Awards Season is Here!
With awards season officially underway, the Critics’ Choice Awards offered our first major red-carpet moment of the year—and plenty of beauty inspiration to take note of. Below, the beauty looks that stood out most.
Best of beauty at the Critics Choice Awards 2026.
Ariana Grande
Could this be the return of Ariana Grande’s brunette era? The singer stepped out with a rich brown shade we’re far more accustomed to seeing, styled into a soft up-do with a face-framing fringe. Her make-up followed suit, with rosy pink blush sculpting the cheeks and adding a gentle glow that felt romantic and light.
Leighton Meester
A brighter lip made a quiet comeback at the Critics’ Choice Awards, and Leighton Meester led the way. She opted for a soft peachy-pink shade that added warmth without overpowering the rest of her look.
Chase Infiniti
Chase Infiniti’s beauty look was a lesson in effortless simplicity. Her warm, nude tones blended seamlessly across the face, creating a soft, sunset-like effect. Gentle highlights on the cheeks and subtle definition around the eyes added just enough depth, making this a look we’ll happily return to throughout 2026.
Amanda Seyfried
Amanda Seyfried paired a sleek ponytail with softly defined eyes for a look that felt both modern and flattering. Her winged liner was created with eyeshadow rather than liquid, giving a diffused finish that lifted the face. It’s a perfect option for anyone wanting the effect of a wing without the pressure of precision.
Wunmi Mosaku
Wunmi Mosaku embraced shimmer with a wash of silver eyeshadow across the lid. The metallic finish worked beautifully with her blue dress, instantly brightening her features. It was refreshing to see silver take centre stage once again.
Elle Fanning
Elle Fanning kept things fresh with a blush-toned palette that gave her a just-back-from-holiday glow. Softly flushed cheeks with a natural sheen were paired with a light cherry lip, creating a look that felt radiant and effortlessly chic.
Skye P. Marshall
Skye P. Marshall added a touch of gold to the inner corners of her eyes, proving how effective a small detail can be. The subtle sparkle brought brightness and dimension to her look without feeling overpowering—an easy way to elevate everyday make-up.
Mia Goth
Mia Goth once again embraced the unexpected. Her lighter brows stood out against her dark hair, drawing attention to her features and giving her look a distinctive edge. Styled with a classic bun and soft fringe, the overall effect felt elegant and intentional.
Odessa A’zion
Odessa A’zion’s beauty look appeared effortlessly put together—made even more impressive by rumours that she styles herself. Her curls were perfectly shaped, bouncy and defined, framing her face beautifully. Each appearance leaves us eager to learn her routine.
Teyana Taylor
SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 04: Teyana Taylor attends the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 04, 2026 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)
Teyana Taylor once again proved her mastery of restraint with a graphic edge. Her sharp, elongated eyeliner framed the eyes with quiet confidence, striking a balance between strength and subtlety. It reminded us of when Peter Philips did a criss-cross inner-corner eyeliner look for Dior’s SS23 runway—yet the look felt wearable, modern and unmistakably her.
