“If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, The Hollywood Reporter may receive an affiliate commission. The Hollywood Reporter’s shopping editors have logged hundreds — if not thousands — of hours testing makeup, skin care, hair tools and fashion hacks. We pooled our knowledge to narrow down the”, — write: www.hollywoodreporter.com
The Hollywood Reporter‘s shopping editors have logged hundreds — if not thousands — of hours testing makeup, skin care, hair tools and fashion hacks. We pooled our knowledge to narrow down the crème de la crème of beauty products and wardrobe secrets worthy of — and coveted by — Hollywood’s biggest names.
From cult-favorite makeup formulas well-deserving of their hype to less-than-sexy staples keeping bad breath at bay, we present THR‘s 34 Red Carpet Essentials Award winners for 2026.
How We Chose THR‘s Red Carpet Essentials Awards Winners These products were chosen for their value, overall effectiveness and staying power, with extra points awarded for versatility and ease of use. Final picks were based on extensive testing at the THR offices and consultation with celebrity stylists, makeup artists, facialists and hairstylists, who’ve spent countless hours using these formulas and tools on Hollywood’s most famous faces for their highest stakes evenings.
Lancôme Lash Idôle MascaraBold but true: The search for a perfect mascara stops once you discover Lancôme Lash Idôle. It accomplishes the near-impossible: length, lift and volume, while remaining entirely clump-free. It’s also buildable, making it an excellent choice whether it’s a street style-suitable “no-makeup” makeup look or a full glam evening.
It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In ProductCome for the formula, stay for one “you smell amazing” after another. It’s A 10 leave-in conditioner is the ultimate multi-hyphenate — the EGOT of awards season, if you will. With just a few sprays, it’ll detangle, de-frizz, repair damage, prevent breakage, protect hair color… the list goes on and on.
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Longwear Setting PowderNo one needs flashback on the carpet — but no one wants dull skin either. What sets Laura Mercier’s setting powder apart is its ability to keep shine at bay while ensuring skin still looks like skin (and flawless skin, at that).
Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Spot TreatmentSpotting a pimple the night before walking a carpet is an absolute no-go. EradiKate from Hollywood skin-care maven Kate Somerville is magic in a bottle. Apply, let it dry, get your beauty sleep, then rinse in the morning. It’s pretty much fool-proof.
Shiseido Eyelash CurlerNewsflash: Not all lash curlers are created equal (far from it, actually), and Shiseido is the standout. Positive your lashes won’t hold a curl? Think again. Our holy grail lash tool keeps them lifted and lengthened all day — or night — long.
Dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream With Taming WandThis editor-approved $20 innovation epitomizes the phrase “tiny but mighty.” Working overtime to add polish, coerce flyaways into compliance and smooth frizz on the go, the cactus extract–infused hair cream is also small enough to pack into your designer clutch and comes with a mascara-like wand that makes application especially easy.
As for its scent? You’ll be treated to Dae’s signature citrus here, which is so refreshing, it just might take the place of your go-to fragrance.
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face BaseWhy settle for a standalone primer when Bobbi Brown offers so much more? A primer and moisturizer in one, the Vitamin Enriched Face Base is the crème de la crème of multi-tasking products (this is no two-in-one shampoo and conditioner situation). In fact, the first time we used it, we didn’t even realize Face Base was also a primer because it was such an effective moisturizer on its own. But in reality, the lightweight formula melts into the skin for an all-in-one base layer.
Smashbox Always On Longwear Matte Liquid LipstickFor lipstick that lasts from day into night, look no further than Smashbox. Beyond its vivid color and intense staying power, the Always On Longwear Lipstick stands out for its beginner-friendly applicator: a precision tip that effortlessly lines the lips for a crisp, clean pout time and again.
Tide To Go Stain Remover PenWe get it: Stain remover pens aren’t the sexiest, but they’re essential when you’re out and about (and surrounded by camera flashes). Tide’s compact and lightweight To Go Stain Remover is shaped like a pen, helping you rid your clothing of stains before they’re able to set in.
