Kerry Washington’s Chic Power Player

WHEN: ABC's Scandal season-three premiere, which aired Oct. 3

WHY IT MATTERS: The D.C. fixer's impeccable but accessible style has inspired millions of professional women to change it up.

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT: Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara

Scandal's beauty-obsessed Twitter followers regularly post photos of themselves emulating the hair and makeup of Washington's Olivia Pope with captions like "channeling my inner Olivia," says makeup department head Denise Hooper.

"Olivia's look is pretty and professional and can be done in little time, which is what women want." She and Washington's makeup artist, Sheri Knight, make sure to use brands known for long-lasting wearability: Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, Nars blush in Oasis (a soft pink champagne color), MAC lip liner in Nice 'n' Spicy and plenty of Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara for drama (Washington, 36, recently was named the newest face of the brand). Key hairstylist Linda Villalobos creates styles that parallel Pope's storyline: tighter curls when she's more in control, softer when things unravel. "When Olivia broke up with the president last season, we straightened her hair," says Villalobos. "Most women want change at a time like that."

Anne Hathaway’s Dramatic Eyes

WHEN: The Costume Designers Guild Awards, Feb. 19

WHY IT MATTERS: At every stop of an awards-show circuit that could arguably be said to have belonged to Anne Hathaway, the Les Miserables Oscar winner consistently turned up and turned out the glam (even if critics didn't always agree on her clothes). Her extreme cat-eye look — a break from her usual classic makeup — showed that the pixie-haired actress can do 1960s better than anybody else and that a small change can help create an instant beauty icon.

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT: Laura Mercier Caviar Liner in Black

Chanel celebrity makeup artist Kate Lee met Hathaway, 31, after the Oscar-winning actress saw Lee's red-carpet makeup on Keira Knightley and booked her for the 2007 SAG Awards. Fast-forward six years, and Lee has been chasing Hathaway around the globe for press junkets, premieres and every major awards show ever since. "It's safe to say that 2013 was a grand-slam year for Annie," says Lee, who created Hathaway's glowing skin and rose lips on Oscar night. However, one of her most memorable beauty moments was Hathaway's cat eye at the Costume Designers Guild Awards. The doe-eyed beauty tends to gravitate toward a clean palette, but when Lee saw Hathaway's gilded Gucci minidress for the evening, she immediately thought of model Peggy Moffitt. "I wanted a bold, modern look and something a little daring to balance out the dress," says Lee. "It's also easy to go toward the 1960s since Annie's short hair lends itself so well to that aesthetic." To capture a "mix of modern and vintage," Lee used Laura Mercier liquid liner on the upper and lower lash lines, drawing a sharp line up and out. She added Chanel's metallic-flecked charcoal Mirifique shadow ("for a little sparkle and intensity") and finished with two glossy coats of Chanel Inimitable mascara on the top and bottom lashes. Says Lee, "I figured the costume folks would appreciate a little extra va-va-voom!"

Cate Blanchett’s No-Makeup Makeup

WHEN: Blue Jasmine premiere at the Deauville Film Festival, Aug. 21

WHY IT MATTERS: Barely-there beauty can grab more attention than bold makeup antics.

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT: SK-II LXP Ultimate Revival Essence

Is there a minimalistic movement on the red carpet? You bet, says makeup artist Mary Greenwell, who used her light touch on client Blanchett to balance the Blue Jasmine star's embellished Christian Dior dress. Says Greenwell, "People have gone back to softness." She admits that minimal works on Blanchett, 44, because of her pristine complexion. The London-based makeup artist introduced Blanchett to SK-II skin care 15 years ago, which led to her becoming a brand ambassador. The subtle Deauville look began with SK-II LXP Ultimate Revival Essence moisturizer, followed by Japanese brand Suqqu's Foundation in No. 10 (the lightest shade) and minimal powder. Greenwell says it doesn't matter what she uses on the eyes, cheeks and lips as long as it's done softly. She took the same approach with Jessica Chastain, with whom she worked in Cannes this year. "It's a sign of confidence not to wear too much makeup, to bring out your natural beauty," she says.

Marion Cotillard’s Asymmetrical Bob

WHEN: SAG Awards, Jan. 27

WHY IT MATTERS: A simple haircut can make a major statement.

