From bold, chiseled jawlines to subtle glam, the biggest celebrities at the Golden Globes did not hold back when it came to their beauty looks. In the early morning of January 12th, 2026, stars stepped onto the red carpet wearing their best in Oscar de la Renta and Dior. However, clothes and accessories were not the only things that stood out. Rather, hair and makeup captured the spotlight. Subtle glam and statement hair swept the red carpets and set the tone for the night. Here are the starts that showed up in trendsetting makeup looks that are set to shape the rest of the year and the award season ahead. If 2016, was the decade of cut crease, baked-to-the-gods, bold glam then 2026 is stripped, subtle, soft blush beauty looks that gleam under the spotlight.
The Subtle Glamers: How Emma Stone and Others Embraced Minimalist Red Carpet Beauty
While subtle glam may not be as eye-catching as bold lips or dramatic features, Emma Stone’s understated look will not be forgotten. Her makeup artist, Nina Park, highlighted Emma’s natural beauty with her signature “pale girl glam.” From choosing tones perfectly suited to Emma’s palette to making her eyes pop with a thin liner starting at the inner corners, the look was effortlessly flawless.
What truly set this makeup apart, however, was Nina Park’s signature lip combination. The look defined Emma’s lips into a soft pout while blending taupe-toned browns with a “your-lip-but-better” pink at the center. While the exact products remain unknown, many in the media have attempted to recreate the look using lip contour, a thick blending liner—such as the Rode Cosmetics lip liner—and a final touch of Benetint lip stain.
Who would have thought a nude lip would take the internet by storm? Though simple, it perfectly encapsulated an everyday lip that could be worn by anyone, anywhere. The rise of these elegant, pared-back makeup looks evokes the “clean girl” aesthetic yet refined, chic, and timeless. Red carpet level.
The Eyecatchers: Jenna Ortega and Sculpted Looks That Stole the Spotlight
While subtle glam set the tone for timeless beauty, several celebrities opted for jaw-dropping looks that were impossible to ignore. Jenna Ortega, star of Netflix’s "Wednesday", arrived in hauntingly beautiful makeup. Though subtle from afar, her chiseled cheekbones and bleached brows were the most striking elements of her look.
The bleached brows allowed the rest of her makeup to stand out, emphasizing hollowed cheeks and a Tim Burton–inspired doe eye reminiscent of his iconic muses—from Winona Ryder to Johnny Depp. While Jenna’s bone structure naturally highlights her cheekbones, cool grey contour sharpened them further, subtly blended with warmer bronzer to soften harsh lines. This technique helped the contour appear more natural and albeit otherworldly.
The Hair: Timeless Bobs and Statement Curls on Stars Like Ayo Edebiri and Odessa A’zion
From subtle glam to bold makeup, hair played an equally important role in defining beauty at the Golden Globes. From vintage updos to intricate styles, several looks stood out. While fans were thrilled to see Ariana Grande return to her iconic tight brunette ponytail, Ayo Edebiri’s classic bob made an even stronger statement.
Her bob reflected Hollywood elegance, and the timeless volume of the look embodied what audiences admire in young actresses whose influence continues to grow. Alongside rising stars, Odessa A’zion stepped onto another red carpet wearing her natural black curls. The look felt timeless while embracing a rocker-girl edge that many aspire to achieve.
From short, polished bobs to effortlessly chic curls, these hairstyles showcased both youth and confidence, reinforcing their lasting appeal on the red carpet.
The Wrap Up : Makeup and Hair Looks Set to Influence the Rest of Award Season
Jewelry and gowns may catch the eye, but at the Golden Globes 2026, it was hair and makeup that drew the most attention. From subtle beauty to statement hair, every look reflected a careful balance of timeless elegance and modern edge.
Hairstyles—whether sleek bobs, tousled curls, or gravity-defying updos—worked in tandem with makeup to frame each star’s presence. Simple and bold makeup embraced natural bone structure and enhanced beloved features with contour and color accordingly. And hair? Every celebrity had us all wanting to know their hair secrets.
Red carpet beauty is as much individual expression as it is about artistry. These red carpet moments might be work-nights-but make-it-social for celebrities; however, they dictate the trends for the year ahead. For anyone watching closely, beauty looks drawn from the golden globes will serve as styling moodboard for PFW Spring/Summer haute couture week. The year is already off to a striking start, keep up.
About Writer
Olivia Jones is a student at the American University of Paris who is passionate about research and storytelling. She enjoys exploring the science behind skincare and looking for new products. She looks forward to traveling the world and seeking new experiences and cultures. Olivia spends her free time walking around Paris, spending time with family and friends, and playing golf or tennis when she is back home in California. Through her writing, she aims to help others meet their skincare goals in an easy and immersive way.
Edited by Jennifer Youngmann