The mechanics behind this involve a potent mixture that dissolves said stains and a microfiber pad that absorbs them completely. Simply press the pen tip to the disaster in question, and gently rub. Not even the reddest of cabernet sauvignons stand a chance.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow GelWhen it comes to brow products, the “Eyebrow Queen” of Beverly Hills, aka the brow whisperer to the stars, aka Anastasia Soare, founder of Anastasia Beverly Hills, is unrivaled. Her cult-favorite clear brow gel holds hair in place all day with zero visible residue — a rare feat indeed.
Tweezerman Slant TweezerOn the topic of brows, Tweezerman’s Slant Tweezers are, simply put, in a league of their own. One pluck of a brow and you’ll quickly realize why they’re the industry standard for grooming tools.
MAC Studio Radiance 24HR Luminous Lift ConcealerWith its buildable coverage and 24-hour wear, MAC Studio Radiance Concealer is the quintessential day-to-night product. Use sparingly for a natural, skin-like finish or build it up for flawless full glam.
Commando Zone Smoothing Open Bust BodysuitDon’t skimp when it comes to shapewear: Commando is worth every penny. Available in both beige and black, the gold standard of smoothing bodysuits holds everything in while remaining breathable and stretchy. The convertible straps and open bust make it customizable to you and your wardrobe needs.
äz Haircare Intense Volume MistFor volume that lasts all day (sans the frizz), äz’s signature Intense Volume Mist is our tried-and-true pick. The versatile formula can be sprayed onto wet hair for hold or dry hair for added texture. The best part? While many hair sprays sacrifice shine for hold, this product does exactly the opposite: enhances it.
Hollywood Fashion Secrets Fashion TapeA wardrobe malfunction is quite literally the last thing you need on a red carpet. Hollywood Fashion Secrets not only keeps everything in place, but it also comes in a cute and compact carrying case for your clutch.
Living Proof Perfect hair Day (PhD) Dry ShampooLooking for a residue-free dry shampoo that actually works? It doesn’t get better than Living Proof. It’s the ultimate hack to extend that blowout an extra day (or three). Plus, since it cleans the hair versus just masking the oil, you’ll not only look fresh — you’ll feel fresh, too.
Dr. Scholl’s Love Your Heels & Wedges Ball of Foot CushionsBigger certainly doesn’t mean better when it comes to high heel shoe inserts, and celebrities know the secret to staying on their feet while walking the press line is a discreet and pillowy insole that stays put. These Ball of Foot Cushions from Dr. Scholl’s are the best in the business thanks to the shock absorption and targeted relief provided by their premium — and incomparable — soft gel composition.
Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Setting SprayMany have tried, but none can top the staying power of Urban Decay’s waterproof setting spray. After hours of wear, our makeup still manages to look flawless each and every time.
Nippies Skin Original Nipple CoversHonesty time: There are few things more agitating than nipple covers that won’t stay in place. Almost as upsetting are those that show an outline through clothing. The good news? Nippies accomplish what we previously deemed the impossible: They blend under garments and effortlessly stay put — so much so, in fact, we literally forget we’re wearing them.
Lilly Lashes Brush On Lash AdhesiveIn a similar vein, falsies that don’t stay put are, straight up, unacceptable. Through blood (hopefully not), sweat and certainly tears, Lilly Lashes’ signature lash glue completely knocks out the competition. Need dramatic lashes in a pinch but your go-to makeup artist’s all booked up? The quick-dry formula makes application a breeze — no professional required.
Belkin BoostChargeWhen you’re on the red carpet and far from an outlet, Belkin’s wireless charging device comes to the rescue thanks to its sleek, compact design and MagSafe convenience. The power bank extends the battery life of your iPhone up to 19 hours, while its built-in magnetic attachment slaps easily to the back of your smartphone.
Belkin BoostCharge is also lightweight, so you can keep it in your purse or attached to your phone throughout the night. It even has a handy fold-out stand for hands-free selfies all night long.
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes (Twin Pack)A celebrity magnet and an under-$10 drugstore buy? Seems mutually exclusive, but the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes prove otherwise.
