When we talk about getting inspiration from the Oscars 2025 for makeup looks, we immediately think of the hair and makeup seen on celebrities on the red carpet. However, this year’s Best Picture nominees have chock-full of makeup inspirations that range from glamorous to whimsical.
If you’re wondering how these looks can be translated in real life from the film, look no further than the Oscars 2025 red carpet itself.
Now that awards season is over, get ready to queue up these films and take note of the Oscar-winning movie makeup styles. Some spoilers maybe ahead!
The Substance: Bold 80s Inspired Look
Let’s start with the winner of this year’s Oscar for Makeup and Hairstyling, The Substance.
Aerobics was a central element to the film as the two bodies fight over being the star of an aerobics program. The exercise gained a huge following during the fitness craze of the 80s, which is why it’s not surprising that The Substance took inspiration from the era in its aesthetics, especially the makeup.
In the infamous scene as she blows a kiss to the camera, Sue is seen in a modernised 80s makeup look. The hot pink winged liner is bold and playful, fitting the character of the new body. But it didn’t stop there. The spidery lash and ultra-glossy lip is equally as bold. Her skin also shined with tons of highlighter, making a sweaty look glamorous.
In another scene, Sue seemed to be on trend with her blue eyeshadow look, which has made its comeback. But this time the skin and lips are more subtle; she is wearing a bouffant tulle dress afterall.
The whole look might be a lot, but if you break down the makeup elements and do them separately, it can give an interesting focal point to your look. See how Lupita Nyong’o focused on colors with a blue eyeshadow and red lip, or how Miley Cyrus’ spidery lash gave edge to her look. On the other hand, Margaret Qualley had a more subtle take on her on-screen look for the red carpet.
Anora: Glamorous Yet Gritty Look
Another Oscars 2025 makeup look from a film is from this year’s Best Picture Winner, Anora.
In an interview, Madison shared how the makeup look – a collaboration between her, director Sean Baker, and the film’s lead makeup artist Annie Johnson- helped her tap into the character of Ani.
According to Johnson, they wanted to create a makeup look that feels authentic as if the character did their makeup themselves. The result is a glamorous yet gritty look that reflects Ani’s emotional journey.
For the most part, Ani’s skin is left natural, even showcasing some of its flaws. Contrast it to the prominent winged liner, which was first suggested by Sean Baker inspired by films from the 70s. It is paired with a sheer glitter lid and overdrawn lips.
In other scenes of the film, you also can see Ani add very playful details to her look. For instance, the stars she applied in the New Year’s scene or the tinsel strands in her hair for a lot of the club scenes.
Madison herself gave an ode to her titular character in her Oscars 2025 red carpet look. Other celebrities are also seen with Anora-esque makeup looks. Elle Fanning’s bold liner gave a good contrast to her classic look, while Rachel Zegler looks sultry with her nude-colored lip and glittery lid.
Wicked: Pretty in Pink Look
The last Oscars 2025 makeup look we wanted to highlight is Galinda’s princessy look from Wicked.
According to lead makeup artist Frances Hannon, they wanted to stick to a classic princess look with Galinda. The look is almost monochromatic, utilizing pinks to contrast with Elphaba’s greens.
While the look is classically feminine, there is something punk with Glinda’s full pink lip. In a world where it’s easy to apply a nude lip for an everyday look or a red lip to be bold, the full cotton candy pink lip is very refreshing. Also, its glossiness adds a touch of whimsy; no matte lip in this universe.
Much like the whole press tour for wicked, the singer-actress is obviously inspired by the Good Witch for her makeup look for the Oscars. Other stars like Emma Stone and Selena Gomez also took note of the classically feminine look for the red carpet.
Those are some of the makeup inspirations that got us excited from the 2025 Best Picture Nominees at the Oscars. It’s time to pick up the brush and recreate these looks.
We can’t wait until the next awards season comes along to see which films will inspire our makeup looks next.
