The 2025 Cannes Film Festival is making waves not just for its cinematic offerings but also for the striking beauty trends showcased on its iconic red carpet. This year’s festival has predominantly embraced a mix of sunny and sultry aesthetics, with luminaries from the film industry setting the bar high with their stunning looks. A notable trend has emerged: artists such as models, filmmakers, and jury members are adorned with bronzed cheekbones and effortlessly messy eyeshadow, creating a vibe that is both relaxed and glamorous. As the week unfolds, the buzz is all about captivating hair and makeup choices that draw inspiration from the golden days of fashion.
Celebrity hairstyles have taken center stage this year, with many choosing to sport modern takes on classic looks. The red carpet has seen a flurry of newly cut bobs and slicked-back styles that exemplify elegance and sophistication. For instance, actress Zoey Deutch made a striking entrance at the “Nouvelle Vague” premiere with a chic bob reminiscent of the 1960s, beautifully complementing her custom Chanel gown. Meanwhile, model Leomie Anderson wowed attendees with a sculpted updo that could easily have come from the playbook of an Olympic artistic swimmer. Dakota Johnson opted for a sleek, straight hairstyle, revealing her signature bangs against her bubblegum pink Gucci gown, showcasing a timeless aesthetic that resonates with both past and present fashion trends.
Further adding to the allure of the festival’s hairstyles, Livia Nunes sported a slicked-back ponytail, cleverly styled to mimic a pillbox hat, while the elegant Céline Sallette remained true to her signature side-swept fringe and golden waves, commanding attention at the “Highest 2 Lowest” premiere. Each star demonstrates not only their style but their connection to cinematic history, proving that hair can be a narrative device in itself, aligning perfectly with their roles and personas.
Makeup, too, plays a pivotal role in shaping the festival’s atmosphere, with artists opting for bold yet refined looks. Model Alex Consani made a grand entrance, showcasing a smokey amber eye crafted by a renowned YSL makeup artist, utilizing an array of luxurious products that highlighted her features beautifully. Meanwhile, Rihanna brought a touch of glamour with her bronzed cheeks and a nude lip, a look that was likely crafted by her Fenty Beauty makeup team, emphasizing radiant skin and minimalism that is chic yet effortless.
Alba Rohrwacher, a jury member, showcased a more natural beauty approach with soft, peachy tones on her cheeks and subtly defined lips, illustrating that simplicity can be just as impactful. On the other hand, Bella Hadid embraced warmer tones with her caramel bronzer and striking black eyeliner, a look that masterfully melds edginess with elegance. Ariana Greenblatt echoed youthful exuberance with her delicate cat-eye eyeliner and cool-toned blush, proving that beauty at Cannes can be diverse and inclusive, embracing Gen Z’s penchant for bold yet playful cosmetics.
As the festival continues, it remains clear that the beauty trends showcased at Cannes go beyond mere aesthetics; they reflect a celebration of film and artistry. The interplay of hairstyles, makeup styles, and fashion choices not only highlights the individual personalities of the attendees but also pays homage to the history of cinema. From the classic to the contemporary, this year’s Cannes Film Festival is a visual feast, showcasing how beauty remains intricately tied to the storytelling that unfolds on and off the screen. As spectators eagerly await the next round of premieres, there’s no doubt that the beauty narrative at Cannes 2025 will leave an indelible mark on the world of fashion and film.