The 23 Most Stunning Beauty Looks at the 2025 Emmy Awards
Explore the red carpet's most memorable beauty statements, makeup artistry, and hair trends that defined the 2025 Emmy Awards.

The 2025 Emmy Awards did more than celebrate television’s finest—it offered a spectacle of creativity, elegance, and artistry in beauty. With a red carpet flooded by stars uniting nine months of glamorous awards circuit moments, the night set a gold standard for beauty: statement lips, sky-high hair, delicate detailing, and an explosion of impeccable nails. From gothic glam to ethereal waves and boundary-pushing color, these are the beauty looks that defined the 2025 Emmys, analyzed and spotlighted by our expert editors.
Table of Contents
- Overall Trends at the 2025 Emmys
- 23 Standout Beauty Looks
- Red Carpet Hair Trends
- Noteworthy Makeup Moments
- Showstopping Nail Art
- Frequently Asked Questions
Red Carpet Recap: Top Beauty Trends for 2025
Every Emmy night brings fresh beauty stories, but the 2025 edition stood out with its luxurious blend of classic glamour and modern experimentation. After a festival-studded year, nominees and presenters reimagined Hollywood waves, slicked-back updos, and bouncy blowouts. The embrace of satin skin—not overly matte nor glossy, but perfectly luminous—rose to new heights, anchoring nearly every beauty look.
- Big Hair Returns: Voluminous blowouts and towering bouffants reigned supreme, channeling ’60s and ’90s nostalgia.
- Sultry Smoky Eyes: From steel blue to espresso brown, smoked-out lids defined faces across a spectrum of styles.
- Statement Lips: Deep goth-inspired plums, matte oranges, and crisp reds gave each celebrity their unique twist.
- Chic Minimalism: Barely-there makeup and natural finishes highlighted healthy skin, with subtle highlighting and pale nude tones.
- Detailed Nail Art: Crystal embellishments, geometric patterns, and color stories dominated fingertips.
23 Standout Beauty Looks from the 2025 Emmys
Below, we break down the most talked-about beauty looks, with insights into the artistry behind each star’s unforgettable moment.
Catherine Zeta-Jones: Vintage Hollywood Luxury
Catherine Zeta-Jones embodied timeless sophistication, dazzling with glossy brushed-out curls reminiscent of old Hollywood sirens. Her sculpted cheekbones, softly smoked eyes, and perfectly lined red lips completed a look that fused vintage glamour with a modern edge.
Hunter Schafer: Futuristic Minimalism
Hunter Schafer stunned in an ethereal, minimalist beauty look, showcasing luminous, almost reflective skin. Her barely-there makeup gently highlighted her cheekbones, while her eyebrows—brushed up and feathery—added a touch of avant-garde cool. Sleek, straight hair tucked neatly behind the ears accentuated the high-fashion vibe.
Jenna Ortega: Gothic Film Star Glamour
Embodying the essence of dark glamour, Jenna Ortega’s Emmys look was a masterclass in contrast. Her dewy luminous skin, sculpted with the latest skin-lifting gadgets, highlighted a moody steel blue smoky eye and vampy oxblood lipstick. Bleached brows and a loose, wavy braid styled by César Ramirez gave her that signature gothic yet modern edge.
- Key Artists: Mélanie Inglessis (makeup); César Ramirez (hair)
- Hero Products: Lumeo SkinLift, OGX finishing sprays
Leighton Meester: The Modern ’60s Icon
With a stellar cut and stunning curtain bangs, Leighton Meester’s look was defined by a smoked-out cat-eye and glimmering skin. Her makeup artist opted for bronze and taupe shades, while a full brushed-out blowout completed the retro yet effortlessly contemporary aesthetic. The facial oil used on her face and body delivered that extra glow.
- Key Artist: Bethany McCarty
- Hero Product: Bubble Skincare facial oil
Selena Gomez: Peach-Nude Perfection
It was the perfect blend of sultry and refined for Selena Gomez. Her makeup—a peach-nude matte lip, gentle contour, and soft blush—accented her sleek high ponytail. Celebrity stylists used Kerasilk Taming Balm for a lacquered finish that kept every hair perfectly in place. The result: red carpet polish with a gentle, romantic touch.
