The grand finale of awards season is without a doubt, the Oscars. This year marks the 86th Academy Awards show, and while the weather threatened to upstage the event (it rained cats & dogs leading up to the big day), it all miraculously came together this past Sunday. The gowns were spectacular, hair styles had a classic 40’s tone, and makeup was flawless – if rather ‘safe’ – while the men all looked suave, debonair & totally polished – with few exceptions (Pharrell, I’m looking at you and your tuxedo shorts – which was still better than your Mountie’s hat).

Host Ellen Degeneres had her usual witty banter going on, as well as a few outfit changes, but my favourite by far was when she emerged as Glinda the Good Witch (from Wizard of Oz fame) – priceless. Her ‘impromptu’ pizza party was also a riot, especially since the real deal was actually passed around and to which those lucky (not to mention starving) celebs in the front rows gladly dove into (Meryl Streep holding a slice of cheese pizza – gotta love that), with Brad Pitt lending a hand by passing the paper plates around. The highlight of the evening, was without a doubt Ellen’s by now famous “selfie” – which in turn not only became the most retweeted pic EVER, but actually managed to crash twitter. Epic, indeed.

The makeup, while perfectly executed, definitely held a nude/natural tone – no garish/clashing colours or overly exaggerated looks, with hair looking polished and channelling ‘Old Hollywood’ glamour. Nails were typically neutral as well, and yet a few brave souls did show some originality (Charlize Theron in dark vampy tips, Sandra Bullock with a deep blue to match her gown, Emma Watson in oxblood with edgy rings to match, and Kate Hudson with what looked like glitter ombré tips), but that’s fine by me, as the gowns were well deserving of the spotlight.

The couture creations were breathtakingly beautiful and if forced to pick a favourite, I would have to say that once again, Charlize Theron totally nailed it – exquisite. Coming in for a close second has got to be Sandra Bullock’s regal blue stunner, with its elegant draping and rich, rich hue. Please note that the following is by no means a complete list of everyone who was there – and where possible, I provided beauty breakdowns for several of the looks.

EDIT: I had been working on this post since Sunday and it was about to go live when my system froze and I. Lost.It.All. You don’t want to know how I reacted.

So get comfortable, grab something to nibble on, and enjoy my recap!

waiting for the 86th Academy Awards to begin at the Dolby Theatre

host Ellen Degeneres as Glinda the Good Witch

Lupita Nyong’o, winner of Best Supporting Actress in a “Nairobi blue” Prada gown with Fred Leighton headband & jewelry

Lupita’s look was created by celebrity makeup artists Nick Barose who was inspired by “Elizabeth Taylor away on vacation” – products used:

CHANEL Crayon Sourcils Sculpting Eyebrow Pencil in Noir Cendré, CHANEL Ligne Graphique de CHANEL in Noir (lightly traced on the lashline), a mix of shades from the CHANEL Tracées Quadra Eyeshadow in Jardin Zen palette, CHANEL Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in Mélodieuse & Le Blush Crème de CHANEL in Chamade for cheeks

Best Supporting Actress winner Lupita Nyong’o changed into a bespoke Miu Miu dress for the Vanity Fair after-party

Cate Blanchette, winner of Best Actress in an Armani Privé embellished gown and Chopard jewelry

To create Cate’s look, celebrity makeup artists Jeanine Lobel first prepped the skin with SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. Shades from the Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Eyeshadow Quad in #2 Effetto Nudo were used to create a softly defined eye, then Cate’s lashes were curled with the Troy Surratt Lash Curler before Lobell attached strips of lashes to the outer corners using a touch of Lancôme Hypnôse Waterproof Custom Volume Mascara for extra adhesion. The eyes were then finished off using Make Up For Ever Brow Gel. Cheeks were brushed with Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush #10 and Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecstasy Lipstick #103 Incognito

