The Best Beauty Moments From Celebs Over 40 In 2026 (So Far)

Every year, fans scour the internet to see what looks our fave celebs have rocked on and off the red carpet, and 2026 did not disappoint. The past trends have favored minimalist beauty, but these days, it's all about going big and bold when it comes to makeup, hairstyles, and nail art. We've gotten so much inspiration so far, with awards shows and the Met Gala behind us, and it's not just Gen Z who are upping the bar. Plenty of stars over 40 have stunned while posing for the cameras, which only proves that their beauty game gets better with age.

We love it when 40+ women experiment with different looks, as it just shows how fearless they are when it comes to trying new trends. There are no rules that state folks need to ditch glitter or bright colors after reaching a certain age. We believe beauty should be all about having fun, and these best beauty moments of 2026 feature celebs who do just that.

Anne Hathaway usually keeps it simple when it comes to her makeup, and it totally works for her prominent features. While an overload of shadow can be overwhelming on the "Devil Wears Prada" star's almond-shaped eyes, her makeup artist created the perfect daytime smoky eye for the 2026 Met Gala. With just a hint of black liner smudged on Hathaway's bottom lids, perfectly blended rosy blush, and matte pink lipstick, the whole effect was simply angelic. Who needs filters when your makeup is executed so flawlessly?

Queen Latifah was the queen of rap in the '90s, so it wasn't surprising she showed up with a throwback hairstyle while hosting the 2026 American Music Awards. The high ponytail was everywhere during that decade, and the "U.N.I.T.Y." singer brought the nostalgia with her super-sleek version. You can achieve the perfect power ponytail by tying your hair at the crown of your head and securing it further by wrapping a section of your strands around the base, just like Queen Latifah. And don't forget loads of hairspray to get rid of any flyaways.

With the 2026 Met Gala theme being "Costume Art," Naomi Watts not only understood the assignment, but she also completed it with high marks. The "Mulholland Drive" star went with a floral theme, wearing a black Dior gown with 3-D flowers and nails to match. It was her manicure that tied the whole look together, and the nail technician, Iram Shelton, shared on Instagram that it took her over five hours to create the set. It was definitely well worth it, as the mani was a work of art that stole the show.

Carrie Coon unveiled her fresh pixie in 2025, and it looks like it's here to stay for a while. While at the 2026 Tony Awards, the "White Lotus" star rocked a slightly longer version of the 'do, with the bangs long enough to flip upwards into messy curls. It was the perfect way to style a pixie cut for any occasion, and Coon managed to make hers look elegant and edgy at the same time. If you're on the fence about going short, this look is sure to persuade you to go pixie or go home.

When it comes to red carpet looks, Beyoncé always turns heads, and she didn't disappoint at the Met Gala this year. Her bejeweled headdress and gown were utterly eye-catching, but they didn't distract us from the "Crazy in Love" singer's gorgeous makeup. From the shimmery shadow to the bright pink blush placed high on her cheekbones, Beyoncé's face shone just as bright as her attire. The rosy palette perfectly complemented all the silver surrounding her, with just enough sheen to bring out her features.

Rose Byrne stunned with her flawlessly applied red lipstick at the opening night of the Broadway play "Fallen Angels," but her equally bright blush just took her makeup game to another level. While the combo may seem a bit overboard on paper, it somehow worked on Byrne's porcelain skin. Instead of looking garish, the blush was placed high enough on her cheekbones to create some space from the red lip, making the effect more modern. Just a hint of silvery shimmer on her lids and some mascara were enough to complete her pre-show look.

Paris Hilton is known for her waist-length blond hair, which is why she turned heads when she showed up at the Grammy Awards this year with a lob styled in classic waves. The DJ sported a deep side part, with the front part of her hair slicked back, while the sides were carefully arranged into a flirty flip. It was quite a departure from Hilton's beachy California look, but it suited her glamorous black gown, worn with a matching sparkly choker. Trust the "Stars Are Blind" singer to make an entrance with her ever-changing style.