TV’s (and now streaming’s) biggest night is here—the Emmys. While last year’s show was mostly virtual, this one is in person, but it’s not exactly like past shows. The guest list is smaller, with just nominees and a certain number of guests, and there’s a limited red carpet.
Even though it’s a smaller red carpet, hey, at least we get one! As we’ve seen with both the VMAs and Met Gala, everyone seems to be turning it up even more, perhaps to make up for lost time. We’re not mad about that. While we love to see what everyone’s wearing, we’re equally excited about the makeup looks. Granted, the Emmys might be a little bit more subdued than the VMAs and Met Gala, but there were some dramatic and showstopping beauty looks this year. Take a look at some of our faves of the night below.
Yara Shahidi’s makeup and hair are as elegant as her Dior gown: a cat eye, dewy skin, and a sleek updo.
There’s something so classic about a red dress paired with red lipstick, and Mandy Moore’s perfect bangs will make anyone think about getting some fringe.
Old Hollywood waves meet modern in Elizabeth Olsen’s lob. Her makeup has a bit of a rose tinge, from her eye shadow to blush to lipstick.
Kerry Washington’s makeup is always so good, and she didn’t disappoint at this year’s Emmys. From the glowy skin to the fullest lashes to the perfect red lipstick, it all just works.
We just need a minute to take in Emma Corrin’s major nail moment.
A smoky eye with glossy lips is always a winning combo.
Pairing a smoky eye with peachy blush and lipstick is a genius move that feels so fresh.
Taraji P. Henson is giving us another nail moment here. But we also have to talk about the rest of her hair and makeup look. The topknot? The winged eyeliner? The subtle metallic lids? It’s all flawless.
Kaley Cuoco’s pretty and natural makeup look complements her stunning neon gown perfectly. And here’s another fringe spotlight! Key beauty products: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation (£54), Super Nudes Easy Eye Palette (£45), Super Nudes Duo Liner (£21), Eyes to Mesmerise in Pillow Talk (£22), Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes! Mascara (£23), Super Nudes Face Palette in Nudegasm (£60), Cheek to Chic in Love Glow (£30), Legendary Brow in Taupe (£19), Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk Medium (£17), and Matte Revolution Lipstick in Catwalking (£25)
The Nailed It! host’s updo is giving us ’60s vibes. She’s also wearing purple eye shadow to complement her Christian Siriano gown.
There is something so chic and sexy about a makeup look that is heavy on the nudes and neutrals. Key beauty products: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation (£54), Airbrush Bronzer ($55), Super Nudes Face Palette in Nudegasm (£60), Hollywood Contour Wand in Medium/Dark (£29), Brow Lift in Black Brown (£22), Lip Cheat in Foxy Brown (£17), Matte Revolution Lipstick in Catwalking (£25)
Here’s another case for the red-on-red look. Sarah Paulson’s sleek bob might also tempt you to go short.
Aidy Bryant just looks so regal with her statement jewelled headband. We love that she complemented it with red lips.
Tracee Ellis Ross’s hair needs no introduction. It looks phenomenal here, as always. And while everyone seemed to reach for the bright-red lipstick this year, she went with a darker, moodier hue, which we adore.
With big lashes and dramatic eye shadow, Cynthia Erivo’s eyes really pop here.
Kathryn Hahn’s hairstylist Marilee Albin said her Emmys look was influenced by French beauty: “We are always inspired by French women—how they look like they just woke up, put on a lip stain, and tousled their hair. Tonight, we were channeling Lou Doillon, Jane Birkin’s daughter, as we created effortless-looking texture to complement Kathryn’s black Lanvin ensemble, Tamara Mellon stilettos, and Briony Raymond diamond and emerald necklace.”
Michaela Coel’s makeup look is taken to the next level with a swipe of yellow eyeliner.
Issa Rae’s makeup artist, Joanna Simkin, wanted to do a nod to “disco glam.” The purple eye shadow look was created with drugstore-favourite brand E.l.f. Cosmetics. Read more about how to get the look here. Key beauty products: E.l.f. Cosmetics Big Mood Mega Volume & Lifting Mascara (£7), Bite Size Eyeshadow Palette in Açai You (£4), and Liquid Metallic Eyeshadow in Supernova (£6)
Everything about this look is glamorous, from the intricate updo to the fluffy lashes to the red lip.
Okay, The Queen’s Gambit stars really brought it in the hair department. This chain hair accessory is a total statement piece.
Mindy Kaling’s glam Old Hollywood waves are just classic—full stop.
While we’ve been loving that everyone seems to be on the red-lip trend this year, America Ferrera’s deep berry is a nice change.
Sophia Bush’s red lipstick complements her pretty pink dress so well. We love that the rest of her makeup looks so subtle and natural and has a bit of a rosy glow.
Issa Rae isn’t the only star who had a ’70s moment at this year’s Emmys. Madeline Brewer’s flippy blowout was accompanied by a sultry bronze eye shadow look.
We haven’t seen too many deep red, burgundy lip colours this red carpet, so naturally we’re drawn to Jurnee Smollett’s look. And her voluminous updo adds to the glamour. Key beauty products: Maui Moisture Color Protection + Sea Minerals Heat Shield Mist (£6)
Looks like the ’70s were a huge beauty trend at this year’s Emmys. We love Annie Murphy’s modern take on Farrah Fawcett–like waves.
Susan Kelechi Watson’s sleek lob is just perfect—just like her pink-toned eye shadow look.
Hannah Waddingham’s hair and makeup look was the epitome of blonde bombshell, from her glam updo to luminous skin to peachy blush to smoky and bronzed eye shadow. Next, All the Emmys Red Carpet Looks You Need to See Immediately
