The Odyssey is 2026's answer to a thematic press-tour aesthetic. Think Grecian-inspired gowns, sunlit jewelry, and glowing skin. (We're still not over Zendaya's Athena-esque inner-corner highlight.) Lupita Nyong'o is no exception. Her character, Helen of Troy, is the crux of the ancient epic, so it's no surprise she's been showing up and showing out on the red carpet.

The Oscar-winning actress and our July cover star attended the London, Paris, and New York premieres with unforgettable hair and makeup looks, courtesy of her long-time hairstylist Vernon François and makeup artist Nick Barose. Ahead, we're breaking down all three of the timeless premiere looks with Barose's help. Allow us to take you inside the press tour with expert info and an exclusive behind-the-scenes photo diary.

Skin Prep

"This kind of press tour for a gigantic blockbuster film like this can be quite a beast, [with] traveling international, time differences, etc.," Barose says, which is why skin prep is paramount. He relies on a few essentials to prep Nyong'o's complexion before applying makeup.

"I always start by misting her face with the [Skwálwen Botanicals] Kalkáy (Wild Rose) Refreshing Toner ($65), an Indigenous brand that Lily Gladstone turned me on to during her Oscars season," he says. "It's now my and my clients' favorite. Its gentle, refreshing wild rose scent is so relaxing, and [it's] the best way to wake up all the senses before I start makeup."

Next, he uses the Ziip Halo Microcurrent Device ($400). "I love using this, especially before big red carpet events, like The Odyssey premiere in London, Paris, and NYC. You really do see the difference right away. It's the perfect prep for the complexion so your glow really looks like it's coming from within. The four-minute facial feature gave such amazing effects and only took four minutes, so the hairdresser, manicurist, and stylist don't get mad at me for eating into their glam time," he says.

As an exfoliating step, he uses Lisa Eldridge's Luxuriously Gentle Cleansing and Exfoliating Cloth ($16). "I often soak this in warm water, then squeeze until it's damp and scrub the face, neck, and lips in circular motions to polish and get rid of any possible dry patches before makeup," he explains.

Lastly, he uses Chanel's Sublimage Le Sérum($560), La Crème ($505), La Crème Yeux ($320), and Lip Oil ($365) to prep Nyong'o's skin. Then, it's on to makeup.

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London

"The silver Christian Cowan dress is very vampy and fierce," Barose says. "I drew inspiration from Hollywood's very first vamp screen persona, Theda Bara in 1917, as well as the later photographs of Marilyn Monroe dressed up as Theda Bara by photographer Richard Avedon from 1958." Barose created "sultry, dark, vampy" eyes and lips with razor-sharp cheekbones. He kept the color palette quite muted and created defined eyes and lips with fresh, glowing skin as a backdrop.

The look's standout products came courtesy of Lisa Eldridge Beauty, starting with the Elevated Glow Balm in High Key Light ($38). "I applied the golden-tone highlighter on the top of cheeks and brow bones as well as the shoulders. It illuminated the skin, adding that candlelit glow," he says.

Next were two black cherry products. First, he used the Velatura Balm in Hellebore Heaven ($36). "The black cherry balm adds a hint of colour and shine on cheeks and lips," he explains. He added the Rouge Experience Refillable Lipstick in 190 Bohemian Cherry ($59) "for a seductive, vampy pout." He finished off the look with the brand's Liquid Lurex Eyeshadow in Liza ($30), a chic metallic pewter.

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Paris

"Fun fact: Eartha Kitt also played Helen of Troy onstage in Paris for the legendary director Orson Welles in 1950. [Nyong'o's] flaming-red Chanel see-through dress is giving a bit of Eartha Kitt, so I wanted the makeup to be a nod to Eartha Kitt with her famous Catwoman feline eyes," he says. He paired the eye makeup with deep-red lipstick and gold sparkles on the skin for "extra drama and theatrics."

He started with Chanel's Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint ($72) in Deep Plus and Sublimage L'Essence de Teint Longwear Foundation ($180) in BR152 "for the perfect amount of glow and radiance." Next, he used Chanel's Joues Contrast Cream to Powder Blush in Grenat Profond ($56). "This fresh berry tone adds a hint of flush on the apples of the cheeks," he adds.

Then, he lined Nyong'o's eyes with Chanel's Le Crayon Yeux in 01 Noir Black ($36), added full and fluttery lashes with the Inimitable Mascara Intense ($40), and applied a rich lipstick, the 31 Le Rouge in 11 Rouge Coromandel ($198). "This looks plummy in the tube, but on deep skin, it adds the perfect amount of rich red that complements her fire-engine red Chanel dress without being matchy-matchy or competing with it," he says.

Last but not least, he used Chanel's Les Beiges Sheer Healthy Glow Highlighting Fluid ($56), Hume's Dry Body Oil Mist ($25) (which Nyong'o actually turned him on to), and a little sparkle—Ben Nye Sparklers Glitter in LD-3 Gold, to be exact. He says, "The perfect sparkles! I sprinkled them on top of her cheekbones and body while Vernon dusted it in her hair too."

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New York City

"The regal gold lace Nicholas Oakwood Couture paired with the Sabyasachi necklace harked back to those glamorous femme fatales from iconic sword-and-sandal films of the '50s, '60s. Think Anne Baxter from The Ten Commandments, Donyale Luna in Fellini's Satyricon, and, of course, Liz Taylor in Cleopatra," he says. Barose created a '60s-inspired look with winged liner, a defined crease, and gold details that were paired with long, feathery lashes and angular, arched brows for an "Old Hollywood screen goddess" effect.

Barose used T-beauty eyeliners from his home country of Thailand, as well as Danessa Myricks Colorfix Pigment ($22) in Goldmine. "I painted this on the inner corners of eyes, center of lids, and a bit on the brow bones," he says. "The gold details added highlight to the eyes and tied in with her gold gown."

Then, he used the I-Envy Classic Timeless Wispy False Lashes. "I love the long, feathery lashes that have spaces in between. They add drama but not density, so the gold on the lids still shows through without being overwhelmed by the length of the lashes. I then glued two of the 12-millimeter clusters from the Cluster Palette ($15) on the outer corners for extra lifts and a feline effect using I-Envy Super Strong Waterproof Glue ($5), which is a must, especially for this sweaty NYC heat wave," he says.

A major part of the look was defined, sculpted cheekbones. For that, Barose turned to a product from a fellow celebrity makeup artist, the Tansculpt Bronzing Contour Balm ($34) by Hung Vanngo. "I was on the Odyssey press tour from London to Paris and NYC with Hung, who's glamming Anne Hathaway," he says. "He turned me on to this [product]. It's so dark and delicious—perfect for sculpting, contouring cheekbones for deep skin tones."

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Heat-Wave Makeup-Setting Essentials

It's no secret that The Odyssey's premieres have been happening in the midst of a summer heat wave. Barose says doing full glam in these conditions is every "makeup artist's worst nightmare," as high heat can affect the aesthetic and wear of makeup. Luckily, he has some makeup-setting and shine-controlling staples.

First, he recommends Mehron's TouchUp Anti-Shine ($12). He uses the shade Dark on Nyong'o. "This theater/cinema backstage brand is my go-to for shine control," he says. "A little bit goes a long way."

He also uses a setting spray, but not just any setting spray. It's Mistine's Matte Setting Spray ($13), another Thai beauty brand he swears by. "A little bit of this helps lock it all in," he says. "I focused more on the T-zone, so it's matte and polished while the rest of the face remains glowy in all the right places."

Last but not least, he uses Payot's Absorbing Blotting Sheets ($13) before any necessary touch-ups. "This heat required more touch-ups, which can turn makeup cakey real fast," he says. "I always blot with blotting paper first before each touch-up to keep skin fresh looking in this heat wave."

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Anticipation continues to build for Christopher Nolan's upcoming film The Odyssey, a thrilling adaptation of Homer's legendary Greek epic. Notably, this project marks the first feature film shot completely using IMAX film cameras. Also, the mastermind behind acclaimed hits like Oppenheimer, Inception, and Interstellar has assembled a star-studded cast for it, including Lupita Nyong'o, Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, and Charlize Theron.

Among the talented group, Nyong'o is drawing significant attention for her challenging task of portraying Helen of Troy and her sister Clytemnestra. Nyong'o told the press that Nolan wrote these parts specifically with her in mind—an unusual approach for the director. While she views that as an immense honor in her already-celebrated career, she revealed in an accompanying interview with Who What Wear that she attributes this massive opportunity to her performance in 12 Years a Slave.

The 2013 biographical historical drama, adapted from Solomon Northup's 1853 memoir, served as Nyong'o's feature-film debut and definitive breakout role. Her powerful portrayal of Patsey, a resilient enslaved woman on a Louisiana cotton plantation, earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress—a rare triumph for a debut performance.

Reflecting on her career, Nyong'o expressed shock and gratitude at how things have unfolded. "It's unbelievable that it happened that way, but I'm so glad it did because it happened before I had a chance to want it, and now, I get to be grateful for the rest of my life," she noted. For her, the Oscar win was more than just a trophy; it laid the groundwork for future opportunities. "I would not be in a Chris Nolan film were it not for that," she admitted while also acknowledging she couldn't foresee how to follow an Academy Award debut. Ultimately, that foundational role paved the way for her presence in The Odyssey, one of the most highly anticipated films of the year, scheduled to hit theaters on July 17.

