Look at any of Elle Fanning’s red carpet beauty moments, and you’ll realise one thing: the now 22-year-old actress has a knack for a period look. “I look at photos, and I looked the same when I was 11,” Fanning said as marie claire Australia’s June 2020 cover star. “I’m told I have a very period face. I don’t know what that means. I probably will be 35 and people will still go, Awww!”
From a perfectly mastered cat-eye and red lip combo to daring glitter concealer and her signature whispy blush, there’s no denying Elle Fanning has mastered the art of red carpet beauty. It’s not just Fanning’s ability to turn out on the red carpet though, with her film appearances boasting the same grandeur for beauty too.
Take her most recent project, The Great, which she’s also co-producing. Created and written by The Favourite co-writer Tony McNamara, the dark comedy is “wacky and raunchy”, as Fanning says, and is already filled with 18th-century beauty inspiration even the original Catherine the Great would be envious of. While we have to wait until May 15 to watch that new series drop, we’ve rounded up some of Fanning’s most iconic red carpet beauty moments to date.
Below, Elle Fanning’s most memorable beauty moments:
RELATED: Why Elle Fanning Is About To Become Your Next Obsession
The Roads Not Taken Premiere, February 2020
Fanning appeared at the 70th Berlinale International Film Festival, and while her black fishtail gown was noteworthy enough, it was her beauty look that really stole the show. Featuring a sleek faux bob, diamond hair clip rounded out with a perfect cat eye and fox shaped eyelashes. Fanning also added in her signature pale pink blush and matching lip.
The Roads Not Taken Photocall, February 2020
Once again pictured at the 70th Berlinale International Film Festival, Fanning opted for a no-makeup look for her photocall.
The London Critics’ Film Awards, January 2020
Fanning attended the London Critics’ Circle Film Awards at The May Fair Hotel, choosing a bold glitter eye to match her delicate Chopard jewellery. The actress paired this with a simple updo and subtle rosy lip to let her showstopping jewellery shine.
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Photocall, October 2019
When you star alongside Angelina Jolie, you know a red carpet showstopper is a must. For the Maleficent: Mistress of Evil photocall, Fanning stuck to her signature cat-eye with a light eyeshadow to match her elegant Giorgio Armani Privé seafoam green gown, combining it with dewy skin and a glossy lip.
GQ Men Of The Year Awards, September 2019
Fanning went for a sultry makeup look to attend the GQ Men Of The Year Awards at Tate Modern in London. The actress pulled her blonde hair into a sleek bun to highlight her deep pink lipstick, rose blush and winged liner. The entire look matched perfectly with her Dolce & Gabbana gown.
Giffoni Film Festival, July 2019
Fanning went for boho elegance at the Giffoni Film Festival in Italy. The Teen Spirit star styled her hair with 70’s inspired waves, with perfectly pared back makeup – featuring a light brown shadow and pink lipstick.
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, May 2019
Fanning attended the screening of Once Upon A Time In Hollywood at the 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival in France in a Dior ensemble, a look that would be fit for a modern-day Grace Kelly. The Old Hollywood inspiration didn’t stop at the ensemble, it trickled into Fanning’s hair and makeup – perched under a black wide-brimmed macramé hat.
Chopard Party, May 2019
The Maleficent star attended the Chopard Party during the 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival and opted for a different look than we’d seen before. A heavy glitter eye was matched with Fanning’s blush and bright pink gown, letting her incredible Chopard jewels shine. Fanning finished off the look with a perfectly tousled messy bun.
Les Miserables Premiere, May 2019
Fanning embodied her Princess Aurora character in a gorgeous floral gown while arriving at the Les Miserables premiere during the Cannes Film Festival. The actress wore a stunning Valentino Haute Couture jacquard dress with rose rampage and pistachio lace encrustations. Her beauty look elevated the look, added little roses throughout her plaited hairstyle for the evening.
The Dead Don’t Die, May 2019
Perhaps one of Fanning’s most iconic beauty looks to date. The Cannes Film Festival jury member wore Chopard jewellery and custom Gucci to attend the opening ceremony and chose an elegant beauty look to let her jewellery take centre stage. A bold red lip was paired with a subtle eyeshadow sheen, complimented by Fanning’s sleek side-parted bun.
Met Gala, May 2019
The actress stepped out for the 2019 Met Gala (the theme was Camp: Notes On Fashion) in a brightly coloured Miu Miu ensemble, complete with the most extra nail art imaginable. Fanning matched her accessories to her manicure, with individual charms hanging from each nail – including an order of fries. She finished the entire look off with winged eyeliner, pastel eyeshadow, and bubblegum pink lipstick — not to mention a flawless high ponytail with zero strands out of place.
Teen Spirit Special Screening, April 2019
Elle Fanning attended a special screening of Bleecker Street’s Teen Spirit in a look even Blair Waldorf would envy. The actress wore a pink bow headband holding back her blonde tresses, matched with perfectly dewy skin and light dusting of eyeshadow.
Galveston Premiere, September 2018
In Deauville, France, Fanning attended a red carpet event with a daring sequined gown. She kept to her signature clean skin, cat-eye combo, but added in a beautiful bow hairstyle held together with a beautiful blue bow.
InStyle Awards, October 2017
Bangs, bold green eyeshadow and strong liner give way to the ultimate 70s beauty look, as demonstrated perfectly by Fanning at the InStyle Awards held at the Getty Centre.
Miu Miu Cruise Collection Show, July 2017
Decked out in Miu Miu, Fanning attended the fashion house’s Cruise Collection show as part of Haute Couture Paris Fashion Week. Her flawless complexion stole the show with this look, paired perfectly with light pink gloss and filled in brows. Of course, Fanning opted for a rosy blush to complete the ensemble.
70th Annual Cannes Film Festival, May 2017
Whoever said blue eyeliner should stay in the 90s clearly hadn’t seen Elle Fanning’s stunning Cannes Film Festival look. The actress went bold for the red carpet event, keeping things simple with a sleek blowdry and pink lips.
SAINT LAURENT At The Palladium, February 2016
Fanning looks like she could have stumbled right out of Studio 54 with this glitter look. The actress was following the rocker guidelines, matching her sequinned dress to her bold eyeshadow – which, also happened to be matched with sister Dakota Fanning’s too.
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