Yippee! The close-ups are in from fashion’s biggest night of the year

As per usual, just about every celebrity you can think of showed up for this year’s Met Ball—and I think it’s safe to say, generated far fewer beauty WTFs compared to last year’s punk-themed affair. This time, the dress code was “White Tie & Decorations”: much safer, and as you’ll soon see, a wonderful backdrop for all shades of lipstick, hairstyles and sparkly eyeshadows.

Now grab a coffee—heck, you might need a whole meal!—and prepare to scroll through the close-ups.

Rachel McAdams

Gotta lead with the Canadians! Plus, a Rachel sighting is a rare occasion. (I feel like I see more of her makeup artist sister Kayleen these days!) Anyhow, it was Kayleen who did her makeup here—all CK One Color—featuring a sheer berry lip, groomed brows and a hint of sparkly definition around the eyes. Really though, it’s her hair I’m most interested in. So happy she’s no longer doing the bright red and instead has settled on this beautiful golden brown. Rachel, I think you’ve finally found your Life Colour.

Jessica Paré

Go Canada! Second spot goes to Montreal-born Jessica Paré, and no surprise that one of my fave red carpet makeup artists, Mai Quynh, did this look. The lip is the NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Yu (which we’ll all be running out to buy now), with the new NARS Matte Multiple (didja hear that? matte!) in Anguilla on the cheeks. Notice there is no eyeliner; just a metallic wash over the lids.

Marion Cotillard

Yay! It’s Marion! It’s been like a year since we’ve seen her; I’ve missed her face a lot. She couldn’t be chicer or more French in this rolled ’40s hairstyle with the vinyl-effect orange lips (which keep it modern). Her makeup artist, Christophe Danchaud, lined the lips with Hourglass Panoramic Long Wear Lip Liner in Raven before applying Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Crème Lipsticks in Raven and Muse.

Taylor Swift

I don’t care that Taylor’s done the red lip a zillion times before. This is exquisite. Apparently, the colour is NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl, and what I love is how fresh it looks set against rosy cheeks, lashes and a little hit of gold underneath the pupils. (‘Cuz normally with a strong matte red, the tendency would be towards sexy/severe.) I’m also still into her hair—colour, cut and style.

Rashida Jones

I always like to see what Rashida does on a red carpet, and this, in my opinion, is one of her best-ever looks. Normally I am dead set against false eyelashes, but somehow these work, as they open up her eyes beautifully. The bronzey shimmer underneath softens the look and balances out the juicy berry lips nicely. (Her makeup artist, Kathy Jeung, used many different brands, so as soon as I figure out what’s where, I’ll update this.) Love the rolled-under hairstyle, too.

Emma Stone

You know I love me some Emma, but I’m not crazy about her hairstyle here. I feel like the textured braid ship sailed away a long, long time ago. Is it just me? That said, the sun-kissed makeup is lovely. Rachel Goodwin used Chanel Illusion D’Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadows in Illusoire and New Moon high over the lids, with Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights Face Illuminator in Peach Light as blush, which picks up on the colour of her hair. The lips are a combo of Revlon ColorBurst Balm Stain in Cherish and Chanel Aqua Crayon Lip Color Stick in Rosewood.

Lupita Nyong’o

Well, even Queen Lupita can get it wrong sometimes. I have no issues at all with the makeup on its own—just think there was way too much going on alongside it, what with the dyed purple hair, a frontal top knot, green headband, earrings and an insanely busy dress. What’s that rule about removing one accessory before you leave the house? Anyway… that cool purple rimming her eyes is Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Eyeshadow in Miss Sweetheart. Makeup artist Nick Barose created the pop of colour on her cheeks with Giorgio Armani Cheek Fabric Blush in 509 and Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Blush in 300; the lips are Lancôme Le Lipstique Lip Colouring Stick in Sheer Chocolate mixed with Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge in Bordeaux.

