These Emmys Red Carpet Beauty Looks Were So Good We're Still Recovering

TV's (and now streaming's) biggest night is here—the Emmys. While last year's show was mostly virtual, this one is in person, but it's not exactly like past shows. The guest list is smaller, with just nominees and a certain number of guests, and there's a limited red carpet.

Even though it's a smaller red carpet, hey, at least we get one! As we've seen with both the VMAs and Met Gala, everyone seems to be turning it up even more, perhaps to make up for lost time. We're not mad about that. While we love to see what everyone's wearing, we're equally excited about the makeup looks. Granted, the Emmys might be a little bit more subdued than the VMAs and Met Gala, but there were some dramatic and showstopping beauty looks this year. Take a look at some of our faves of the night below.

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Yara Shahidi
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

Yara Shahidi's makeup and hair are as elegant as her Dior gown: a cat eye, dewy skin, and a sleek updo.

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Mandy Moore
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

There's something so classic about a red dress paired with red lipstick, and Mandy Moore's perfect bangs will make anyone think about getting some fringe.

Key beauty products: Beautycounter Glow First Priming Serum ($59), Think Big All-in-One Mascara ($27), and Color Intense Lipstick in Girls' Night ($34)

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Elizabeth Olsen
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

Old Hollywood waves meet modern in Elizabeth Olsen's lob. Her makeup has a bit of a rose tinge, from her eye shadow to blush to lipstick.

Key beauty products: ghd Paddle Brush ($35), Helios Professional Hair Dryer ($249), and Curve Classic Curl Iron ($199)

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Kerry Washington
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

Kerry Washington's makeup is always so good, and she didn't disappoint at this year's Emmys. From the glowy skin to the fullest lashes to the perfect red lipstick, it all just works.

Key beauty products: Kim Kimble Celebrity Series Blow Dryer ($40), Celebrity Series 2-Inch Silk Pass Flat Iron ($40), Edge Taming Pomade ($13), and Shine Spray ($25)

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Emma Corrin
(Image credit: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

We just need a minute to take in Emma Corrin's major nail moment.

Key beauty products: Byredo Space Black Mascara ($45), Color Stick in Vienna and Solar Flare ($30), Prismic Palette ($96), Lipstick in Solid Ground and Vieux Rose ($42), and Lip Balm ($42)

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Samira Wiley
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

A smoky eye with glossy lips is always a winning combo.

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Beanie Feldstein
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

Pairing a smoky eye with peachy blush and lipstick is a genius move that feels so fresh. Beanie Feldstein also showed off her fresh haircut, which was styled in effortless waves.

Key beauty products: René Furterer Protect Thermal Protecting Spray ($34), Style Sculpting Mousse ($30), Style Finishing Spray ($32), Style Texture Spray ($18), and Style Shine Mist ($32)

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Taraji P. Henson
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

Taraji P. Henson is giving us another nail moment here. But we also have to talk about the rest of her hair and makeup look. The topknot? The winged eyeliner? The subtle metallic lids? It's all flawless.

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Kaley Cuoco
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

Kaley Cuoco's pretty and natural makeup look complements her stunning neon gown perfectly. And here's another fringe spotlight!

Key beauty products: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation ($44), Super Nudes Easy Eye Palette ($57), Super Nudes Duo Liner ($30), Eyes to Mesmerise in Pillow Talk ($32), Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes! Mascara ($29), Super Nudes Face Palette in Nudegasm ($75), Cheek to Chic in Love Glow ($40), Legendary Brows in Taupe ($23), Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk Medium ($22), and Matte Revolution Lipstick in Catwalking ($34)

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Nicole Byer
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

The Nailed It! host's updo is giving us '60s vibes. She's also wearing purple eye shadow to complement her Christian Siriano gown.

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MJ Rodriguez
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

There is something so chic and sexy about a makeup look that is heavy on the nudes and neutrals.

Key beauty products: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation ($44), Airbrush Bronzer ($55), Super Nudes Face Palette in Nudegasm ($75), Hollywood Contour Wand in Medium/Dark ($38), Brow Lift in Black Brown ($25), Lip Cheat in Foxy Brown ($22), and Matte Revolution Lipstick in Catwalking ($34)

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Sarah Paulson

Here's another case for the red-on-red look. Sarah Paulson's sleek bob might also tempt you to go short.

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Aidy Bryant
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

Aidy Bryant just looks so regal with her statement jeweled headband. We love that she complemented it with red lips.

