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!