Gisele Bündchen

Say what you will about smug mom Gisele, but you have to admit that the girl really knows how to pose. Does this not look super-familiar? In her top 10 beauty looks, she did a variation of this again and again—always showing her left side—and beauty-wise, tends towards this tousled hair and minimal makeup. She looks great.

Leighton Meester

One of the best heads of hair of the night had to be Leighton Meester’s. It’s no secret I’ve always had hair envy with her… now, she’s brought back her highlights and they are a masterpiece. (Er, are they highlights, actually? Possibly it’s the reverse—lowlighting. At least, according to her stylist a few years back.) Her skin continues to be insane—if this is what using Biotherm will do, sign me up!

Kristen Stewart

I know it’s like a deliberate, not-meant-to-look-natural thing, but I’m still not feeling this bright copper hair colour on Kristen. Or this particular hairstyle, which is giving me a semi-comb-over vibe. (It’s better from the back, where it’s braided in a fishtail.) I do like the makeup though; she’s a great wearer of the smoky eye.

Claire Danes

Not amazing, but not her worst by a long shot. I also like that Claire is wearing Pixi products—they are so fun! On her skin is the new H2O Skintint in Warm (although I get that she may not be selling it to you… trust me, it’s actually great!). She’s also wearing the Correction Concentrate, a great high-coverage concealer; the multi-tasking Natural Brow Duo; and shadows from the Mesmerizing Mineral Palette in Plum Quartz, which are meant to be longer-wearing than regular ones. On her lips is the Succulent Lip Twin in Opal Orchid.

Amy Adams

Amy has the most beautiful eyes, and I feel like this look shows them off so well—even if it’s on the more conservative side. I love this idea for blue eyes: silvery-grey shimmer, all the way around the lash line, with tone-on-tone shading for depth and defined lashes. Who else is in? Her skin is just gorgeous, especially with the super-soft, peachy-pink blush and lips.

Nicole Richie

Can’t wait until Nicole gets rid of this hair colour—I think it’s a bit aging and I much prefer her with the sunniness of blonde, or a rich dark brown. Here’s a shocker on the makeup front: can you believe she’s wearing NYX Cosmetics? That is not so say they don’t have great products (remember these Bryce Dallas Howard lipsticks?), but I never would’ve imagined Nicole of all people would be wearing them. I like the idea of glitter on the eyes to play with the ethereal quality of the hair, but I don’t think you can safely do glitter and false lashes at the same time without things getting a bit tacky. The lipstick is NYX Matte Lipstick in Spirit.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese does Reese best when she doesn’t try to play against type (i.e. try to be too sexy). This very 1950s look, with not a hair out of place, works well with her type A demeanour and delicate features, although I would’ve liked to see a tiny bit more movement in the hair. (But hey, if anyone call pull it off, it’s her.) I loved the matchy-matchy lipstick with her hot pink dress, and her skin looks fantastic.

Anne Hathaway

OMG! Do you see a glimmer of the old Anne Hathaway? The one that wasn’t quite as irritating, before she chopped off her hair and starting making overly earnest awards speeches? I haven’t paid much attention to her for over a year now, because of that on top of a long beauty snooze-fest. But I’m kinda digging this, suddenly! Her hair is growing out a bit, looking more flattering, and that’s a wonderfully juicy lip choice that accentuates the sparkliness of her eyes. More of this Anne, please.

Selena Gomez

So close… but sabotaged by the false eyelashes. I really don’t think they were necessary here, and are simply too long and fake-looking to add anything to this look. That said, I love the drama of the dark berry lipstick and earrings with her hair pulled back into a romantic low chignon. Is she looking a bit dead in the eyes or is it just me?

Beyoncé

Damn, Beyoncé. Coulda, woulda, shoulda been great if you didn’t have to ruin it with the weirdo veil covering half your face. I want to see this look on its own, since the earrings are fantastic and that dark lip is pretty intriguing. I still think she looks best with more eye and less lip, in general.