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT: Rene Furterer Volumea Volumizing Foam

Readers on Vogue.com voted Cotillard's strapless Christian Dior gown, asymmetrical bob and soft smoky eye the best head-to-toe look of the SAG Awards. The actress' makeup artist, Christophe Danchaud, and hairstylist, Robert Vetica — who both have worked with Cotillard, 38, since her Oscar-winning role in 2007's La Vie en Rose — say "fresh and simple" was the mantra for the 2013 awards season, as evidenced by Cotillard's modern, angled coif. The Rust and Bone nominee went from long, sleek locks at the Globes to an A-line bob two weeks later at the SAGs thanks to the mid-awards-season haircut, something practically unheard of in Hollywood. To style the cut, Vetica created a deep side part and added an extra hairpiece to achieve the sharp line under her chin. "It was a '60s version of Barbra Streisand with a bit of fullness, but we made it work for present day with the sideswept bangs and part," says Vetica. In terms of product, Vetica doesn't use a lot, noting that the French beauty prefers to keep it simple: "I like Rene Furterer Volumea. It's weightless, doesn't leave any heavy residue and gives the perfect amount of volume."

Amy Adams’ 1970s Glam in ‘American Hustle’

WHEN: The David O. Russell-directed film opens in theaters Dec. 13.

WHY IT MATTERS: Adams' golden glow and voluminous hair are sure to have moviegoers embracing the Studio 54 era once again.

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT: Jouer Luminizing moisture tint in Bronzed

Christian Bale's greasy comb-over and Bradley Cooper's permed curls may be cringeworthy, but Adams' big, bouncy hair, shimmery eye shadows and golden skin in the upcoming crime dramedy are enviable. To transform Adams, 39, into Sydney Prosser, the duplicitous girlfriend of Bale's con man, Irving Rosenfeld, makeup department head Evelyne Noraz was inspired by issues of Cosmopolitan from the late '70s and early '80s as well as Helmut Newton and Guy Bourdin photographs. "When Sydney starts working at Cosmo, she copies the makeup on the magazine's covers," she says. As the movie progresses and Prosser's confidence mounts, her hair and makeup become sexier and more sophisticated and she sports a glowing tan, the epitome of beauty at that time (think Farrah Fawcett in Charlie's Angels). For Noraz, this presented a challenge — to make Adams' porcelain skin look believably bronze. The actress had weekly spray tans, which Noraz touched up on set using Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint, Guerlain Terracotta bronzing palette and Nars blush-bronzer powder duo. The result, in Noraz's words, was "chic, tan and glamorous."

Olivia Wilde’s Pretty in (Hot) Pink Lips

WHEN: Third Person premiere at Toronto Film Festival, Sept. 9

WHY IT MATTERS: Paired with her chartreuse dress, Wilde's hot-pink lips created a fresh, sophisticated combination.

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT: Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics' Lip Tar; L'Oreal Elnett hair spray

"Getting glam for these amazing photo shoots, events and parties is a big element of our business," says Wilde, 29, who has worked with makeup artist Melanie Inglessis and hairstylist Mara Roszak for more than three years. "Getting ready takes a huge amount of time. It shouldn't be torture." Wilde had an extra-busy year globe-trotting to promote Rush, Third Person, Drinking Buddies and The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, which meant Inglessis and Roszak had their work cut out for them to keep her looks innovative. One of the freshest moments of the year came at Toronto, where Wilde stepped out on the red carpet wearing a chartreuse Valentino dress, neon pink lips and sleek hair. "We had done the big premiere for Rush with a 1960s sexy hair and eyeliner, so we thought, 'Let's just do something really different,' " says Wilde. Those lips? Inglessis applied the bright Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics' Lip Tar in Anime to Wilde's mouth, a daring choice for an equally daring dress color. Says Roszak, "I knew that the hair needed to be strong but not competing." The hair pro, who also works with Emma Stone and Zoe Saldana, created a deep side part with plenty of shine, using L'Oreal Smooth Intense Frizz Taming Serum and Elnett hair spray for polish. Wilde says she didn't even need to sit in front of a mirror while getting ready because she trusts them completely. "I remember pushing Olivia to do a bold lip and bold eye, whereas you'd usually choose one," says Inglessis. "I told her, 'Trust me,' and she did."

Carey Mulligan’s ‘Great Gatsby’ Flair

WHEN: Baz Luhrmann's film, released May 10

Zoe Saldana’s Matching Nails and Lips

WHEN: Promoting Star Trek Into Darkness in Berlin, April 28

WHY IT MATTERS: Matchy-matchy never looked so au courant.

