Unconventionality and disruption were key tenets of the Oscars this year. Case in point: a champagne-coloured carpet to herald in celebrity guests and nominees, with sartorial ensembles embodying the same trailblazing spirit. Multi-hyphenate and new mother, Rihanna, helmed this front with a strategically-positioned leather and mesh ensemble from Alaïa. Janelle Monáe, on the other hand, elected for vibrancy and flair, where she draped herself in a silky Vera Wang number awash in a bold coral hue. Naturally, the Oscars 2023 beauty looks were not exempt from this movement—brimming with groundbreaking hair and make-up configurations sure to become mainstays within the beauty realm.
First up on the Oscars 2023 beauty trend report: Statuesque, towering hairdos. To amplify this, strands were adorned with all manner of silk bows and diamantés, as seen on Florence Pugh and Michelle Yeoh. Danai Gurira, however, preferred a gravity-defying rendition, while Halle Bailey opted for a playful take on a French twist incorporating braids. A heavy emphasis was placed on high-octane glamour with regard to make-up—the statement red lip was a fan-favourite, found in matte and satin finishes but unified in the intense wash of colour it provides. Lady Gaga donned hers by pairing it with bold blush swept up to her cheekbones to grant an operatic flair, whereas Fan Bingbing let hers take centrestage by accompanying it with an effortless cat eye.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Below, a comprehensive curation of the most enchanting Oscars 2023 beauty moments, ranging from Kate Hudson’s luminous glow to Halle Berry’s structured waves. Spy them all, below.
1 / 11
Rihanna
Bad gal RiRi presents a subversive take on the dainty hair bow with a jaunty variation utilising her own strands.
2 / 11
Cara Delevingne
There is no shortage of inventive ways to work the classic smoky eye. Cara Delevingne is living proof—with the use of dusty mauve hues adding a touch of flirtatiousness to the look.
3 / 11
Florence Pugh
A ponytail gains new dimension when it is flipped over and transformed into an updo. Something tells us that Florence Pugh is on the cusp of a new hair trend.
4 / 11
Fan Bingbing
Fan Bingbing brings old-school Hollywood splendour to the red carpet with sculpted waves and siren-red lips.
5 / 11
Halle Bailey
A minimalist wash of silver over the lids and along the cheekbones acts as the perfect complement to Halle Bailey’s elaborate bun.
6 / 11
Danai Gurira
Talk about a fresh new take on the bubble braid. Danai Gurira allows her towering mane to take centrestage by keeping the rest of her make-up simple.
7 / 11
Halle Berry
Traffic-stopping pin curls might be the focal point of Halle Berry’s look, but there’s no missing her bronzed lip and cheeks either—both of which pairs perfectly with the detailing on her Tamara Ralph frock.
8 / 11
Kate Hudson
Kate Hudson turned heads with a glowing complexion matched only by her dazzling silver eyeshadow.
9 / 11
Ashley Graham
It doesn’t get more avant-garde than this. Ashley Graham takes the term crowning glory literally with a headpiece made of intricate braids.
10 / 11
Michelle Yeoh
A dramatic side-part never goes out of style. Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh elevates hers with accessories with a bejewelled hair pin.
11 / 11
Lady Gaga
We expected nothing less from Mother Monster. This audacious make-up look deftly steers away from being OTT thanks to a slicked-back bun that allows her mien to take full focus.
