2024 Oscars: Top Beauty Trends, Products Used, and Expert Tips

In a spirited awards season finale, the 96th Annual Academy Awards celebrated top talent. A creative community makes the magic happen and actors, writers, directors, makeup artists, costume designers, and movie maestros animated the night.

As Emma Stone said in her acceptance speech for Best Actress in Poor Things: “It’s not about me, it’s about a team that came together to make something greater than the sum of its parts. That is the best part about making movies, is all of us together and I am so deeply honored to share this with every cast member, with every crew member, with everyone single person who poured their love, and their care, and their brilliance into the making of this film.”

And it takes a team to fashion celebrities. Subtle elegance, soft pastels, and natural beauty stole the show. We are enamored by these memorable looks, expert tips, and praiseworthy products…

Ultrachic Hair

Sculptured updos wowed, elegant waves rolled, retro bobs charmed, and smart pixies allured. Gabriele Union-Wade, Laverne Cox, and American Fiction star Issa Rae were majestic in stately top knots. Long and shimmery ponytails embellished Michelle Yeoh (last year’s Academy Award Winner for Best Actress) and mama-to-be Vanessa Hudgens. Glitter glistened in Lupita Nyong’o’s upsweep. Jamie Lee Curtis, Rita Moreno, and Annette Bening were dynamo in short cuts.

Lily Gladstone’s raven tresses were sideswept artistry; she made history as the first Native American woman nominated as Best Actress for her role in Killers of the Flower Moon. Gladstone was styled by Marc Mena with Indigenous haircare brand Sister Sky (Minkisoft Nourishing Mist and Minkisoft Sleek + Shine Styler Oil) and Better Not Younger products (Lift Me Up Hair Thickener, No Remorse Heat Protection & Taming Spray, Wake Up Call High-Hold Thickening Hairspray). Mena used the Shark FlexStyle blowdryer with a round brush and says, “The smoothness is important because it creates shine that allows light to bounce off the hair.”

Zendaya looked timeless in Old Hollywood glam by Tai Simon. “Starting with clean damp hair, I mixed and emulsified Joico’s Dream Blowout and Defy Damage Protective Shield to create a protective barrier before shaping and styling the hair with celebrity hair stylist adored T3 hot rollers," says Simon. T3 is impressively sleek and tech savvy for healthier styling that lasts.

Forever joyful with a smile for miles, Margot Robbie flaunted her signature blonde locks courtesy of celebrity hair colorist Jacob Schwartz on behalf of Schwarzkopf (who also used Olaplex to nourish and bond); and Kelly Ripa was a stunner in Schwarzkopf hues colored by expert Ryan Trygstad.

Fekkai was in abundance at Vanity Fair’s Oscar Party. Leslie Mann’s effortless bun was prepped by celebrity hairstylist Lona Vigi and Clean Stylers Root Lift Volume Spray, Blonde Rx Brightening Oil, and Full Blown Volume Dry Texturing Spray. Stylist Bobby Eliot gave singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams a delicate chignon with Brilliant Gloss Glass Hair Anti-Frizz Oil Serum, Clean Stylers Volume Lock Hairspray, and Brilliant Gloss Finishing Cream. Emma Chamberlain’s designed do was made possible by celebrity hairstylist Sami Knight using Fekkai’s Clean Stylers Glossing Cream and Clean Stylers Flexi-Hole Hairspray. And Chamberlain’s 15+ million followers were influenced.

“Vanity Fair is such a big night, and we wanted to create something super elegant, and grown up, but with an edge,” says Knight. “I split the pony in two, and applied more finishing cream to each side, twisting both to the left and then coiled back over to the right, making a rope twist. Then, I pulled the twist around the base of the ponytail, securing it with a few pins, leaving the tails unsecured and loose.”

Flawless Skin

Familiar industry darlings were luminous as ever and newly recognized artists are on the rise in sensational appeal. Brittany Snow (nominated for her short film Red, White, and Blue), Canadian actress Nina Dobrev, singer-songwriter Katherine McPhee, and Romanian actress and model Madalina Ghenea all received pre-Oscar treatments at Kate Somerville’s Skin Health Clinic—a beloved destination for Hollywood elite. Created by the “Guru of Glow”, Somerville’s Signature Facial + LED Light Therapy and Laser Genesis duo is the ideal way to look and feel red carpet ready.

Molly R. Stern, the universally cherished celebrity makeup artist and guest of Beautytap Luminary Spotlight, primed Barbie director Greta Gerwig with Le Domaine Skincare. “For Greta‘s beauty look we went with modern glamour, heavy on the glowing radiance,” says Stern. The Serum “smooths the skin’s surface and boosts luminosity” and The Fluid Cream, is “deeply hydrating but soaks in quickly and leaves the skin with a velvety finish which wears beautifully under makeup,” she says. “Greta is the whole package—she’s brilliant and beautiful and she personifies what it means to be cool. What a thrill it is to be on her glam team and get her ready to celebrate her amazing accomplishments for the biggest night in Hollywood.” Leading up to Oscars night, Stern pampered guests at the mesmerizing Casa Hollywood with a swath of Natura Bissé bliss including their Diamond Extreme Ice Lift for a lovely lifting effect.