If you're a fan of the illustrious Lupita Nyong'o, you'll be pleased to know that we spoke to her in an in-depth interview for our July cover story. The full story dives into her dual role as Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra in Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated The Odyssey. As a preview, we have a sound bite of what your read will be like, as we take Nyong'o through some quick-hitting, lighthearted questions.

In the video, you'll get Nyong'o's thoughts on her most iconic characters and costumes, from Black Panther's Nakia to her role as Viola in William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night opposite her real-life brother Junior Nyong'o, who played Sebastian. She also dives into the moment she found out Beyoncé, your favorite celebrity's favorite celebrity, name-checked her in her renowned song "Brown Skin Girl," telling us, "I was name-checked in a song about embracing our complexion, which is legacy-building that I didn't know I was going to be a part of." Watch the full video below.

Watch Our Video Interview

Read Our In-Depth Profile

Click here for our Who What Wear cover story and photo shoot with Lupita Nyong'o.

Lupita Nyong'o arrives to lunch at Sukh, her go-to Brooklyn Thai restaurant, in incognito mode: dark glasses and a black pashmina looped around her head like an Old Hollywood starlet. But when the Oscar-winning actress sheds her scarf and shades, her cover's blown. Standing in this quaint dining room in a denim micromini, a white oxford shirt, and beaded necklaces from her native Kenya, Nyong'o is—unmistakably—the most beautiful woman in the world.

This month, Nyong'o plays Helen of Troy, the mythic face that "launched a thousand ships," in Director Christopher Nolan's much-anticipated, much-shrouded summer blockbuster adaptation of The Odyssey. As arguably the industry's most influential director, Nolan makes movies that are not so much theatrical releases as Cultural Events. (Remember "Barbenheimer?") Nyong'o is part of an all-star cast: Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, and many more. Opening-weekend tickets are largely already sold out, some a full year in advance.

Yet on the Tuesday in June when we meet, Nyong'o herself has not been consumed by bubbling Odyssey mania. "If I could be very honest with you, I haven't been in New York," she says shortly after sitting, nothing but waters and menus on the table. "I've actually been recuperating from a surgery, so I've been away, in nature, taking care of myself."

In May, Nyong'o underwent her second myomectomy, a major surgery to remove more than 50 fibroids, or noncancerous tumors, growing in the lining of her uterus. Her first myomectomy came after she was diagnosed with fibroids in 2014, the same year she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her breakout role in 12 Years a Slave. Nyong'o shared her private struggle with fibroids in public for the first time last year: the "seasons of constant pain"; the heavy, prolonged periods in which she lost "dangerous amounts of blood each month." Earlier this year, she revealed her fibroids had returned.

The surgery is still "very fresh," Nyong'o says. She's not quite ready to talk about it yet. First, she suggests, "let's warm up."

Many women struggle to take a simple compliment. Nyong'o is not many women. When I ask how it sits with her to be cast as the most gorgeous minx of all time, she replies with an enthusiastic "Really well." Nyong'o laughs a little, but she's not kidding: "No, I do love this for me."

Here in our snug corner booth, Nyong'o is wholly owning the role.

"Listen. I'm not going to be mad at anyone calling me beautiful," she tells me. "I grew up feeling kind of like an ugly duckling." She references her 2019 children's book, Sulwe, inspired by her own experiences with colorism: "It took me a lot of conscious work to get rid of my insecurities and to free myself from the discrimination of my skin color."

Regal, striking beauty is inextricable from Nyong'o's public identity: as Nakia, the warrior/spy and love of the late Chadwick Boseman's King T'Challa in Black Panther; as the first Black face of Lancôme and a suited Chanel ambassador. The "jarring" attention started when Nyong'o moved to her birthplace of Mexico to study Spanish at age 16: "I was like, 'Wait a minute. I'm odd enough here. I'm singular enough that people are translating it as beauty.'"

At 43, Nyong'o speaks with the steady, almost mesmerizing conviction of a woman who has done the work. "When people compliment me these days," she adds, "I embrace it."

Early Odyssey discourse has been so preoccupied with Helen, it's largely glossed over that Nyong'o pulls double duty as her sister, Clytemnestra, the tortured queen who murders her husband, Agamemnon (Benny Safdie), as payback for sacrificing their daughter to the gods. It's a role that Nyong'o first played as a student at Yale School of Drama in a class called The Greeks. "Her story is so tragic," she says. "It's hard to forget."

In some versions of The Odyssey—including Nolan's, Nyong'o reveals—Helen and Clytemnestra are twins. She immediately agreed to play the more storied sister during her first meeting with Nolan. ("I never ever thought that I would be offered a chance to play Helen of Troy.") When the Oppenheimer director doubled down with Clytemnestra, Nyong'o "almost fell off the creaky chair [she] was on," but it helped that she'd already played doppelgängers in Jordan Peele's psychological thriller Us.

"I had the reassurance that I had done two roles before," she said. "My role in Us, I was the Odysseus. It was more of a heavy lift to do Us than it was to be a really, really valuable and pivotal part of Odysseus's journey."

To tackle the twins, Nyong'o knew she had to craft key physical and vocal distinctions for each character, an approach she says "Michael" (as in Michael B. Jordan, her Black Panther costar and the Oscars' reigning Best Actor for playing twins in Sinners) has also discussed. How, specifically, did Nyong'o approach Helen versus Clytemnestra? "I can't tell you that," she says slyly.

Inevitably, we've reached the point in our interview when Nyong'o must maintain the mystique of a new Nolan film. The director famously rejects the modern movie-marketing machine, a gauntlet of appearances, interviews like this one, and a deluge of TikToks and Instagram Reels promoting—and potentially overexposing—the project. When Nyong'o and I meet in June, there have been no glimpses of her in character as Helen. Two Odyssey trailers have dropped, neither of which feature her. Journalists typically screen the film their celebrity subject is promoting; not this time.

"I actually think that a lot of filmmakers want to be guarded about what they're making, but the industry doesn't allow them to be," Nyong'o says. "Chris has that power. He is that power."

Nyong'o is a director's darling, consistently working with the new masters, including Peele and Black Panther's Ryan Coogler. Even so, the mythology (pun intended) around Nolan felt different. "There's so much lore that goes with the Chris Nolan experience," Nyong'o says. In reality, she found him to be remarkably open, inviting her into three-way discussions with him and the costume, hair, and makeup departments. She praises Nolan's no-phones-on-set policy and the fact that he didn't coddle The Odyssey's constellation of stars.

Even before The Odyssey, Nolan's and Nyong'o's careers were creatively aligned. Both have a way of elevating blockbusters, bridging the gap between Best Picture and box-office hits. The Oscars have toyed with adding a "popular film" category, but between Oppenheimer and The Dark Knight (Nolan) and Black Panther, Us, and Wild Robot (Nyong'o), the synergy between art and commerce is already being realized.

For Nyong'o, filmmakers like Nolan and Coogler mean she doesn't have to view her career in terms of the old industry juggling act of "one for them, one for me" (projects that pay and others that feed your soul). "They do work that means something to them. They're not just collecting a paycheck," she says. "That's a gift, to have artistic convictions that happen to correlate with a popular movie." She could just as well be talking about herself.

Nyong'o has gravitated to iconic IP (Marvel, Star Wars), but her meteoric, Oscar-winning debut came in a comparative indie. In Director Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave, she played Patsey, a young enslaved woman immortalized in the memoir of the same name. I wonder how it's impacted the rest of her career, to get everything she's supposed to want, upfront, at age 31.

"That is the only life I know, right? The version of life where I won an Academy Award for the first movie I ever did," Nyong'o says. "It's unbelievable that it happened that way, but I'm so glad it did because it happened before I had a chance to want it and now I get to be grateful for the rest of my life." Some say it's a curse, but Nyong'o credits the Oscar's weight, and not just because she sometimes uses hers as a dumbbell. "I would not be in a Chris Nolan film were it not for that," she says. "It legitimized my presence in an industry that has a very short attention span."

Growing up, she never dreamed of acting as a viable career path. She can't seem to stress this part enough: "I come from a very different world, Michelle." The daughter of a Kenyan politician/professor and a public health advocate, she was raised between Kenya and Mexico City, born in the latter after her family fled political unrest at home. "My options for what I could be were very narrow," Nyong'o says. "I had internalized that women were secretaries and business women." But her mother, Dorothy, clearly saw her potential, signing her up for public speaking, improv, and poetry recitation classes.

"I remember seeing Whoopi Goldberg in more than one movie, and I was like, 'Wait, you could do this?'" she reenacts her childhood enlightenment. Especially "because she was dark skinned, I really took note of her." It's moving now for Nyong'o to imagine her career providing the same kind of recognition for a new generation: "I feel very honored to be anybody's Whoopi."

Still, Nyong'o's bright-burning breakout was not without complication. "The years after winning were very challenging for me, psychologically, because I was riddled with the question of, 'What does up look like from an Academy Award?'" She aimed to give herself permission to fail.

