Oscars 2006 - Hair and beauty

Your complete guide to glamour on the 2006 Oscars red carpet...

On the red carpet it was all about the golden age of Hollywood glamour with vintage frocks and jewels accessorised with ladylike hairstyles and retro looking make-up. However it was those Alpha females choosing a more low-key, contemporary look rather than being styled to within an inch of their lives who really stood out on this night of a thousand stars.

  See all the pics from the Oscars 

Move on up
Up-dos from the simple to the spectacular were much in evidence. The perfect way to wear hair if you want to showcase both rocks and frock. From Reese Witherspoon's pretty chignon which complimented her 1950s Dior gown to perfection, to Jennifer Lopez's elaborate dressed coil of hair with a Hispanic heritage, the effect was sheer glamour of a vintage Hollywood variety. Felicity Huffman went for smoothness and a flattering loop, which was a contemporary reworking of a '40s classic and Uma Thurman for curls and volume dressed tightly into the back. Up-dos are winners because: Even if you don't have a stylist in residence on call 24/7 putting long hair up successfully is within everyone's grasp. Just getting creative with a ponytail is enough.

New sleekers
With so many up-dos in evidence any of the leading ladies bucking the trend looked a million bucks. Straight hair continues to rule the heart of Jennifer Aniston whose trademark sleek do with face framing layers looked so on the money with its centre parting and pale blonde lights framing her face. Similarly Madonna stood out from the crowd with her sleek shiny long locks with '70s disco chick flick - so retro it's ultra modern. Nicole Kidman also pulled out all the stops and was all youthful blondeness with a side parting and sexily swept over fringe. Straight is a winner because: Hair never looks so polished as when it's worn straight. The flat surface of the hair reflects light so optimum shine is assured.

Screen icon curls
From sculpted to casual curls and waves possessed a groomed grown up feel missing from last summer's extended boho moment. Lindsay Lohan went for a romantic retro effect as did Naomi Watts. Keira Knightley's carefully curled ponytail with side parting and tendrils framing her face was updated with her edgy make-up and stylish choice of dress. Long loose waves looked the freshest and both Hillary Swank and Salma Hayek looked sexy as opposed to ladylike with locks that exuded volume, texture and movement.

Curls are a winner because: They come in all shapes and sizes, are easy to achieve and can have an identity from romantic to roughed-up.

Volume control
One of the key trends getting the hair industry and fashionistas excited is big hair. Backcombed crowns in the spirit of Brigitte Bardot abound and Charlize Theron took the opportunity to showcase the look at the Academy Awards with a beautiful sculptured style.

Sharon Stone also embraced big hair although somewhat less successfully. Why? Too many other elements competing for attention - make-up, dress, jewellery.

Big hair is a winner because: A bit of backcombing at the roots adds body in the right place - the crown - and works wonderfully with '50s fashion But too literal an homage and it looks stiff and dowdy.

  Salma Hayek looked a real red carpet
glamorpuss with her volumised, glossy curls

Liquid assets
Liquid eyeliner was very much in evidence as the trend for '50s fashion makes waves in the world of make-up. Black liquid eyeliner was a recurring theme evocative of the era of the seductive Sophia Loren and other European sex symbols. Felicity Huffman, Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Aniston and Jennifer Lopez all winged it and Keira Knightley went one step further combining hers with smokey black eyeshadow to dramatic effect and Charlize Theron used both liquid liner and kohl pencil for the full etched cats-eyes effect. Liquid liner is a winner because: It can give you the perfect almond eye shape when used above the upper lash line and is an iconic cosmetic.

Lips inc
With so much emphasis on the eye area lips lightened up in a wealth of sheer shiny shades. Antique rose and nude hues got out and a pout with the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Uma Thurman, Keira Knightley and Hillary Swank. Full on red worked for Brokeback's Michelle Williams -contrasting brilliantly with her pale tangerine gown and Nicole Kidman chose a sheer red stain to bring colour to her ethereal neutrality.

Glossy lips are a winner because: They make the lips appear fuller and have a dewy attractive finish missing from matte formulations.

Body parts
Killer cleavage, beautiful backs and sculpted shoulders also received an airing. Madonna, Uma Thurman, Jennifer Garner all wore plunge fronted gowns with panache, Lindsay Lohan, Jennifer Esposito and Sandra Bullock showed off beautiful backs while Keira Knightley was one of those opting for a (cold) shoulder in a stunning one-shouldered evening dress.

Exposed skin is a winner because: Buffed and polished, pale or evenly tanned bare skin contrasting with opulent fabric or sparkling jewels provides a perfect backdrop.

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