Celebrity groomer Gareth Bromwell properly prepped Cillian Murphy prior to his win for Best Actor in Oppenheimer—Murphy thoughtfully dedicated his award to peacemakers everywhere. “My inspiration for Cillian’s look is Cillian himself and all the aspects that make him the man he is,” says Bromell. “Rugged, yet refined. Grounded, yet playful. Just like Ireland itself. Quintessentially Irish. His look is traditionally classic, but elevated. Polished and masculine.” Sisley Paris and CurrentBody Skin helped illuminate Cillian’s natural visage. “The CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask has been clinically proven to give the most skin coverage when wearing it. Patented Pillow Technology enhances the efficacy and distribution of high-quality LED wavelengths and it is backed by professional dermatologists which means I can trust it and my clients can too.”

American Fiction nominee Sterling K. Brown shone bright; he was prepped by celebrity makeup artist Kathy Santiago with CurrentBody Skin and Le Domaine Skincare. With limited time leading up to the red carpet, Santiago used undereye patches and CurrentBody Skin LED Eye Perfector to plump, hydrate, and minimize fine lines. “The LED really gives the patches a boost,” says Santiago. Le Domaine’s The Serum and The Cream gave Sterling a balanced complexion. “The serum is super light and gives an overall smoothness to the skin with a much healthier, glowier look; the skin’s luminosity and texture just looks better with it.”

Colman Domingo, Best Actor nominee for his role in Rustin, was handsomely groomed by Jamie Richmond who used Beautytap expert approved Solawave’s 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand to boost luminosity, diminish fine lines, and minimize puffiness. “Not only does it help Colman’s skincare effectiveness, it’s also a 12-minute mini spa session where he can just relax and center himself,” says Richmond.

For the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, Sydney Sweeney a Laneige ambassador, was pampered by makeup artist Melissa Hernandez with Laneige Skincare (Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask, Glow Makeup Serum, Water Bank Cream Moisturizer). “As a very last step, I coated Sydney’s lips with the tried-and-true fan favorite Lip Sleeping Mask in Berry. It strengthens the moisture barrier and provides eight hours of hydration, making it a crucial step ahead of important events like tonight,” says Hernandez.

Expressive Eyes

Cat eyes, vivid pops of color, smokey shades, and barely there hues were abuzz. Wicked wonder Cynthia Erivo was lush in emerald makeup by Kjaer Weis and her co-star Ariana Grande enchanted in powdery pink. Eva Longoria’s seductive lashes were lifted by L’Oréal Paris Panorama Mascara. Regina King was eye-catching in coral. Bodacious brows made statements on Florence Pugh and The Color Purple’s Danielle Brooks. Jodie Foster’s partner Alexandra Hedison was splendidly bejeweled. And Sandra Hüller, Best Actress nominee for Anatomy of a Fall, captivated in Benefit Cosmetics and a black lined wing.

Chromatic Kissers

Lips were lovely in peaches and nudes, both matte and gloss. Billie Eilish rocked high sheen, masterly mauve liner, and a goosebump inducing performance of “What Was I Made For—this year’s standing ovation Academy Award winner for Best Original Song and a remarkable inspiration. Anya Taylor-Joy puckered up in rosy Dior. Barbie nominee for Best Actress in a Supporting Role and monologue genius America Ferrera was perfectly poised in a light pink blush. Colors were standout on British actress Andrea Riseborough in a juicy citrus and Kirsten Dunst wore crimson. Emma Stone reveres Charlotte Tilbury and donned K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in 90s Pink and soon to be launched Pillow Talk Plumpgasm. You can always count on Stone for a lighthearted laugh, even when her dress unzips after a happy dance.

Makeup Mavens

Dewy looks dominated and less is more adorned. Oppenheimer’s Emily Blunt—who politely shared the stage with Barbie’s Ken aka Ryan Gosling in a cheeky nod to “Barbenheimer”—was a bronzed vision in Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Beauty Blush Wand in Peach Pop, Lip Cheat Pencil in Iconic Nude, and Eyes to Mesmerise Eyeshadow in Chocolate Bronze. Barbie President Issa Rae was a powerhouse in Chanel Baume Essential Glow Stick.

A trio of celebrity makeup artists chose clean and conscious ILIA Beauty—including the brand's new Skin Rewind Complexion Sticks—to accentuate Past Lives actress Greta Lee (prepped by Naoka Scintu), Drive-Away Dolls star Geraldin Viswanathan (primed by Kirin Bhatty), and actress-director phenomenon Greta Gerwig (played up by Molly R. Stern) whose gracious beauty, heartfelt smile, and sheer genius is a pleasure to behold.

Nailed It

Whether long and sparkly or short and refined, nails were on display. Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Best Actress in a Supporting Role award winner for The Holdovers, gave a passionate acceptance speech about being seen. We see you Da’Vine and your knockout crystal and turquoise nails created by Sarah Nguyen. “For so long, I've always wanted to be different,” says Randolph. “And now, I realize I just need to be myself.”

Another shoutout to Cynthia Erivo for her magic gems and Danielle Brooks' dainty dazzlers. More subdued were Emily Blunt in monotone and Emma Stone in an opalescent manicure by Emi Kudo and Dazzle Dry products for a long-lasting mani—Nail Prep, Base Coat, Top Coat, and layered colors of Fine China and Peacefully Me.

Curtain Call

Before bestowing Oppenheimer’s Christopher Nolan with the award for Best Director, Steven Spielberg said “At their very best, films can do more than entertain us, they can open our hearts to each other, they can show us ourselves, and they can shine a light on where we’ve been and make us think about where we are going.”

The 2024 Oscar films opened my heart and the Academy Awards overflowed with beauty and authenticity.

What inspired you? Please share your favorite looks and moments in the comments below.