Margot Robbie

Awesome—Margot was one of our awards season faves, and now she’s back on the red carpet and I think looking better than ever. The harsh, dark brown hair has faded significantly into this natural medium brown, which is just gorgeous with her blue eyes and strong, perfectly arched brows. Final thought: does she have the prettiest ears you’ve ever seen in your life? I think so.

Blake Lively

Yikes, Blake looks so stressed out and unhappy. Could be a bad photo and yes, I’m totally projecting, but I doubt being married to Ryan Reynolds is all it’s cracked up to be. Be careful for what you wish for, Blake! But I digress. I think this whole Hollywood glam, big waves thing worked well for Blake a couple years back, but I’m over it now—time for this pony to learn some new tricks. I would like a haircut, please, a more natural texture, and less makeup all around. Oh, and a smile would be nice, too.

Update: Blake is wearing NARS. Products include the Eye Paint in Baalbek; Lipliner Pencil in Salsa; Radiant Creamy Concealer in Medium Ginger; Illuminator in Adelaide; Blush in Desire; Cream Eyeshadow in Mykonos and Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in Subra (out this summer). The mascara is Kevyn Aucoin Curling Mascara and the foundation a mix of Kevyn Aucoin Liquid Airbrush Foundations in LQ 10 and LQ 13, applied with a brush.

Joshua Jackson and Diane Kruger

Gratuitous photo of Josh and Diane because, well, they look amazing—STILL!—and I love them. If they ever break up, my world will be shattered. They also do not seem to ever age (Josh is 35 and Diane, 37). That’s what true love can do, folks!

Katie Holmes

Is Bobbi Brown losing her touch? I don’t know if she was behind Katie’s makeup here, but man! Dark circles galore! I really think people have to be careful with the 360-degree eye makeup trend. If it’s going to make you look like you haven’t slept in 48 hours, better stick to above the upper lashes only. I also feel Katie’s hair is a bit casual for the event, and would’ve been better with some kind of strict side part, or even back off the face.

Kate Upton

Jesus, no, Kate! The fashion world is never going to fully accept your boobalicious self, so why try with weird headgear and (OMG) a matching necklace and earrings. Better to be beautifully boring and voluptuous than commit fashion crimes that will go down in history. Her peachy lipstick and strong brows are quite dreamy, though not nearly enough to save this.

Kirsten Dunst

Kirsten looks good, but I’m wondering what’s going on with the nasolabial area—how is the foundation so heavy-looking and pore-emphasizing there, yet her forehead looks fresh and smooth? I wonder if there are some illuminating particles in her powder that are cruelly picking up the light. Otherwise, good job on the red lips (NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Luxembourg) and smoky eyes. It all feels a bit Art Deco, but not too harsh or heavy.

Lea Michele

I feel like Lea doesn’t really belong at this event, and certainly not with what looks like a disco-style dress and earrings?! I’m confused. I like the effortless-looking updo, but not crazy about the heavy, angled brows, gold inner-corner shadow or (eeks) the mega-heavy lashes.

Chloë Moretz

Chloë looked like a little Chanel doll—must’ve been so fun to dress her up. I like the hair a lot; with her flawless skin and heart-shaped face, it looks great half-up with volume at the top. Makeup is good too, but I generally don’t like to see smoky eyes on teenagers (she’s 17). And I think the foundation is quite heavy… see how even a teenager can get the appearance of wrinkles? So don’t feel bad if this happens to you—it’s the makeup’s fault, not your age.

Karlie Kloss

Karlie played it fairly safe (in model terms), wearing a soft smidgen of a cat eye with a nude lip. It’s nice; I just can’t get too excited about it. The lipstick, if you’re wondering, is Marc Jacobs Beauty Lovemarc Lip Gel in Moody Margot.

Amanda Peet

Amanda Peet isn’t always super-put-together on the red carpet, but I do support her look this time. Love bangs for her, and they’re just tidy enough here, complimented by her striking blue eyes and the slick of red lipstick. Notice how she went very, very easy on the blush.

Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen

Here’s your second duo (there’s another real good one to come!); it’s your annual dose of Olsen twinnage. I wonder, does Elizabeth Olsen ever feel excluded that she doesn’t get to pose with them? You’d think they would share the sisterly love. I’m not feeling much about their looks here—the brown makeup on Mary-Kate is not so flattering, and the outfits look matronly for girls in their 20s.

Hailee Steinfeld

Amazing eyebrows; shame about the under-eye concealer creases. Ah well, it can happen to all of us. I feel like with the eyebrows—which are huge and I think, great—she doesn’t need to do much else with her face, since they steal the show, really. I might’ve tided them up just a tiny bit… I also would’ve skipped the lip liner. But I like her skin texture and the liquid liner flicks.

Michelle Williams

Meh… not feeling much either way about this look on Michelle Williams. I miss her short hair! She seems like she’s in the in-between, growing-out stage—but I think I would’ve preferred her hair looser and sexier instead of it always having to be so Mod. The Laura Mercier makeup by Sabrina Bedrani is nice, even if it’s boring. Foundation is the new Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide in Vanille, which will be out this fall, with the famous Secret Concealer in #2 and Second Skin Cheek Colour in Heather Pink. The lips were lined with the Lip Pencil in Baby Lips before dabbing Crème Lip Colour in Rose in the middle.

Zoë Saldana

Is it the lighting or does Zoë continue to have a foundation-matching issue? I feel like her forehead is distinctively darker than the rest of her face. No issues here otherwise. They’re not exciting, but I like the bronzey eyes and pink lips with the soft updo.

Victoria Beckham

Werk it, Victoria! You just know she’s practised this pose in front of the mirror many times. I’m a fan though—and I think she looks pretty good here. I wouldn’t have gone so heavy on the eye makeup, and I definitely wouldn’t have done that contouring on the cheeks, but I like her brows, nude-matte lips and the fact that you can see her freckles! Victoria has struggled with acne in the past, so it’s great to see that she can now go without heavy foundation. Didn’t realize her hair was getting so long!

Rihanna

Ugh, Rihanna, I am so over you. Did she fire her styling team in the last year or so? At her peak, she was so much more pulled-together. Now we’re being treated to stuff like this… a hot mess of a hairdo and what is particularly creeping me out, the pointy Cupid’s bow mauve mouth. Do not like.

Alexa Chung

Fresh, pretty and just about perfect, Alexa. She is wearing Eyeko, of course, and opted for a smudgy taupe shadow instead of her usual cat eyes. (It’s called Me & My Shadow—brilliant name—and will be out next month.) The mascara is their claim to fame, the Skinny Brush Mascara, which is in my rotation right now, too. I know you want to find out the apricot lipstick shade and I do as well… her makeup artist, Tamah Krinsky, has promised to reveal it soon! Keep ya posted.

Sarah Jessica Parker

So many people go gaga over SJP come Met Ball-time. The SATC buzz has long worn off for me, so I’m not one of them. I mean, I appreciate that she really commits, but the hair! It’s just a giant beauty WTF. Her makeup is nice, though. Again, it’s NARS: the Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Vita Veneto, the forthcoming Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow in Giove (out this summer) and the same Illuminator in Adelaide that Blake Lively’s wearing.

Rita Ora

You’ve gotta give Rita some credit for making things interesting, by way of a strip of gold sequins along her part. (What IS that?) Unfortunately, I don’t feel this is as on point as previous hair and makeup looks we’ve seen on her. I’m a little disturbed by the full-body dusting of shimmer, along with the heavy false lashes and pale eyebrows. Then again, nothing could be as disturbing as her choice of footwear.

Update: On her lips, Rita is wearing Rimmel Colour Rush Intense Colour Balm in The Redder the Better.