"That's what got me to a place where I was eligible for an Academy Award, because I approached 12 Years a Slave with courage," she said. "It cannot be about the accolades. It has to be about the boldness with which I go about my work."

Maybe it's because Nyong'o grew up a world away from Hollywood that she's managed to approach its gilded trap with grace. "Trying to maintain other people's regard of you is not sustainable," she says. "The Academy Award was external validation, but it cannot be the prerequisite for self-appreciation."

Nyong'o knew too well that winning an Oscar isn't a cure-all. Fans saw her in plunging, powder-blue Prada, statuette in hand. Behind the scenes, 2014 was coupled with the crushing low of her first fibroids diagnosis: "It was just a very brutal reminder that no number of red carpets will protect me from poor health," she tells me.

Over her colorful salad and my plate of branzino, Nyong'o is ready to go there. She's been listening to Lena Dunham's memoir, Famesick, and relating closely to the story of a buzzy young star privately grappling with a chronic health issue.

It's tempting to write that Nyong'o has suffered in silence, but she now describes her experience with fibroids as something more specific, something all too female: She did not recognize her suffering was remarkable at all.

Though her period was going longer and she was experiencing cramps, abdominal pain, and clotting—all fibroid symptoms—"I didn't know I was sick," Nyong'o says of the lead-up to her diagnosis in 2014. "I didn't know there was an alarm to sound."

It was only after she insisted to doctors that the toughness in her abdomen signaled a deeper problem that an ultrasound confirmed she had 30 fibroids growing in her uterine lining. "I blamed myself because it had been a stressful year, and fibroids grow in a stressed-out body," she said of the dizzying high/low. "I was the thinnest I've ever been, and that was not by design. There was not enough time to eat, and I didn't have an appetite. My diet was cortisol and adrenaline."

Nyong'o says no one could explain why her fibroids had developed or if they'd return. Doctors repeatedly shrugged at a lack of research. Despite affecting 80% of women by age 50 and disproportionately affecting Black women, fibroids were—and largely remain—"under-researched, underfunded, and routinely dismissed," according to a piercing description by health policy nonprofit The Commonwealth Fund.

Nyong'o's treatment options sounded more like an ultimatum: surgically remove her fibroids or continue to suffer. She says hysterectomies—the only certain cure for fibroids—have too often been recommended as an extreme first course of action. Facing her first surgery, "I felt very alone, and I also felt like I had to deal with it in private," she recalls. Overnight fame was disorienting enough without publicizing her medical records. After a myomectomy that removed 23 fibroids, Nyong'o continued to grind. Ten days after the procedure, she honored a prior commitment to speak before 10,000 women in Boston. "I didn't know that I could say no, and I think a lot of women do that," she says. "Taking care of their bodies is not on the agenda, because the world does not create an environment where your pain is considered."

Post-op conversations about prevention felt similarly bleak. Nyong'o recalls two options: go on The Pill, which can alleviate symptoms but isn't a cure, or accept that it would only be a matter of time until her fibroids returned. "I lived praying that my fibroids weren't coming back," she said, "so when I learned that they were, it was this inevitable tragedy."

Nyong'o was mostly able to live her normal life in the years since her first surgery, but over time, her symptoms flared. "It wasn't until my period lasted more than 30 days that I finally crumbled," Nyong'o said. In early 2023, she learned her fibroids had returned and more than doubled: There were over 50 tumors, the largest being the size of a peach. This time, she was almost a decade older and full of fiery resolve: "I realized this system has failed me, and I got to try and understand the female body for myself."

Playing a cancer patient in 2024's A Quiet Place: Day One proved a turning point. "That movie where I had to look ill actually made me more well," Nyong'o said. To safely lose weight for the role on a short timetable, she worked with a healthcare facility that dialed into her nutrition and bloodwork. She learned that fibroids feed on estrogen and eating iron-rich foods could improve her liver function and, therefore, her hormonal balance; that getting vitamin D via sunlight and supplements could inhibit fibroids from growing (which is notable for Black people, who can be vitamin D deficient, as the melanin in their skin decreases sun absorption); that reducing stress and inflammation can make your body a less-friendly host for fibroids.

Nyong'o approached her second myomectomy this past May empowered by information. "Last time, I felt completely helpless and at the mercy of the medical industry," Nyong'o said. This time, "the fibroids don't have the same power over me."

Instead of racing back to the grind, "I went away for a month, and I stayed in the countryside, and my mother came and she took care of me," Nyong'o shares. She ate well, walked every day, and got tons of sunshine, "like a wounded cat." Nyong'o is still healing, including discomfort and pain from the surgical wound, but she says her body seems lighter already.

Even on set of The Odyssey, she strove for sleep, rest, and maintaining her anti-inflammatory diet.

Nyong'o doesn't feel alone after this second surgery, either, in part because of the community she's created by going public. Nyong'o has established herself as a truthteller. In 2017, she lent her voice to the #MeToo movement, alleging in a stinging New York Times op-ed that Harvey Weinstein made sexual advances on her while promising to boost her career. When she broke up with boyfriend in 2023, she skipped the typical, pat statement, instead vulnerably writing on Instagram about "a love suddenly and devastatingly extinguished by deception."

She decided to share her fibroids story last year. "Honestly, I just had it," she tells me. Part of her advocacy is awareness. "Why is this thing that's so common a mystery?" Nyong'o asks. "We should know about fibroids as much as we know about impounded wisdom teeth. Every single girl should know about the risk of fibroids in their teens when they're learning about their period and their reproductive system."

In March, she announced a Make Fibroids Count campaign with the Foundation for Women's Health, creating a grant to research less-invasive treatments; it has surpassed its $200,000 goal, raising more than $230,000. "I would love for there to be more solutions for women than just cutting us open," Nyong'o says.

This is the true beauty of Lupita Nyong'o: her resolve to do something productive with her pain, and her fame. "It's the delight of my soul," she says.

The Odyssey is in theaters July 17.

Photographer/Creative Conception: Kenny Germé
Creative Director: Natalia Sztyk
Stylist: Jan-Michael Quammie
Hairstylist: Vernon François
Hair Assistant: Batiseol Gomis
Makeup Artist: Nick Barose for Exclusive Artists using Chanel
Makeup Assistant: Naruedom Putipan
Manicurist: Bagir Hasanov
Set Designer: Lane Vineyard
Video Director: Sarah Al Slaity
Entertainment Director: Jessica Baker
Producer: Nick De Bellis

Framed by rich drapery, layers of outdoor-printed scenery, and regal solid backdrops, our July cover star, Lupita Nyong'o, sparkles. Whether she's decked out in head-to-toe Chanel or a bold yellow-and-black uniform of Luar, the star of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey commands attention, and her collaborative, highly engaged spirit shines brightly. You can read the Oscar winner's full cover feature here, but I'm spending time with Nyong'o's hairstylist Vernon François and makeup artist Nick Barose to discuss all of the behind-the-scenes beauty details, from expert hairstyling and makeup application tips to specific product IDs. Below, we're diving into all of the glamour.

"My inspiration for Lupita's hair was rooted in celebrating versatility while allowing each look to feel authentic rather than performative," François tells me right off the bat. "Lupita has an extraordinary ability to embody completely different energies while remaining unmistakably herself, and I wanted the hair to reflect that. Some looks felt sculptural and architectural, while others embraced softness, texture, and movement." Across all of them, François noted a sense of confidence, elegance, and quiet strength. Rather than the hair being the dominant fixture, he wanted the actress's strands to become another layer of storytelling that could work in harmony with every creative element.

"Any look I create begins with understanding the intention behind the image," says François when I ask him to reveal his prep and styling process. "Before I touch the hair, I'm thinking about silhouette, proportion, movement, and how the hair will interact with light, wardrobe, and the story we're trying to tell." Of course, preparation is everything. Healthy, well-conditioned hair responds beautifully, so he always begins by ensuring the hair is hydrated and protected. From there, he tailors each technique to the specific look—whether that involves sculpting, defining, stretching, or creating softness and movement. "Throughout the shoot, each style evolved organically while maintaining the integrity of Lupita's hair and the kinky-straight Afro wig we used," he adds.

For products, François relied on Olaplex's No.5L Moisturize & Mend Leave-In Conditioner ($34) to hydrate and protect the actress's strands, the No.10 Curl Defining Frizz Reducing Hair Gel ($32) to create definition and hold where needed, and the No.7 Bonding Oil ($32) to add lightweight shine and polish. He says he uses these three products on practically all of his celebrity clients and recommends them to just about anyone due to the excellent foundation they create for healthy, versatile styling regardless of hair texture.

Styling tools were equally important, and François's arsenal included a rattail comb, a wide-tooth comb, sectioning clips, brushes, a diffuser, and a medium-sized Olivia Garden curling iron to create shape and movement. "My hands remain my most important tool," says François. "They allow me to respond intuitively to the hair and refine each look in a way that feels effortless rather than overworked." According to François, it's always important that hair isn't treated as an afterthought. "Hair has the ability to communicate identity, emotion, culture, and personality before a word is even spoken," he adds.

When it comes to Nyong'o's makeup, Barose tells me that he always wants to make sure that the actress's beautiful natural glow can show through the makeup, even when it's super dramatic. "The skin is never suppressed by heavy, opaque foundation or powder that's too matte," he says. "When the skin looks fresh and touchable, the rest of the makeup will always look better."

