11 of the best beauty looks from the 2026 Oscars

The Academy Awards remain one of the biggest stages for beauty inspiration, and each year Hollywood’s biggest stars arrive ready to set the tone for the trends we’ll be recreating for the month...or year. From smokey eyes to statement hairstyles, the red carpet has become just as anticipated for its beauty moments as it is for its fashion.

Of course, the Oscars red carpet has always been a place where beauty trends are born. The looks we see here often ripple through awards season and beyond, influencing everything from editorial shoots to everyday makeup routines.

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Oscars: Hollywood's biggest night

Chase Infiniti’s lilac eyeshadow. Image: Instagram/@justjared

The 2026 Oscars delivered no shortage of standout glamour. There were plenty of noteworthy makeup, hair, and nail looks worthy of receiving their own spotlight. Blunt bobs and braided styles added depth to the evening's beauty moments, while pigmented eyeliner and bold eyeshadows added drama.

Nails also played a subtle but stylish role, with many stars opting for elegant shades that complemented their gowns and jewellery without overpowering the overall look. The Oscars seemed to be an evening filled with beauty moments that felt polished, daring, and undeniably glamorous.

These are the best beauty looks at the 2026 Oscars that had us pausing, screenshotting and saving for future beauty inspiration.

Audrey Nuna’s sculpted gold ball nails

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Olandria’s perfect messy bun

Keke Palmer’s grunge eye makeup

Julia Fox's horn-like hairdo

Lola Young’s slick back hairstyle

Jayme Lawson’s blue eyeliner

Kim Kardashian serving 2016 realness

@mtvuk Kim Kardashian wearing icy-blue contact lenses and a gorgeous Gucci gown on the Vanity Fair Oscar Party red carpet 💙 #MTVMovies #KimKardashian #Oscars ♬ GIMME MORE X SEXYBACK by ALTÉGO - ALTÉGO