Behind the Scenes of Zoe Saldana’s 2023 Oscars Makeup Look

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 13 March 2023

Never one to disappoint, Zoe Saldana, who is a member of the cast of Avatar: The Way of the Water (nominated for Best Picture), took the Oscars red carpet by storm with her stunning makeup. Vera Steimberg, Saldana's makeup artist, exclusively walked us through the actress's minimalistic look for the star-studded event.

“I loved playing with different shades from Chanel this week to find the perfect shades that would achieve a natural look,” says Steimberg. “We blended colors and chose a palette that would flow with the dress. It was perfect."

To achieve a feminine and ethereal look, Steimberg brought in the natural blush color of the dress into the cheeks and eyes by using Chanel Les 4 Rouges Yeux et Joues Eyeshadow and Blush Palette in Tendresse. To balance the color of the dress into her look, she applied Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner in Or Rose on the waterline and blended a combination of Chanel Ombre Première Laque Longwear Liquid Eyeshadows in Desert Wind, Vastness, and Quartz Rose on the eyelids. “I chose makeup to match accordingly to complement her romantic and sophisticated look," says Steimberg.

For lips, Steimberg combined Chanel Le Crayon Lèvres Longwear Lip Pencil in Nude Brun with Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous Matte Lip Colour in Intuitive.

Zoe Saldana 2023 Oscars — Zoe Saldana testing lipsticks for the 2023 Oscars.

Her hair, which was kept off her face, was inspired by her Fendi gown. “I wanted the look to be sophisticated and easy, complementing Zoe’s gorgeous Fendi gown,” says hairstylist, Mara Roszak. “Since the dress is fitted but still soft and delicate, the hair mirrored that with an air of effortlessness and an ethereal feel.” After cleansing the hair, Roszak applied RŌZ santa lucia styling oil to smooth frizz and add shine before blow drying it with a medium-sized, boar bristle round brush.

Ready to try the ethereal look at home? Steimberg suggests taking the “less is more approach.” Apply a little foundation, highlighter and bronzer to create contour, and then minimal mascara and soft colors and you’re all set.

Zoe Saldana getting ready for the 2023 Oscars.

Shop Zoe Saldana's 2023 Oscars Look:

CHANEL Le Correcteur de CHANEL Longwear Concealer in B80

CHANEL Les 4 Rouges Yeux et Joues Eyeshadow and Blush Palette in Tendresse

CHANEL Poudre Lumière Highlighting Powder in Ivory Gold

CHANEL Le Crayon Lèvres Longwear Lip Pencil in Nude Brun

RŌZ Santa Lucia Styling Oil

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Deena Campbell is the Beauty Director of Marie Claire where she oversees all beauty and health content on all platforms. Deena is a leader who is passionate about driving conversations on beauty topics, and is particularly dedicated to ensuring BIPOC feel seen and that their stories are told. Deena joined Marie Claire after a decade-long career as an editor in print and digital media. Before joining the brand, she managed editorial content for L’Oréal owned Makeup.com and Skincare.com where she led and developed a team of beauty editors and edited their contributions. She also crafted and successfully executed comprehensive brand strategies that resulted in brand growth and differentiation, a skill she currently brings to Marie Claire.

In 2015, she launched Essence.com’s hair channel where she received Time Inc.'s Henry R. Luce Award, shortly before joining Allure.com’s staff as Senior Beauty Editor. Along with her editorial positions, she also consulted on content and marketing strategies for beauty companies including DevaCurl and Dove, and has appeared at various speaking events and live television segments. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Byrdie, SELF, Refinery29, Teen Vogue, and a host of others. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Pittsburgh and lives in New Jersey with her husband and two children. You can find her on Instagram at @deenacampbell.

Shop Zoe Saldana's 2023 Oscars Look:

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