A certain je-ne-sais-quoi is needed to capture the right vibe when red-carpeting at Cannes. The legendary film festival is at once glamorous and laid-back (much like the French themselves), so the classic Hollywood, turnt-to-ten beauty looks don’t quite fly. Instead, the best looks land somewhere between just-stepped-off-the-yacht and born-with-it-golden-girl, which is precisely why the festival produces some of our favourite beauty moments of the year.
Here, a red carpet gala or a daytime photo call can turn out equally inspiring looks, because at Cannes, the name of the game is effortless glam. That means only wearing mascara on the eyes so a bright lip can pop. Or allowing hair to look a little lived-in. The results are always chic and never overdone, inspiring us to step off the glam gas pedal a bit when thinking spring beauty. Ahead, some of our favourite looks from the film fest so far.
Bella Hadid
The best way to attune the monochromatic beauty trend for black tie on the laid-back Riviera? Wear barely-there shades that allow an inner glow to shine though.
Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images.
Vanessa Paradis
With no-makeup makeup accented by rosy cheeks and a light coral lip, who better to epitomise French-girl glamour than Cannes feature film jury member—and national treasure—Vanessa Paradis?
Photo: Tony Barson/FilmMagic/Getty Images.
Eva Longoria
The Telenovela star is one of the few to have worn a full eye — smokey shadow, full lashes, and a strong brow — on the Cannes opening gala red carpet. But pairing it with sun-kissed skin and a simple hairstyle put a fresh spin on the glam red carpet staple.
Photo: Ian Gavan/Getty Images.
Kirsten Dunst
We’ve said it before: you can’t go wrong with a yellow dress and bright red lip. Cannes feature film jury member Kirsten Dunst keeps the combo fresh with a minimal eye, accented with natural-looking lashes.
Photo: Tony Barson/FilmMagic/Getty Images.
Kristen Stewart
We love a dark and brooding look on Kristen Stewart just as much as the next girl. But lighter makeup, framed with a nude lip, and our favourite summer coupling — bleached hair and a dark brow — feels just right for flirty Cannes.
Photo: Mike Marsland/WireImage.
Gong Li
We love Gong Li’s graphic, winged eye, and glossy lip.
Photo: Dominique Charriau/WireImage.
Blake Lively
Fact: Blake Lively’s hair can do no wrong. But she’s also winning in the makeup department. We love how she kept things from going over-the-top by pairing her bright red jumpsuit with clean lashes and a soft, glossy lip.
Photo: Mike Marsland/WireImage.
Naomi Watts
Naomi Watts nails easy-going sophistication with a complexion-brightening pink lip and a perfectly bent lob tucked casually behind one ear.
Photo: Stephane Cardinale/Corbis/Getty Images.
Doutzen Kroes
The mega model balances a super-structured dress with minimal makeup and a lived-in, half-back hairstyle.
Photo: Stephane Cardinale/Corbis/Getty Images.
Lily Donaldson
The model’s vampy red lip pulls major attention, thanks to an understated eye and hairstyle.
Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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