We’ve already doled out some major Emmys beauty superlatives (Lena Dunham, we’re looking at you … and your eyeshadow). But on Monday morning, we woke up with the urge to zero in on the best smiles and nails of the night. Spoiler alert: There wasn’t much in the way of out-there experimentation this year, but that suits us just fine, since we’re happy to copy their looks for ourselves.
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Zooey Deschanel: The reigning red carpet nail art queen didn’t disappoint this year, choosing to rock a cute domino effect to contrast with her powder-blue J. Mendel gown. L’Oréal Paris global nail artist Tom Bachik applied the line’s Colour Riche nailpolish in “I Will” to all nails, then drew a checkerboard on her nails and filled in every other quadrant with the same polish in “After Hours.” Carefully dot on alternating colors for the “3D textured sequin effect,” and (if you’re Zooey Deschanel) finish off with a too-cute tiny mustache on thumbs.
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Elisabeth Moss: The Mad Men nominee’s glossy red pout was the perfect graphic contrast to her black-and-white Andrew Gn dress and platinum crop. Of the color she chose (Rouge Dior in “Trafalgar,”) Dior makeup artist Sabrina Bedrani said, “Her beautiful black and white dress called for a glamorous, sophisticated look but I also wanted to make sure it had a young, fresh feeling. That’s why I opted for an orangey-red lip … to bring a modern element to her total look.”
Rex USA; Inset: AFF-USA
Michelle Dockery: Life imitated art at the Emmys, as the Downton Abbey lead showed up in an elegant, ladylike ensemble we think even Lady Mary would approve of. To let her elegant Prada halter gown take center stage, Laura Mercier makeup artist Jordan Long simply applied the line’s Lip Glacé in Bellini. Her nails got a little more vampy drama via Deborah Lippmann’s lacquered scarlet shade “Lady Is a Tramp,” courtesy of the nail artist herself.
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Claire Danes: Also rocking a bold coral lip at the Emmys was best actress winner Danes, wearing a striking shade that distracted us (momentarily) from her faux bob. Her head-turning shade? Laura Mercier’s Rouge Nouveau Weightless lip color in “Mod,” according to her makeup artist Matin Maulawizada.
Startraks; Inset: FilmMagic
Sarah Hyland: According to Red Carpet Manicure artist Christina Aviles, Hyland wanted something bold and burgundy to accent the striking emerald gown she co-designed with Carolina Herrera. So to fit the bill, Aviles created a “negative space” manicure around the moons of Hyland’s nails, leaving a bare triangle under a deep red tip, courtesy of Red Carpet Manicure‘s “Haute Couture,” “Runway Red” and “Camera Shy.” Her equally bold wine-hued lips are two Sephora Color Lip Last shades (“Wanted Red” and “Elegant In Brown”) layered on by makeup artist Allen Avendano.
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Anna Chlumsky: The Veep star got our vote for most fun lipstick — another bright hue from Dior. Melanie Inglessis used the fiery Rouge Dior Contour lipliner pencil in “Elite Pink” to define the lips, then applied Rouge Dior lipstick in “Vogue” with her ring finger. “This technique along with the lipliner helps the color to last throughout the night,” Inglessis said.
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Lena Dunham: We know, we know, you really want to know what’s happening with her eye makeup. But this is the lips and tips roundup, so we’re going to keep you waiting on that for the moment. Her whole look is by Jo Strettel for the just-launched Marc Jacobs Beauty, and that very wearable lipstick she has on is the line’s Lovemarc lip gel in “Moody Margot.” And yes, her eye makeup — courtesy of the Highliner gel crayon in “Blacquer” and “Introvert” — is definitely watercooler-talk worthy.
Startraks; Inset: AP
Kate Mara: The House of Cards star had one of the night’s boldest looks — a stark white column that looked like it was pulled right out of sister Rooney’s closet. To go with the futuristic vibe, Red Carpet Manicure’s Kimmie Kyees applied the brand’s LED gel polish in “Dripping in Luxury” and “White Hot” for a chevron vibe “that mirrored the design on top of her dress,” Kyees said. Makeup stayed minimal and clean, with nude lips given a little more definition with Orlane’s Highlighter Care brush dabbed into her Cupid’s bow.
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Jessica Paré: Mad Men‘s modern lady wore a bold blue Oscar de la Renta dress that Tarte makeup artist Mai Quynh played off with a soft, romantic makeup look, which included rosy lips thanks to the line’s Glamazon Pure Performance lipstick in “Inspired,” plus LipSurgence Matte lip tint in “Hope.”
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Cat Deeley: The TV host extraordinaire chose a daring, ab-baring black sequin gown for her red carpet walk, which may be why she decided to play it simple and feminine with her makeup. Lancôme makeup artist Amy Strozzi used Armani Rouge Ecstasy lipstick in “#401″ for the deep poppy hue, then added Lancôme Le Lipstique in “Rougelle” for the finishing touch.
Which of these are you most likely to try?
PLUS: Don’t forget to check out the rest of our killer Emmys coverage here!
–Alex Apatoff
