The Golden Globe Awards have always held a special place in the beauty and fashion calendar. Unlike other award shows that sometimes feel overly theatrical, the Globes tend to sit in a sweet spot where glamour meets realism.
The 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards continued that tradition, but with a noticeable shift in attitude. This year, beauty was less about perfection and more about presence. It felt personal, intentional, and in many cases, refreshingly honest.
Walking into the Beverly Hilton, stars did not arrive looking like versions of each other. Instead, they arrived looking like themselves, just elevated. Hair had movement. Skin looked like skin.
Makeup choices felt thoughtful rather than forced. There was a strong sense that glam teams were focused on enhancing natural features instead of masking them. This made the red carpet feel more relatable without losing its sense of occasion.
One of the most interesting things about the 2026 Golden Globes beauty moments was how clearly they reflected where beauty culture is right now. People are tired of excess. They want looks that feel achievable, expressive, and true. This showed up in the return of statement lip colors, in hairstyles that embraced texture, and in makeup that allowed personality to shine through. Even the boldest looks felt grounded.
Another key takeaway from the night was balance. Bold lips were paired with soft skin. Strong hair choices were matched with minimal makeup. Nothing felt accidental, but nothing felt overworked either. It was a reminder that great beauty does not have to shout to be noticed. Sometimes, it simply needs to be confident.
Below are the beauty looks from the 83rd Golden Globe Awards that stood out not because they tried to dominate the room, but because they owned their space.
Ayo Edebiri
Ayo Edebiri’s beauty look was a masterclass in modern classic styling. Her chin-length bob had volume, shape, and bounce, making it one of the most memorable hairstyles of the night. The brow-grazing swoop added softness to her face while still keeping the look structured.
Photo: Getty Images What made her appearance stand out was how effortless it felt. Nothing looked stiff or overly styled. The deep red tint in her hair brought warmth and depth, subtly framing her features. This look worked because it felt timeless without feeling dated, proving that simplicity, when done well, never goes out of style.
Emma Stone
Emma Stone showed that you do not need dramatic makeup or extreme hair to make an impact. Her center-parted bob was smooth, full, and polished, sitting perfectly between relaxed and refined. The makeup focused on fresh skin with a natural glow, allowing her features to speak for themselves.
Photo: Getty Images There was a calm confidence to her look that made it quietly powerful. It reflected a growing preference for beauty that feels clean and intentional rather than overly sculpted. Emma’s appearance reinforced the idea that less can still feel complete.
Lisa
Lisa’s beauty look leaned into softness and ease, making it one of the most approachable looks of the night. Her glossy lips and rosy blush created a healthy, youthful finish that felt current. The long waves and brushed-out bangs framed her face without competing with her makeup.
Photo: Getty Images Everything worked together without trying too hard. This look stood out because it mirrored what many people actually want from beauty right now: skin that looks hydrated, color that feels natural, and hair that moves.
Audrey Nuna
Audrey Nuna brought edge to the red carpet in a way that felt deliberate and confident. Her black lipstick was bold without feeling harsh, balanced by a subtle flush on the cheeks. The sculptural braided updo added structure and drama, elevating the entire look.
Photo: Getty Images Black lipstick has often been treated as a risky choice, but Audrey showed how striking it can be when paired with thoughtful styling. Her look felt expressive, modern, and unapologetic, making it one of the most talked-about beauty moments of the night.
Tessa Thompson
Tessa Thompson’s beauty look felt cohesive from head to toe. Her long, cascading waves echoed the metallic texture of her gown, creating a seamless connection between hair and fashion. The waves were smooth yet full of movement, giving her an almost fluid presence on the carpet.
Photo: Getty Images The makeup stayed understated, allowing the hair to remain the focal point. This look worked because it understood balance. Nothing competed for attention, and everything felt intentional.
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez delivered a beauty moment rooted in classic Hollywood glamour. Her side-parted bob was styled into soft, bouncy waves that framed her face beautifully. The deep ruby lip added richness and depth, anchoring the look.
Photo: Getty Images What made her appearance stand out was how natural it felt despite the vintage inspiration. It did not feel like a throwback costume. It felt current, polished, and very much her. Selena continues to prove that timeless beauty does not require reinvention, just refinement.
Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande’s return to brunette marked a noticeable shift, but she stayed true to her identity by keeping her signature high ponytail. The chocolate-brown shade added warmth and maturity, complementing her features in a new way.