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT: Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Lip Colour in Portofino Red and Chanel nail polish in Lotus Rouge

A few years ago, the idea of anything too coordinated would have been a faux pas. But when Saldana, 35, showed up at a photocall for Star Trek with rich red lips and nails to match, that rule went out the window. Matching lips and tips suddenly was all the rage: Selena Gomez chose a pretty plum combination for MTV's VMAs, while Rihanna rocked a vampy oxblood pairing at Alexander Wang's Spring 2014 show afterparty during New York Fashion Week and nominee Elisabeth Moss wore an orangey-red lip and mani to the Emmys. Beauty companies also joined in — Givenchy and Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics launched matching lip-and-nail-color collections this fall. As for Saldana's longtime makeup artist, Vera Steimberg, she loves to put red on the actress but only will go for the coordinating nail polish if it makes sense with her outfit. In the case of Saldana's gray wool Calvin Klein crop top and skirt in Berlin, the pairing was a perfect 10.

Jennifer Lawrence in ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’

WHEN: For the movie, out Nov. 22

WHY IT MATTERS: Hair and makeup are used to heighten Jennifer Lawrence's dramatic transformation from fantasy bride to a glamorous symbol of defiance.

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT: Urban Decay eyelashes

Winged liner, faux lashes and a touch of sparkle make the onscreen metamorphosis of Lawrence's character Katniss Everdeen spectacular in the film's opening-ceremony scene. "I wanted the lashes to emulate the feathers of a mockingjay bird," says makeup department head Ve Neill (X-Men: Days of Future Past). After creating a clean base with Make Up for Ever foundation and MAC concealer, Neill amped up the look with Urban Decay Illuminating Cream ("It gives a radiant sheen"), coats of MAC Pro mascara and the lashes.

"I couldn't resist adding sparkle for the fairy-tale effect," notes Neill of lining the 23-year-old actress' under-eye area with Swarovski crystals. Hair department head Linda Flowers (Iron Man 2) incorporated the heroine's signature braid: "The dress was elaborate, so I kept the hair youthful — there are tiny braids woven into the updo." Flowers also tucked feathers from the gown into Lawrence's hair to pull it all together.

Keri Russell’s Fierce Imperfection

WHEN: PaleyFest panel for The Americans, Oct. 4

WHY IT MATTERS: The FX star makes 1980s-tastic style completely modern, beautiful and cool.

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT: Sephora Contour Eye Pencil in My Boyfriend's Jeans

A Russian spy living in 1981 suburban D.C. on The Americans, Russell's Elizabeth Jennings tries to stay under the radar with a look appropriate for a suburban mom of that era (hair worn down, smudgy mascara, heavy eyeliner, imperfect lipstick). Makeup department head Lori Hicks and hair department head Peg Schierholz make a point of softening the heavy-handedness associated with the '80s to keep it from distracting the audience. However, Russell, 37, is happy to give a nod to the decade. She wears Yves Saint Laurent felt-pen liner on- and off-set and says she feels fierce with it on: "It's my armor." For a PaleyFest panel, makeup artist Tina Turnbow defined the star's eyes with Sephora's electric-blue My Boyfriend's Jeans eye pencil, then smudged it for a smoky effect. "We were definitely channeling a touch of the '80s," says Turnbow. Adds Russell: "Tina, last-minute, said, 'Let me put a little blue in,' and normally I'm like, 'Ohh color,' but I loved it and thought it was really cool and tough." To bring the look to 2013, Turnbow kept the cheeks and lips minimal and added a hint of bronzer.

Natalie Portman’s Hepburn Homage

WHEN: The Dark World's Berlin premiere, Oct. 2

WHY IT MATTERS: Portman often channels Hollywood's most classic gamine; now she's perfecting the Audrey Hepburn look.

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT: Diorshow shadow (for eyes) and Pantene hair spray

For Thor: The Dark World's European press tour, Portman, 32, brought along her longtime makeup artist, Pati Dubroff, and hairstylist Danilo to create looks for London, Paris and Berlin. A Hepburn-esque moment at the German premiere was the clear standout. "It all comes back to the dress," says Dubroff of Portman's icy-blue Christian Dior Haute Couture organza gown (so pastel it appeared white in photos), which inspired them. To avoid looking bridal, Dubroff wanted "strength in the eye and brow." She lined Portman's eyes with a brown pencil ("grounding with Natalie's coloring," says Dubroff) and topped it with Diorshow Fusion Mono eye shadow in Cosmos, a shimmering blue-gray that complemented the dress. Danilo opted for a French twist, practical because of the hurricane-force winds in the area. He used Pantene hair spray to keep Portman's wavy hair straight. For a more contemporary feel, he created a deep side part to add a "boyish" touch. Notes Danilo, "It's streamlined, simplistic and modern."

