Midlife beauty at the Venice Film Festival
Some of the best hair and makeup moments, hot off the red carpet.
Ciao, tutti!
Happy Friday, and a big welcome to those who’ve joined us since the six month anniversary post on Tuesday!
We’re wrapping up the week with a special red carpet report from the 81st Venice International Film Festival, which got underway yesterday.
The sun shone as the stars arrived at Venice Lido in their private water taxis for the one week festival, which runs until next Saturday, 7 September. Some of the hair and makeup looks were reminiscent of those seen earlier this year at Cannes and the MET - think beachy waves, undone updo’s and red lips (although, no sign of the slicked back, heavily wet-gelled trend).
Angelina’s red lips
Hot on the heels of the announcement that Tom Ford Beauty has tapped Angelina Jolie as the face of its new Runway Lip Color, the actress wore the lipstick for the Venice Film Festival world premiere of her upcoming movie, Maria.
Fittingly, since Angelina stars as opera diva Maria Callas in Pablo Larrian’s film, her makeup artist, Raoul Alejandre, applied the new formula—which launches next month—in 16 Scarlet Rouge.
The famous Jolie brows were enhanced with the help of Tom Ford Brow Sculptor in Blonde (a dual-ended brow groomer, already part of the range).
This is a great example of how going lighter with a brow colour can give the most natural-looking results (I’ve mentioned my love for Laura Mercier’s incredible Eyebrow Pencil in Ash Blonde before, and the fact that the shade is often sold out is telling).
As with opting for black/brown over black mascara, it can look so much softer.
French film icon Isabelle Huppert is the festival’s Jury President this year.
How incredible does she look in her Balenciaga gown (from the 2021 collection)?
Just stunning.
Love her makeup, too - Isabelle revealed on Instagram yesterday that the look was created using Charlotte Tilbury products.
Did someone say SEA SALT SPRAY?! The loosely pulled back style - tousled and undone - would work just as well with jeans and a t-shirt, as it did with Isabelle’s couture gown and a stack of Cartier bracelets.
But this might be my fave shot: coffee + shades
Speaking of 🕶️
Nicole Kidman posed in a high pony and shades at the Lido yesterday.
Also, NAILS!
We are coming back to nail in a post VERY SOON. (Much to say on this!)
While she pulled out all the glamour stops for the red carpet, I loved Eva Herzigová’s look here (the hair! The glossy jeans! Those shades!).
Cate Blanchett arrives to a screening on the water.
Veteran makeup artist Mary Greenwell is in Venice wielding her brushes for Cate, using Armani Beauty products (her hair colour is the handiwork of British super-colourist Nicola Clarke).
For the opening night of the festival, Mary chose a natural, beautifully polished look to complement Cate’s gorgeous Armani gown (those pearls!).
Cate’s soft rosy blush came courtesy of Armani’s Luminous Silk Glow Blush, in Shade 10.
Mary defined Cate’s eyes with the Smooth Silk Eye Pencil in Shade 12.
The glossy nude lip colour is Armani Lip Power in Shade 103.
More great beauty moments
Sigourney Weaver, pictured with French actress Camille Cottin, received the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement last night.
Camille shows how an off-centre part can be a fab softer option, with the addition of a few well-placed waves.
Shine won over matte.
Monica Bellucci teamed smoky eyes and glam lashes with a glossy nude lip.
Love her mid-length, softly face-framing layers, too.
Girls on film
This reel captures the sunshine, shades and industry vibes yesterday (love the Sofia Coppola cameo).
See you next week! Thank you for reading, and hitting ❤️ below posts - it makes a HUGE difference in helping others find The Midlife Beauty Edit. I appreciate it so much.
"Buon fine settimana!" Happy weekend!
ICYMI: more red carpet editions of The Midlife Beauty Edit
Taking a water taxi to our hotel was soooo fun! I can’t wait to return to Venice someday
I love Cate’s natural look with that gorgeous dress. The film festival was ending as we arrived in Italy last year. Would be fun to be there during this time.