Nitpicks:
I feel like the look could have been even more fresh and modern with less heavy brow. Brushed out brows would have made for a less on-the-nose homage to Hepburn. However, Gaga usually rocks a structured arch so this may have been the star’s personal preference.
Tessa Thompson
Tessa Thompson wore a black rouched Chanel gown with golden accents. She brought these accents to her eyes with a bold pop of yellow gold in the centre of the lid, against a backdrop of bronze. A slash of inky black liner, brushed out brows and next-to-bare lips finished off the look. The makeup complemented rather than competed with her gold Chanel jewelry including L’Esprit du lion earrings and a yellow sapphire and diamond ring. With her swept back hair the overall effect was regal. Not at all surprising for an actress who has continuously stunned with her red carpet looks.
Nitpicks:
While I like the minimalism of the look I would have loved an amber-toned gloss on the lips, just to add to the sense of opulence – it is the Oscars after all. Fenty Gloss Bomb or Nars Orgasm lip gloss would have been great options.
Kasey Musgraves
Musgraves has drawn accolades and mockery for her frou-frou Giambattista Valli gown. This writer personally felt she pulled it off. The pale pink confection was complimented perfectly by hair and makeup, from her sleek ballerina bun to her clean, 1960’s beauty look. The sleek, center parted bun wouldn’t have been out of place at the Palais Garnier, while doe eyes, clean skin, and a matte nude lip kept things polished. The highlighting on the inner corners of the eyes added the perfect touch of whimsy – frosted perfection.
Nitpicks:
The under-eye highlight was a little intense. I suspect loose powder was applied with a rather heavy hand, as in some images Musgrave’s under-eye area is distractingly bright.
Amandla Stenberg:
Young star Amandla Stenberg rocked the 1920s, providing a youthful update to an old Hollywood look. For the stars first turn on the Oscars red carpet she opted for a silver Miu Miu gown that was somewhere between flapper and chainmail. Stenberg’s hairstylist Vernon Francois is making a name for himself in serving Hollywood glamour to stars who want to rock natural hair on the red carpet. His intricate braid work has been seen on Lupita Nyongo, Kerry Washington and Karrueche Tran. He aimed to create 1920’s style finger waves whilst keeping the integrity of Stenberg’s natural texture – so he worked the braids back into a sculptural do’. Stenberg wisely let her hair and dress do the talking, avoiding the look becoming too costume-y. Skin was fresh and luminous, lips naturally glossed and the wing of her cat eye blurred with a little powder to soften. Brows were full but boyish, brushed upwards for a relaxed effect. The look was retro-futurist glamor and we are here for it.
Nitpicks:
None.
Olivia Coleman:
Coleman took home the Oscars for Best Actress, and if there was an award for most improved from on screen to IRL she would have nabbed that too. While Queen Anne rocked some truly bizarre looks in the period comedy/drama The Favourite Coleman’s look was fresh and classic. Her pixie do perfectly complemented her her olive green Prada gown, while her makeup was clean and simple. Strong definition around the lash-line and lashes, a pop of coral on the lips and brushed up brows. Coleman’s look was elegant, unconventional glamor, perfectly suited to the star herself.
Nitpicks:
There is always a trade-off between the longevity of a base and the freshness of its look on the skin but in some photographs Coleman’s foundation looks a little dry. I understand why they opted for a matte finish for such a huge occasion though, so it’s a minor gripe.