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Tracee Ellis Ross
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

Tracee Ellis Ross's hair needs no introduction. It looks phenomenal here, as always. And while everyone seemed to reach for the bright-red lipstick this year, she went with a darker, moodier hue, which we adore.

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Cynthia Erivo
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

With big lashes and dramatic eye shadow, Cynthia Erivo's eyes really pop here.

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Kathryn Hahn
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

Kathryn Hahn's hairstylist Marilee Albin said her Emmys look was influenced by French beauty: "We are always inspired by French women—how they look like they just woke up, put on a lip stain, and tousled their hair. Tonight, we were channeling Lou Doillon, Jane Birkin's daughter, as we created effortless-looking texture to complement Kathryn's black Lanvin ensemble, Tamara Mellon stilettos, and Briony Raymond diamond and emerald necklace."

Key beauty products: Better Not Younger Lift Me Up Hair Thickener ($34) and No Remorse Heat Protection Taming Spray ($32)

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Michaela Coel
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

Michaela Coel's makeup look is taken to the next level with a swipe of yellow eyeliner.

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Issa Rae
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

Issa Rae's makeup artist, Joanna Simkin, wanted to do a nod to "disco glam." The purple eye shadow look was created with drugstore-favorite brand E.l.f. Cosmetics. Read more about how to get the look here.

Key beauty products: E.l.f. Cosmetics Big Mood Mega Volume Lifting Mascara ($7), Bite Size Eyeshadow Palette in Açai You ($3), and Liquid Metallic Eyeshadow in Supernova ($5)

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Anya Taylor-Joy
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

Everything about this look is glamorous, from the intricate updo to the fluffy lashes to the red lip.

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Moses Ingram
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

Okay, The Queen's Gambit stars really brought it in the hair department. This chain hair accessory is a total statement piece.

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Mindy Kaling
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

Mindy Kaling's glam Old Hollywood waves are just classic—full stop.

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America Ferrera
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

While we've been loving that everyone seems to be on the red-lip trend this year, America Ferrera's deep berry is a nice change.

Key beauty products: Beautycounter Think Big All-in-One Mascara ($27), Radiant-All-Over Bronzer in Cabana ($39), Lid Glow Cream Shadow in Aura ($24), Satin Powder Blush in Melon ($30), Color Intense Lipstick in Twilight ($34), and Beyond Gloss in Black Plum ($29); René Furterer Style Air Dry Cream ($30), Sculpting Mousse ($30), Finishing Spray ($32), Texture Spray ($18), and Shine Mist ($32)

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Sophia Bush
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

Sophia Bush's red lipstick complements her pretty pink dress so well. We love that the rest of her makeup looks so subtle and natural and has a bit of a rosy glow.

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Madeline Brewer
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

Issa Rae isn't the only star who had a '70s moment at this year's Emmys. Madeline Brewer's flippy blowout was accompanied by a sultry bronze eye shadow look.

Key beauty products: Unite Hair Smooth Shine ($27), Elevate Mousse ($28), GO365 Hairspray ($31), Texturiza Spray ($32), and Conundrum Paste ($27)

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Jurnee Smollett
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

We haven't seen too many deep red, burgundy lip colors this red carpet, so naturally we're drawn to Jurnee Smollett's look. And her voluminous updo adds to the glamour.

Key beauty products: Maui Moisture Color Protection + Sea Minerals Heat Shield Mist ($7), Flexible Hold + Coconut Milk Curl Foam Mousse ($7), and Smooth and Repair + Vanilla Bean Oil Mist ($9)

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Annie Murphy
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

Looks like the '70s were a huge beauty trend at this year's Emmys. We love Annie Murphy's modern take on Farrah Fawcett like waves.

Key beauty products: ghd Helios Professional Hair Dryer ($249), Ceramic Vented Radial Brush in size 3 ($40), Unplugged Styler ($299), and Curve Soft Curl Iron ($199).

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Susan Kelechi Watson
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

Susan Kelechi Watson's sleek lob is just perfect—just like her pink-toned eye shadow look.

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Hannah Waddingham
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images)

Hannah Waddingham's hair and makeup look was the epitome of blonde bombshell, from her glam updo to luminous skin to peachy blush to smoky and bronzed eye shadow.

Next, All the Emmys Red Carpet Looks You Need to See Immediately

Managing Editor

Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.