Red Carpet Best: This Year’s Hair and Makeup Winners

Like a highlighter calling out something noteworthy, this neon Valentino gown is alerting everyone’s attention to Union’s straight-up incredible hair and makeup. There’s no holding back with this look — it’s all bold, but remarkably balanced at the same time. Hairstylist Larry Sims created the updo, which featured a twisted bun on the top. Makeup pro Esther Edeme was responsible for the glitter and soft pink shadow that extended up to the perfectly-tapered brows and artfully separated faux lashes. This isn’t the type of look where we need a how-to for recreating it; it’s a piece of artwork to appreciate, not to replicate.

It was a good night for the star and not just because of the award for best actress of the year. The hair was an intricate twist with the ends sticking out and a sparkly accessory pinned into the side. Then there was the flawless makeup with a bold raspberry lip as the focal point, and strong support from the eyes, where she wore a bit of white liner above her iris and along the lower waterline. And of course, some blush along the apples to highlight those faultless cheekbones.

The Spiderman actress probably earns the trophy for best overall looks this year, making it hard to pick a top contender. Her futuristic look at the October Dune premiere and simple-yet-sexy at June’s BET Awards were amazing, but this faux bob and classic smoky eye take the top spot. Part of why this tucked-under style, courtesy of Antoinette Hill, and the makeup by Raoul Alejandre, work so well is that they allowed the back of her sensational Roberto Cavalli dress to be the focal point of her look.

Chan was another who had some stunning red carpet moments this year including at the Eternals premieres in L.A. and the UK, where she memorably donned a bejeweled hoodie with a blunt bob. But her crowning moment, and the most stunning at the French festival, was at the closing ceremonies wearing Oscar de la Renta. Stephane Lancien styled the hair into a low textured bun and Val Garland did a classic red lip and cat-eye flick combo, but modernized it with jewels under the eye.

At first glance, you’d notice Palvin’s graphic eyeliner and clean complexion, courtesy of makeup artist Charlotte Prevel. But if you saw her from the back or caught hairstylist Owen Gould’s Instagram, you’d see the sculptural updo he created. It’s almost an oversized bun split in the middle by a braid with two tails. But like a true piece of art, it defies description.

Makeup artist Emily Cheng and hairstylist Lacy Redway achieved something magical with client Shahidi at the Emmys. Cheng used shades of gold and a pine green shadow around the eyes with a black line to create a stunning cat eye that paired perfectly with a nude-shade lip. Redway pulled the hair into a sleek twisted updo that was sophisticated and classic. The result: One of the actress’s best red carpet looks ever.

Shags and bangs were two of the biggest hair trends this year and in November, Gerber jumped on the bandwagon and nailed it. (Hair pro Dimitris Giannetos is responsible for this look.) Makeup pro Sam Visser provided an equally cool makeup — a blue-gray smokey eye and nude lip.

The Grammy winner brought major Cher vibes to the red carpet at music’s biggest event. Chris Appleton styled the sleek look, while Priscilla Valles did the extensions. Samantha Lau, responsible for the makeup, accented the singer’s Versace gown with purple shades on the eyes, full brows and mauvey-pink lips. Nail pro Chaun Peth, who also worked with Rihanna, Zendaya and the Jenner sisters this year, used OPI polishes and butterfly details on the talons. Even Cher never did Cher so well.

By the end of the year, we were seeing more and more of this curled-under bob (hello, Selena Gomez and Sarah Hyland). But back in September, it was Paulson who nailed the look, thanks to hairstylist Bridget Brager. The center part and tuck behind the ear made it sophisticated, not staid. And makeup artist Adam Breuchaud’s red lip completed the classic feel.

Sometimes it’s not a statement moment that catches our eye, but rather an understatement moment. After Scott Thomas debuted silver strands on the red carpet, the internet was abuzz with admiration. (Likewise the webosphere loved Andie MacDowell and Sarah Jessica Parker rocking post-lockdown gray hair earlier in the year.) The soft smoky eye and elegantly bronzed complexion served to complete this simply beautiful moment.

The Queen’s Gambit actress has shown that’s she’s a true hair chameleon with a rich portfolio of looks this year. And at the Emmys, where she was nominated for supporting actress, she took a ponytail, orchestrated by hairstylist Amber Shani, to the next level. The style combined an elongated ponytail with a silver hair chain accessory, a swirl-patterned undercut and even rhinestones adorning her hairline baby hairs.

When you have a canvas like Cruz, it’s hard to go too afoul. Pablo Iglesias (hair and makeup artist) created a stunning ‘90s-esque, on-trend look that’s anchored by a plum lip. (Exact shade is Lancome L’absolu Rouge Drama Matte 508 Purple Temptation.) A sexy smoky eye and a sleek updo with deep side part make this look one that’s stronger than we usually see on Cruz. Here, bold is beautiful.