By Harper’s Bazaar Singapore Team - published
Through the decades, Oscars beauty looks have always been glamorous—but never safe. Here, the 30 boldest Academy Awards red carpet beauty looks that stand the test of time.
This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR UK
A voluminous bouffant and loads of lashes looked red-carpet-ready on Sophia Loren in 1963.
When you think '60s beauty, you think Barbra Streisand in 1969 at the Oscars. It's a masterclass in flawless mod eyeliner and voluminous bobs.
Doe-eyed lashes continued to trend, but Goldie Hawn sweetened the look with ringlets and floral accessories in 1973
The '70s were all about a natural-ish take on beauty. Lauren Hutton wore loose, glossy waves and bronzed skin to the Academy Awards in 1975.
The undeniable queen of being extra, this was one of Cher's more subdued Oscars looks back in 1988.
As with all of Elizabeth Taylor's best beauty looks, this Oscars look has so many standout elements. We love her retro-pink lipstick, snatched eyebrows, stark eyeliner, and powder-blue eyeshadow that matcher her dress and hair accessory.
Madonna looked to Marilyn Monroe for Oscars beauty inspiration in 1991. Bleach-blonde curls and a classic cream lipstick looked just as classic on the pop singer as they did on the film star.
The year was 2000, and lip gloss was trending. Cate Blanchett paired a glossy pink lip with bronze eyeshadow and a sleek chignon
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A sweet braid goes punk with the help of midnight-blue smoky eyes, as seen on Gwyneth Paltrow in 2002.
Skinny brows, a tell-tale spray tan—Charlize Theron was the epitome of 2004 beauty at the year's Academy Awards.
Michelle Williams gave the entire world a lesson in colour theory when she wore this mustard-yellow gown to the Oscars. Nothing looks better with that unusual colour than a glossy, cherry-red lipstick.
Nicole Kidman proved that sometimes all you need to make a major beauty statement is a red lipstick—and a gown with a giant red bow.
Nobody does a voluminous, sculptural updo quite like Sarah Jessica Parker—seen here in 2010.
In 2001, Lopez hit the red carpet with her new boyfriend Ben Affleck wearing the prettiest mint green eyeshadow, bronzed skin, and fluttery false lashes.
Hilary Swank's 2011 beauty look was all about natural, matte skin and a fuzzy updo.
Angelina Jolie perfected her bombshell beauty look in 2012.: loose waves, lashes, and a show-stopping candy-apple-red lipstick.
Rooney Mara's striking beauty look at the 2012 Oscars was due in part to her Dragon tattoo persona. Jet-black hair gave her skin a milky quality, while dark brows and red lipstick added extra glamour.
A layered pixie cut called for feminine rose lipstick the year Anne Hathaway won an Oscar for her role in Les Mis.
Kerry Washington's half-up hairstyle and ruby lipstick looked effortless at the 2014 awards.
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Eyeliner pulled along the inner waterline lent a cat-like quality to Sienna Miller's Oscar look in 2015.
Scarlett Johansson debuted a cool buzzed haircut at the 2015 Oscars ceremony.
The world learned an important lesson about the culture and politics of hair when Zendaya hit the Oscars red carpet wearing a gorgeous set of long locs.
Emma Stone wore brick-red lipstick and golden eyeshadow to take home the Best Actress award in 2017.
A relaxed half-up top knot looked unexpectedly regal on Alicia Vikander in 2017.
Ruth Negga's ruby-red headband and matching makeup in 2017.
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In 2018 Lawrence wore a winged smoky eye with a burn orange lipstick - excellently defying the eyes or lips rule.
The same year, Nyong'o's 'do (inspired by the Amasunzu hairstyles of Rwanda) incorporated gold thread to match her dress.