Jennifer Lawrence in a tomato-red Dior peplum gown

To create Jennifer’s look, celebrity makeup artist Ve Neill used the following selection of Dior products: the face was first prepped with Dior’s Pore Minimize Skin Refining Matte Primer, followed by Capture Totale Triple-Correctin Serum Foundation in #020 Light Beige. Diorskin Nude Tan Matte Sun Powder in in Matte Amber #002 was dusted over the planes of her face, followed by DiorBlush Vibrant Color Powder Blush in Cocktail Peach on the cheeks. For the eyes, Neill applied Diorshow Art Pen Intense Professional Felt-Tip Eyeliner in Catwalk Black #095 and completed the look with Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara in Over Black #090. Dior Addict Fluid Stick in Mirage #338 was used on the lips (will be available on Dior.com as of March 15th)

Jennifer Lawrence changed into a Tom Ford dress for the Vanity Fair after-party

Charlize Theron in a Dior Couture gown and wearing $15 million in Harry Winston diamonds. Yikes.

To create Charlize’s flawless look, celebrity makeup artist Pati Dubroff worked with a selection of Dior products; she began with Dior Pore Minimizer Skin Refining Matte Primer then applied Dior Capture Totale Triple-Correcting Serum Foundation in #020 Light Beige mixed with a touch of Dior Glow Maximizer Light Boosting Primer to give her skin a dewy, lit-from-within radiance. She then dusted Dior Blush Vibrant Color Blush in #679 Coral Cruise on the cheeks . For the eyes, Dubroff began with Dior Backstage Eye Prime and then applied a hint of colour using Dior 5 Courleurs Eyeshadow Palette #030 Incognito followed by Diorshow Art Pen Intense Professional Felt-Tip Eyeliner in Catwalk Black #095, finishing with Diorshow Black Out Mascara in Khol Black. Dior Addict Fluid Stick in Frisson was used on the lips (available on Dior.com as of March 15th)

Amy Adams in a Gucci Première strapless gown, jewelry by Tiffany & Co.

To create Amy’s look, celebrity makeup artist Stephen Sollitto began my prepping the skin with RéVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream, then followed that by applying Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide (available Fall 2014) to create a softly matte finish. Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour in Terracotta was applied to the lids with Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour in Black Karat on the lower lashline and NARS Eye Paint Liner in Tatar was used to define the top lashline. Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick Colour in Sugar Frost at the inner corners of the eyes added subtle sparkle, with Dior Black Out Mascara finishing things off. Tom Ford Ravish blush was used on Amy’s cheeks for a “Spring-like” hue while Laura Mercier Rouge Nouveau Weightless Lip Colour in Cozy topped off with Tom Ford Beauty Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Rose Crush completed the lips

Amy Adams changed into a Carolina Herrera asymmetric gown for the Vanity Fair after-party

Kate Hudson in an Atelier Versace gown

Celebrity hair stylist Chris McMillan who’s known Kate for 15 years now, decided to give her hair a simple, yet glamorous 40’s vibe – crossed with a bit of 80’s Jerry Hall – after he saw the gown she was going to wear

Kate Hudson changed into a Zuhair Murad Couture dress from the Spring/Summer 2014 Collection for the Vanity Fair after-party

Angelina Jolie in an Elie Saab beaded gown, jewelry by Robert Procop

Angelina could not have looked more regal; her hair appeared lightened up a few degrees and pushed back from her face to beautifully frame that strong bone structure, her eye makeup was perfectly executed and those famous lips were softly coloured (although I’m not so sure about that lip liner). On her nails: Essie’s Sugar Daddy

Sandra Bullock in Alexander McQueen

Sandra’s side-swept loose curls were harmonized with rosy flushed cheeks, a pinky-nude lip and soft smokey eyes – the latter which was given a modern edge with a touch of teal liner on the waterline. What really stood out, was the matching navy nail polish she opted for – well played, Sandra

 

Emma Watson in a Vera Wang dress, accessorized with an Anya Hindmarch clutch and Boucheron jewelry