- Key Stylists: Hung Vanngo (makeup); Renato Campora (hair)
- Hero Products: Rare Beauty, Kerasilk Taming Balm
Lisa: Romantic and Modern
Showcasing a rosy, glossy lip and soft, face-framing waves, Lisa brought a feeling of effortless romance. Blush-toned cheeks and subtle highlighter kept her look fresh and timeless, nodding to Korean beauty influences.
Parker Posey: Bewitched by Copper
Parker Posey’s Emmys debut involved both a transformative haircut and color. Her new copper “Betwitched Bob,” styled with bounce and shine, set the tone for a playful retro-glam look. The style was finished with a floral hair perfume for added allure, emphasizing the sensory side of red carpet beauty.
- Key Artists: Victoria Hunter (color); Mark Townsend (cut & style)
- Signature Touch: Parfums de Marly Delina Hair Perfume
Britt Lower: Warm Monochrome Beauty
Embodying autumn, Britt Lower’s makeup story played with peaches, auburns, and rust. Soft, airbrushed blush melted seamlessly into matching lipstick and softly smoked lids. Her strands, styled to voluminous perfection, underscored the warmth and harmony of the overall look.
Quinta Brunson: Classic Kiss Curls
With chic finger waves and precise kiss curls framing her face, Quinta Brunson tapped into jazz-age elegance. The simplicity of her look—luminous skin, natural brows, and a well-defined mouth—magnified the statement factor of her hair.
Jessica Williams: Ethereal Radiance
Jessica Williams’ braided updo matched the whimsical vibe of her blush-pink gown. Glowing, perfected skin took center stage thanks to gentle highlighting and a balance of dewy and matte finishes. A focus on blush and feathered brows made this look soft yet sculpted.
- Key Artists: SherriAnn Cole (hair); Cherish Brooke Hill (makeup)
- Hero Products: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk
Elizabeth Banks: The 1960s Bouffant Revival
Elizabeth Banks made a playful statement with her towering bouffant, proving that bigger can be better. Her volume-packed locks were precisely sculpted and set, giving a nod to the mod muses of the swinging ’60s while still feeling red carpet relevant.
- Key Stylist: Adir Abergel for Virtue
Aimee Lou Wood: Undone ’70s Texture
Embracing a carefree vibe, Aimee Lou Wood wore her hair in softly brushed-out waves for an authentic ’70s look. Minimal makeup with a luminous finish and an inner-corner highlight added a quietly ethereal touch.
- Key Artist: Gareth Bromell (hair)
Leslie Bibb: Smoky Eyes and The Power Blonde
Leslie Bibb refreshed her signature bob with a richer blonde shade dubbed “Rich Blonde,” accented by soft, smoked-out eyes and fluttery lashes. Paired with radiant satin skin, her look felt both familiar and excitingly new.
Carrie Coon: Icy Blonde Pixie
Debuting a bold icy-blonde pixie, Carrie Coon’s look balanced strong lines with soft, glowy makeup. A nude lip and intricate highlighting brought together the coolness of her hair with warmth in her complexion.
- Key Artists: Jenny Cho (hair); Kate Lee (makeup for Chanel)
Janelle James: Burgundy Monochrome Magic
Janelle James perfectly matched her eyeshadow, lipstick, and blush to the deep maroon tones of her gown, opting for a meticulously blended monochrome beauty look. Her skin glistened under the lights, and delicate lashes brought definition.
Molly Gordon: Modern Cat Eye
Molly Gordon revived winged liner, proving that this TikTok-controversial style is red carpet chic. Her crisp black wing complemented subtly contoured cheeks and a rosy nude lip.
Chase Sui Wonders: Kohl-Edged Lids
Styled with bold, kohl-lined eyes and high-shine chocolate lips, Chase Sui Wonders’ look exuded throwback cool while remaining distinctly fresh. Her hair, worn in soft, shiny waves, rounded out the modern-retro feel.