Ultra-soft yet capable of dissolving dirt, oil and even the most stubborn makeup in your collection, these babies are also ophthalmologist-tested, safe to use for contact lens wearers and will help you take the day off in a highly pleasurable (and speedy) manner. The now-iconic product is also offered in fragrance-free, hyaluronic acid and nig ht iterations, tailored to your unique needs and evening routine.
Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep MaskEvery makeup artist knows that the key to flawless foundation application is in the preparation. These glass skin-inducing masks deserve every ounce of hype (and social media virality) they’ve received. Worn anywhere from three hours to overnight, Biodance collagen masks transform from opaque to transparent, a satisfying visual indicator that the skin has fully absorbed the ingredients.
OSEA Malibu Undaria Algae Body LotionWe’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: OSEA is best in class when it comes to body products. A generous application of the brand’s best-selling body lotion will combat dullness and keep skin silky-soft all evening long. For even deeper moisture plus a non-greasy glow, pair with the Undaria Algae Body Oil.
Loving Tan 2 Hour Express Deluxe Bronzing MousseNo time for a professional spray tan? Loving Tan is the next best thing. Even the self-tanning novices on our team got a streak-free application their very first go.
Emi Jay Popstar Clips (Set of Four)Hair creases on the red carpet? Unwanted and unacceptable. Emi Jay, used by taste-making ladies from Gigi Hadid and Kylie Jenner to Sabrina Carpenter and Selena Gomez, has a solution in the form of her Popstar Clips — which come to save the day when you’re blowing out your mane, layer by layer, or keeping it away from your face while applying liquid liner.
Plus, the limited-edition seasonal colorways sell out in a pinch, so waste no time in grabbing your favorites while supplies last.
iS Clinical Active SerumGlowing skin starts long before the red carpet, and iS Clinical’s Active Serum is at the very forefront of our skin prep arsenal. It works fast, too. Our editors noticed visibly brighter skin after just a few uses, with even more drastic results within a couple of weeks.
Listerine PocketPaksSometimes the most popular product in a category is truly deserving of its glory — and this is certainly the case for Listerine PocketPaks. Whether braving red carpet interviews or signing autographs for fans, these discreet and effective strips are the most convenient and long-lasting breath fresheners in the game.
111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Eye Masks (Set of Four)The term “performative eye patches” may be trending on TikTok, but 111Skin’s Celestial Black Diamond Eye Masks are precisely the opposite. Never in our lives have we seen more significant results after just one use of a product. They’re especially effective following a night of celebrating your big win. Goodbye, dark circles and puffiness.
Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional EffectsPaige DeSorbo-endorsed and loved by millions — Hollywood elite or not — Crest’s professional-level 3D Whitestrips tap the powers of hydrogen peroxide, which won’t tear apart your enamel while granting no-BS results when used regularly (the brand recommends one treatment daily, for 45 minutes at a time, over the course of 20 days).
Need a radiant-white smile in mere hours, whether before a red carpet appearance or that hot date? The bonus One-Hour Express strips will come in handy, taking just 60 minutes to visibly remove stains.
Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural SprayThink of Color Wow’s signature product as a raincoat for your hair. Activated by heat, Dream Coat is comparable to a salon-level treatment, but from the comfort of your home — and for a fraction of the cost. Use every three to four shampoos for Insta-worthy glass hair.
Laifen Mini High-Speed Hair DryerTravel light without compromising quality with Laifen’s Mini High-Speed Hair Dryer. Don’t be fooled by the size: Equal parts compact and powerful, this miniature hair tool works shockingly fast.
Lumify Redness Reliever Eye DropsA THR Red Carpet Essential for the second year in a row, we can confirm celebrity makeup artist Molly Greenwald’s claim still holds true: “Nothing gets eyes whiter than Lumify eye drops.”
Conair Turbo Extremesteam Handheld SteamerFor the third year and counting, nothing’s been able to top Conair’s wallet-friendly handheld steamer. This celebrity stylist saving grace is coveted for its speed, efficiency and reliability: no fabric damage in sight.
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