To prep Nyong'o's skin for our cover shoot, Barose massaged Chanel's Sublimage Le Sérum ($560) into her face and neck. Once it absorbed, he added a small amount of the brand's Sublimage La Crème ($505) to her complexion in addition to eye cream, the Sublimage La Crème Yeux ($320), and lip oil, Sublimage L'Extrait Huile Lèvres ($365). He shares that it's necessary to let all of the skincare sit and absorb for about five minutes before patting away any excess.

"For dark skin like Lupita's, it's important to make sure the T-zone stays matte but to leave any glow that's on top of the cheekbones," Barose explains. "There's a Mehron Makeup product made for the stage that I love called TouchUp Anti-Shine Gel ($15). I used a tiny bit of the Dark Tint on Lupita's forehead and T-zone, which allows me to rely less on powder and to control any extra shine." For foundation, Barose used Chanel's Les Beiges Foundation in B140 ($69) and Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder in B140 ($61). He prefers to apply liquid foundation with a dense goat-hair brush, like the premium handmade Japanese Hakuhodo model S5555 ($173). This brush is ideal, he says, because it allows more control so you can effortlessly layer or sheer out foundation. To create a beautiful pop of color, Barose reached for Chanel's Joues Contraste Intense Cream-to-Powder Blush in Grenat Profond ($56), a rich, deep red, on the apples of Nyong'o's cheeks.

Since the actress's wardrobe was quite dramatic, Barose didn't want the overall color palette of the makeup to get too vibrant or too busy, which would compete with what Nyong'o was wearing. Instead, he complemented the wardrobe by mostly using neutral brown tones to define and sculpt Nyong'o's features, which he loves to play up.

"I especially like to emphasize her eyes, lips, or both," he tells me. "I love Chanel's Le Crayon Yeux in 01 Noir Black ($36), which is a rich, pitch-black eyeliner that doesn't turn gray on dark skin like most black eyeliners; Chanel's Inimitable Extrême Mascara ($40), which adds volume and length in just a few coats; and I-Envy Cluster Palette Lashes ($8), which look so natural and are easy to use." Last but not least, Barose used Lisa Eldridge's Elevated Glow Balm Concentrate in High-Key Light ($38)—a favorite from the brand's new Marilyn Monroe collection—as a topcoat for eye shadow.

For Nyong'o's lips, Barose's product arsenal included Chanel's Le Crayon Lèvres in 192 and 194 ($37) as well as Lisa Eldridge's Gloss Embrace Lip Gloss in Sorcery ($28) and Chanel's Rouge Coco Hydra Gloss in 448 Opulence ($45) to add shine.

Barose and François agree that the strongest editorial work comes from authentic collaboration. "Every department brings a unique perspective, but the goal is always the same: to create one complete and visual story," François tells me. "Working with artists who trust one another allows everyone to elevate the final image. It never feels like individual contributions competing for attention. It feels like one creative language."

Throughout the day of our cover shoot, Barose and François stayed in constant communication, sharing ideas and making small adjustments as each look evolved. Sometimes, François explains, that meant softening the hair because the wardrobe was making a stronger statement or adding more structure because the makeup had shifted the overall mood.

"We looked at the clothes and discussed with Lupita, and since I frequently work with Vernon, we just try to complement each other's work," adds Barose. For example, when he noticed François was going bigger with the hair at one point, he adjusted Nyong'o's eyeliner to be longer and thicker, even adding lengthier false lashes to ensure everything stayed balanced.

"Working with Lupita is always inspiring because she's deeply engaged in the creative process," concludes François. "She welcomes exploration and thoughtful collaboration, which allows every look to feel considered rather than simply styled. When everyone on set shares that same intention, the final images become more than beautiful. They tell a story."

Lupita Nyong’o just shifted the Canadian tuxedo into a new gear. The Oscar winner and star of the upcoming blockbuster The Odyssey took head-to-toe denim to a new level at a recent Audi racing event, proving that more is definitely more when it comes to fashion’s favorite fabric.

Instead of the standard two-piece pairing, Nyong’o doubled down, wearing four pieces at once. Her look featured classic jeans, a crop top, and a hybrid jacket-slash-vest by Monse with a contrasting collar. Styled by Micaela Erlanger, the unexpected combo of the designer piece gave the whole vibe an architectural edge. She also wore chunky silver jewelry for a sharp, modern toughness befitting the racing venue.

To break up the sea of blue, Nyong’o grounded the outfit with fiery red high heels and a perfectly matching red lip. Keep scrolling to see the full look and browse pieces to re-create it for yourself. Spoiler alert: Be prepared to layer up, pile on the silver, and never underestimate the power of a bold red lip.

Re-Create Lupita Nyong'o's Denim-on-Denim Look

The 98th Academy Awards will be held in Los Angeles on March 15. This year's nominees include Emma Stone, Elle Fanning, Teyana Taylor, and Timothée Chalamet, while presenters include Anne Hathaway, Chase Infiniti, Zoe Saldaña, Nicole Kidman, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and more. I'm waiting with bated breath to find out which movie will win Best Picture, but I'm mostly excited to see what everyone will wear on the red carpet. I am a fashion editor and not a movie critic, after all.

Ahead of this year's ceremony, I wanted to take a walk down memory lane and revisit some of the prettiest Oscars dresses in history. This list is highly subjective, but I did my due diligence reviewing hundreds of outfits dating back decades. Just for fun, I also polled my Who What Wear coworkers to find out which dress they think is the most beautiful. Their top pick? Carey Mulligan's Balenciaga look from 2024. In my mind, however, all of these dresses deserve our praise. Scroll down to see my favorites.

Thanks to her chartreuse Dior Haute Couture dress by John Galliano, all eyes were on Nicole Kidman at the 1997 Academy Awards.

Emma Stone's fringed Givenchy dress from 2017 will certainly go down in fashion history.

In 2006, Michelle Williams wowed in saffron Vera Wang.

If I had to choose just one look, it would probably be Marion Cotillard's Jean Paul Gaultier dress from 2008.

Lupita Nyong'o won her first Oscar wearing this ethereal Prada gown in 2014.

Kirsten Dunst wore a spectacular Chanel Haute Couture dress to the event in 2007.

Halle Berry's excellent Elie Saab dress from 2002 is etched into my brain.

Gwyneth Paltrow memorably wore a Ralph Lauren dress to the Oscars in 1999, the year she won Best Actress for her role in Shakespeare in Love.

Julia Roberts won gold wearing this striking Valentino dress in 2001.

Gucci designed Lily Gladstone's striking 2024 gown in collaboration with Indigenous artist Joe Big Mountain of Ironhouse Quillwork.

My list would not be complete without mentioning Diahann Carroll's 1969 dress. Ariana Grande re-created this look at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards.

In 2024, America Ferrera wore a pink Atelier Versace gown in homage to Barbie, for which she was nominated in the supporting actress category.

Remember when Jennifer Lawrence took a tumble on the stairs en route to accepting the 2013 Best Actress award? At least her Dior gown was flawless.

Carey Mulligan's Balenciaga dress from 2024 was inspired by a gown from 1951.

Wearing this dramatic feathered Versace gown, Penélope Cruz arrived at the 2007 Academy Awards as a Best Actress nominee for Volver.

Zendaya earned a spot on my list thanks to this Armani Privé number from 2024.

Audrey Hepburn chose this charming lace dress in 1954.

Lucy Liu looked spectacular in Versace at the 2000 Academy Awards.

Greta Lee's black-and-white Loewe dress in 2024 was elegance personified.

In 2005, Hilary Swank won Best Actress for Million Dollar Baby wearing this backless Guy Laroche dress.

The spring 2024 runway collections were stocked full of trends, from sophisticated takes on sheer to dramatically overstuffed handbags, but out of all of them, none made quite as impactful of a splash as oxblood (otherwise known as black cherry, merlot, or burgundy), the shade of red on every fashion person's lips (and in their closets) right now. Found at Hermès, Gucci, Valentino, Versace, Tom Ford, and then some, the elegant yet moody hue is no doubt campaigning to be the color of the year. 

Helping out on the campaign trail are celebs, who've come out in droves to support the rise of oxblood, wearing it on red carpets, to fashion shows, and on the streets of cities like New York and London. And since the spring collections haven't even arrived in stores yet, I can only imagine that the best A-list burgundy looks are still to come. Scroll down to check out the chicest examples so far of celebs wearing 2024's color of the year. 

