It’s hard to believe that 2018, a year that felt never-ending, is finally over. So much happened this year that it’s easy to forget some memorable moments, but don’t worry, there were a few beauty looks that were so good they stuck with us. From the Grammy’s to the Met Gala, we’ve rounded up some of the best red carpet beauty moments of 2018.
Danai Gurira at the Oscars
Black Panther made history when it premiered back in February, and the stars of this groundbreaking movie were the people to watch at some of the biggest events of the year. The first on our list is Danai Gurira at this year’s Oscars. Makeup artist Tym Buacharern enhanced her flawless complexion with a deep blush and golden highlighter, adding a similar plum color to her lips. Her lashes were bold and voluminous, but the best part was the intricate white paint detail on her hair. Hairstylist Vernon Scott was inspired by African tribal patterns to create this powerful look, which made it extra special.
Rita Ora at the MTV Video Music Awards
Rita Ora also enhanced her look by adding a fun detail. Makeup artist Kathy Jeung used the intricate eye appliques to make her stand out on the red carpet at this year’s MTV VMAs. The best part is, Kathy added every little detail of her look to her Instagram, so we know that the appliques are by Face Lace and that there was a whole lot of Pat McGrath makeup used, too.
Tracee Ellis Ross at the Emmys
Color blocking can be so good when it’s done right, and makeup artist Lisa Storey did it perfectly for Tracee Ellis Ross at this year’s Emmys. She used tons of Charlotte Tilbury to create this bright look, including Pillow Talk Lipstick on both her lips and eyes in bright pink and coral respectively.
Rihanna at the Ocean’s 8 Premiere
Rihanna’s makeup has been flawless at every event this year making it hard to pick just one, but we have to go with her metallic plum look at the Ocean’s 8 premiere in New York City. Using all Fenty products, makeup artist Priscilla Ono created this glam monochromatic look that made us want to drop everything and buy every metallic lipstick from Fenty Beauty.
Sophie Turner at Louis Vuitton
The Cat Eye of the Year Award goes to Sophie Turner at a Louis Vuitton exhibition in Shangai this fall. There’s just something about the thick black liner juxtaposed against Sophie’s bright blue eyes that makes this one of the best beauty looks of 2018. The mastermind behind this look is celebrity MUA Hung Vanngo, who you can learn more about here.
Kerry Washington at the Golden Globes
Kerry Washington’s vibrant eyeliner at the Golden Globes earns a spot on this list for a few reasons. It’s a simple way to elevate your look, it’s super easy to do, and all you really need is one thing: an eyeliner in the bright color of your choice. Kerry’s purple liner is a nod to Pantone’s 2018 Color of the Year, Ultraviolet, and it’s super flattering on her.
Yara Shahidi at the MTV Video Music Awards
Yara Shahidi always has fun with makeup, and one of her best looks of the year is from the MTV VMAs. Makeup artist Emily Cheng created the look using all Pat McGrath makeup, the best part being her Blitz Blue eyes created with the Mothership I Palette and a PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil. The look was so good that Pat McGrath herself posted an Instagram picture praising it with a detailed description of the makeup Emily used.
Priyanka Chopra at the Met Gala
The annual Met Gala may be all about fashion, but it’s a great place to show off some amazing beauty looks, too. This year’s theme was Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination, and we can’t get enough of all the ethereal makeup that everyone wore that night. We’ll start with Priyanka Chopra, who was able to pull off a full face of makeup, even with an elegant gold headpiece. We love her deep berry lips, glittery gold shadow, and full brows.
Cynthia Erivo at the Met Gala
Broadway actor Cynthia Erivo managed to stand out on the red carpet with the help of her intricately bejeweled eyebrows. It’s not every day we see eyebrows adorned with Swarovski crystals, but the Met Gala is the perfect place to do it. Makeup artist Giselle Ali used MAC products to finish the look, which included a berry lip and light purple eyeshadow.
Gigi Hadid at the Met Gala
Gigi Hadid channeled Brigitte Bardot at the Met Gala, and we love the soft pink and gold makeup applied by Patrick Ta. He used all Maybelline products to create the look, and the best part is the straight gold line of glitter down the middle of her eyes, which added a little something extra.
by Clare Saxton
