These 2021 Emmy Awards Beauty Looks Are The Epitome Of Elegance

Ahh, awards season — that much-anticipated time of year when the internet gets to bond over the frenzy of celebrities draped in elaborate designer gowns and wildly expensive jewels to walk down and pose on a (usually) red carpet, is here. The 2021 Emmy Awards took place on Sunday, September 19, and trust that after a year of virtual award shows and giving acceptance speeches from the couch, Hollywood’s elite brought their fashion and beauty A-games.

As the world witnessed at the 2021 Met Gala this past Monday, celebrities and their glam squads are returning to the red carpet with a vengeance. And the Emmys have been known historically to bring out the biggest and brightest names in television with actors like Tracee Ellis Ross, Yara Shahidi, Mindy Kaling, and Cynthia Erivo (to name a few), all attending to be acknowledged for their work and looking stellar while doing so.

While the gowns tend to take center stage, eye-catching makeup and elegant hairstyles are not to be overlooked — not to mention the intricate manicures that fly under the radar.

Not to worry, TZR is here to make sure you don’t miss a single standout look — here are the best looks from the 2021 Emmys.

Nicole Byer

Nicole Byer’s no stranger to the Emmy Awards after a well-deserved nomination last year for one of her many hosting gigs — but this year’s appearance starring a fairytale-worthy Christian Siriano gown with a matching sweeping updo by Moira “Fingaz” Frazier is an all-time best.

Rachel Lindsay

Bachelor Nation breakout star Rachel Lindsay arrives on the red carpet looking regal in a bright orange draped gown and sleek braided top knot. Lindsay’s nails steal the show (an impressive feat all things considered) with a glossy black-and-white manicure.

Yara Shahidi

Leave it to Yara Shahidi to not only know green is hands-down the coolest color of fall but wear it with more casual elegance than thought possible. The Grown-ish star’s metallic, emerald green eyeshadow, smudged across her lids and lower lashline, looked all the trendier against her timeless Dior gown, demure bun, and vibrant pink blush.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo’s Emmys aesthetic is like a glammed-up version of everyone’s favorite going out look: smokey shadow with a thicket of fluttery lashes, warm contour, glossy lips, and a fresh set of nails — bonus points for Erivo’s classic pink-and-white French manicure.

Taraji P. Henson

As soon as any major award show kicks off, the entire world is instantly on Taraji Watch, waiting for the multitalented star to arrive in some fabulous couture, a copyable hairstyle, and some screenshot-worthy nails. Tonight, her stunning, jewel-embellished manicure in a rich shade of ruby red is beyond opulent.

Anya Taylor-Joy

One-part Grace Kelly, one-part ‘00s prom perfection, Anya Taylor-Joy’s center-parted updo pinned into swooping curls — with mild bronze eyeshadow, and a scarlet lip painted on with laser precision — is as good as awards show beauty gets.

Issa Rae

Braided updos are having their moment in the sun, spotted on every stylish actor and A-lister on either coast — and Issa Rae might have just blown them all away. The only thing better than the circular, crisscrossed braids is her purple eye makeup, featuring TikTok’s most viral new mascara: e.l.f.’s Big Mood Mascara which helped pump up Rae’s lashes and clocks in at just $7.

Kerry Washington

An appearance by Kerry Washington is as crucial to an awards show as a genuinely funny host and speedy run time — she’s just as necessary for a truly great event. This time, Washington pulled out all the stops with an ultra-smooth, center-parted low bun, and cherry red lips which cut a modern contrast with her Regencycore-inspired corset gown.

Kaley Cuoco

Something about crisp fall air always makes bangs seem like a promising idea, and Kaley Cuoco’s lash-grazing fringe, styled by Christine Symonds with some blonde-friendly Clairol Professional products and Hidden Crown Hair extensions, is only furthering the case. As for her smooth skin and utterly serene expression, Cuoco turned to the CurrentBody Skin Dr. Harris Anti-Wrinkle mask—she even posted videos of herself wearing it this morning.

Sophia Bush

You can never go wrong with a classic red lip, and Sophia Bush’s understated, yet elegant makeup on the Emmys red carpet is the proof. Paired with a simple center part and a feminine pink gown with a regal silhouette, this look is the princess moment every red carpet needs.

Mandy Moore

Mandy Moore’s Emmy Awards glam is worthy of accolades in its own right. Celebrity hairstylist Ashley Streicher gave the actor a playful ponytail with face-framing pieces using Garnier Fructis products. But the star of the hairdo was undoubtedly her faux fringe, which the expert cut into what she describes as an “Audrey-inspired curtain bang.”

Elizabeth Olsen

Renowned makeup artist Pati Dubroff used a lineup of Chanel Beauty products to bring the WandaVision star’s elegant glam to life. “I wanted the face to have a soft structure with matte brown sculpted eyes and a diffused deep nude lip,” Dubroff explained in a release. “All in the spirit of a ‘90s supermodel.” She paired the star’s eye makeup with the cosmetics brand’s Rouge Allure Laque Ultrawear Shine Liquid Lip Colour in Fidélité for the warm, fall-ready look. As a soft final touch, celebrity manicurist Thuy Nguyen used Dashing Diva’s Red Therapy collection for healthy-looking nails, radiant with shine and hydration.

Angela Bassett

Celebrity hairstylist Randy Stodghill gave the actor a voluminous side-parted low ponytail using Phyto USA hair products and Olivia Garden tools. Per a statement, the hair pro was looking to achieve a style that was equally “strong and glamorous.”