Dawn Siler: Critics’ Choice Awards 2020: The Best Skin, Hair and Makeup Looks on the Red Carpet

Award season just got underway with last week's Golden Globes, and now we've got another batch of celebrity beauty looks to pore over, from the annual Critics' Choice Awards!

Held last night in Los Angeles, the event always calls for a creative approach to glamour—exemplified this year by Lupita Nyong'o's dramatic updo, Olivia Wilde's negative-space cat eyes and Zendaya's pink shadow and box braids.

Take a look at the must-see skin, hair and makeup of the night:

Lupita Nyong’o

Has any celebrity ever glowed like Lupita is glowing on this red carpet? No highlighter could create this kind of luminosity! But the makeup is impressive, too—especially the warm red lipstick and copper eyeliner. I'm also digging the cloud-like bun with gold wiring.

Lupita is wearing: Moisturizer • Foundation in 555 Suede C • Highlighter in Lumières d'Or Rose • Eyeshadow in Haute Couture • Eyeshadow in Terre de Sienne • Eyeliner in Cuivre • Lipstick in Rubiez

Olivia Wilde

Cat eyes are my favourite makeup look for Olivia, so of course I'm obsessed with this. If you look closely, the wings actually have a tiny bit of negative (open) space! Light pink lipstick and a soft bun keep the focus on the eyes.

Zendaya

Zendaya is taking more and more risks on the red carpet, and I love it! Here, she gave new meaning to "matchy-matchy" by pairing her pink eyeshadow with a futuristic pink breastplate (!!). Box braids down to her waist give it even more flair.

Anne Hathaway

It's been nearly a year since we've seen Anne (who recently welcomed her second child). The only thing she's changed up is her hair colour, by going darker and ditching the red. I think this makeup is just lovely, especially the brown liner to match her hair and eyes. I also love the juxtaposition of a peachy blush with a pinky lip.

Florence Pugh

Florence is a new face on the red carpet this year, and with looks like this, she's one to watch. How fabulous is that shimmery, almost wet-looking white eyeshadow? She also has fantastic brows, amped up with two shades of pencil (which her makeup artist says creates the most natural effect).

Florence is wearing: Foundation in 4 • Concealer in 2 • Highlighter in D'Or • Eyeshadow in Hadaka (on cheeks) • Blush in La Rosee du Soir and La Vie En Rose • Eyeshadow in Kira Kira • Eyeshadow in Starr, Scintillante and Rosâtre • Eyeliner in Mousseux • Mascara in Noir • Brow pencil in Brunette and Rousse • Lip liner in Faire La Bise • Lipstick in Gamine

Alison Brie

This has to be a personal best for Alison! I think it's mainly down to that amazing lip colour (created with not one but three products) and the loose, wavy updo. The orange dress also adds something, because it wouldn't have been as exciting with black. My only gripe is the way her brows were filled in. Hair-like strokes would be better!

Alison is wearing: Eye mask • Tinted lip balm in Berry • Lip stain in AT03 • Lipstick in Bang

Joey King

After a heavier look at the Golden Globes, Joey lightened things up considerably with this subtly winged green eyeshadow (actually three liners). With understated lips and vintage-inspired waves, it's classic with a twist.

Joey is wearing: Primer • Eyeliner in Deep End, Overdrive and Mildew

Saoirse Ronan

I'm a fan of Saorise's avant garde aesthetic, but sometimes there are aspects that seem a bit too "mature." Like this ladylike red lip and one piece of curled hair... I don't get it! I think something more casual would've worked better with this high, buttoned-up neckline. But I do love the shimmery peach shadow, and the fact that she was wearing bright yellow nail polish!

Saoirse is wearing: Eye cream • Foundation in 10 Beige • Eyeshadow in Warm Memories • Eyeshadow in Quartz Rose • Mascara in Deep Eros • Brow pencil in Blond Clair • Lipstick in Rouge Spectaculaire • Lip gloss in Crystal Clear

Kate Beckinsale

There's nothing fashion-forward about Kate's ensemble, but I appreciate that she experimented just a wee little bit here. It's the smoky pink shadow all the way around her eyes that is new—and really quite pretty with the slightly warmer pink blush and lip colour. (Seriously, her lips look so good!) I'd prefer it without the false lashes, but we can't have everything.

Awkwafina

Awkwafina is back with another red lip, same as at the Golden Globes, but this time she wore it with long waves and bright gold winged eyeshadow. She has a more relaxed vibe here, but I'm really on the fence about that gold—I think it may be competing too much with the yellow dress. Also, her brows should be ashier.

Kristen Bell

Chartreuse is not an easy shade to wear, so Kristen basically opted out of any strong makeup colours and stuck with peachy, rosy neutrals instead. It's fine, I guess, but she never used to be this boring! As for the slicked-back bob, I think Reese did it better.

Lucy Hale

Then we have Lucy, who at least tried—but didn't quite succeed with this mint and brownish-nude palette. Honestly, I think it's the most unflattering makeup I've seen on her. The colours don't do anything for her skin tone, and the eyes just seem unnecessarily heavy. Jewel tones are your friend, Lucy!

Lucy is wearing: Illuminator in Blush • False lashes • Brow colour

Jennifer Lopez

I'm happy to report that JLo didn't cake on her makeup like she did at the Golden Globes. In fact, this would be quite gorgeous if it weren't for the two-toned skin and her signature ring-around-the-lips. The hairstyle is very elegant, she looks great in the peachy-pink tones, and I can even live with these false lashes.

Mandy Moore

Surprisingly, I was most disappointed by Mandy's look (and I never say that!). I'm not opposed to a low chignon, but something about this hairstyle is so matronly. Her lashes are also insanely clumpy, and combined with the liner look amateurish. On the plus side, the peach lipstick is very pretty.

Mandy is wearing: Eyeshadow in Dusk and Brûlée

Who had your favourite (and least favourite) beauty look on this red carpet?

Critics’ Choice Awards 2020: The Best Skin, Hair and Makeup Looks on the Red Carpet syndicated from The Skincare Edit
January 13, 2020 at 06:53PM

Dawn Siler

Monday, January 13, 2020

Critics’ Choice Awards 2020: The Best Skin, Hair and Makeup Looks on the Red Carpet