What I love and hate about the red carpet is when the talent acknowledges "who" they're wearing. While I love to hear them finally reveal after a few moments of buildup and guesswork (the satisfaction of knowing you're right when your guess is correct), it really grinds me when they don't acknowledge the master hair and makeup team. Sure, a couture design cut perfectly to your body will make every inch look lifted and sculpted (though Spanx needs some credit too), but your hair and makeup team will erase every pimple, sign of fatigue, ill brow shaping and imperfect feature you're born with. Here, my favourite works of art last night:
#1 Rooney Mara: While it's not the hair that lures me in, I do have to acknowledge how bold and striking those jet black, crisp, heavy bands were against her gauzy, pale gown. We know she has two sequels to do, so don't make any snide comments about why her hair hasn't changed, or why she's rocking those bangs—she's under contract, people!

Breathless over Mara's brows
It's the brows. They were filled in just enough, without looking to heavy or costumey—but being graphic enough in their own right to look like a standout feature. Too often people focus on a heavy eye or lip—and the brows are simply an afterthought. The rest of her makeup was equally stunning without looking too heavy and powdered or too glittering and well, Oscar-like. The matte red lip kept with the minimalist feel of the rest of her styling, and feathery lashes that don't look fake (like those K sisters) will never fail to make me weak in the knees.
GET THE LOOK
Joe Fresh Beauty Consultant Simone Otis weighed in on Mara's makeup:
“Rooney Mara was my favourite from the show. Her skin was incredible, and she looked beautiful and elegant. To achieve this look, a flawless complexion is the key. Start with Primer to prep the skin for a silky base, and layer with Sheer Tint for coverage. Layer and build the colour in any problem areas, and dust off with the Translucent Powder to set the look and remove any unwanted shine. Contouring is a major focus – highlight the centre of the cheeks and down the nose with Ice Highlighter. The rest of her make-up was simple but stunning - a strong groomed brow, bold lashes and a bold lip. Draw a thin line in black pencil eyeliner really close to the lash line, almost smudging between the lashes. This will make your eyes pop without creating obvious definition. Rooney’s lashes were full and gorgeous; try layering mascaras to get a similar effect – start with Length Lash Mascara and then use Volume Lash on top. The look was completed with a muted red lip like Ruby Matte Lipstick. Her thick bangs and ponytail complemented the look perfectly. I loved it.”—Joe Fresh Beauty Consultant Simone Otis
#2 Gywneth Paltrow: Here's one that Julia and I agreed on with the fashion and beauty—which was hands down, one of the night's best. In a sea of too-controlled curls, heavy, dramatic buns and old-as-toast-but-certain-classic-chignons, Paltrow's clean and simple (much like her dress) ponytail looked as if it was about to fall out. Why would I like that? Because—it's different! And such a lovely contrast to the grandeur of the evening. At the biggest night in Hollywood, Paltrow's pony holder looked as if it was ready to snake down her Tom Ford gown at any moment. It almost mimicked faux bob from the front, with a sleek low pony in the back. Click here to see a photo from behind. Keep an eye out: minimalist beauty will continue through fall. Her subtly bronzed skin was also stunning—not one of my favourite beauty products, because people tend to over use it—but Gwyneth took a quiet restraint and paired the glow with some sheer apricot gloss, sparkling amber eyeshadow, liquid liner and mascara. Note: Those highlights deserve an honourable mention.

Paltrow's pristine hair and makeup
GET THE LOOK:
We found out why Paltrow's makeup looked "elegantly bronzed," says celebrity makeup artist Leslie Lopez, who achieved the look.
“The dress makes such a statement, but it also has no color, so we needed to create a makeup look that complemented the dress and was still sophisticated enough for the red carpet. I really loved the Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer because it gives a sun-kissed look to her skin, and perfect against a white dress!”—celebrity makeup artist Leslie Lopez for NARS Cosmetics
FACE
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, with Super Orgasm Illuminator patted onto the apples of the cheeks.
EYES
The champagne side of NARS Alhambra Duo Eyeshadow applied on the eyelid for a pop of gold, followed by a Maybelline brown liquid eyeliner along the lashline. The look was finished with NARS Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara.
LIPS
NARS Odalisque Larger Than Life Lip Gloss
** NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer was also applied to her neck, décolletage, and shoulders
#3 Rose Byrne:
The Australian actress caught my attention almost instantly. That impossibly glossy hair, with a deep side part and heavy bang had me so transfixed, I didn't even noticed her glittering gown until she appeared on stage later in the evening. Even when she presented with her Bridesmaids cast, her hair took centre stage. Her flick of sooty black liner, sculpted (but not overtly) cheeks and nude-y peach lips were just enough without going overboard. Do you sense a theme here?

Byrne's foundation-free skin & awesome deep side part
GET THE LOOK:
We got the inside scoop on Byrne's makeup from Maude LaCeppe, care of NARS Cosmetics:
"Her dress is like a piece of jewelry so we wanted glamorous and sexy but minimal at the same time. It's really elegant and modern. We wanted the skin to look transparent but radiant and the new tinted moisturizer produces that effect. It's is super light but easy to blend for as much coverage as you want or need. It's a beautiful veil on the skin for a perfect red carpet glow."—Makeup by Maude Laceppe for NARS Cosmetics.
What Laceppe used (all products NARS unless otherwise noted):
FACE: Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer; Cle de Peau concealer; Gaeity Blush
EYES: Lhasa Single Eyeshadow; Coconut Grove Eyeshadow on outer corners blended
LIPS: Bilbao Lipstick
MULTIPLE: Copacabana Multiple patted all over eyes cheeks and lips for an icy sheen
All images courtesy Getty; Makeup tips courtesy Nars Cosmetics.