Robin Wright’s Strategic Sophisticate

WHEN: Netflix's House of Cards, which debuted Feb. 1

WHY IT MATTERS: Wright makes the traditionally conservative role of politician's wife look stylish and desirable.

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT: MAC Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul

Although director David Fincher told Wright, 47, to envision Hillary Clinton as a character muse, the hair and makeup team decided to go another direction — a far cry from Clinton's '90s-era prim bob and headband. Instead, a polished, modern crop and minimal makeup have made Wright's Claire Underwood a real beauty inspiration. The New York Post recently named the sharp, unapologetically driven female anti-hero "TV's most elegant woman." Hair department head Sean Flanigan repeatedly hears female friends talk about taking their cues from the character: "Claire's look is strong yet still very feminine," notes Flanigan. "I also think there's something freeing about a shorter cut." Underwood's controlled personality shines through in the makeup, done by department head Tricia Sawyer, in neutral beiges and browns (MAC eye shadows in Cork, Bamboo and Charcoal Brown) and soft peach shades. Sawyer brightens the cheeks with MAC's Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul: "It's the fastest pick-me-up." Although there are changes as the second season goes into production (Fincher has departed, and Wright is taking a turn directing, as will co-star Kevin Spacey and guest director Jodie Foster), Claire fans anticipate her stylish return early next year.

Jessica Alba’s Orange Lips

WHEN: The Golden Globe Awards, Jan. 13

WHY IT MATTERS: An unexpected beauty move delivered the best look of the night and made coral-orange lips the "it" color.

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT: Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick

The inspiration for Alba's bold lip was her strapless melon-hued Oscar de la Renta mermaid gown. Much like the dress, the makeup needed to be "classic with a touch of something unexpected," says Avon Global Celebrity makeup artist Lauren Andersen. For a "warm and glowy" complexion, Andersen used tinted moisturizer, a light dusting of rose pink Hourglass blush and a soft neutral eye palette of espresso liner and sand shadow. "With the rest of the face soft and pretty, her lips were ready to take on all of the focus," says Andersen, who painted Alba's pout vibrant orange with Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Riviera, a long-wearing matte lipstick. Her Globes moment ignited the year's citrus-hued lipstick frenzy on the red carpet (worn by Drew Barrymore, Selena Gomez and Bella Thorne) and on the spring 2014 runways (spotted at Prabal Gurung, Rag & Bone, DKNY). Says Andersen: "It's fun to be experimental with beauty, and a bold lip is an easy way to play." Speaking of playing, Alba and Andersen have known each other since their early teens, when they staged photo shoots from Caboodles kits full of makeup. Says Alba, 32, "We would go to the mall [where] every color eye shadow was glittery. It was like a budget version of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Glitter everywhere! [Working with Andersen] feels like that, just fun."

Michelle Williams’ Edgy Cut

WHEN: Oz the Great and Powerful London premiere, Feb. 28; Costume Institute Gala, May 6

WHY IT MATTERS: Williams channeled Marilyn Monroe in 2012, but this year she added edge with a punky pixie that set off a trend.

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day

When Hollywood stars need to shake things up, they go to Chris McMillan, the man behind one of the most iconic haircuts of all time (Jennifer Aniston's "Rachel"). Says McMillan, who counts Aniston and Miley Cyrus as regulars at his Beverly Hills salon: "I'm not Jen Garner's day-to-day hairdresser, but when she needs a big change or bangs for a role, she calls me." Longtime client Williams, 33, whose hair has been a variation of a pixie since she debuted the style in 2010 at Cannes (thanks to a McMillan cut), told the hair pro she was ready for a return to long locks. Instead of letting the hair grow out in an even way, McMillan decided to give it an edgy vibe with a slightly messy, asymmetrical cut in February ("It's pop punk," he says). Since then, the uneven cut has appeared on Kelly Ripa, Rita Ora and Nicole Richie. When McMillan trims hair, he uses a dime-size amount of Living Proof Perfect Hair Day as a primer: "If hair is bleached, it makes it look healthy," he notes. McMillan jokingly dismisses the idea that Williams actually will return to a longer style anytime soon: "I already cut her hair off like Mia Farrow, but we'll be doing Jean Seberg next time. I love Michelle with short hair."

