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.”

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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…

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)

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Opening Image: Getty