Awards season is undoubtedly one of the most exciting times of the year in the beauty calendar. The hair and makeup looks of the stars have become just as important as their fashion choices for the red carpet and with the addition of social media it’s becoming easier and easier for us to scrutinize a smoky eye or have serious lipstick envy.
The nominees in particular must feel the pressure to get their look right, with cameras capturing their every move it’s for certain that no one wants to be caught out with a shiny forehead or unblended contour. Luckily there were no standout disasters in the makeup department from the BAFTA’s this year, especially not for supporting actress winner Kate Winslet. Perhaps inspired by the romantic feel of the evening, as the show fell on Valentine’s Day this year, world-famous makeup artist Lisa Eldridge created a red lip for Kate which had everyone running to their nearest Boots to try and find a duplicate. In true makeup guru style, Eldridge documented the transformation on Snapchat, and even posted a selfie that Kate herself took on Instagram. The movie star has been a long-time client of Eldridge and the pair are a match made in makeup heaven. With subtle face and eye makeup complete with a pair of fluttery eyelashes and her blonde hair tousled into natural looking waves, Kate looked divine collecting her award for her part in the Steve Jobs.
Red lips were a reoccurring theme throughout the evening and Rising Star award nominee Dakota Johnson was no different. The actress looked like a classic movie star siren in a scarlet Dior dress with her lipstick colour matched to perfection. However there was a surprising twist to the look as Dakota also matched her eye makeup to her striking gown. In theory, this bold choice of shadow shade should make you look like you have a bad case of pink eye but the colour was subtle enough that the Fifty Shades of Grey actress pulled it off beautifully. With long glossy hair and her trademark fringe, the whole look was pulled together and was definitely one of the more striking ensembles of the night.
A beauty pet-hate of mine is when young women are given makeup looks that make them look older than their years. Luckily this beauty disaster wasn’t a worry for Irish actress Saoirse Ronan on her BAFTA evening. At 21 years old, Saoirse managed to keep her makeup young and fresh whilst also looking sophisticated. With feline eyeliner flicks, baby pink lipstick, natural brows and minimal-looking face makeup, the leading actress nominee managed to stay true to her age. Having her hair pulled back into a messy ponytail accentuated the pop of pink on the lips and the eyes were further amplified by keeping jewellery to a minimum. Although the actress may have lost the award for her part in Brooklyn, Saoirse definitely wins my award for best hair and makeup of the night.