Dianna Agron

So I know I said that this swoopy, voluminous ’80s thing is the thing to do at your part now, but I think Dianna’s has crossed over to the wrong side of voluminous. The flippy ends of her long bob don’t help—they take this style back to the ’60s (and not in a good way) instead of keeping that ’80s coolness. The makeup is okay… I like the contrast of the dark brows with the blonde hair.

Elizabeth Olsen

Here’s the other Olsen sister, and I can’t say I like this any better. Her hairstylist, Mark Townsend (who I LOVE), is calling this style “the new half-up, half-down”—he pulled the bottom section into a pony at the nape of the neck, and then let the top fall over it. Do you think it’ll catch on? I dunno, Mark. Mostly I just don’t like this hair colour on her and miss that mid-length sandy blonde she used to have. Hung Vanngo (who used to be based here in Toronto) did her makeup using CK One Color. He is a great makeup artist, but I’m not a fan of the heavy eyes or lips here.

Gabrielle Union

No issues here with Gabrielle. Light and fresh skin; a great choice of eyeshadow colour; excellent brows; a cool, textured, braided updo. If I could do one thing, it would be to get rid of the eyelashes (but of course), since they’re a touch too long and spindly.

Rosamund Pike

Remember Rosamund from that unexpected bare-faced red carpet look last year? Here, she’s just as cool but with a smokier eye set against her luminous skin (and a wet-look hairstyle that I could take or leave). Her makeup artist, Melanie Inglessis, used mainly Sisley products, including Radiant Immediate Lift foundation, Phyto-Ombré Eclat Eye Shadow in Burgundy, and the new Phyto-Lip Twist I reviewed here in Nude. She also used the Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad in Cocoa Mirage, Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush in Pink and the Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Concealer. Overall, the effect is cool but incredibly fresh—as you know, Melanie is known for doing the BEST skin.

Chrissy Teigen

Save for the goopy lips, makeup is okay; hair’s a little straw-like, although I get that it had to be up with that dramatic neckline. I really like this idea of wearing dove grey on the eyelids, especially on a warm skin tone.

Adèle Exarchopoulos

This girl has such a great face for makeup—recall her dark brown/bronze smoky eyes at the Critics’ Choice Awards earlier this year. I like this look, too, which consists of a deep, brownish lip with clean eyes and brows, a hit of light at the inner corners and long, side-swept waves. I think the lip works because it picks up on her hair and eye colours.

Georgia May Jagger

Then you see how supermodels don’t even have to try, and it all seems so unfair. Georgia May Jagger (new face of Angel!) is effortlessly gorge with perfectly shiny, soft waves, utterly flawless, shine-free skin and what looks like the lightest makeup application of lip gloss, blush and mascara. Depressing, isn’t it?!

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

I hadn’t heard of Gugu before (love her name), but since she shares the same makeup artist as Lupita (Nick Barose), no wonder she looks so great. He paired a wash of silver shadow on the lids with rosy cheeks and the soft pink of new Tom Ford Sheer Lip Color in Summer Fling. Kinda reminds me of the pretty Oscars look he did on Lupita.

Dita Von Teese

Wouldn’t it be great to see Dita with a more natural look? I guess then she wouldn’t be Dita; she’d be Heather Sweet. (Can you believe her name is Heather? Ha.) I find the hair colour so harsh, but I will say that from here, it looks like she has excellent skin. (Apparently she uses Éminence!)

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Samey McSamerson for Rosie here—not that she would even have to wash her face or brush her hair to out-beautify most people. I don’t think she needed the lashes… and I wish she would play up those amazing lips for us instead of going for muted nudes all the time.

Allison Williams

Here’s an example on Allison Williams of makeup that’s gone just a fraction too heavy. The blush especially is a problem; I’d like to see a lighter touch on the lips as well. I feel like she doesn’t need so much around the eyes, either—certainly not the lashes (keep repeating that) or the liner all the way around. A little softening up here with a makeup wipe would’ve worked wonders.

