And the Winner Is… MECCA HQ’s Favourite Beauty From the 2026 Oscars
March 16 | 4 minute read
Words by the MECCA Memo
While the ceremony is held on Sunday evening in the US, here at MECCA HQ, it falls on a Monday morning – meaning we start our week huddling around monitors, coffees in hand, admiring (and critiquing) the best beauty looks as they arrive on the red carpet.
This year was no different, with the 2026 cohort providing a glittering array of jaw-dropping makeup, hair and nails galore! Without further ado, here are the top five beauty looks straight from the Oscars red carpet, according to MECCA HQ.
Emma Stone
The makeup artist on everyone's lips this awards season – and particularly on Emma Stone's – is Nina Park. I instantly clocked her signature blurred, slightly overlined pout, this time in a nude peach and soft brown liner. With a skin-first complexion and crispy black eyeliner, Emma’s soft glam was positively luminous on the red carpet, along with her shimmery Louis Vuitton dress. It was the perfect grand finale for an incredible awards season run for the Korean-American MUA. – Madeleine, Content Producer
Teyana Taylor
Why have one wing when you could have two? Sporting her signature pixie cut and a dreamy, feathered Chanel creation by Matthieu Blazy, I couldn’t stop staring at Teyana Taylor’s smoky double-lined eyes. The One Battle After Another star (and Best Supporting Actress nominee) always creates magic with makeup artist Yeika Glow, and tonight’s graphic eye, glossy lips and stacked lashes took the look to the next level. – Izzy, Beauty Writer
Rose Byrne
Everything is coming up roses! Although she didn’t take home the statue, Australian and best actress Oscar nominee Rose Byrne won for leading lips. Wearing a strapless Dior haute couture gown with 3D embroidery, it was her matte red lip – courtesy of Hung Vanngo – that stole the show for me, with the overlined edges and megawatt smile befitting a true star. – Julia, Content and Editorial Manger
Audrey Nuna
Pre-empting her very own Best Original Song winning moment, KPop Demon Hunters’ Audrey Nuna was a vision in ‘Golden’ (aka, her custom Thom Browne look) – and highlighter! Her glass-like cheekbones and blurred, rosewood-brown lip drew all the attention, while her naturally flushed cheeks, feathery brows, barely-there eyeliner and wispy bangs made for a soft, glowing aesthetic. – Kaylah, Beauty Writer
Anne Hathaway
On hand to present the award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, it was only fitting Anne Hathaway served us an Old Hollywood, high-glam moment. And given her 12-year absence from the Oscars red carpet, her volumised half-up, half-down hair had a distinctly 2014 flavour, yet with 2026 polish. See also: her take on the bold brow – full, sculpted and groomed, but with a flatter shape that feels modern. And to finish? Eyes and lips as classic as her Valentino gown and opera gloves: subtle black winged liner, full lashes and sweep of satiny peach-pink lipstick. – Arabella, Chief Sub-Editor
