Face Value: The Oscars 2014

Jared’s hair color (swoon!). Lupita’s gorgeous skin (and dress!). Sandra’s flowing mane. Cate’s… everything. This year’s Oscars red carpet – and telecast – did not surprise. Beautiful gowns, great hair and makeup, not many risks taken, and, of course, a seriously long and slow award show.

But, as we do every year, we must find our favorite faces of the Oscars 2014 so, alas, here they are (in slideshow):

Amy Adams – While I was her biggest fan at Golden Globes 9loved the dress, the makeup and the updo!), last night’s look was a bit of a snooze fest. Amy is beautiful… always… but the updo is awkwardly plastered to her head and the makeup is a bit bland. At least wear a statement lip!

Angelina Jolie – I was discussing Angie with a friend while watching the show. She’s an adult now — not that this should come as a surprise, but for some reason, it does. Everything about Angelina’s look screamed sophistication – the salon-blown hair, the classic makeup, the long-sleeved gown, the jewels! She’s still sexy but in a more understated way, as if she’s not trying anymore — and I like that. In fact, I’m all for mature Angie!

Cate Blanchett – Gorgeous, classy Cate went with Old Hollywood glamour, from her deep side part and loose waves to the flawless complexion, mega lashes and nude lip. Cate can do no wrong – in her performance or her beauty! Oh, and can we discuss those earrings? A confection of opals that shined and shimmered just like the star that wore them.

Jennifer Lawrence – As always, J.Law was the epitome of glamour. Makeup artist Ve Neill focused on flawless skin, a cat eye and a pinky-nude pout which played beautifully against Jennifer’s red Dior gown. I’m a huge fan of the red dress and nude lip duo. However, I must mention the hair – volumized and brushed back with the highlights looking like a lion’s mane is a bit too old fashioned for Jen. Not feeling the ‘do, sadly.

Julia Roberts – Does this woman ever age? Seriously. I’m loving the light(er) hair color on Julia (not to mention this chic updo). And her makeup staples – smokey eye, pale lip – are perfection. All in all, this is a winning Oscar look.

Kerry Washington – I love this woman! She is stunning, even 8 months pregnant. In fact, she’s got that pregnancy glow and it’s working for her. The lilac dress and deep wine lip are such a gorgeous combination. And her hair style – just pinning the front part up and back – is cute, contemporary and shows off Kerry’s pretty features.

Lupita Nyong’o – Fashion, film and beauty’s newest “it” girl did not disappoint. Of Lupita’s look, Celebrity Makeup Artist Nick Barose, says that he was going for “a modern day Liz Taylor on vacation… airy gray eyeshadow, slightly winged out at the outer corners, with peachy lip that’s ethereal and fresh for spring.” And the baby blue dress against her flawless dark skin made for a modern day princess!

Margot Robbie – The beach blonde actress switched up her look in a big way… dying her hair a dark chestnut hue. I’m on the fence… I’m a fan of the ultra sexy dark hair and blue eyes combo (think Megan Fox), but for some reason, this shade is a little jarring against her skin tone (perhaps too much red in the hair color that clashes with the red in her skin tone?). I think I’m loving Margot as a blonde bombshell as opposed to raven-haired-woman-of-mystery. Sigh.

Naomi Watts – Her makeup artist Matthew VanLeeuwen describes this look as “old meets new” and I’m going to have to agree. While the makeup leans toward classic, the pencil straight hair is much more current (what great hair color!). I’m literally having brow envy as these arches are defined, lined and bold. The lilac eye and plum lip are contemporary twists on the classic gold eye and red lip.

Sandra Bullock – Another beauty who doesn’t age. This hair is everything! Deep side part, loose curls, long and beautiful. And while her makeup is definitely safe, it’s Academy Award appropriate. Nobody does a dark, sultry eye quite like Sandy.