For over 72 years, the Cannes Film Festival has been a haven for cinephiles and celebrities looking to debut boundary-pushing new films and showcase their unique sense of style. From glamorous gowns to bold makeup looks, the red carpet at Cannes has seen it all. Icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Catherine Deneuve, and Sophia Loren have set the standard for decorative hair accessories, while Brigitte Bardot’s signature black liner has inspired sultry eye looks for years to come. Celebrities like Penélope Cruz, Jodie Turner-Smith, Selena Gomez, Kristen Stewart, and Susan Sarandon have made waves with their makeup choices, ranging from minimalism to daring and unexpected looks.
In 1957, Elizabeth Taylor made a lasting impression with a glittering diamond tiara, inspiring a tradition of decorative hair accessories that continues to this day. Over the years, stars like Catherine Deneuve and Sophia Loren have added their own flair with white headbands and slim-brimmed hats. Jane Birkin brought a French insouciance to the red carpet in 1974 with natural makeup and air-dried hair, creating a look that reflected the spirit of the times. Her daughter Charlotte Gainsbourg later embraced a similar aesthetic, pairing a fresh complexion with tousled waves and a chic leather jacket and jeans.
Brigitte Bardot’s iconic flick of black liner has influenced countless sultry eye moments on the Cannes red carpet, from Penélope Cruz’s kohl-rimmed gaze to Jodie Turner-Smith’s gold-flecked smoky eyes. However, minimalism has also made its mark, with stars like Selena Gomez proving that a swipe of red lipstick is all that’s needed to look photo-ready. At the festival in 2016, Kristen Stewart made a statement with a platinum crop and daring makeup, while Susan Sarandon’s bombshell beauty and daring fashion choices in 2017 cemented her status in the Cannes hall of fame.
From Grace Kelly’s polished waves in 1955 to Angelina Jolie Pitt’s radiant pregnancy glow, the Cannes Film Festival has been a showcase for iconic beauty moments over the years. These red carpet looks have captured the imagination of audiences around the world and solidified the festival’s reputation as a hotbed of creativity and style. Whether it’s classic glamour, daring makeup, or effortless chic, these beauty moments are a testament to the artistry and individuality that define the Cannes experience. As the festival kicks off yet again, we can look forward to seeing how this year’s stars will leave their mark on the iconic red carpet.
