Oscars 2026: The Standout Beauty Trends From the Red Carpet
Cinematic beauties
As Hollywood’s finest grace the 98th Academy Awards red carpet, we’re rounding up the standout beauty trends that had everyone talking.
The 98th Academy Awards welcomed Hollywood’s brightest talents to the Dolby Theatre, officially bringing this year’s awards season to a close. While standout performances, heartfelt acceptance speeches, and jaw-dropping wins dominated the headlines, it was the head-turning beauty looks on the red carpet that truly caught our eyes. As the evening went on, it became clear they were statements in their own right.
This year’s roster struck a perfect balance between classic elegance and daring experimentation. Some stars embraced understated sophistication, letting timeless beauty take centre stage, while others pushed boundaries with bold colours, sculptural hairstyles, and eye-catching manicures. The result was a red carpet full of personality, glamour, and creativity, proving that beauty can be just as captivating and memorable as the couture worn on the night.
Ahead, we round up the standout beauty trends that defined filmmaking’s biggest night.
1. COLOUR-COORDINATED MAKEUP
One beauty trend that appeared consistently across the red carpet was colour-coordinated glam. Matching makeup to one’s ensemble proved to be an effortless way to create a polished, cohesive look while still allowing room for creative expression. Take Chase Infiniti, whose soft lilac eyeshadow mirrored the delicate hue of her gown, resulting in a pastel look that felt both elegant and refreshingly spring-ready. Meanwhile, her One Battle After Another co-star Teyana Taylor leaned into a dramatic black eyeliner punctuated by white accents at the inner corners, perfectly complementing her feathered Chanel ensemble. Sinners star Jayme Lawson also embraced the trend with a swipe of deep blue liner along the waterline, paired with an extended cat-eye.
2. CLASSIC RED LIPS
There’s nothing wrong with returning to the classics, and the red lip once again proved its timeless appeal at the 98th Academy Awards. Plenty of A-list celebrities stepped out in varying hues of crimson, a versatile choice that works for any occasion, including Rose Byrne who paired her deep red pout with soft smoky eyes and a slicked-back bun. Elsewhere on the carpet, Renate Reinsve and Best Actress winner Jessie Buckley also opted for scarlet shades that added striking focal points to their overall beauty looks.
3. FLIPPY BOBS
The battle of the bobs continues on the red carpet, and at this year’s Oscars, the flippy bob emerged as one of the evening’s standout styles for short hair. Defined by its playful bounce and outward-flicked ends, the look adds a retro twist to the classic bob silhouette. Emma Stone joined the ranks of bob devotees, sporting a jaw-length cut with a subtle flip at the ends and a deep side part. Isabela Merced took a more edgy approach, pairing her bob with blunt bangs, while Bruna Marquezine celebrated the bob’s vintage appeal with precisely defined flicked ends.
4. SCULPTURAL CHROME NAILS
While makeup and hair trends often take centre stage during awards season, statement manicures proved that the smallest details can have just as much impact. Chrome nails were a recurring theme throughout the evening, adding a futuristic, eye-catching edge to classic glamour. Our favourite came from K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Audrey Nuna, who paid homage to the Oscars’ iconic statuette with sculptural gold nail art that, fittingly, is golden.
5. OLD HOLLYWOOD WAVES
Old-school glamour made a stunning return to the 98th Academy Awards, with several stars embracing the enduring allure of Old Hollywood waves. Characterised by glossy finishes, sculpted shapes, and dramatic side parts, this style channels the sophistication of cinema’s golden age. Mikey Madison wore her waves softly brushed out for a romantic effect, while Barbie Ferreira and Kate Hudson donned the signature S-wave that emphasised the look’s classic silhouette.
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