The beauty of the 2026 Oscars: the looks that defined the red carpet

The red carpet at the Academy Awards once again proved why it remains one of the most influential stages for beauty trends each year. Last night, film stars transformed the arrival into a showcase of references balancing classic glamour with contemporary freshness through luminous skin and delicate make-up.

This year’s edition revealed a refined aesthetic, less about excess and more about sophistication. Lightweight foundations, glowing complexions and polished hairstyles dominated the evening, reinforcing a movement already visible across fashion weeks and editorial beauty.

Among the evening’s standout moments, Anne Hathaway drew attention with an elegant and timeless look, opting for radiant skin, soft make-up and classic Hollywood waves.

Another notable appearance came from Anna Wintour, who presented one of the evening’s categories. True to her signature aesthetic, the editor-in-chief of Vogue appeared with her iconic structured bob and understated make-up, reinforcing the visual identity that has made her one of the most recognisable figures in fashion.

Brazilian presence on the red carpet

Among the names that also caught attention on the red carpet was Brazilian actress Bruna Marquezine. She appeared in a sophisticated and modern beauty look, featuring luminous skin, balanced make-up and polished hair reflecting the growing presence of Brazilian artists at major international events.

Her appearance at the Oscars highlights not only her expanding global visibility, but also the increasing interest in Brazilian aesthetics within the fashion and beauty industries.

The beauty trends of the night

Several elements appeared consistently across the celebrities’ looks. Luminous skin was almost unanimous, with make-up focused on natural finishes and subtle glow.

Soft pink lips often with satin or glossy finishes added a romantic touch to many looks. On the eyes, delicate neutral shades and gentle blending balanced elegance with modernity.

In hair styling, two directions stood out: classic waves inspired by old Hollywood glamour and minimalist styles such as sleek, polished hair and low buns.

The 8 best beauty looks of the 2026 Oscars

Among the many striking appearances, several stood out for their elegance and visual impact on the red carpet:

Elle Fanning – Ethereal beauty with luminous skin, soft pink blush and an elegant updo.

Demi Moore – Dramatic glamour with polished waves and sophisticated make-up.

Nicole Kidman – Minimal elegance with radiant skin and soft make-up.

Teyana Taylor – One of the most striking beauty statements of the evening.

Anne Hathaway – Classic beauty with Hollywood waves and delicate make-up.

Bruna Marquezine – Sophisticated and contemporary with glowing skin and polished hair.

Heidi Klum – Luminous beauty focusing on glowing skin and soft pink lips.

McKenna Grace – A youthful and romantic interpretation of the evening’s beauty trends.

What the 2026 Oscars reveal about beauty today

If the red carpet offered a clear message this year, it is that beauty is moving towards a softer and more personalised form of elegance.

Balancing timeless glamour with contemporary detail, the 2026 Oscars demonstrated that the most compelling beauty looks today are those that celebrate individuality turning the red carpet not only into a fashion spectacle, but also into a creative laboratory for the future of beauty.

Carlos Moura

Makeup Artist & Photographer

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