Kylie Minogue

Kylie! Still lookin’ good (she is 45, I remind you) and with a beautiful texture to her clear, poreless skin. I don’t think the shimmery eyeshadow is working particularly well for her, since it’s kinda accentuating lines around the eyes, and I think a different part would’ve updated the hairstyle. Those flippy ’70s waves and the bump at the top aren’t really happening anymore.

Lily Aldridge

Le sigh. You might need to be a model to get away with this top knot hairstyle, zero earrings and basically just brows making the statement on your face. Lily looks great—however, I don’t know if your average civilian could pull this off for a fancy gala. I love that she’s NOT wearing false lashes, or anything heavy, just brushed-up brows, mascara, a bit of brown shadow and a nude lipstick.

Monica Bellucci

Of course you know she’s wearing Dolce—a cape, in fact! Who else could do this?! Props to Monica. I like that she hasn’t messed with her face, and is rocking the brushed-up brows with a soft lip and smudgy liner, close to the lash line.

Giuliana Rancic

Oopsie! Should’ve warned you this was coming. As soon as I saw Giulana’s photo, I knew y’all would enjoy it. As makeup artist Sara Glick just explained on Twitter, “People! Know when to say enough is enough! #putthebrushdown #stepawayfromthemakeup…” Couldn’t have said it better myself. Do you think she did this herself? And that’s why it’s so heavy—because nobody was there (except Bill) to tell her NO? I have to say, this picture makes me a little concerned for her health. When I met the Rancics last fall, she didn’t have this skeletal appearance at all.

Emmy Rossum

This isn’t my favourite, although I appreciate the effort on the finger waves. I suspect the problem is the heavy-handed eyeshadow, dusted all the way up to the brows and also underneath the lower lashes. As we’ve seen above with Katie Holmes and Elizabeth Olsen, this technique tends to make a person look ill. I do like the lipstick though.

Karolina Kurkova

Beautiful but boring—not that I’m complaining, as her gigantic Gone with the Wind dress was certainly action enough.

Michelle Monaghan

Oh dear, we’ve got another eyeshadow offender. See what I mean now? Michelle Monaghan chose an intense burgundy, which on the one hand is nice because it picks up on her hair colour. But I can’t abide by the application… it’s too much!

Adriana Lima

Here’s a photo that should make us all feel a little better. Even the stupendously gorgeous like Adriana Lima can take a bad photo. Well, not bad bad, but something is for sure going on with the angle of her neck. Amirite? Still, she looks great with next to no makeup, sleek straight hair and those killer light eyes.

Toni Garrn

Why doesn’t Toni Garrn have eyebrows? Surely she has access to all manner of brow pencils, powders, etc.? The hair and the smoky eyes might be nice, but I really can’t focus on anything else here. By the way, did you know she is Leonardo’s fourth VS model girlfriend? Wow.

Suki Waterhouse

Speaking of eyebrows… what happened to Suki’s? Here I’ve been going around telling people how much I love hers—thinking she was still doing the dark brows with the blonde hair—but now I see she’s lightened them and has lost her unique “thing”. (This particular brow colour is also bothering me; when you lighten ‘em, it should be just enough to cut the ash instead of trying to match the head exactly.) Lucky for her, she’s got amazing skin and pulls off the textured updo, so it’s not too much of a tragedy.

Maggie Q

Aw, too bad Maggie went so heavy on the eye makeup—her skin looks wonderful here, but you miss it with the distraction of the weird, moon-shaped eyeshadow and long skinny fake lashes. I think the curve of black liquid liner, along both the upper and lower lash lines, would’ve been a cool look (and more than sufficient) on its own.

Lily Allen

Lily, too, has a false eyelash problem—why so many on this red carpet, huh? You’d think there would be less, given it’s specifically a fashion event. Anyway, that’s not the real issue here. As you can see, there’s some bird’s nest braided monstrosity perched on her head. Shame, because it was a cute idea, and if it were much smaller and neater, could’ve been cute.

