Sarah Paulson’s Timeless Emmy Glamour: Unveiling Her Stunning 1940s-Inspired Hair and Makeup Secrets
On a memorable evening that celebrated excellence in television, Sarah Paulson not only graced the stage as a triumphant Emmy winner but also captivated audiences with a breathtaking 1940s-inspired beauty look. Her appearance on September 18th was a masterclass in classic Hollywood glamour, perfectly complementing her sophisticated Prada gown. Every detail, from her impeccably styled hair to her radiant makeup, contributed to an unforgettable red carpet moment. This deep dive reveals the precise techniques and products used by her renowned glam squad to achieve Sarah Paulson’s iconic Emmy night transformation.
The night was particularly significant for Sarah Paulson, who earned the prestigious award for “Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie” for her critically acclaimed portrayal of Marcia Clark in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story. Her performance was widely hailed for its depth, nuance, and unwavering commitment, making her win one of the most anticipated and celebrated moments of the evening. As she accepted her Emmy, her elegant ensemble and vintage-inspired beauty look solidified her status as a red carpet icon, proving that true style is timeless.
The Vision: 1940s Hollywood Glamour Reimagined
The inspiration behind Sarah Paulson’s Emmy night look was a captivating blend of old Hollywood charm and contemporary elegance. Her team meticulously crafted a style that paid homage to the sophisticated allure of the 1940s, a decade synonymous with polished waves, defined eyes, and a radiant complexion. This particular era’s aesthetic perfectly harmonized with the grandeur of the Emmy Awards and the architectural beauty of her chosen gown. The goal was to create a cohesive vision where every element—the dress, the hair, and the makeup—worked in unison, enhancing Sarah’s natural beauty without overshadowing her significant achievement.
Mastering the Makeup: Adam Breuchaud’s Artistic Touch with Giorgio Armani
Celebrity makeup artist Adam Breuchaud was the maestro behind Sarah Paulson’s stunning facial artistry. Known for his ability to create looks that are both striking and refined, Breuchaud opted for a signature combination: a sultry smokey eye, luminous, glowing skin, and a perfectly hydrated pout. To achieve this sophisticated balance, he exclusively utilized the luxurious range of Giorgio Armani beauty products, renowned for their exquisite textures and flawless finishes. His approach focused on enhancing Sarah’s features with a touch of drama, while maintaining an overall sense of fresh, healthy radiance. This meticulous selection of products and techniques ensured Sarah’s makeup would look impeccable under the bright lights of the red carpet and for close-up cameras.
The Canvas: Flawless, Glowing Skin
Breuchaud began his intricate process by preparing Sarah’s skin to ensure it was the perfect canvas for the subsequent makeup application. Hydration and luminosity were key. He first applied the ultra-hydrating Giorgio Armani Prima Glow-on Moisturizing Balm. This balm is celebrated for its ability to instantly plump and smooth the skin, imparting a natural, healthy glow. Following this, he used the Giorgio Armani Prima Skin Perfector, a versatile product designed to refine skin texture and minimize imperfections, creating an even and luminous base that would last throughout the long evening.
Once the skin was perfectly prepped, Breuchaud moved on to foundation. He applied the iconic Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in #4.5 across Sarah’s entire face. This cult-favorite foundation is beloved by makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike for its weightless texture and buildable coverage, which provides a natural, radiant finish that never looks heavy or cakey. It truly lives up to its name, giving the skin a silken, soft-focus appearance that’s ideal for high-definition cameras. To add a subtle, healthy flush, he then delicately tapped Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in #15 onto the apples of her cheeks. This multi-purpose illuminating fluid delivers a soft, luminous color that mimics a natural blush, contributing to the overall glowing complexion without appearing overtly shimmery.
Dramatic Eyes: The Liquid Metal Effect
For Sarah’s eyes, Breuchaud envisioned a dramatic yet refined smokey look, infusing it with a unique “liquid metal effect” to add depth and intrigue. This was achieved through a masterful layering technique. He first applied Giorgio Armani Eye Tint in #9 as a base. This innovative liquid eyeshadow provides vibrant color and long-lasting wear, creating a smooth and intense canvas. Over this, he layered Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense Eyeshadow in #6. This particular eyeshadow is known for its intense pigmentation and multi-dimensional shimmer, which, when applied over the Eye Tint, created a captivating metallic sheen that caught the light beautifully. The combination resulted in a smokey eye that was both powerful and elegant, perfectly framing Sarah’s expressive eyes.