On Hailey Bieber: Khaite Nalani Cashmere Jumper ($2200); The Attico coat; Cultnaked skirt; Calzedonia Invisible 20 Denier Sheer Tights ($25); Chanel bag; Proenza Schouler 55mm Leather Mary Jane Pumps ($625)

On Rihanna: Dries Van Noten Double-Breasted Wool Coat ($1854); Balenciaga Knife Pantaleggings Stiletto-Heel Leggings ($2730); Bottega Veneta bag; Gucci sunglasses; Briony Raymond ring

On Kendall Jenner: Gucci jacket, Signoria Slingback Pump ($1100), and bag

WHO: Dua Lipa

On Lupita Nyong'o: Gucci dress; De Beers rings, earrings, and necklace

Shop the color trend of the year:

One scroll through Instagram this weekend—whether you're a fan of Formula One like I am or only know of the racing competition because the icon for its docuseries Drive to Survive pops up on Netflix (likely after you wrapped up Beckham)—and you no doubt caught a glimpse of the happenings around the Las Vegas Grand Prix. That's because in addition to the sport growing at a record pace in the U.S. thanks to the series, countless fashion collabs, F1 content creators, and more, celebrities and influencers were a dime a dozen during the three-day race weekend at pop-ups, parties, and, of course, the track, which took over the Las Vegas strip, spanning Treasure Island to Planet Hollywood, past the Mirage, Bellagio, and Cosmopolitan casinos. Even Monaco, one of the oldest and most prestigious F1 venues, doesn't bring in the caliber of names that Las Vegas did this weekend. 

Mercedes AMG Petronas driver and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton led the charge as he so often does, rocking up to the paddock for media day wearing an all-black Valentino look from the house's S/S 24 menswear collection, with a pearl choker from the brand as well as Versace boots. (If you're a fan of Hamilton's style, follow @hamazinglew on Instagram to be the first to know when a new look drops.) The following day, he wore another runway look, this time from Pharrell's S/S 24 collection for Louis Vuitton with IWC's Pilot's Perpetual Calendar Top Gun Lake Tahoe watch and Bottega Veneta's drop aviators (that Kendall Jenner was just seen wearing as well). Lewis Hamilton Fashion Week, as some online have penned the weekend, continued with custom Bottega Veneta, custom Burberry by Daniel Lee, and a custom Las Vegas–inspired bomber jacket by Donatella Versace herself. "A true Versace man: Bold, fearless and with amazing style," Versace captioned a photo of the jacket on Instagram. "I looooove that jacket on you, Lewis Hamilton. Always on your team!" 

On Lewis Hamilton: Custom Bottega Veneta set; Jacques Marie Mage sunglasses; Valentino VLogo Signature Metal Necklace With Swarovski Pearls ($790); Chrome Hearts ring; Versace boots

On Lewis Hamilton: Custom Burberry jacket, sweater, pants, and boots; Port Tanger Sabea Sunglasses ($310)

But Hamilton's always showing up to the track clad in designer 'fits thanks to his daring sense of style and the work of his stylist, Eric McNeal. Others, like A$AP Rocky and Rihanna, aren't around as often. But given that Rocky was just appointed creative director of F1's partnership with Puma, he was expected to arrive dressed to the nines in his debut collection for the brand, especially since he attended the Miami Grand Prix back in June. Rihanna—clad in runway Prada and Balenciaga, Gucci accessories, and a custom Jacob & Co. watch anklet (!!)—was a delightful surprise. Event after event, the musician and Fenty Beauty founder delivered in the style department, proving my own theory that F1 weekends are the new fashion week, with drivers and attendees alike placing emphasis on style when the lights go out. Except instead of two months per year, the season runs all the way from March to November with up to 23 races in total, meaning there's really no end to the sartorial possibilities when it comes to F1. 

Scroll down for the Las Vegas Grand Prix looks from Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, and more. 

On Rihanna: Prada coat and vest; Giuseppe Zanotti Intrigo 90 Patent Leather Sandals ($790)

On Rihanna: Balenciaga Apron Cotton Cargo Maxi Skirt ($1341); Gucci Medium Horsebit Chain Bag ($3890) and jacket; Adidas jersey; Awge hat; Puma sneakers

On Rihanna: Balenciaga sweatshirt, jacket, and leggings; Messika jewelry; custom Jacob & Co. watch anklet; Ambush sunglasses

More well-dressed attendees of the Las Vegas Grand Prix:

On Simone Ashley: Joseph Lancry Topstitched Leather Coat ($1235)

On Simone Ashley: Ami Paris Double-Breasted Herringbone Wool-Blend Coat ($1360), Scoop-Neck Tank Top ($183), and Crushed-Velvet Wide-Leg Cargo Pants ($838)

On Lupita Nyong'o: Chanel vest, T-shirt, shorts, shoes, and bag; Carrera Flaglab 99MM Shield Sunglasses ($225)

On Paris Hilton: Chanel bag

On Ashley Graham: De La Vali dress; Giuseppe Zanotti Lilii Borea Wedge Sandals ($995)

On Nina Dobrev: Gianvito Rossi Nappa Leather Grommet Knee-High Boots ($2295)

Shop the motorcore trend: 

As temperatures drop, the boots get taller. That's how it goes, right? Well, maybe not. But one thing is certain: Thigh-high boots are having a major moment. 

Celebs have been trying out this dramatic boot style for a while lately, but Dua Lipa's recent Instagram post has definitely put the look on the map. In fact, a carousel compilation featuring the photo shared only two days ago has already received twice as many likes and comments as usual. You could say it's a pretty engaging outfit photo. 

You don't have to go down an Instagram rabbit hole to find further proof (hey, that's our job), so just keep scrolling to see other stars sporting thigh-high boots and the many ways to style the trend if you're into it, of course. If not, no worries. Uggs, Western-inspired boots, and lug-sole booties are also celeb approved for the season. 

Damn, Dua! 

See How 10 Other Celebs Style Over-the-Knee Boots

Accessorized to a T. 

Fast and furious.

They work in white too.

Red dress, red bottoms.

Green with envy. 

Spooky chic.

Birthday-girl glam. 

These striped boots are such a daring look for Watson, and we're here for it. 

Legs for days.

There are so many different ways to style over-the-knee boots. 

Shop Over-the-Knee Boots

Up Next: From Zoë Kravitz to Bella Hadid, Celebrities Are Already Wearing These 6 Boots

If two is a coincidence and three is a trend, then four means it's officially official, right? Right. 

In that case, Lupita Nyong'o is the latest celeb to sport parachute pants, confirming that this loose-fitting trend has taken over Hollywood. It was recently spotted on habitual style stars Bella Hadid, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Jennifer Lopez, and Nyong'o is the latest to sport the baggy, ballooning style, which she coordinated perfectly with a structured tank. Her matching blue jacket, however, makes this outfit the first monochrome set we've seen. And we're into it. 

Whether you're down to try out parachute pants, balloon legs, or barrel-form trousers, one styling factor remains constant: the bigger, the better. 

So keep scrolling shop a few of our favorite voluminous bottoms, and get ready to go big or go home.

On Lupita Nyong'o: Bach Mai jacket, top, and pants; Yuzefi bag; De Beers Dewdrop Hoop Earrings in White Gold and Classic Five Line Band in White Gold; Forevermark Light Fall Earrings and Cipher Ring 

Shop Parachute Pants

Up Next: Zooey Deschanel's Cute Outfit Is Perfect If You're Over Skinny Jeans

The holiday season will be here before we know it. Yes, that means we should probably start planning and preparing for all our commitments (travel itineraries, events, parties, you name it), but we'd rather focus on the fun stuff, like which holiday makeup looks we'll be wearing. After all, in our opinion, there's no better time to take a maximalist approach to makeup than during the holiday season.

While we're constantly searching high and low on Instagram and Tik Tok for the best makeup looks, we get a good dose of inspiration from celebrities, too. The latest celeb to make it into our saved folder (because, yes, we have one) is Lupita Nyong'o. Recently, she attended Beyonce's Wearable Art Gala with an eye shadow look that can only be described as a bold and decadent combination of color. Keep scrolling to see the exact products that celebrity makeup artist, Nick Barose, used to create it. Hint: it involves a dreamy blue eye shadow palette that you'll just have to get your hands on. 

The Look

Here's the ideation for the look. With a combination of rich purple, dark blue, emerald green, and a swipe of gold on the brow bone, it's as maximalist as it can be. We love it, especially since it's giving us an '80s vibe (and an '80s vibe was just the thing Barose was after). 

"The theme for the event is Harlem jazz era with its icons like Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, but I also wanted to pay homage to the next generation of icons like, 80s Aretha Franklin and Patti Labelle with fun, colorful 80’s eye makeup on Lupita," Barose says. 

Here's a close-up of the look on Nyong'o. It looks like the gold was eventually swapped out for (or layered over) a pink-purple highlight. We love how the eyes take center stage thanks to a fresh complexion and soft berry lip. They're complementary, not competing. 

The Products

Shop 5 Other Maximalist Makeup Products

Next, 12 Industry Experts Share Their All-Time Favorite Lip Glosses. 

Once again, the beauty looks at the 2022 Oscars did not disappoint. We’ve been glued to the red carpet looks, plotting which makeup and hair moments we’re going to try out ourselves. From Zendaya’s swept updo to Lupita Nyong’o’s gilded eye look, the beauty was nothing short of chic.

As much as we love finding out which luxury beauty brands are worth investing in, we also love a budget alternative that does the job. Whether it is cheap moisturisers that rival their luxury counterparts or the best budget-friendly concealers that give high-end ones a run for their money, any beauty editor will tell you that it isn’t always necessary to spend a fortune to get brilliant products.

And while you might expect the Oscar-goers to wear only the best of the best of premium brands, you’ll be pleased to read that we’ve spied some affordable beauty products used by the best hairstylists, makeup artists and manicurists on the red carpet—including a £2 hair spray that Zendaya wore for her red carpet moment. And if it’s good enough for Zendaya, it’s good enough for us.

