A Glimpse into Glamour: The Makeup Trends of the 2026 Oscars
The 2026 Oscars marked a significant shift in beauty trends, breaking away from the understated looks that have dominated recent award seasons. As we look back on this dazzling event, it’s clear that the stars embraced playful, glamorous makeup styles reminiscent of the extravagance of past eras. This article delves into the standout trends and offers practical advice for incorporating these looks into your own routine.
The 2026 Oscars saw a turn in the tide when it came to makeup. Cast your mind back over the last few awards seasons (and even the BAFTAs and SAGs this year, if we’re being honest), and you’ll notice that minimalist looks such as ‘barely there’ and ‘less is more’ were at the forefront of beauty.
Sunday night’s ceremony finally saw a hard reset, with the stars leaning back into playful, glam makeup – looks worthy of the season’s most glittering affair.
“I used to do lots of videos about red carpet makeup and it got so boring for a while,” says makeup artist Rose Gallagher. “‘Less is more’ was all we were seeing to the point that I actually had nothing to say. Then I saw the photos from last night and thought, ‘Isn’t it lovely that they’re actually wearing a bit of makeup again?'”
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Highlights in Oscar Beauty Trends
At this year’s Oscars, shimmering silver makeup, striking cobalt blue accents, and soft pastel eyeshadows reigned supreme on the red carpet. Celebrities chose looks that artfully coordinated their makeup with their elegant dresses, harking back to the glamour of prom queens from the early 2000s.
Among the best-dressed celebrities were Chase Infiniti, Kate Hudson, Jayme Lawson, Wunmi Mosaku, and Emma Stone, who all embraced the magic of coordinated makeup and attire.
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“Matching makeup is so glamorous, girly, and elegant,” says Rose Gallagher. “It’s not about being trendy or acting cool. These women want to feel like a Disney princess, just as much as a prom queen. This timeless approach enhances the beauty we feel when we embrace our femininity.”
“While minimalistic looks might be the trend, the true goal should always be to feel pretty.”
Effort Counts
Gallagher emphasizes that matching makeup with an outfit is a “purposeful gesture” that reflects a genuine level of effort and pride.
“Recently, many stars opted for a more effortless, barely-there look that suggested indifference. However, the renewed focus on glam proves that attendees are taking pride in their appearance for an occasion as significant as the Oscars.”
Continue below to discover the stars who fully embraced this coordinated makeup trend.
Oscar’s Best Looks
One Battle After Another actress Chase Infiniti gracefully showcased lilac eyeshadow that perfectly complemented her light purple gown, creating a lovely, harmonious look.
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Sinners star Wunmi Mosaku rocked the coordinating trend as well, wearing a stunning teal dress with matching eyeliner for the ceremony and later opting for pastel purple eyeshadow to match her lavender dress at the Vanity Fair after-party.
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Jayme Lawson, another Sinners actress, utilized cobalt blue accents in her makeup to echo the color of her dress. Emma Stone made a statement in an iridescent silver gown paired with complementary silver eyeshadow.
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Bugonia star Emma Stone was a standout in silver, a favored choice among various celebrities such as Selma Blair, Kate Hudson, Rita Ora, and Jihoon Kim, all of whom showcased variations of this luminous hue.
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For those looking to make a bold statement, coordinating red lips and outfits stole the show. Best Actress winner Jessie Buckley showcased this look beautifully, matching her lipstick to the draped detail of her strapless gown. Renate Reinsve also impressed with her striking red lips against a custom Louis Vuitton creation. Sinners’ Li Jun Li opted for a sultry red dress paired with her own matching lips.
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Notably, actress Teyana Taylor took coordination a step further, designing her lashes to mirror her outfit. “Teyana’s makeup was stunning,” Rose comments. “The double wing is a modern twist on a classic; it illustrates how timeless techniques can be adapted for a contemporary appeal.”
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Gallagher notes, “The coordinated makeup enhances both the dress and the makeup, drawing attention in the best way possible.”
Rose concludes: “It’s wonderful to see actresses genuinely excited to invest time and effort in their looks for special events.”
Conclusion
The 2026 Oscars were not just an occasion to celebrate film but also a platform for beauty innovation. By embracing bold colors, matching makeup to outfits, and infusing a playful spirit into their looks, the stars reminded us of the joy in dressing up. Whether you’re preparing for a special event or just want to elevate your everyday look, take inspiration from these glamorous trends, and remember that feeling beautiful is timeless.