Kristen Wiig

Not feeling the hair so much, but I love what Kristen did with her eyes here. She didn’t go crazy with the metallic bronze, but kept it to the inner corners and left the rest of the lids just shaded softly with a lighter, matte colour. Then just some tightlining and mascara in black, and a slick of clear lip gloss. Nice! What should she have done with her hair, though? I think some loose waves might’ve been pretty.

Lake Bell

I’m enjoying this Lake Bell look, in an ’80s Brooke Shields sort of way. In this case, the hair off the face works because it’s not too contrived; I’m also into the tawny tones on her lips and cheeks. It’s not for everyone, but I think a good choice with her strong features.

Dakota Johnson

Expect to see a lot more of Dakota from now on—she’ll be a household name once 50 Shades of Grey, the movie, comes out early next year. Hairstylist Marcus Francis gave her “easy, breezy, beautiful” hair that looks so touchable and effortless for a red carpet. Love her bangs and the colour, too! Can’t find who did the makeup, but whoever they are, great idea for the coppery shadow on the lids. The opposite colour really does make her eyes pop.

Cobie Smulders

Ho-hum, nothing much to say here… except please say no to lining your inner lids with white. Totally reminds me of Heidi Klum and that’s not a good thing.

Sarah Paulson

Heard on Twitter that many people I know loved her dress… I don’t know about that, but I’m not jumping up and down over the hair and makeup. Makeup especially. At first glance, you think it’s fine, but then you notice the harsh black in the waterlines (unnecessary); the lip liner along the bottom lip (ditto); the yellow at the inner corners of the eyes (no thank you). See what I mean? Less is more, Sarah.

Olivia Munn

Love! Olivia is one of my favourites of the night in this glam wavy hairstyle with the fun decorative accessory. She looks amazing in yellow, setting off the colour with a punchy coral on the mouth. Also appreciate that she didn’t hide her freckles under heavy foundation.

Anna Kendrick

Anna is pretty conservative here, but I can’t deny the prettiness. Love the winged eyes especially, and of course her supremely flawless skin. For the lips, makeup artist Sara Glick used my favourite Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Red Dahlia with a few coats of their Lip Gloss in Ruby Moon on top.

Cara Delevingne

Oh man, Cara is always SO good at these events. (Can we talk about her top? And the pants?! Amazing.) On her face, it was all about the brows—of course—accented by loads of bronze shadow and tightlined eyes. See how the shadow doesn’t overwhelm her, though? Being a model helps with that; also the colour is lighter than what most of her peers are wearing, and the blending is much better. I love her side-swept waves,which aren’t piecey and separated but hang together as a uniform curl.

Zooey Deschanel

I have high expectations for Zooey, so this is somewhat of a disappointment. Where’s the quirky? Between the bouffant hair and the prissy-looking dress, I feel like she’s gone all Southern belle on us—instead of the hipster icon we know. Hard to tell from here, but I think she’s gone a bit nuts on the lashes, too.

Shailene Woodley

You know what? I’m on board with this for Shailene. (And that may surprise you, because we had a lengthy discussion about her MTV Movie Awards look here.) But I’ll give credit where credit’s due: this new sandy blonde hair colour is really flattering for her, and I even like the punky short style. Much better than when Jennifer Lawrence tries to do it. Eye makeup also looks good from here, as does her skin. We just won’t talk about the dress…

Kate Bosworth

Oh gosh, Kate Bosworth looks like you could snap her in half these days. Where is the Kate from the Blue Crush era, who looked so healthy and strong? I can’t tell on the makeup here, but I feel like the slicked, unforgiving hairstyle gives her even more of a bobblehead look.

Jessica Alba

I don’t know if I’m that into this. It’s all so… beige. Of course, Jessica looks beautiful and glamorous (and her BFF Lauren Andersen did a great job, technically, on the makeup). I just feel like I prefer Jess with a little more colour, a little more looseness in the hair. You feel me?

