Top 10 Movie and Makeup Looks we All Want

Catherine Zeta-Jones looks beautiful in just about every role she’s ever played, but her arguably most memorable look is as Velma Kelly - the nightclub singer and accused murderess in this Academy Award winning musical. Velma’s most distinguishable feature may be her blunt bob haircut, but her bold red lips and vampy eyes pull it all together. To achieve this look, you’ll need black kohl eyeliner, lots of mascara and your favorite crimson hued lipstick. Fair warning though: this dramatic look is definitely better suited for evening than everyday.

In terms of classic movie heroines, few are more iconic than Scarlett O’Hara in “Gone with the Wind”. The character is bold, especially for her time, and isn’t what you’d call your typical romantic lead. Though you can take issue with her wealth, vanity, and spoiled ways, you’ll have a harder time finding fault with her makeup. Her pale visage and pink blushed cheeks were fashionable at the time, and her perfectly arched brows are on trend even today. Her vintage hairstyles complemented the look perfectly and can still serve as inspiration for more modern looks.

Tracy Chambers, played by Diana Ross, is a timeless diva and one of the most fashionable characters to ever be written for the silver screen. The actress’ naturally large and intense eyes are framed with dark shadow and liner throughout much of the film, enhancing her various looks. In the promotional images for the film however, Ross wears lighter pastel colored eye shadow, which has actually come back into fashion recently. She goes through so many different styles in the movie that it’s hard to pick just one favourite. Every look makes her eyes the focal point of her face - which is always a good makeup strategy.

If you need a last-minute Halloween costume, this one never goes out of style. Uma Thurman as Quentin Tarantino’s Mia Wallace is known for her bluntly cut black bangs and shiny red lipstick. A little bit of smudgy black eyeliner on the top lashes completes the look. You can recreate her distinct style on yourself by keeping your skin simple and fresh, and by swapping your matte lip formulas for something with a little more sheen. Use gel or liquid eyeliner to create a subdued cat eye – and don’t worry; it doesn’t have to be too flawlessly shaped. If you’re attending a costume party, add a fake cigarette to the ensemble, and you’ve got it!

Jennifer Lopez was in some great rom coms in the late 90s and early aughts, but probably her most iconic role was that of tragic singer Selena Quintanilla. While many movies can provide makeup inspiration for white women, it’s great to have a woman for Latina girls to emulate. The makeup looks in “Selena” are actually back in style today - matte skin, matte eyeshadow and neutral matte lips. While a few years ago this style may have seemed totally dated, now these products are actually on trend. In fact, MAC released a collection in 2016 inspired by the singer.

Michelle Pfeiffer was the epitome of ‘80s glamour in “Scarface,” and had the dramatic over the top makeup to match. Years before contouring was a popular trend, her character, Elvira Hancock, was sporting cheekbones so sharp that looked like they could cut someone. The ‘80s weren’t a time for minimalism, so no one bothered adhering to the principle that you only focus on one strong feature in your makeup routine. And yet, Elvira’ smoked out eye makeup, glossy red lips and dramatically sculpted cheeks somehow all play nicely together.

This look is probably better suited for a costume party than school or work, but when the occasion is appropriate… what a look it is. When you picture Egyptian queen Cleopatra, it’s likely that your mind jumps straight to Elizabeth Taylor’s portrayal. This famous figure is known for her colorful eye makeup and, of course, her sculptural black eyeliner. If you want to attempt this look yourself, grab a bright peacock blue eyeshadow and apply it on your lids, right up to your eyebrow. Then go nuts with your liquid eyeliner, trying out one of the several designs that Taylor wears in the movie. Faux lashes will be a great finishing touch.

Nicole Kidman’s flawless alabaster skin is enviable in many of her roles, but the lighting used in “Moulin Rouge!” gives her skin an almost ethereal quality. While this may be a sign of darker things to come later in the film, we can’t help but be jealous of the striking complexion in the moment. Satine’s tumbling bright red locks add even more beautiful contrast to the look. Throughout the film, the character often wears vividly hued crimson lipstick with a satin finish that pairs well with her bold hair color. Her eye makeup, however, is kept relatively simple to keep the focus on her other features.

Audrey Hepburn’s most famous role has also gone on to become one of film’s most classic beauty looks. The iconic dress, sunglasses and hairdo from the opening scene of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” are the epitome of class and elegance. While in earlier films Hepburn was known for her dark and bold brows and brighter lip colors, by 1961, when “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” was released, makeup trends were changing. This look is all about the eyes- the black cat eye style liner and long, full lashes.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Sienna Miller as Edie Sedgwick
“Factory Girl” (2006)

Liv Tyler as Corey Mason & Renée Zellweger as Gina
“Empire Records” (1995)

Olivia Newton-John as Sandra Dee ‘Sandy’ Olsson
“Grease” (1978)

Grace Kelly is a beauty icon - both onscreen and off. Her blonde locks are her signature, and the subtle Hollywood waves she wears in “Rear Window” are reminiscent of her personal look. Kelly plays socialite Lisa Fremont in this Alfred Hitchcock thriller, and her outfits, hair and makeup can only be described as flawless in every scene. Looks like this remind us that sometimes simple is best, and subtly enhancing your features can look truly incredible. Then again, it doesn’t hurt to have a face like Grace Kelly’s!