More Red Carpet Headliners:
- Nicole Byer: Rich berry lipstick and finger-waved bob.
- Laura Linney: Sleek side-parted chignon with satin-finish skin.
- Meghann Fahy: Supermodel-inspired voluminous blowout and glossy lips.
- Taylor Zakhar Perez: Elegant side-swept style and glowing complexion.
- Maitreyi Ramakrishnan: Fresh peach blush, sleek hair, and soft brows.
- Pamela Adlon: Tousled crop, warm metallic eye looks.
- Juno Temple: Ultra-blond boho waves, petal-pink lips.
Key Hair Trends at the 2025 Emmys
The red carpet this year witnessed an impressive array of hair moments, blending nostalgia with innovation for stunning effect. Here’s a breakdown of the most influential hair statements:
- Hollywood Waves: Glossy, deeply-set waves proved classic glamour never dates.
- Bouncy Blowouts: Supersized volume and soft movement brought new life to the red carpet.
- Pixie Cuts and Short Styles: Celebrities embraced the ease and edge of cropped styles, from icy blondes to tousled copper bobs.
- Chic Updos: Sleek ponytails, modern chignons, and sculpted buns added polish and accentuated dramatic gowns.
- Face-Framing Bangs, Curtain Fringes: From Leighton Meester’s curtain bangs to textured fringes, layers shaped the season’s most memorable looks.
Noteworthy Makeup Moments
- Satin Skin: The perfect midpoint between matte and dewy, skin was luminous, healthy, and subtly glowy.
- Graphic Eyes: From smoky eyes to sharp wings and color-popping liner, eyes were the epicenter of creativity.
- Vibrant Lips: Oxblood reds, matte oranges, gothic plums and high-shine nudes gave options for every taste—and every selfie angle.
- Soft Blush and Bronzer: Sculpted cheekbones with airbrushed finish, delicately flushed cheeks, and harmonized tones ruled the night.
- Feathery Brows: Brushed-up, natural brows kept faces youthful and contemporary.
Showstopping Nail Art
Stars paid extra attention to their fingertips, serving up creative patterns and luxurious polish:
- Crystal Accents: Delicate rhinestones and gems added sparkle to short and long nails alike.
- Geometric Patterns: Negative space, angular lines, and color-blocked tips gave graphic flair.
- Classic Reds and Metallics: Glossy reds and shimmering silvers added instant drama and paired perfectly with jewel-toned gowns.
- Nude Modernism: Soft pinks and beiges, often adorned with subtle art, offered understated elegance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What were the most talked-about makeup trends at the 2025 Emmys?
A: Smoky eyes, monochrome makeup, bold red and plum lips, and satin-finish skin were the standout trends, alongside brushed-up brows and glowing, airbrushed cheeks.
Q: Which hair looks dominated the 2025 Emmy Awards red carpet?
A: Hollywood waves, voluminous blowouts, chic ponytails, retro-inspired bouffants, and cropped styles (including pixies and bobs) stole the show.
Q: How did celebrities incorporate nail art into their red carpet looks?
A: Stars paired their gowns with customized nails featuring crystal embellishments, negative-space designs, graphic lines, and classic reds or metallics for added drama.
Q: Who were the celebrity artists behind these stunning looks?
A: Leading makeup artists and stylists included Mélanie Inglessis, César Ramirez, Bethany McCarty, Jenny Cho, and Hung Vanngo, all using the latest beauty technology and cult-favorite products.
Q: Are any of the 2025 Emmys beauty trends wearable for everyday life?
A: Absolutely! Many trends, like brushed-out waves, soft peach lips, and luminous skin, are as perfect for daily routines as they are for a formal event.
References
- https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/g66092165/best-beauty-looks-2025-emmys/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g66089574/best-emmy-beauty-looks-2025/
- https://www.thezoereport.com/culture/2025-emmy-awards-best-beauty-looks
- https://www.aol.com/articles/every-single-look-2025-grammys-220400623.html
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/emmy-awards/
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