I can’t get over how stunning Emma’s brows are … the former face of Lancôme doesn’t need much by way of enhancing and she decided to keep things easy by focusing the attention on a brighter lip and lush top lashes, while her charmingly messy updo was given a nicely embellished by the diamond stars strewn artfully throughout the strands

Emma Watson

A Hollywood icon: Meryl Streep in a Lanvin dress

Julia Roberts in a Givenchy Couture by Riccardo Tisci dress and Bulgari jewelry

Julia’s makeup was definitely in keeping with what the star usually likes to wear, while that famous pucker was adorned with Lancôme Rouge in Love in ‘Delicate Lace‘, but what this look was really all about, was her newly blonde tresses

 

Anne Hathaway in a sparkling Gucci number – the reflection was simply dazzling when she was onstage presenting an award

Celebrity makeup artist Kate Lee used CHANEL Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous Matte Lip Colour in La Caline with Le Blush de CHANEL in Cheeky (available in May) – and while pixie cuts rivalled sideswept waves on the red carpet, I’m thinking that Anne might be due for something different … something longer, perhaps?

Jessica Biel in a CHANEL Couture sequinned column, jewelry by Tiffany & Co.

Penelope Cruz in a Giambattista Valli gown and Chopard jewelry

To create Penelope’s look, celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury was inspired by legendary screen-goddess Sophia Loren – most of the products used are from Charlotte’s eponymous range: the skin was first prepped with Magic Cream (available Fall 2014), followed by Wonder Glow (available Fall 2014) for a soft-focus effect and finally a thin layer of Lancôme Teint Miracle Foundation in Medium 6 was applied all over. Lancôme Le Crayon Poudre in Taupe was used to fill in the brows and set with Lancôme Modèle Sourcils Brow Gel. A deep black khol liner was used to create a feline flick and line Penelope’s eyes (waterline included), and the coppery-brown smokey eye was achieved with the Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita Palette (available Fall 2014). With just a few individual lashes applied to the outer corners, plenty of Lancôme Hypnôse Waterproof Mascara was used to amp up the volume. The sculpt shade of Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow (available Fall 2014) was used to enhance the planes of the face while the highlighter shade of the same duo was applied on the high points to reflect a softly lit glow, finished with Lancôme blusher Rose Subtil on the cheeks. Lips were prepped with Lancôme’s Baume in Love Lip Balm, and finally a shade that Charlotte created in homage of the star, Penelope Pink (available Fall 2014) was applied

Naomi Watts in Calvin Klein Collection and Bulgari jewelry

To create Naomi’s sleep look, celebrity makeup artist Matthew VanLeeuwen began by first prepping the skin with Giorgio Armani’s Crema Nera Extrema Serum, followed by a combination of Lancôme Le Correcteur Pro in #300 Bisque and Giorgio Armani Maestro Cream Compact #4. Cheeks were given a natural healthy glow with Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush #10. The shades of Lancôme’s Color Design 5 Pan Palette in Plum Splendor were used on the eyes, as well as Lancôme Le Crayon Khôl in Black Coffee and finally finished off with Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara over Lancôme Cils Booster XL. To create the bright lip, VanLeeuwen used a combination of Giorgio Armani #7 Smooth Silk Lip Pencil and Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecstasy Lipstick in #502 Scarlatto

Portia de Rossi in an intricate stunner by Naeem Khan

Liza Minelli in vintage Halston (naturally – they were inseparable friends) and I’m even liking the bit of blue in the hair

and how glam is Miss Piggy in Vivienne Westwood?

GIRL CRUSH: Kate Beckinsale in Elie Saab Couture at the Vanity Fair after-party

CoverGirl spokesperson Sofia Vergara in Roberto Cavalli at the Vanity Fair after-party. Those curves…

Diane Kruger in Valentino Couture Spring/Summer 2014 Collection at the Vanity Fair after-party. I’m on the fence about this…

Sienna Miller in Alexander McQueen at the Vanity Fair after-party. Too Wonder Woman?

