Oscars 2014: The Year Of Classic (But A Little Boring?) Beauty

Last night’s Oscars were a sombre affair, sartorially speaking at least. A sea of navy and black were interrupted only by the odd nude gown and Jennifer Lawrence’s shot of scarlet. Similarly on the beauty front, hair and make-up was suitably classic, perhaps a little safe, but thoroughly beautiful nonetheless. Maybe it was the weather, but there was most definitely a dampener on the beauty looks this year.

But can we focus on Cate Blanchett’s skin for a moment? She may well have won the award for Best Actress for her role in Blue Jasmine but if there was an award for most flawlessly iridescent skin that looks crafted from a rare diamond she would have scooped that one too for sure. Blanchett credits her skin to SK-II Facial Treatment Essence and claims never to hit a red carpet without it.

The prevailing attitude on the make-up front was – wait for it – nude. Even our new beauty inspiration Lupita Nyong’o failed to pull out a bright lip and instead kept her look firmly in the neutral zone with just the barest hint of rose.

Also walking in the way of nude were Charlize Theron, Julia Roberts, Amy Adams, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Lawrence, although Jolie (predictably) and Lawrence played with a simple and sleek cat-like eyeliner and a few individual falsies – against an ever-so-slight flush on cheeks and perfectly nude lips. You can’t get more classically beautiful or red carpet appropriate.

Sandra Bullock (who can do no wrong in our eyes) went for the smoked and sultry look with just a hint of metallic along her lower lash line – a lesson in red carpet beauty right there.

Showing the younger stars how it’s done, Glenn Close, Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep looked the seasoned red carpet pros with understated but classic make-up: a spattering of falsies here (Streep) and a flirty flush there (Close).

Let’s talk about hair. Jordan Catalano's (erm, sorry Jared Leto) glossy locks were undeniably the best on the red carpet. How does that man maintain such glossy highlights? He also aced it in the fashion stakes with his red bow-tie and white dinner jacket.

Perhaps following in Leto’s footsteps, the stars of the red carpet went equally as classically simple. Jessica Biel, Jennifer Garner, Kate Hudson and Sandra Bullock took their inspiration from old Hollywood with matching cascading waves over one shoulder.

Who else would agree that there was a touch of the Duchess of Cambridge about Angelina Jolie last night? She may well have been wearing Elie Saab and not Jenny Packham but the embellished gown, softly, softly make-up and loose and expensively shiny hair spoke of royalty. Well to us at least.

Our favourite up-dos came courtesy of Julia Roberts, Amy Adams and Penelope Cruz. Flyaway, structured and dolce vita respectively.

And Charlize Theron and Jennifer Lawrence showed everyone just how to rock a short do.

Margot Robbie also chose the red carpet as her moment to debut her new dark look. We miss the blonde but the rich and glossy brunette shade allowed her to carry off a dark berry lip which previously as a blonde would have been a tad out of reach.

And lastly, a little love-in where Lupita is concerned. As awards season draws to a close we have been in love with her red carpet looks and while last night’s effort was a little pared back than we have come to expect (but then again this is the Oscars and possibly not the best place to be daring – Pharrell take note), that girl can pull off an Alice band without looking prepubescent. And on the red carpet no less. You’ll find us in Claire’s stocking up on similar.

7 Oscar 2014 red carpet looks we thought were all kinds of amazing...