FASHION TRENDS

The Oscars red carpet is most often associated with expensive designer gowns, but when the hair isn’t perfect it can ruin an entire ensemble. We take a look at the best hairstyles from this year’s Oscars and show you how to get the look without the luxury of a personal entourage.

Award ceremonies call for one central theme – the updo. The loose updo was the look of choice for many starlets, and is smack bang on trend for spring. Miley Cyrus, Kristen Stewart and Jennifer Lopez all had hair which was elegant yet natural, pulled up into a bun and given lift at the roots.

To get the loose updo look, first blow dry hair with ghd fat hair lotion for volume. Curl the hair throughout with either the ghd IV salon styler or ghd IV styler to add movement. Leaving 3 inches of hair around the front hairline and nape area out loose, secure a ponytail underneath the crown. Loosely coil and pin the hair in the ponytail, cover the ponytail and create loose volume. Take the remaining hair and rake it back loosely with fingertips, pinning it around the base of the ponytail. To ensure the look is kept soft and light, allow any baby hair around hairline to fall freely around the face.

Another key trend was the vintage Hollywood style; hair was worn lightly waved, glossy and over one shoulder. Sandra Bullock wore this style to amazing effect, with a smooth finish and gentle, retro wave.

To get Sandra’s smooth, Hollywood wave just follow these simple instructions. Apply ghd maximise mousse to the hair, combing it from root to tip to ensure the product evenly covers the locks. Blow dry hair with the ghd anti static brush to gain a glossy, bouncy polish. Once the hair is dry, spritz ghd creation spray through the hair and brush thoroughly. Using the ghd IV salon styler, create barrel curls by taking 2 inch sections at the nape and inserting the styler horizontally, turn it once and glide through to the ends. Continue through the whole head and leave the curls to cool. Brush the hair with a soft bristle brush and rest the tresses over one shoulder.

For the ultimate red carpet shine, finish with a spritz of ghd reflection spray. You’re ready for your close up!

In a flurry of glitz and glamour, the world renowned Oscars took place last week, but who rocked the red carpet like no other and who should have thought twice about their choice of outfit?

Former award winner, Penelope Cruz, wowed onlookers with a sweeping Donna Karan dress in a rich burgundy shade that offset her skin tone beautifully. The sweetheart neckline was the perfect complement to Cruz’s soft up-do, showing off her sparkling earrings.

Kate Winslet shimmered down the star studded carpet in a metallic ensemble. The strapless Yves, Saint Laurent gown showed whispers of old Hollywood’s, giving her a show stopping, elegant look.

Jennifer Lopez divided critics into two teams; those who loved her pale pink Armani Prive gown, and those who hated it. The voluminous dress, inspired by the romance of the moon, featured an exaggerated train which extended from the hip and exaggerated her plentiful curves.

Those are the hits, but what about the misses? Hilary Swank got it wrong with a daring dress which barely covered her, with a deep plunging neckline and cut out back. Whilst Charlize Theron didn’t impress in a two tone gown with a bra-style detail on the bustier; proving that achieving Oscar worthy style is no mean feat.

At the 2010 Oscars, make-up’s emphasis was on a low-key, natural look with plenty of nude colour palettes and light washes of blush.

Rachel McAdams was the epitome of understated glam thanks to her sister, makeup artist Kayleen Adams, who created the actress’ Oscar look. Rachel’s makeup comprised of sheer, watercolour tones which mimicked the fine, cool colours of her dress. Golden pink lids were defined with a line of slate grey close to the lash line and the look was finished with pretty, pale pink lips.

Demi Moore opted for glowing skin and a dark yet soft, smoky eye. Her eyes were the focus of the look. Lined with true-black eyeliner, Demi’s peepers were kept fresh, not heavy, with the addition of a shimmery highlighter on her brow bones and inner Vs. Lashings of mascara, a sweep of rosy blush and a kiss of lip-gloss kept the look young and radiant.

Whilst most stars played it safe with natural makeup on the Oscars red carpet, others dared to be different with vibrant, vampy lip shades. Cameron Diaz went bold and bright with an orange-red hue, whilst Sandra Bullock chose a deep fuchsia lipstick and Maggie Gyllenhaal opted for a luscious, spring-like magenta tone.

If the red carpets, expensive gowns, adoring fans and flashing cameras of Award Season are inspiring you to dress for mega-watt glamour, take note of our guide to award-worthy fashion.

For ultimate elegance the floor length gown is the only option. All that’s left to decide is which trend to follow; romantic glamour, contemporary cool or bedazzling bombshell.

Deep, plunging necklines, thigh high leg splits and sensual silky fabrics scream with sex appeal. Not for wall-flowers, draping trains add extra charm. Look towards Versace’s revealing dresses in lilac, pink and turquoise, which featured cut-out pieces and metallic trimmings. For a truly slinky style, Donna Karan provides inspiration with her pale silvery gown held up with delicate spaghetti straps.

A modern look can be found at Emilio Pucci, where luxurious fabrics like silk and chiffon were draped into floating dresses, complete with daring splits to the top of the thigh and backless designs. For real wow factor, the strapless gown created from layer upon layer of parachute silk is the only option.

If you have a romantic streak then Oscar de la Renta, Marchesa and Christian Dior’s creations will make you weak at the knees with their old Hollywood, voluminous gowns. Simply pair with killer heels and smile for the camera!