Photo: Getty Images Her makeup followed the same tone, with soft brown shades creating harmony between hair and face. This look stood out because it balanced familiarity with change. It showed that evolving your style does not mean abandoning what defines you.
Justine Lupe
Justine Lupe embraced relaxed, ultra-long waves that felt natural and free. The texture looked lived-in rather than styled to perfection, which gave the look a sense of ease. Her soft pink eyeshadow and bohemian gown complemented the hair without overpowering it.
Photo: Getty Images This beauty moment resonated because it felt real. It reminded viewers that polish does not always come from control. Sometimes, it comes from letting things flow.
Rose Byrne
Rose Byrne closed out the standout looks with a bold yet thoughtful beauty choice. Her orange-red lipstick popped beautifully against her emerald gown, creating contrast that felt confident and intentional.
Photo: Getty Images The sideswept lob added softness and movement, preventing the look from feeling too sharp. This appearance showed the power of color when used with purpose. It was strong without being overwhelming and memorable without trying to steal the spotlight.
Sabrina Dhowre Elba
Photo: Getty Images Sabrina Dhowre Elba’s cropped cut with baby bangs signaled a shift toward shorter styles in 2026. The haircut framed her face beautifully and felt fresh without feeling trendy.
Sheryl Lee Ralph
Photo: Getty Images Sheryl Lee Ralph’s textured bouffant with a high ponytail was rich in detail and presence. The hairstyle felt powerful and celebratory, fitting for someone with her legacy.
Olandria Carthen
Photo: Getty Images Olandria Carthen’s glowing skin, finger waves, and ‘90s-inspired lip made for a flawless debut. Every detail felt considered, from her manicure to her makeup finish.
Jenna Ortega
Photo: Getty Images Jenna Ortega stayed true to her darker aesthetic with bleached brows, a neutral lip, and a messy low ponytail. The look felt consistent with her identity and stood out because of its restraint.
Amanda Seyfried
Photo: Getty Images Amanda Seyfried’s finger waves and sleek low bun brought vintage styling into the present. The controlled shape and soft detailing made the look feel intentional rather than theatrical.
Zoë Kravitz
Photo: Getty Images Zoë Kravitz styled her micro braids into a messy bun with silver accents, creating a look that felt cool and personal. The accessories added interest without overpowering the hairstyle.
Wunmi Mosaku
Photo: Getty Images Wunmi Mosaku’s sculptural faux locs paired with a bold gown and deep manicure showcased the versatility of protective styling. The look was powerful, thoughtful, and beautifully executed.
Jennifer Lawrence
Photo: Getty Images Jennifer Lawrence’s honey blonde waves and soft curls complemented her gown perfectly. The beauty look felt romantic and natural, reinforcing her effortless presence on the carpet.
Teyana Taylor
Photo: Getty Images Teyana Taylor’s pixie cut styled with mini curls paired with winged liner and a ‘90s lip created one of the night’s sharpest looks.
Kate Hudson
Photo: Getty Images Kate Hudson kept things clean with a sleek low bun and nude nails, allowing her gown to lead.
Hailee Steinfeld
Photo: Getty Images Hailee Steinfeld’s barrel curls and side part leaned fully into classic red carpet styling with confidence, giving us one of the best beauty looks at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards. Of course, we love the belly bump showcase as an accessory.
Miley Cyrus
Photo: Getty Images Miley Cyrus softened her look with loose curls and a smoky eye, giving her usual edge a gentler tone.
Chase Infiniti
Photo: Getty Images Chase Infiniti’s textured blowout gave volume and movement, marking a strong red carpet debut.
Odessa A’Zion
Photo: Getty Images Odessa A’Zion let her curls take center stage, embracing natural texture with confidence.
These ten beauty looks capture the spirit of the 83rd Golden Globe Awards. They reflect a shift toward individuality, balance, and honesty in beauty. There were bold choices, but they were grounded. There were classic references, but they felt modern. Most importantly, each look felt connected to the person wearing it.
As award season continues, the influence of these moments will likely show up everywhere, from makeup trends to hair appointments. The Golden Globes reminded us that beauty does not need to be extreme to be impactful. It just needs to feel true.
Photo: Getty Images
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August 8, 2025Esther Ejoh is a Fashion Editor at Fashion Police Nigeria, where she writes all things fashion, beauty, and celebrity style, with a sharp eye and an even sharper pen. She’s the girl who’ll break down a Met Gala look one minute, rave about a Nigerian beauty brand the next, and still find time to binge a movie or get lost in a novel. Style, storytelling, and self-care? That’s her holy trinity.