Read on below for some purse-friendly favourites spied on the celebrity dressing tables, and be prepared to add to your basket.

Zendaya's £2 Hair Spray

We were amazed to spy that hairstylist Antoinette (aka @hairbyantoinettenyc) used Tresemmé hair spray to fix Zendaya's updo.

Sharing how she created Zendaya’s swept-up hair of dreams on Instagram, Antoinette said: "I sprayed @tresemme’s One Step Volume Mist at the roots as I dried with @t3micro’s AireBrush Duo with the round brush attachment to create volume. After attaching the clip-ins [extensions], I secured the hair with a soft elastic and hair pin in the back. To complete the look, I pinched out tendrils around the perimeter and finished with the TRESemmé Total Volume Spray for an all-day hold.”

Shop the look:

H.E.R.'s £15 Foundation

Makeup artist Marissa Vossen detailed the full list of products used on H.E.R. on Instagram, which were all L'Oréal Paris. To create her luminous complexion, she used L'Oréal Paris True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Serum in shade 7-8 Tan Deep to create H.E.R.'s glowing base.

Shop the look:

Maddie Ziegler's £14 Nail Varnish

Maddie Ziegler wore the perfect red nail colour—a timeless mainstay for the red carpet. Manicurist Thuy Nguyen opted for OPI's We the Female shade. "Tonight's Oscar nails for Maddie is very classic and very Hollywood," she said on Instagram. "I used OPI's We The Female to execute this look."

Shop the look:

Lupita Nyong'o's £13 Styling Spray

Hairstylist Vernon François used Matrix products to create Lupita's look. "It is a sisterlocks updo with a soft, graceful, glamorous feel influenced by what Lupita is wearing and the occasion," he said. One of the key products used was Matrix Miracle Creator, a multiple-purpose spray that primes the hair for styling.

Shop the look:

Up Next: 18 Affordable Anti-Ageing Ingredients That Actually Work

Imagine waking up and knowing that no matter what the day throws at you, your hair will look great. It’s the kind of dream that I have on a regular basis, so whenever I have the opportunity to quiz hair experts on creating flawless looks, I always make an abundance of notes. I want to know everything, including what products they keep in their kits, how to keep hair smooth, and how to give curls and coils more definition or hold. So when I got the chance to chat with industry-renowned hair artist Vernon François about all things hair, I jumped at it. 

As a session and celebrity stylist, product line founder and recently appointed global consultant for Redken, François has coiffed hair for countless red carpet looks, cover shoots and TV appearances. Yes, this is a man who knows how to make all hair types look and feel amazing. Over the years, he’s styled the likes of Lupita Nyong’o, Laura Harrier, Serena Williams, Amandla Stenberg and Willow Smith—and that’s only a handful of his impressive clientele.

So to help you and me achieve our dreams of great hair every single day, read on for his simple hairstyling tips and favourite product recommendations. Trust me—they're basic but in a good way.

Tip #1: Skip the Heat 

"Create waves overnight without heat," says François. "First, prepare straight or wavy hair with a prep spray. Next, take a long silk scarf—or an old soft, cotton T-shirt—cut into strips, then twist or braid this through the hair. You'll wake up to a fabulous wavy look with body and movement. Brush it out if desired."

Tip #2: Section Your Ponytail

"Style thick or dense hair into a ponytail in two or three sections to minimise tension at the scalp," explains François. "Start by taking a circle-shaped section of hair at the crown, pull that into a ponytail or a puff, and then gather the outer layer at the front, back and sides in to join it. This will enable you to get a slick, snatched look that’s kind to the delicate strands around the hairline."

Tip #3: Embrace a Hairpiece

"All hair textures can wear hair extensions for a dramatic but temporary change," says François. "Seek out good-quality hair extensions that mimic your hair's true texture. Preparing and styling the hair before applying it to your head will easily give you full control over all angles, minimising stress and saving you time. Once you’re happy with the shape, finish with a hair spray that gives shine and hold, like Redken's Pure Force 20."

Tip #4: Use Your Fingers

"Detangle kinky, coily, curly and wavy hair before styling using your fingers instead of a brush," advises François. "This will minimise breakage, help to keep kinks and curls formed, eliminate pulling and preserve length. Start at the ends of your hair and gradually work upwards, massaging out any tangles along the way. A spritz of my Leave-In Conditioner will help to speed the process along."

Tip #5: Try a Head Massage

"Self-care through head massage helps you feel relaxed, positive, and in the right frame of mind for approaching the styling of your hair," says François. "At the same time as stimulating circulation at the scalp, it encourages hair to be malleable for cooperative strands. A little hair oil on your fingertips is an extra treat while doing this. You’ll be glad you took the time."

Tip #6: Train Strands to Lie Flat

"For a sleek style that is effortlessly smooth, prepare hair the night before by training strands to lie flat against the head," explains François. "Apply a mousse, like Redken’s Guts 10, to damp hair. Then, French-braid or tie behind each ear, get the roots and hair around your face smooth, and just let it sit. Strands will be more cooperative the next day, meaning less pulling. Brush the ends out in the morning with a round brush if desired. This works particularly well for straight and wavy hair."

Tip #7: Deep-Clean Hair

"Cleanse post-workout hair and eliminate product build-up with my dry-shampooing technique," explains François. "Section hair before applying a sulphate-free shampoo directly on to dry hair. Massage into the scalp, emulsify with a little water, and then rinse through hair in the direction of the water flow. This deep clean sets the stage for conditioner being absorbed most effectively into hair afterward."

Tip #8: Play With Your Parting

"Elevate your look with minimal effort by changing where and how deeply you part your hair," says François. "Start the parting at the highest point of your eyebrow to add drama. Longer hair? Try parting it closer to your ear with most of your hair falling over the crown of your head for volume. You’ll show fresh kinks, coils, curls and waves instead of those usually exposed to the elements. Sweep and pin the smaller section up at the back by the nape to create shape."

Up next: 23 short haircuts that require barely any upkeep.

The right lipstick can brighten your complexion and make you feel like a whole new person. The wrong lipstick can ruin your look. It has happened to lipstick lovers everywhere, including me: I recently bought an orangey coral I thought would make me look like a chic sunbather on the Côte d'Azur. Instead, it made me look, well, orange.

When visiting your favorite beauty boutique IRL (or browsing online), finding the right lip color can be a challenge because there's nothing, no hand swipe, or sample on your wrist that works like physically applying the shade directly to your lips—a germaphobe's absolute worst nightmare!

So before making another ill-fated beauty buy, we turned to the crème de la crème of makeup experts (including Beyoncé's makeup artist, Sir John) to help you build a flattering lipstick wardrobe for your skin tone, help us color within the lines, and achieve the most magnificent mouth, time and time again.

Our Perfect-Pout Panel

Charlotte Tilbury, founder of Charlotte Tilbury and celebrity makeup artist.

L’Oréal Paris celebrity makeup artist Sir John.

Chanel makeup artist Cyndle K.

Celebrity makeup artist and on-air beauty expert Ashlee Glazer.

The Basics

"I believe that every woman needs her own red lip wardrobe when it comes to the perfect red lipstick shade! It's just about finding the tones and shades that suit and work for you." — Charlotte Tilbury

"I started my career behind the retail counter; MAC Times Square was one of my stores as a retail artist, where women from all over the world would come in to shop for makeup. The beautiful Brazilian women would come in and ask for 'mouth color,' aka a shade of pink that looked like their natural lips. It usually had more blue, cool tones than warmth, but it was always super flattering on their olive skin. This is a tip I take with me to this day when any woman asks for a neutral lip." — Ashlee Glazer

For Light Skin with Cool Undertones

For Light Skin with Warm Undertones

For Medium Skin with Cool Undertones

For Medium Skin with Warm Undertones

For Dark Skin with Cool Undertones

For Dark Skin with Warm Undertones

Still curating your makeup capsule wardrobe? We have you covered:

12 Makeup Buys Every Single Fashion Girl Owns

I'm a Fashion Editor, and This Is What I've Bought From Sephora in 2019

How to Master Kendall Jenner's No-Makeup Makeup, According to Her Makeup Artist

Ever wonder how celebrities look so damn good? Not just on the red carpet but in everyday life too? What precisely is it that sets them apart from us everyday folk and gives them that otherworldly luminous glow? Could it be… money? Yes, sure, absolutely. But besides the kind of inner radiance that can only be acquired with the security of a bank account that never veers toward the red, there's something else—their skin.

Pick a celeb, any celeb, and I can guarantee that whatever beauty look they might be wearing—a green smokey eye, the best hair accessories in the business or a bold coral lip—it's their perfectly prepped skin and seamless base that take their look to the next level.

So in my quest to get some of that A-list skin for myself, I went on the hunt to find out what products celebrities always use to prep, prime and even out their complexions. There were three products that came up time and time again. Keep scrolling to find out what they are.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream

After cleansing, a good moisturizer is key for getting the kind of expensive-looking skin—and, unfortunately, sometimes you have to pay for the best results. Coming in at just $64 for a 30ml pot, Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream isn't the priciest moisturizer out there, but it's definitely one of the best. Originally created to combat tired-looking skin backstage at fashion week, this glow-boosting cream has since gone on to become something of a cult skincare item.

