The Cool-Girl Take on Red Carpet Beauty

Yahoo Beauty

February 19, 2015 at 12:26 AM

The Golden Globes and the Grammys were a great warm up, but I can’t wait to see the looks that this year’s Oscars bring. For some pre-show inspiration, I caught up with the talented (and handsome!) makeup genius Beau Nelson who is known for creating striking looks for celebrity clients including Kristen Stewart, Nicole Richie, Chrissy Teigen, and Jessica Biel. For Yahoo Beauty, Nelson created his own cool take on Oscars night beauty with two original looks below.

Look #1: A modern red carpet look inspired by classic Hollywood glamour

Model Meagan Lee of Wilhemina Models in a classic Old Hollywood makeup look by Beau Nelson. (Photo: Robin Black)

To create flawless skin: The key to this style is fresh looking skin. Apply sheer foundation. Next, use a small domed eyeshadow brush like MAC 217 ($24) to apply concealer where needed. The brush buffs out the edges effortlessly into the foundation and leaves a seamless result.

To get razor sharp lips: Start with a square lip brush like the Charlotte Tilbury lip brush ($26). Load the brush up with color and then apply it in firm strokes to make sure the brush leaves crisp edges. On any mistakes, use a bit of Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover ($29) on a small flat synthetic brush like Makeup Forever #256 ($24) to clean up edges, wiping it clean with each stroke, and then follow up with a bit of concealer if needed.

Products Used:

Skincare: SK-II Essential Power Moisturizing Cream ($215) and Chanel Sublimage eye cream ($225)

Foundation: Chantecaille Future Skin ($75)

Concealer: Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer ($48)

Cheeks: Colourpop blush in Pie ($8) and NYX Cosmetics light beige cheek highlighter from the contouring palette ($25)

Brows: Anastasia brow pencil in Taupe ($21)

Mascara: L’Oréal Carbon Black ($7.25)

Lashes: Ardell 120 ($4)

Eyeshadows: a Taupe shade in the crease from the Viseart Matte Palette ($80) and the shimmering beige from Charlotte Tilbury Vintage Vamp ($52)

Lip: Colourpop Frenchie Lipstix ($5)

Look #2: Feline, edgy and very sexy

Model Meagan Lee of Wilhemina Models in a sexy feline look by Beau Nelson. (Photo: Robin Black)

Tips for Eyes: Start by priming lids with NARS Eye primer ($25) to make sure shadow stays in place. Create the shape by sketching it out with smudgeable black Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘N’ Kohl pencil ($27). Use a small Hakuhodo pointed tip brush to smudge eyeliner and wing it slightly upwards. Rim the eyes both top and bottom with the same eyeliner. Place a colored shadow on top (in this case, Lorac Deep teal eyeshadow from the pro palette) to add a metallic pop of color.

Tips for Cheeks: Sweep a touch of bronzer like Hourglass bronzing creme ($40) over the high points of the face to mimic a tan. Sculpt cheeks with Tom Ford’s contouring duo ($77), using the dark shade under the cheekbones, the jawline and the temples. Be careful to buff this out into foundation to look seamless and not stripy. Use small amount of the Burberry Antique Rose lipstick ($33) on a blush brush to add a touch of additional color.

Tips for Lips: Add a fleshy pink lipcolor like Burberry Antique Rose ($33) applied with your finger.

Products Used:

Skincare: Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream ($50) and Embryollise moisturizer ($28)

Foundation: Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide ($48)

Concealer: Cinema Secrets ($16)

Cheeks: Hourglass Bronzing Creme Duo, Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Duo

Brows: MAC Eye Shadow in Charcoal Brown ($16) on Smashbox Angle Brow Brush ($20)

Mascara: Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill ($32)

Lashes: Ardell 120 ($4)

Eyeshadow: Lorac Deep teal eyeshadow

Eye Primer: NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base ($25)

Eyeliner: Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘N’ Kohl ($27)