Naomi Watts

Gotta say, I did take notice of Naomi’s Ombré Givenchy dress and loved it. I also love her blue earrings, which pick up on the blue in her eyes and basically stand in for any colour on her face. Such a beautiful, classy woman—a true example for 40-somethings who want to age gracefully and stylishly.

Amber Heard

It might just be the picture, but Amber’s skin texture is looking a little heavy and overly matte here. Then again, we do know she has ridiculously good skin. I applaud the textured pompadour thing at the front of her updo—not many can pull that off and look THIS good—as well as the rich, burgundy lips and shimmery eyes. She does need a better bra, though.

Hayden Panettiere

I’ve only just started watching Nashville, so no idea what happens later in the plot—but doesn’t it look like Hayden Panettiere is channelling her country-singer character off-screen as well? I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there’s something très Carrie Underwood about this look. Probably the blonde highlights. Move along, nothing inspiring beauty-wise here, folks…

Lena Dunham

Wow, we need to help Lena Dunham get a new styling team. I know it’s an ongoing problem, but I feel like this dress was a particularly bad choice, made even worse by the fact that it looks like she did her own hair. (Right? It’s all going in one direction, which is what happens to me when my hair is shorter and I let it air-dry.) She could be so cute with longer bangs, a sleeker hairstyle and, well, sleeves.

Kate Mara

I wish Kate Mara would hurry up and ditch the blonde already. She made such a gorgeous brunette, whereas this colour is so obviously fake and a bit streaky-looking. The soft, peachy makeup is great, I will give her that.

Charlize Theron and Sean Penn

Throwing these two into the mix for the heck of it. Can you believe they are a couple? Does Charlize’s look ever change?

Chloë Sevigny

You can always count on Chloë Sevigny to bring something bizarre to the table. This time, it’s a couple of braids that start right at the front for a dual faux-hawk effect. I feel like they accentuate the differences in the colour, and most definitely don’t flatter her. Not that it’s surprising.

Naomi Campbell

Okay. Has Naomi Campbell discovered the fountain of youth? I would like some of her juju, please—she’s 43 now, and could easily pass for 10 years younger. The dress is kinda tacky, but I’d probably wear it too, if I looked like her.

Riley Keough

Does Riley look a bit familiar? Well guess what, she’s Lisa Marie Presley’s daughter. (I feel like I missed something—when did this happen?!) Apparently, she’s tight with Kristen Stewart; they even got ready together for this event. Riley definitely looks more mature than her 24 years, with the strong brows, brick-red lips and cascade of bright red waves. Nicely done.

Brie Larson

Brie had to know she’d be landing up on “worst-dressed” lists. Did you see her outfit? It’s as perplexing as the hair. She clearly has a thing for these odd updo jobbies, if you recall the style she wore to the Critics’ Choice Awards. This time, it’s a frontal top knot that’s not nearly in the same league as Lupita’s (though I didn’t love that either), made worse by the light, streaky highlights that look like a home DIY with a cap! I know you know what I’m talking about here. It’s a shame, because I’d love to see what she actually looks like without these distractions.

Janelle Monae

Another WTF here. Is putting some weird shape of hair at the front of your head a new trend? Please no! Janelle’s style is then accentuated by a braid tossed over one shoulder—as if one or the other wouldn’t have been enough. I am okay with the makeup save for the ’90s white highlight under the arch of the brows.

Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal

I’ll leave you with one more beauty WTF—not as disturbing as Giuliana Rancic, of course, but still moderately perplexing. The question is: how did the Gyllenhaal siblings suddenly become not hot? They were good-looking kids, am I right? Now, I’m so confused. Let’s start with Jake. I am not anti-beard at all, in fact I love a neatly trimmed beard, but this has crossed the line into a shaggy, messy food-catcher. Why is he doing this to his female fans? As for Maggie, her haircut we have discussed before. I didn’t think it could get any worse, but lo and behold, she’s added some yellow-blonde hair dye that clashes with her skin and roots. What’s going on with this family?!