Best Beauty Looks at the Critics Choice Awards 2026

5) Teyana Taylor • 6) Elle Fanning • 7) Ariana Grande • 8) Odessa A’zion

The Critics Choice Awards 2026 delivered one of the most exciting red carpets in recent memory, with beauty looks that celebrated individuality, glamour, and bold personal style. From vintage elegance to modern edge, these stars proved that beauty is just as much about confidence as it is about craft.

Here are the standout beauty moments that stole the spotlight:

5) Teyana Taylor — Power, Precision & Pure Star Energy

Teyana Taylor brought commanding presence and effortless cool to the red carpet. Her look blended classic Hollywood structure with modern edge, proving once again that she is a true beauty chameleon.

Beauty Breakdown:

Sculpted skin with a flawless matte-glow finish
Strong, defined brows and dramatic lashes
Smoked-out eyes for a sultry, high-fashion effect
Nude gloss lips with a sharp, editorial contour

Why It Worked:
Teyana’s look was powerful, polished, and fearless — a perfect reflection of her signature style. The short coiffed hairstyle added a timeless elegance while keeping the overall vibe fashion-forward.

6) Elle Fanning — Ethereal, Romantic, and Red Carpet Royalty

Elle Fanning embodied modern fairytale glamour with a soft, glowing beauty look that felt both delicate and luxurious.

Beauty Breakdown:

Porcelain skin with a natural luminous finish
Rosy blush and softly sculpted cheekbones
Fluttery lashes and neutral-toned eyeshadow
Peachy-pink lips for a romantic glow
Long blonde waves parted down the middle for effortless elegance

Why It Worked:
Elle’s look was refined, graceful, and timeless. It captured classic Hollywood femininity while feeling fresh and contemporary — a true red carpet dream.

7) Ariana Grande — Vintage Bombshell with a Modern Twist

Ariana Grande stepped out in a glamorous beauty look inspired by old Hollywood icons, proving once again that she can reinvent herself while staying unmistakably Ariana.

Beauty Breakdown:

Doll-like complexion with soft contouring
Blush-forward cheeks for a romantic glow
Dramatic lashes and wide-eyed liner
Glossy pink lips with a high-shine finish
Elegant updo with face-framing fringe

Why It Worked:
This look blended her signature sweetness with retro sophistication. The result was glamorous, polished, and undeniably iconic.

8) Odessa A’zion — Dark Glam Meets High Fashion Edge

Odessa A’zion delivered one of the boldest beauty moments of the night with a striking, fashion-editorial aesthetic.

Beauty Breakdown:

Flawless, velvety skin with strong contour
Smoldering smokey eyes with sharp liner
Full, glossy lips in a rich nude-brown tone
Defined brows and intense lashes
Short textured hairstyle for a powerful finish

Why It Worked:
Odessa’s look was fierce, modern, and unapologetic. It brought high-fashion attitude to the red carpet and made a statement without saying a word.

Final Beauty Takeaway

The Critics Choice Awards 2026 red carpet proved that beauty is evolving into a powerful form of self-expression. Whether channeling vintage glamour, romantic elegance, pop-star polish, or edgy couture, these stars showed that there are no rules — only confidence.

From Teyana’s commanding presence to Elle’s fairytale glow, Ariana’s bombshell revival, and Odessa’s bold fashion energy, these looks will be setting beauty trends for the year ahead.

Red carpet beauty has never been more exciting.