To complete the eye makeup, Breuchaud emphasized Sarah’s lashes, giving them maximum volume and definition. He applied multiple coats of Giorgio Armani Eccentrico Mascara. This mascara is celebrated for its ability to deliver exaggerated volume and length without clumping, ensuring Sarah’s lashes appeared lush, separated, and dramatically fanned out, adding the final touch of allure to her smokey eye.
The Perfect Pout: Hydrated and Defined Lips
No 1940s-inspired look is complete without a perfectly sculpted and hydrated lip. Breuchaud’s approach ensured Sarah’s pout was not only beautiful but also comfortable and long-lasting. He began by preparing her lips with Giorgio Armani Him/Her Lipcare in #1. This nourishing balm provides essential hydration and creates a smooth base, preventing any dryness or feathering of subsequent lip products. It’s a crucial step for achieving a flawless lipstick application that endures for hours.
Following the lip care, he applied a thin, precise coat of Giorgio Armani Lip Magnet in #600. Lip Magnet is known for its incredible staying power and intense matte finish, yet it feels remarkably lightweight on the lips. The shade #600 likely provided a sophisticated, rich color that complemented the overall makeup palette without competing with the dramatic eyes. Finally, for an added touch of luminosity and to subtly blend the color, Breuchaud gently tapped a small amount of the versatile Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in #15 (the same product used on her cheeks) onto her lips with his fingers. This final step imparted a soft sheen and a cohesive glow, tying the entire look together seamlessly.
Hair Artistry: Bridget Brager’s Elegant Waves for Sarah Paulson
Complementing the exquisite makeup was Sarah Paulson’s impeccably styled hair, a true work of art created by celebrity hairstylist Bridget Brager. Brager, a master of elegant and modern hairstyles, revealed her inspiration to HollywoodLife.com: “The Prada gown was a HUGE statement piece. It’s the kind of thing where glam has got to blend with the dress, not jump out at you.” This philosophy guided her in crafting a sophisticated, side-swept wave that enhanced the gown’s architectural beauty without vying for attention. The result was a harmonious blend of classic Hollywood charm and contemporary sophistication, perfectly aligned with the 1940s aesthetic. Brager’s meticulous planning ensured that Sarah’s hair would hold its shape and luster throughout the long night of celebrations.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Sarah’s Emmy Hair
Achieving Sarah Paulson’s polished and enduring red carpet waves required a precise sequence of steps and a careful selection of high-quality products from Nexxus New York Salon Care, along with professional styling tools. Here is the exact breakdown of how Bridget Brager created this iconic look:
1. Prepping the Canvas: Protection and Moisture
Brager began by preparing Sarah’s damp hair, understanding that a strong foundation is crucial for any lasting style. She applied a strategic combination of two essential Nexxus products: “Prep damp hair with a combination of Nexxus New York Salon Care PROMEND Heat Protecting Mist and a dime-sized amount of Nexxus New York Salon Care DIAMETRESS Leave In Creme.” The Heat Protecting Mist safeguards the hair from potential damage caused by styling tools, maintaining its health and integrity. The Leave-In Creme, on the other hand, provides deep hydration and nourishment, ensuring the hair remains soft, manageable, and frizz-free. This initial step is vital for creating a smooth, protected base that will respond beautifully to styling.
2. Building Volume and Hold
To ensure the waves would have natural body and enduring hold, Brager focused on building volume from the roots. She generously applied the Nexxus New York Salon Care Mousse Plus Volumizing Foam. “Add a generous amount of the Nexxus New York Salon Care Mousse Plus Volumizing Foam and comb through from roots to ends to add natural volume and hold.” This lightweight yet powerful foam evenly distributes throughout the hair, lifting the roots and providing a flexible hold that is essential for creating soft, yet defined waves. Combing it through ensures even distribution, allowing every strand to benefit from its volumizing properties without leaving any sticky residue.