Emma Roberts, Amy Adams, and Shanina Shaik all relied on this moisturizer as the first step in their makeup routines during award season this year while Amal Clooney and Zendaya are also longtime fans. Tilbury believes that the secret to a glowing complexion starts with the skin, which is why this magic pot contains hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and rosehip oil—providing skin with long-lasting moisture and a dewy finish.

Lancôme Prep & Matte Primer

If I'm totally honest, a primer is one of those makeup steps that I often forgo in favor of staying in bed for a couple of minutes longer—or taking yet another quick scroll through Instagram in the morning. However, on days that I really want my makeup to last or on evenings out, I'll be sure to apply one. Why? Well, primers really do work.

Both Lupita Nyong'o and Julia Roberts swear by the Lancôme Prep & Matte Primer. For Nyong'o's beautiful Academy Awards makeup look, it was applied just to her T-zone to keep oil at bay on her forehead and nose while letting her natural radiance shine through on her cheeks. Roberts applied it all over her face for a velvety-matte finish that would keep the rest of her makeup in place all night.

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation

Ah, foundation. As someone who's constantly trying to disguise a breakout or 10, I'm always testing and trialing different foundations. Too dewy and I'll be left looking like an oil slick by lunchtime. Too dry and even the highest of coverages will cling to dry blemishes—undoing the hard work to disguise them. I was recently sent the new Hourglass Vanish Liquid Foundation to try and I can safely say that it was love at first application. High coverage, long-wearing and with a natural-looking satin finish.

It would appear that I'm in good company too. Jessica Alba is known to be a fan of Hourglass while Holly Willoughby has been known to regularly use the classic stick formula for her TV appearances. With Kate Moss and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley also on board, I think it's safe to say that this is good skin in a bottle.

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.

Next up, seven French women with particularly good skin on the products they swear by.

With award season drawing to a close, I've taken a minute to stop watching that Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper performance at the Oscars to reflect on what exactly it is that means celebrities always look so damn good. Not just on the red carpet but in everyday life too. What precisely is it that sets them apart from us everyday folk and gives them that otherworldly glow? Could it be… money? Yes, sure, absolutely. But besides the kind of inner radiance that can only be acquired with the security of a bank account that never veers toward the red, there's something else—their skin.

Pick a celeb, any celeb, and I can guarantee that whatever beauty look they might be wearing—a green smokey eye, the best hair accessories in the business or a bold coral lip—it's their perfectly prepped skin and seamless base that take their look to the next level.

So in my quest to get some of that A-list skin for myself, I went on the hunt to find out what products celebrities always use to prep, prime and even out their complexions. There were three products that came up time and time again. Keep scrolling to find out what they are.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream

After cleansing, a good moisturiser is key for getting the kind of expensive-looking skin—and, unfortunately, sometimes you have to pay for the best results. Coming in at just shy of £50 for a 30ml pot, Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream isn't the pricest moisturiser out there, but it's definitely one of the best. Originally created to combat tired-looking skin backstage at fashion week, this glow-boosting cream has since gone on to become something of a cult skincare item.

Emma Roberts, Amy Adams and Shanina Shaik all relied on this moisturiser as the first step in their makeup routines during award season this year while Amal Clooney and Zendaya are also longtime fans. Tilbury believes that the secret to a glowing complexion starts with the skin, which is why this magic pot contains hyaluronic acid, shea butter and rosehip oil—providing skin with long-lasting moisture and a dewy finish.

Lancôme Prep & Matte Primer

If I'm totally honest, a primer is one of those makeup steps that I often forgo in favour of staying in bed for a couple of minutes longer—or taking yet another quick scroll through Instagram in the morning. However, on days that I really want my makeup to last or on evenings out, I'll be sure to apply one. Why? Well, primers really do work.

Both Lupita Nyong'o and Julia Roberts swear by the Lancôme Prep & Matte Primer. For Nyong'o's beautiful Academy Awards makeup look, it was applied just to her T-zone to keep oil at bay on her forehead and nose while letting her natural radiance shine through on her cheeks. Roberts applied it all over her face for a velvety-matte finish that would keep the rest of her makeup in place all night.

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation

Ah, foundation. As someone who's constantly trying to disguise a breakout or 10, foundation is the one product type that I'm always testing and trialling. Too dewy and I'll be left looking like an oil slick by lunchtime. Too dry and even the highest of coverages will cling to dry blemishes—undoing the hard work to disguise them. I was recently sent the new Hourglass Vanish Liquid Foundation to try and I can safely say that it was love at first application. High coverage, long-wearing and with a natural-looking satin finish.

It would appear that I'm in good company too. Jessica Alba is known to be a fan of Hourglass while Holly Willoughby has been known to regularly use the classic stick formula for her TV appearances. With Kate Moss and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley also on board, I think it's safe to say that this is good skin in a bottle.

Next up, forget Gaga's diamonds—here are 20 affordable pieces from the Oscars red carpet.

If you're petite, you know all too well that shopping can be somewhat of a struggle. While some brands do cater for those under 5'4", petite women are still a largely underrepresented group within the retail realm. Trouser hems are ridiculously long—so much so that they often leave me looking like I'm setting off for my first day of clown college (while the waistline tends to slip down to my hips). It's frustrating, to say the least. Which is why I've turned to the A-list to help me with my petite plight.

So many short celebrities have excellent fashion sense (think Sienna Miller, Zoë Kravitz and the ever-stylish Olsen twins), so I've deciphered their go-to looks to create the ultimate petite capsule, the fruits of which you'll find below. The goal isn't to change the way you look; instead, it's about making your physique more in-proportion. Once you crack how to do that, you can wear anything you please. From the dress Sienna swears by to the shoes Ashley rarely leaves the house without, keep scrolling to see the few key pieces short celebrities rely on.

Style Notes: Be it in suit, trouser or dress form, vertical stripes are an essential part of any petite girl's wardrobe as the lines create the illusion of length, as evidenced by 5'2" Zoë Kravitz. Furthermore, ensure you keep the look tailored to enhance your shape.

Style Notes: Ashley Olsen's go-to shoes are undoubtedly flesh-coloured pumps, which she's worn on a multitude of occasions. By matching your footwear to the colour of your skin, you trick the eye into thinking you have longer legs, balancing out your silhouette in the process. We'd never believe Ashley is a mere 5'0" in this outfit.

Related: The Olsens Use This Accessory to Make All-Black Outfits 10x More Interesting

Style Notes: Ashley isn't the only Olsen who knows how to dress her petite frame well: Mary-Kate—who stands at 5'1"—is also an expert. One of her failsafe tricks is to cinch her waist with a wide belt. In doing so, she divides her body proportionately, making her seem taller in the process. Simple but so effective.

Style Notes: You might not think it, but high necklines give the appearance of a longer torso, which in turn makes your overall frame look longer, too. Case in point? Lupita Nyong'o, who, at 5'4", looks significantly taller in her Gucci dress.

Related: Whatever the Trend, Julia Roberts Did It First and Did It Better

Style Notes: Measuring 5'1", Nicole Richie continually serves up excellent petite outfit inspiration, and this ensemble is no exception. Her bold printed blouse commands the overall focus, allowing her block-colour maxi skirt to elegantly drape to the floor, which bestows her longer-looking legs. Masterful.

Style Notes: You might not think it, but midi skirts are extremely flattering on petite frames. They sit neatly on the waist, helping to define it while skimming your legs to create a flattering silhouette. The flash of ankle on show then makes your legs look leaner. Indeed, we'd never guess Jenna Coleman was 5'2" in this getup.

Related: Rosie HW's Magic Trio Will Instantly Make You Look More Put-Together

Style Notes: Scarlett Johansson, at 5'3", knows that wide-leg trousers are a petite's best friend. They're classic, hang elegantly and make your legs look never-ending. Make like Scarlett and pair yours with a fuss-free tee and strappy sandals.

Style Notes: If you're constantly having to take long dresses to your tailor to be hemmed, it's high time you added a dip-hem style to your wardrobe. Sienna Miller, who is 5'4", wears them on repeat, as they give the same elegant air as maxi styles but require no alterations whatsoever. Also, much like midi skirts, the subtle flash of ankle helps break up your overall silhouette, making you look taller, too. 

Related: 8 Easy Holly Willoughby Outfits We Want to Copy ASAP

Style Notes: Just because you're petite doesn't necessarily mean your body is in proportion. If you're like Lucy Hale, who is 5'2" and has shorter legs in comparison to her torso, try balancing out your frame with a pair of high-waisted jeans.

Style Notes: Her penchant for lycra is undeniable, but Kim Kardashian West, 5'2", also knows that long coats look chic and frame her physique perfectly.

Opening Image: Getty Images

In need of some more celebrity style Inspiration? See how they combat the winter chill…

Last night, the 90th Annual Academy Awards—the culmination of an unprecedented awards season— took place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, and the red carpet ensembles were truly ones for the book. But the evening was far from over once the ceremony concluded. Instead, many of the stars did a quick wardrobe change before walking to the second carpet of the night at the always-stylish Oscars after-parties. 

