The highlight of almost every major award night is as much about the talent being serenaded as it is about the gorgeous couture and beauty on display. After all, a chic red-carpet look is essential as the world’s leading ladies pose and preen for the paparazzi. So, if you want to know more about the trends that will make waves this year, sit up and take notes. We’ve scoured the red carpets to put together a master list of the most stunning looks to conjure up this year. You’re welcome!
Here are the best Red Carpet makeup looks of 2018:
1. HAIR ACCESSORIES
Grammys 2018
LDR, is datchu?! Makeup may seem to be toned down a notch, but hairdos, that’s another story. 90s accessories make a glorious comeback. From old barrettes and silk hair wraps to scrunchies and flower crowns, it seems like hair accessories left a major mark. This queen wore her starry crown on the Grammy red carpet. Sitting atop her sleek middle parted hair, a halo bejewelled with stars. We like! She slayed the look with a classic winged eyeliner and nude lips.
Pro tip: You don’t want both your hair and accessories to vie for attention, so keep one subtle like Lana.
Nykaa recommends: Elite Models Head Jewellery Wrap
2. NATURAL GLOW
Golden Globes 2018
This year if you have to treat yourself to one thing, let it be face masks. Time to let go of cakey foundations and embrace your natural skin. Of course, illuminators and rosy blushes are allowed! Alicia Vikander aced that glowy glow at the Golden Globes. Blushed skin, bare lips and subtle cat eyeliner. Hair pulled back in a sleek coiled chignon, she personified sophistication.
Pro Tip: If you have to use foundation, add a dollop of highlighter to it for some shimmery magic!
Nykaa recommends: The Face Shop Real Nature Pomegranate Face Mask, NYX Professional Makeup Mineral Stick Foundation and Nykaa Glow Getter Highlighting & Illuminating Duo
3. GLITTER GAME
SAG 2018
Glitter isn’t going away anytime soon and it’s such a fun way to play dress up. Don’t save your shimmer makeup just for the festive season, have fun with it all year. Millie Bobby, showed us a glimpse of the glitterati within her and had her own Kira Kira moment on the red carpet. Bubble gum lips, dewy skin and space buns weren’t enough, so she raised the bar with her silver glitter eye.
Pro tip: Add glitter to highlight just a single feature to keep the look sharp without going OTT.
Nykaa recommends: Ferrarucci Diamond Glitter
4. RED LIPS REINVENTED
BAFTA 2018
The red lip is an evergreen classic and there’s such a variety of finishes and application techniques to play with. From cherry pop pouts to mattes, the options are endless. We’re currently in love Jennifer Lawrence’s glossy matte pout. The best of both worlds! And such a striking contrast to that oh-so-luminous skin.
Pro Tip: Use a mattifying lip primer before swiping on the lipstick to keep it intact all evening.
Nykaa recommends: NYX Professional Lip Lustre Glossy Tint – Mystic Gipsy
5. ULTRA VIOLET SPELL
Golden Globes 2018
It’s the year of Ultra Violet in all its fantastic purple hues. Transform yourself into a grape tinged goddess and put those nude palettes aside. Kerry Washington slayed the lilac eyeliner look, complementing the pigmented purple hue with a nude lip.
Pro tip: Deeper shades of purple lipstick and liners look great on both warm and cool undertones.
Nykaa recommends: L’Oreal Paris Infallible Silkissime Eyeliner – Pure Purple
6. LESS IS MORE
Oscars 2018
This is more complicated than it sounds. This #IWokeUpLikeThis look is disguised under a good coverage see through foundation, minimal highlighter and lots of confidence. Saoirse Ronan pulls this trend off at the Oscars 2018. Her super subtle, harmonious base is almost like second skin. With defined and tamed brows, this bareface look is just about perfect.
Pro Tip: Blending the right shade for you is key.
Nykaa recommends: Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Foundation
7. THICK LASHES
Oscars 2018
Now we aren't talking about the vintage trend of twiggy lashes. Allison Williams does the layers of mascara just about right. Lash perfection - the right length, thickness and color for the season. She brought her A game with a subtle overall look and left the eyes to do all the other talking.
Pro tip: Coat both sides of the lashes to thicken them.