Beyonce’s Sleek Sophistication

WHEN: The 55th Annual Grammy Awards, Feb. 10

WHY IT MATTERS: Mrs. Carter's classic red lips and low ponytail trumped the evening's overdone antics.

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT: Hourglass lipstick in Femme Rouge Icon

Makeup artist Francesca Tolot and hairstylist Ty Hunter knew there would be outrageous looks aplenty on music's biggest night (Miley's spiky platinum 'do and tongue, anyone?), so they opted to go the elegant route with a crimson lip and a modern, low, center-parted ponytail to complement the 32-year-old singer's black-and-white jumpsuit. Before applying Hourglass lipstick in Femme Rouge Icon (a best-seller for the L.A.-based brand), Tolot lined Beyonce's lips with a similar-shade pencil and tapped on translucent powder to help prevent feathering. "The lip was bold, but we kept everything else simple," says Tolot. "Intense makeup would have taken away from the whole graphic effect."

Nicole Kidman’s Cannes Braids

WHEN: Cannes Film Festival, May

WHY IT MATTERS: Kidman elevated braids from girlie to glamour.

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT: L'Oreal EverCreme Nourishing Masque

Un, deux, trois: It was a plaited triple-take for the juror, who wore a series of stylish braids during the 66th Cannes Film Festival. With the help of L'Oreal Paris hairstylist John Nollet (clients include Audrey Tautou and Vanessa Paradis), Kidman, 46, had the Internet buzzing over her breezy look — photos posted on Nollet's Facebook page garnered more than 73,000 likes. The Grace of Monaco actress kicked off the film fest with a loosely woven braid incorporated into a side ponytail and secured with a black ribbon. That was followed by what Nollet called "cinnamon roll braids," a low, off-center bun with a swirl of braids (her hair plus an added piece) at the Venus in Fur premiere. For the closing ceremony, Kidman went with an elaborately braided updo, which included a mix of large and small braids that Nollet dubbed "a bird's nest braid." Tres chic.

January Jones’ Avant-Garde Punk

WHEN: Costume Institute Gala, May 6

WHY IT MATTERS: Jones' penchant for red-carpet risk-taking meant that, unlike more shy attendees at this year's punk Met Gala, she showed the world how impactful the outlaw look can be.

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT: Chanel eyeshadow in Mirifique

This year's Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala theme, "PUNK: Chaos to Couture," had Hollywood's glam squads pushing their creative boundaries. Wella celebrity hairstylist Andy Lecompte and Chanel celebrity makeup artist Rachel Goodwin created one of the night's edgiest looks on client Jones. "The Met Ball is the one event of the year where you can be 100 percent artistic and take the most risk," says Jones. Goodwin used Siouxsie Sioux as inspiration, creating angular black areas on the inner and outer eyes with Chanel shadow in Mirifique, adding a top note of Swarovski crystals. For the hair, Lecompte had Jones, 35, lie face-down on the bed in her hotel room while he braided sections all over the head and gathered them into a mohawk shape. Punk-inspired looks weren't limited to the Met Gala: Makeup artist Kate Lee painted a deep-berry smoky eye on Rooney Mara for the New York Film Festival closing-night gala Oct. 12, and hairstylist Chris McMillan gave Jennifer Aniston an edgy tight side-braid for the Guys Choice Awards on June 8. "We absolutely saw more punk this year," says Goodwin. "I think January is punk in her essence."

Jessica Chastain’s Old Hollywood Glam

WHEN: The Oscars, Feb. 24

WHY IT MATTERS: The actress earned top marks for her retro red lips and sideswept auburn locks that coordinated with her coppery Armani couture.

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT: Yves Saint Laurent Couture Pur Mat lipstick

It was classic, yes, but there also was an element of risk to Chastain's Oscar style: The 36-year-old nominee wore a dress that closely matched her hair, then threw in an extra dose of fire with a bold red YSL lip. It paid off, as critics loved the result (The Los Angeles Times called it her "best red-carpet look yet"). "Jessica wanted Hollywood glam, meaning cheekbones, lashes and lips," says makeup artist Kristofer Buckle, who worked with hairstylist Renato Campora (those Veronica Lake waves!) to create Chastain's dramatic beauty. For the focal point — the crimson lips — Buckle sampled several shades before settling on the matte Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur in Rouge Rock, which he layered for a more intense result. "Jessica has a full lip that's perfect for deep colors," says Buckle, who also has created bombshell moments for clients Blake Lively and Christina Aguilera.

