4 Pro Makeup Trends to Expect to See on the Oscars' Red Carpet

4 Pro Makeup Trends to Expect to See on the Oscars' Red Carpet
Graphic liners involve creating bold and artistic designs using eyeliner, departing from traditional winged or cat-eye styles.
Photo courtesy of ALL YOU NEED at Adobe Stock

A new year means new trends, and there's no better place to look than the star studded carpets of award season. We spoke with Emmy-award winning, celebrity makeup artist and 2024 Oscars Department Head of Makeup, Bruce Grayson, about the top makeup trends we can expect to see both on and off the carpet. 

1. Graphic Liners

Graphic liners involve creating bold and artistic designs using eyeliner, departing from traditional winged or cat-eye styles. In 2024, this trend is popular because it offers a creative outlet for self-expression, allowing individuals to experiment with geometric shapes, intricate patterns and vibrant colors. To modify this trend on the red carpet, Grayson will be using softer colors such as light gray, eggplant and chartreuse. 

2. Glossy Lips

Glossy lips have made a comeback, as they provide a fresh and youthful look with a high-shine finish. This trend contrasts with the matte lips that dominated previous years, offering a more dimensional and plump appearance. Makeup is all about contrast, and a plump pout offers the perfect juxtaposition to a matte makeup look. Glossy lips are trending because they add a touch of glamour and sophistication to any makeup look, while also enhancing lip volume and hydration.

Related: 5 Steps to Prepping Your Clients for Special Occasions

3. C-Shaped Blush

Fashion meets the red carpet in this viral blush trend that originated in editorial, and has recently crossed over to the carpets and social media. The C-shaped blush technique involves applying blush in a curved motion from the apples of the cheeks towards the temples, forming a subtle "C" shape. This trend is popular in 2024 because it provides a natural yet sculpted effect, lifting and defining the cheekbones for a youthful glow. 

4. Bold Eyeshadow

Bold eyeshadow looks are taking center stage in 2024, featuring vibrant colors and daring combinations. This look is trending because it allows for bold self-expression and creativity, offering endless possibilities for experimenting with different hues and textures. Bold eyeshadow adds drama and intensity to makeup looks; a pop of color can even change the shape of an eye.


Bruce Grayson is an Emmy-award winning makeup artist who’s been running the show backstage for 20 plus years at the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, SAG Awards and Academy Awards. His expertise has taken him around the world, representing various cosmetic and skin care brands such as Max Factor and Olay Skincare. He’s crafted iconic looks for A-listers including: Angelina Jolie, Renee Zellweger, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, Scarlet Johansson, Penelope Cruz, Kate Winslet, Meryl Streep, Reese Witherspoon, Julia Roberts, Julianne Moore and many more.

More in Makeup