Many of our favorite leading ladies headed to the Vanity Fair Oscar party, an event which boasted an incredible lineup of eye-catching and playful looks that we simply cannot stop staring at. From Emma Stone's fun Louis Vuitton mini-dress to Lupita Nyong'o's plunging sequin number, these were some of the most striking after-party outfits of the evening.

WHO: Zendaya

WEAR: Michael Kors dress; Bulgari Heritage Nuvole earrings in platinum with pave diamonds, two platinum and diamond rings, and three white gold and diamond rings

WHO: Kate Bosworth

WEAR: Piaget Sunny Side of Life earrings, and Extremely Piaget Palm Tree necklace and bracelet.

WHO: Margot Robbie

WEAR: Chanel S/S 18 couture dress

WHO: Naomi Campbell

WEAR: Bulgari Heritage Sautoir necklace in gold with emeralds, rubies and diamonds, gold and diamond earrings, and a Heritage ring in gold with emeralds, rubies, sapphires and diamonds

WHO: Amanda Seyfried

WEAR: Oscar de la Renta F/W 18 corded fern lace gown with leaf lace appliqué

WHO: Kendall Jenner

WEAR: Redemption dress; Lorraine Schwartz jewelry

WHO: Lily Aldridge

WEAR: Bulgari Serpenti High Jewelry white and yellow gold bracelet with emeralds, and matching earrings

WHO: Lupita Nyong'o

WEAR: Armani Privé dress; Forevermark Diamonds jewelry

WHO: Janelle Monáe

WEAR: Christian Siriano suit

WHO: Ashley Graham

WEAR: Custom Rubin Singer dress; Sophia Webster shoes

WHO: Tracee Ellis Ross

WEAR: Balmain dress

WHO: Emma Watson

WEAR: Ralph Lauren F/W 13 dress; Ana Khouri jewelry

WHO: Karen Gillan

WEAR: Ronald van der Kemp F/W 17 couture dress; Irene Neuwirth jewelry

WHO: Emma Roberts

WEAR: Prada dress; René Caovilla shoes; Forevermark Diamonds jewelry

WHO: Emma Stone

WEAR: Louis Vuitton dress

WHO: Michelle Monaghan

WEAR: Reem Acra F/W 18 dress

WHO: Halle Berry

WEAR: Zuhair Murad S/S 18 couture dress

WHO: Olivia Wilde

WEAR: Roberto Cavalli gown; Forevermark Diamonds jewelry

Two very important events happen to fall within the same week this year: the Academy Awards on March 4 and Lupita Nyong’o’s birthday on March 1. You may call it coincidence, but we find it quite fitting that the actress’s special day is so close to arguably the biggest red carpet event of the year. Because if there’s anyone who’s made walking one an art form—practically a ballet, even—it’s Nyong’o.

Most recently, the Black Panther star appeared at the Cannes Film Festival in a rosy creation and spun like a top for the cameras to show off the almost mermaid-esque coloring. But this twirl is not a onetime occurrence. In fact, we can recall seven past instances when Nyong’o practically hypnotized us with her moves and ultimately made any regular red carpet walk seem, well, ordinary. So, in honor of the scene stealer’s birthday, feast your eyes on a brief and very graceful history of Nyong’o’s epic red carpet twirls below.

The first instance we can recall of a twirl was at the 2014 Oscars—the night she won. Another coincidence?

Her grand fanned skirt was impressive at the Golden Globes in 2015. Just ask Katie Holmes.

At the SAG Awards in 2015, the stripes of her dress lent themselves to a hypnotic spin.

Nyong’o caught some serious French Riviera air at the Cannes Film Festival in 2015.

She offered a demure whirl at the Queen of Katwe premiere in 2016, perhaps due to her dress’s very high slits.

Her spin at the Black Panther premiere this year seemed more like a happy dance than anything else.

At the BAFTAs celebrating her gorgeous gown in the best way she knows how.

This year's Cannes Film Festival was a chance for Nyong’o to top her past twirling work. Safe to say mission accomplished.

Business casual tends to get a bad rap, translating for some to boring and stuffy. But when you break it down, the elements of a so-called "professional" wardrobe are actually just timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched to reflect one's personal style. This rings true in Lupita Nyong'o's most recent look, where she combined smart separates for an elegant effect that's far from predictable.

The Black Panther actress opted for an of-the-moment checked coat—perhaps one of the best office-friendly trends of late—with a white shift dress by David Koma. A structured box bag and classic black pumps add further polish to the look while cool sunglasses lend additional personality. Shop her exact and similar pieces below to re-create the outfit for yourself.

On Lupita Nyong'o: Fay coat; David Koma dress; Mark Cross Grace Box Bag ($2495); Manolo Blahnik BB Pointed Toe Pump ($625)

Similar Styles: Madewell Speckled Tweed Coat ($325); David Koma Short Flock Sleeve Mini Dress ($1148)

The latest in awards-show season, the 71st British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) is happening today. Echoing the Golden Globes’ sartorial blackout, the BAFTAs red carpet was a runway of black dresses in support of the Time's Up movement. Not only did the red carpet outfits symbolise a call for change, but Vogue reports that prior to the evening’s events, “190 British and Irish actors published an open letter of intent, announcing a new UK Justice and Equality Fund and making a stand against sexual harassment in the workplace.” Furthermore, a number of feminist activists were seen walking the red carpet alongside celebrities including Angelina Jolie.

While Kate Middleton wore a green dress on the red carpet, The Mirror reports that this is likely due to the fact that she is “encouraged not to take a political stance on any issues.” However, there is some speculation that the colour choice may be paying tribute to the suffragettes, who wore dark green to “to represent hope”. Keep scrolling to see Middleton’s dress, and all the other black gowns on the BAFTA red carpet.

WHO: Kate Middleton and Prince William

WHO: Margot Robbie

WHO: Salma Hayek

WHO: Saoirse Ronan

WHO: Angelina Jolie

WHO: Octavia Spencer

WHO: Lily James

WHO: Jennifer Lawrence

WHO: Naomie Harris

WHO: Lupita Nyong'o 

WHO: Haley Bennett

WHO: Andrea Riseborough

WHO: Gemma Arterton

WHO: Greta Gerwig

WHO: Karen Gillan 

WHO: Anya-Taylor Joy 

Millie Mackintosh 

WHO: Kate Mara

WHO: Rochelle Humes

WHO: Emma Roberts

WHO: Rebecca Ferguson

WHO: Letitia Wright

WHO: Caitriona Balfe

In the early 2000s, if there was a red carpet, there was a bandage bodycon dress. Everyone from Victoria Beckham to Paris Hilton wore tight, body-skimming dresses by the likes of Hervé Léger and Roland Mouret, but fast-forward a few years, and this silhouette went from Hollywood to reality TV and remained in the '00s. However, we think Lupita Nyong'o just made bodycon dresses cool again while promoting Black Panther. She wore a ruched knee-length dress by Dolce & Gabbana, which has a flattering sweetheart neckline and corseted bodice—it comes with a removable slip so can also double as a sheer dress. Judging by how phenomenal Lupita looks in this dress, this could mark the return of the impossible-to-walk-up-stairs-in midi dress. Keep scrolling to see and shop Lupita Nyong'o's latest look. 

On Lupita: Dolce & Gabbana Long Sleeve Ruched Dress (£2202)

Shop the Look

Opening Image: Getty

It's one of the most anticipated movies of 2018: Black Panther. Finally in theaters on February 16, the movie stars Lupita Nyong'o and has everyone buzzing. Last night, the cast and other celebrities celebrated the Los Angeles premiere of the film, and the red carpet was seriously amazing. Nyong'o looked like royalty in a purple Atelier Versace gown, while Janelle Monae wowed in a Christian Siriano number. Read on to see every beautiful outfit from the premiere. 

WHO: Lupita Nyong'o

WEAR: Atelier Versace dress

WHO: Janelle Monàe

WEAR: Christian Siriano dress

WHO: Danai Gurira

WHO: Angela Bassett

WHO: Yara Shahidi

WEAR: Jennifer Fisher earrings

WHO: Marija Juliette Abney

Getting ready for a vacation should not be a stressful situation. But somehow, trips can turn into packing nightmares for many of us. How many clothes can you cram into a carry-on? Do you have enough options for the weather's many mood swings? Are your outfits stylish yet comfortable and easy to wear? There are a million questions to consider, but if you happen to be heading to a tropical destination anytime soon, you'd be wise to get a few pointers from Lupita Nyong'o. 

The actress has been Instagramming up a storm in Bali, and the photos prove that she has chic vacation style down to a science. So what's on a perennially well-dressed Oscar winner's packing list? Judging from her Instagrams, she has a few go-tos: a breezy caftan, a printed swimsuit cover-up, a vivid yellow bikini, a straw hat, a versatile crossbody bag in a bright hue, and a floral sleeveless blouse. Keep these essentials in mind for your next vacay and you're sure to be lounging in style—Balinese backdrop not included. 

Scroll down to see the most stylish Instagram snaps from Lupita Nyong'o's tropical vacation!

What do you think of her vacation style? Tell us in the comments below, and then shop vacation-ready caftans like hers!