Charlize Theron’s Textured Crop

WHEN: Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts opening gala, Oct. 17

WHY IT MATTERS: Theron proves hair can be stylish while growing in.

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT: Elnett hair spray

It's the year of the pixie, but Theron's in the process of growing hers out after shaving her head for the sci-fi flick Mad Max: Fury Road (out in 2014). For the star-studded Annenberg fete, hairstylist Enzo Angileri wanted the 38-year-old actress' slightly longer crop to look "wavy and effortless" to complement her minimal makeup. "I love shorter hair that's sexy with some flair," says Angileri, who dried Theron's naturally wavy hair before smoothing the ends with a round brush and applying hair spray at the roots ("never on the ends," he says) for a hint of volume and all-night staying power. "We're still deciding what to do with Charlize's hair, but we keep trimming it to give it shape while it's growing," says Angileri. "It also doesn't hurt that she's anatomically perfect and the side profile always looks beautiful."

Jennifer Lopez’s ‘Bronde’ Locks

WHEN: Chime for Change concert in London, June 1

WHY IT MATTERS: Lopez coined a new color.

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT: Redken Color Gloss

A-list colorist Tracey Cunningham sets the tone for tresses — she made ombre (a darker top that fades to lighter ends) wildly popular with Drew Barrymore and Jessica Biel. So it's no surprise that when longtime client Lopez, 44, asked to shake things up, Cunningham created an entirely new hue that she dubbed "bronde" (a brown-blond hybrid). "Jennifer wanted to go darker but also stay light at the same time," says Cunningham, a Redken color consultant and co-owner of Meche salon in Beverly Hills. "She's light naturally, so a darker base and highlights really made the combined colors pop." Other actresses who've experimented with the shade include Natalie Portman, Jessica Alba and Lauren Conrad. Whether brondes have more fun depends on how much time you're willing to spend getting ready in the morning. "It's not for wash-and-go girls," advises Cunningham. "The coloring is dramatic and can be overpowering if you're not wearing makeup or sparks of color in your outfit."

Kate Hudson’s Grown-up Nail Art

WHEN: The Breast Cancer Research Foundation's Hot Pink Party in New York, April 17; Tiffany & Co.'s Blue Book Ball, April 18

WHY IT MATTERS: Hudson's chic geometric-style manicure proved that nail art can be grown-up.

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT: Essie Topless and Barefoot nail polish; TenOverTen Reade nail polish

Nail art isn't going anywhere; if in doubt, just search the term on Pinterest. But the trend has evolved from cute (hello, Zooey Deschanel bow-ties mani) to geometric patterns seen on stars including Kate Hudson, Kerry Washington and Kate Mara. Hudson, 34, was one of the first to wear a chic chevron style on her digits. While visiting New York City'sTenOverTen salon, manicurist Lorena Jara helped the actress select her polish colors: Essie's Topless and Barefoot (a soft beige pink) for the V-shape at the tip of the nail and the salon's TenOverTen Reade polish (a dark charcoal gray) for the rest of the nail. Salon co-owner Nadine Abramcyk says the two-tone chevron — inspired by a classic French manicure — "is sophisticated nail art." She adds that it's the perfect option for women who aren't in their20s and want something appropriate for both the office and a night out, or if you're Hudson, for back-to-back red-carpet events.

Shailene Woodley’s Grown-up Glamour

WHEN: Elle Women in Hollywood event, Oct. 21

WHY IT MATTERS: A layered pixie cut and elegant makeup transformed her from girl next door to leading lady.