Lady Gaga & Donatella Versace (both in Versace) at the Vanity Fair after-party

*Donatella, I say this with all due respect – please step away from your plastic surgeon*

The men were well represented by these 4 examples:

Jared Leto, Best Supporting Actor winner in Saint Laurent

I think we can all agree that Jared Let also wins for BEST HAIR, style by Chase Kusero using Vidal Sassoon Pro Series products:

First prep wet hair with Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Waves Primer Spray, applying it throughout the hair to enhance your natural wave.Then apply Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Waves Pomade to the length of the hair, providing a flexible hold and soft, glossy curl definition. Create the desired part and let hair air-dry.
The next day, spray dry shampoo to the roots to refresh your second day hair while protecting hair color. 
Then spray Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Heat Protect & Shine Spray to the ends to protect hair from heat before straightening it. Take several sections of hair and straighten for a smooth look. 

Benedict Cumberbatch (he should have won for having the Best Name)

Leonardo Di Caprio (what will it take for him to finally win that Oscar?)

Tom Ford (in Tom Ford, obviously). Seriously, this man can do no wrong

My favourite couples of the evening:

Brad Pitt (producer, 12 Years A Slave, Best Picture winner) & Angelina Jolie (Honorary Oscar)

Chiwetel Ejiofor & Sari Mercer in a gown by Suzanne Neville

Matthew McConaughey (Best Actor winner) in a Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo & Camilla Alves in a Gabriela Cadena gown

Best Baby Bumps:

Olivia Wilde in a Valentino gown, Lorraine Schwarz jewelry and a Jimmy Choo clutch & Jason Sudeikis in Prada

Olivia’s retro 60’s inspired look was created by celebrity makeup artist Melanie Inglessis using the following Revlon products: the skin was first prepped with PhotoReady Perfecting Primer, followed by PhotoReady Makeup in Nude and finished with PhotoReady Skinlights Face Illuminator in Bare Lights. The eyes: ColorStay ShadowLinks in Taupe, ColorStay Eyeliner in Black, ColorStay Liquid Liner in Blackest Black, Lash Potion by Grow Luscious Mascara and the brows were finished with Brow Fantasy in Brunette. On Olivia’s lips, Melanie applied ColorBurst Matte Balm in Complex and Super Lustrous Lipstick in Pink Cognito

Thor, I mean Chris Hemsworth (…sigh…) & Elsa Pataky in Elie Saab & seriously, glowingly, about-to-pop pregnant

the absolutely radiant Kerry Washington in a gown by Jason Wu

Celebrity makeup artist Carola Gonzalez used Giorgio Armani Rouge d’Armani Lipstick in #609 Plum topped with Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick in Rich Raisin for shine

Some candid moments captured during the event:

Jennifer Lawrence and Lupita Nyong’o playfully fighting over the Oscar

Steve McQueen, director of Best Picture ’12 Years A Slave’ – jumping for joy

Ellen’s Oscar pizza party with Edgar the delivery guy – he later wound up getting $1,000 in tips!

If you’ve ever wondered what the inside of those famous envelopes looks like, here you go!

The 4 top winners of the night and their golden dates

Best photobombing moments:

it’s a tie between Benedict Cumberbatch photobombin U2 on the red carpet and …

… Jared Leto photombombing Anne Hathaway on the way to the Vanity Fair after-party!

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this entire production, and while I’m usually riveted to the red carpet scene, then sort of zone out during the actual presentations, I found myself strangely wanting to see it through to the end. As Oscars go, I have to give this a thumbs up – and while I may never get to wear one of these couture gowns, I can definitely replicate the totally wearable makeup looks and gorgeously flattering hair styles that were seen in abundance. Then, there’s that selfie … thank you, Ellen, for giving us the most “real” moment ever captured at one of these shows!

So who’s look captured your attention the most? Who did you cringe from? Spill!

*Photo Credit