3. Strategic Drying for Shape and Smoothness
The drying process was executed with precision to lay the groundwork for the signature side-swept look. Brager divided the hair into sections: “Clip hair half up and spray the Nexxus New York Salon Care Diametress Lavish Body Gel Spray, then use the 1907 by Fromm Zero7 Air Lightweight Dryer and a boar bristle brush all the way around bottom layer of hair until completely dry.” The Body Gel Spray adds an extra layer of body and texture, enhancing the hair’s ability to hold a style. The Zero7 Air Lightweight Dryer, known for its efficiency and gentle heat, combined with a boar bristle brush, helps to smooth the cuticles, reduce frizz, and create a sleek, polished foundation in the bottom layers of the hair. This methodical approach ensures controlled drying and maximizes shine.
Continuing to the top section, Brager meticulously crafted the distinctive side-swept waves. “Continue to top section of hair and use the 1907 Fromm Copper Rounder Brush and dry hair in one-inch sections on the top layer outward to create a side-swept look.” The Copper Rounder Brush, with its heat-retaining copper barrel, is ideal for creating smooth, voluminous curves and precise bends. By drying small, one-inch sections outwards, Brager could expertly sculpt the hair into elegant, flowing waves that framed Sarah’s face and swept gracefully to one side, achieving that classic 1940s silhouette. This technique is crucial for building lasting shape and movement.
4. The Finishing Touch: Shine and Long-Lasting Hold
To lock in the style and add a final touch of red carpet perfection, Brager used a finishing mist. “Finish with the Nexxus New York Salon Care Maxximum Finishing Mist for added shine and long-lasting hold.” This professional-grade hairspray provides a strong, yet flexible hold, ensuring the meticulously crafted waves remained intact throughout the event. Beyond its holding power, the finishing mist also imparts a beautiful, healthy sheen, making Sarah’s hair look radiant under the camera flashes. This final step is crucial for both the longevity and the visual impact of the hairstyle.
The Complete Red Carpet Vision: A Symphony of Style
Sarah Paulson’s Emmy night look was a testament to the power of collaborative artistry. From the moment she stepped onto the red carpet, her entire ensemble – the striking Prada gown, the exquisite 1940s-inspired makeup by Adam Breuchaud, and the elegant waves by Bridget Brager – created a cohesive and unforgettable vision. Her win for The People v. O.J. Simpson was a career highlight, and her accompanying beauty look ensured she celebrated this triumph with unparalleled grace and sophistication. This careful curation of style elements not only highlighted her personal aesthetic but also solidified her position as a true fashion and beauty icon.
The fusion of vintage inspiration with modern application techniques underscores a vital lesson in red carpet styling: harmony is key. Neither the hair nor the makeup overwhelmed the other; instead, they enhanced Sarah’s features and the overall impact of her outfit, allowing her natural beauty and vibrant personality to shine through. This thoughtful approach ensures a look that is both memorable and timeless, standing out in an ocean of celebrity glamour. It’s a powerful reminder that true elegance lies in details and thoughtful execution.
Embracing the Glamour: Recreate Sarah Paulson’s Look at Home
While replicating a full red carpet transformation might seem daunting, many elements of Sarah Paulson’s Emmy look are surprisingly adaptable for everyday elegance or special occasions. The core principles of glowing skin, a defined eye, and polished hair can be incorporated into anyone’s beauty routine. Investing in quality skincare as a base, experimenting with liquid eyeshadows for a subtle shimmer, or practicing classic waves with a round brush can help unlock a touch of Hollywood glamour in your own style. The secret lies in understanding the techniques and choosing products that work best for your individual features and hair type.
For those inspired by Adam Breuchaud’s makeup artistry, focusing on skin preparation with hydrating balms and primers can make a significant difference in foundation application. Similarly, Bridget Brager’s step-by-step hair guide offers valuable insights into achieving lasting volume and elegant waves. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tools and products to find what helps you achieve your desired look. Remember, the goal isn’t necessarily to look exactly like a celebrity, but to draw inspiration from their meticulously crafted appearances to enhance your own unique beauty.
HollywoodLifers, Sarah Paulson’s 1940s-inspired Emmy hair and makeup look undoubtedly left a lasting impression. What were your favorite aspects of her red carpet beauty, and are you inspired to try any of these professional tips and products for your own glamorous moments?