The Academy Awards red carpet is a place filled with star power and memorable looks that captivate and inspire the masses for years to come. Watching each celebrity arrive is a true spectator sport and those of us who participate want to know what everyone is wearing down to the eyeshadow. This year’s 94th awards broadcast will not disappoint say celebrity makeup artists who add the glamour behind the scenes. Here, the top makeup trends we will see on this year’s red carpet, according to the pros that make the magic happen.
Shimmer and Shine
Celebrity makeup artist and 2022 Oscars Head of Makeup, Bruce Grayson says expect to see the glitz that accompanies the glam. “As the show returns to the Dolby Theater with a live audience, I think celebrities will flash a bit of sparkle and we’ll see an element of shimmery eyes. For the rest of the face, it’s time for severe contouring to be replaced with subtle shading, us-ing a hint of bronzer, and an emphasis on color blush instead.”
Glowy Complexions Under Foundation
Celebrity makeup artist Matin Maulawizada shares that having a smooth, clear base underneath foundation is step one, and we will see the glowiest of skin, even up close in HD. “My go-to prep is a vitamin-enriched vitamin C serum before I apply anything else on the face,” he says. “This helps leave the skin with a brighter, more radiant appearance. I also like to soak their lips while they are getting their hair done with a nourishing product and send them to their event with a product like the ChapStick Total Hydration Moisture + Tint Lip Balm. No matter what look I do, I always send them with a color close to their lipstick so they can hydrate and refresh their lips without the fear of layering on thick lipstick.”
Sheer Tints
One would assume layers of foundation are needed under intense lights and cameras, but Grayson says a lighter hand is needed than that to avoid a caked-on appearance. Natural is the name of the game. “I love tinted moisturizers to add color to skin and identify where foundation with more coverage needs to be applied,” Grayson shares. “I use a tinted moisturizer as a first pass, then stipple on a regular foundation in the same shade with a make-up sponge, like the Beautyblender, to add coverage where needed.”
The Mask Factor
Matin says masks might be required until the stars hit the red carpet, which translates to a focus on done-up eyes and strong brows. “We then slowly add darker bold lips on clients, too, as masks get lifted.”
Playful Eyeliner and Brighter Blush
Celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg forecasts that we will see the perfect combination of playful and natural on the red carpet. “Bold colors are no longer only for lips or fashion,” she shares. “Instead, expression through color has evolved and we will see some brighter blushes and even bolder eye looks. Natural looks with bold brows will also be a season’s hit— it’s a timeless look that never goes out of style.”
Blurring Body Makeup
Minutes up until showtime, Greenberg says makeup artists are hard at work completing a look from head to toe. You can’t neglect one inch of skin from the neck down. “I also use Westmore Body Coverage Perfector to make skin from the décolleté to legs look flawless in any fashion look.”