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT: 100% Pure Tinted Moisturizer

The rising star surprised fans when she arrived at the Elle soiree with a much shorter do. The pixie, which was cut on set for her role as a cancer patient in The Fault in Our Stars, drew all eyes to Woodley's visage and her clean, sophisticated makeup. "It's all about her face right now," says makeup artist Gloria Noto, who met Woodley, 21, in 2011 during The Descendants promotional tour and bonded over their love of organic beauty. Living Libations,RMS Beauty ("the Luminizer is my go-to for glow," says Noto) and 100% Pure are a few of their favorite brands; they've also gone extremely au naturale, using beets as a lip stain for the 2012 Golden Globes. "A flawless foundation was key," says Noto of Woodley's new look. She applied a fruit-pigmented moisturizer in Golden Peach by 100% Pure. AddsWoodley, whose starring role in the adaptation of YA book trilogy Divergent could propel her into Jennifer Lawrence territory: "Light, simple and very classy is kind of our M.O."

Claire Danes’ Faux Bob

WHEN: The 65th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, Sept. 22

WHY IT MATTERS: Danes' shorter hairdo generated buzz by making Emmy viewers ask, "Did she or didn't she cut it?

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT: John Frieda Frizz-Ease 100% Shine Glossing Mist

The night before the Emmys, Homeland's leading lady shared a snapshot of her down-to-there Armani Prive gown with her longtime hairstylist, Peter Butler. Danes' directive was "thinking hair up." Butler, knowing Danes, 34, was craving a change in the midst of her shooting schedule and new baby craziness, decided on a classic bob: "I didn't ask her on Sunday, I just went for it," says Butler. "It was quick and polished." Using John Frieda products, Butler applied anti-frizz mousse at the roots before blow-drying, then added serum to keep Danes' locks smooth while he curled and pinned them into place. A spritz of John Frieda Shine Spray gave it a glossy finish. Long story short: Hollywood's leading ladies favor the pinned-up style because it changes their appearance without permanence — Emma Watson, Freida Pinto and Nicole Kidman all faked it on the red carpet in 2013. It's a clever "cut" for actresses who have to maintain longer hair for a role but want to play a chameleon on the red carpet.

Hollywood’s Milkmaid Braids Bonanza

WHO: Adele, Katy Perry, Kate Bosworth

WHY IT MATTERS: After last year's ballerina bunheads, this year's updo of choice got a hip, edgy update with the milkmaid braid.

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT: Oribe Dry Texture Spray

Hairstylist Nathaniel Hawkins responded to Adele's request for something different for the 25-year-old's first public appearance in the U.S. since the Oscars with a milkmaid braid, which the overwhelming majority of her fans adored. "I was surprised how quickly it became a story and how much people were talking about it on social media," says Hawkins, who used Oribe Dry Texture Spray to "create roughness in the hair and a matte finish, which makes it look cooler and edgier." Others who have tried the trend include Katy Perry, 29, at her Berlin fragrance launch in September and Kate Bosworth, 30, at Vanity Fair's Oscar party in February. Like Hawkins, Jen Atkin, the hairstylist who did Perry's updo, made sure the style wasn't too perfect or precious by letting some pieces escape the braid. "It has that good-girl-gone-bad feeling," says Atkin, who then references last year's big trend: "These braids are great for girls who are over having their hair in a bun."

Minka Kelly’s Jackie O

WHEN: For Lee Daniels' The Butler, released Aug. 5

WHY IT MATTERS: Transforming Kelly's coloring resulted in a Jackie O take that is the freshest yet.

MUST-HAVE PRODUCT: Make Up For Ever Hi-Def foundation

In a long line of actresses who have played Jacqueline Kennedy, including most recently Katie Holmes and Ginnifer Goodwin, how does a bombshell (known for Marilyn Monroe-esque lingerie spreads in Esquire and GQ) like Kelly fare? Very well. The film's director Lee Daniels was incredibly "hands-on with hair and makeup," says makeup department head Debra Denson. Each day, he would check his actors and extras to make sure the hair and makeup fit the time period. To transform Kelly, 33, into a ladylike, sophisticated Mrs. Kennedy, Denson wanted to bring the actress' natural olive skin tone closer to the first lady's porcelain complexion. "I went as light as possible," says Denson, who used Make Up For Ever Hi-Def foundation ("I blended two to three shades to get a perfect match") and DermaBlend loose translucent powder. Denson also darkened Kelly's thick arched brows. A bouffant was crucial to obtaining the desired look. Hair department head Candace Neal studied photos of the Kennedys' years in the White House ("I wanted to match the color as closely as possible to Jackie's," says Neal) before deciding on the chestnut hue and commissioning wig maker Natascha Ladek (Gravity) to create it. For volume, Neal styled the wig with extra-large hair rollers and used a curling iron for on-set touch-ups.