Oscars 2014: Effortless hair and makeup ruled the red carpet - Los Angeles Times
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Oscars 2014: Effortless hair and makeup ruled the red carpet

Actresses Jennifer Lawrence, left, and Lupita Nyong'o playfully fight over the Oscar Nyong'o won for actress in a supporting role. Both were examples of the evening's easy hair, easy makeup trend.
(Christopher Polk / Getty Images)
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Easy and effortless looks ruled the red carpet at Sunday’s Academy Awards. Maybe it was the rainy weather that had actresses abandoning a potentially runny smoky eye or sticky up-do shellacked with hair spray in favor of more subtle Oscar looks.

Many actresses sported the sleek pixie cut that is so hot right now. Charlize Theron, Anne Hathaway, Kristin Chenoweth and Jennifer Lawrence led the chic short-hair brigade. Lupita Nyong’o topped her short hair off with the accessory of the evening – a delicate gold and diamond headband from Fred Leighton.

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Those with long hair flaunted it. Jessica Biel, Sandra Bullock, Angelina Jolie, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Garner, Cate Blanchett and Naomi Watts all wore their lengthy locks loose and lightly textured. The look was relaxed yet still striking and provided a dramatic juxtaposition to their couture evening gowns.

Most actresses also abandoned the bright red lipstick that has always been common on the Oscar carpet. With the exception of Julie Delpy, there were no striking crimson pouts that stood out. Instead, stars opted for shimmering metallic eye shadows, fresh golden skin and nude or rose-colored lips that didn’t take anything away from the mostly pale and pastel-colored gowns.

Kerry Washington did choose a deep purple hue for her lips. The almost Goth shade of plum worked on her and anchored the flowy, purple gown that was draped around her adorable baby bump. Statement nails were left out of the glamour equation, with stars sporting nude and natural colors on short or medium-length, egg-shaped nails.

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Angelina Jolie wore a neutral shade of polish called Sugar Daddy from Essie. Idina Menzel also wore Essie in a light pink shade called Blushing Bride that wouldn’t compete with the bold, deep emerald color of her strapless gown.

Even the celebrity fingers that walked the E! Network’s “mani cam†were relatively bare. Nyong’o had an opaque nude shade as did Biel and others.

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