When it comes to awards season, Oscars beauty looks reign supreme. Through the decades, stars have continued to pull out all the stops with the help of their go-to glam squads to deliver a memorable makeup moment.
The most iconic makeup looks from every decade almost always feature a moment from the Academy Awards. Look back to Barbara Streisand’s pastel lip and cut-crease shadow at the 1969 Oscars that showcases the best of ‘60s makeup. Then there’s Cher’s iconic two-foot-tall headpiece that turned heads at the 1986 awards ceremony. The best '90s makeup looks from the Oscars often involved skinny brows, brown glossy lips, and a sprinkling of glitter. No matter what you think about those style choices, they're certainly fun to look back on.
In recent years, we’ve seen pops of color as well as soft Hollywood glam and, of course, Halle Berry’s iconic pixie crop that inspired many of us to brave the chop. Let's take a trip down memory lane to recount the most iconic hair and makeup moments from the biggest night in Hollywood.
Oscars beauty looks from the '00s
1. Halle Berry 2002
Searching for 'the best pixie haircuts to inspire your next chop? Just look to Halle Berry's iconic pixie crop at the 1996 Oscars. To complete the romantic look, the actress opted for a soft glam makeup look of glossy neutral lip and sparkly golden eyeshadow.
2. Beyoncé, 2007
It's not often we see Beyoncé at the Oscars but in 2007 she ruled the red carpet with her sleek chestnut brown hair, feline liner and a full face of glowy glam.
3. Kate Winslet, 2009
Kate Winslet stunned at the 2009 Oscars where she won Best Actress for her starring role in The Reader. Her flawless tucked-under hair up style paired perfectly with her soft Hollywood glam.
Oscars beauty looks from the '90s
4. Whitney Houston, 1994
Whitney Houston attended the '94 Oscars as a presenter where she stole the show in a two-piece white suit paired with a delicate cut crease eyeshadow that's just as relevant today.
5. Jennifer Lopez,1997
J-Lo wowed at the Oscars in 1997 with her voluminous coiffed hairdo, skinny eyebrows and classic '90s brown lipstick.
6. Drew Barrymore, 1998
With daisies in her hair, glitter on her eyelids, and dark brown glossy lips—Drew Barrymore’s girlish look at the 1998 awards made for an iconic glam-grunge look.
Oscars beauty looks from the '80s
7. Debbie Allen, 1982
Actress, dancer and singer-songwriter Debbie Allen performed at the 1982 awards ceremony wearing an embellished lilac dress, grey smoked-out shadow and pink lipstick.
8. Cher, 1986
Only Cher could pull off purple eyeshadow, berry lipstick plus this two-foot tall headpiece made from rooster feathers, created by costume designer Bob Mackie for the 58th Annual Academy Awards. More is more!
9. Daryl Hannah, 1988
Old Hollywood glam was the order of the day for Daryl Hannah’s look that featured big, bleached blonde waves and a ruby red pout. This deeper-toned lippie is one of the best red lipstick hues for a super-glam event.
Oscars beauty looks from the '70s
10. Diana Ross,1973
In a sea of dresses, Diana Ross made a statement at the 45th annual Academy Awards wearing a custom satin tuxedo, big bouncy curls and her signature look—lashings of one of the best lengthening mascaras.
11. Cher, 1974
Another major makeup from Cher, this time at the 46th Annual Academy Awards. The singer wore pink frosted eyeshadow, spindly long lashes and a sleek top bun that's a far cry from the messy buns that dominate the red carpet now.
12. Meryl Streep, 1979
Always a natural beauty, Meryl Streep styled her long blonde hair in cascading curls, swept over to one side. The rest of her makeup was paired-back and minimal.
Oscars beauty looks from the '60s
13. Elizabeth Taylor, 1961
Elizabeth Taylor opted for a big, bouffant hairstyle, lined lips, and defined arches to celebrate her Oscar for Best Actress in Butterfield 8 at the 33rd Academy Awards.
14. Faye Dunaway, 1968
Faye Dunaway looked effortlessly chic at the 1968 awards ceremony wearing a black ruffled wrap dress, and a slicked-back bun that would still look ultra-cool to this day.
15. Barbra Streisand, 1969
Receiving her first Oscar in 1969 for her role in Funny Girl, Streisand turned heads in an Arnold Scaasi sheer pantsuit paired with a bouffant bob and smoked-out eyeshadow look.
Oscars beauty looks from the '50s
16. Audrey Hepburn, 1954
Dressed in Givenchy, Hepburn dazzled at the 1954 Academy Awards where she picked up an Oscar for best actress for her role in Roman Holiday. We're obsessed with her signature feathered brows and full, fluttery lashes that can be emulated with the best false eyelashes.
17. Grace Kelly, 1955
At the 1955 Academy Awards, Grace Kelly stole the show with her wavy hairstyle that was pulled up and adorned with fresh florals (at the back) as she accepted her Oscar for her role in The Country Girl.
18. Elizabeth Taylor 1957
At the 1957 Oscars, the iconic Dame Elizabeth Taylor opted for a romantic updo complete with loose tendrils and a Cartier tiara, given to her by third husband Mike Todd.
