure perfection on the red carpet with her soft makeup and glossy lip courtesy of makeup artist Kevin Wade, styled baby hairs and braids by Rachel Aladdin, and an abstract, negative space manicure.
Amanda Seyfried's Pink Makeup and Sleek Updo
Makeup artist Genevieve Herr [13] used Lancôme products to craft Amanda Seyfried [14]'s smouldering makeup look complete with a bold red lip that matched her dress. For her hair, stylist Renato Campora [15] pulled it back into a sleek, vintage-inspired updo (perhaps inspired by her character in Mank).
Nicolette Robinson's Braids and Smoky Makeup
Nicolette Robinson appeared on the red carpet alongside her husband Leslie Odom Jr. with her hair in long braids and soft, smoky makeup.
Carey Mulligan's Twisted Updo Hairstyle
Styled by hairstylist Jenny Cho [16], Carey Mulligan [17]'s updo looked simple from the front, but the back showed an intricately twisted chignon. Makeup artist Makeup artist Georgie Eisdell [18], on the other hand, kept Mulligan's makeup soft and simple.
Zendaya's Long, Wavy Hairstyle and Bold Brows
Zendaya [19] looked like a supermodel on the red carpet with her extra long, wavy hair blowing in the wind (hairstylist Larry Sims's second breathtaking beauty moment of the evening). She paired the hairstyle with strong brows and soft tonal makeup by makeup artist Sheika Daley.
Ariana DeBose's Sleek Ponytail and Neutral Nails
Ariana DeBose's sleek low ponytail by celebrity hairstylist Peter Luxe [20] and neutral, oval-shaped manicure complemented her bright orange dress.
Maria Bakalova's Bold Red Lip
Maria Bakalova wore a bold red lip that contrasted with her all-white ensemble.
Halle Berry's A-Line Microbob Hairstyle
Halle Berry [21] opted for a super-short, A-line microbob hairstyle with microfringe on the red carpet.