Golden Globes 2012: The best in beauty

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Thankfully there were no pageant style up dos or fried and fake-looking extensions (or tans for that matter) at Sunday night’s Golden Globes. Statement makeup was at a minimum, though it was hard to miss Angelina Jolie’s deep red pout, which picked up on the sharp red accent at the neckline of her white Versace gown.

The night’s biggest beauty trends were seen in the hair styles, including the fuss-free ponytails sported by Amanda Peet, Julianna Margulies, Nicole Richie, Rooney Mara and Meryl Streep. The sleek and simple look was a good partner for a complicated or bold gown like the one Gellar wore and also provided some added insurance against frizz or flat hair given the forecast of rain.

The ponytails ranged from simple and clean (Gellar) to teased and high (Richie) as well as a little disheveled (Streep).

Richie’s poofed-up ponytail gave her slinky, silver Julien Macdonald gown a 1960s Bond Girl feel, in fact the ‘60s beauty look was a bit of a theme throughout, also seen in Zooey Deschanel’s eyelash-grazing bangs and black liquid liner cat eye as well as Michelle Williams’ cropped pixie cut topped off with jeweled black headband from Fred Leighton.

William’s headband hair accessory provided a nice contrast to her blond locks and added some oomph to her understated blue velvet Jason Wu dress. Charlize Theron chose a headband as well, but in a pale pink shade to match her stunning Dior gown. Theron’s ‘20s style Cartier headband kept the actresses look soft and romantic, while still bringing the drama and charm we expect from the red carpet vet. Her side swept chignon was also a nice touch and refreshing alternative to the standard style that’s usually situated at the back of the head.

Emma Stone and Kate Winslet also had an easy, side swept bun, making for a flattering style that looks much less “done” than the run of the mill up do.

Then there were the stars who abandoned the bobby pins and extra-hold hair spray all together and opted for classic Southern California-inspired beachy waves. Reese Witherspoon, Madonna, Salma Hayek, Jessica Biel, and Tina Fey all wore their hair down, loose and with a natural-looking wave running through it. No corkscrew curls or obvious rows of extensions here. And for the Golden Globes, generally thought of as the laid-back and relaxed cousin to the Oscars, that style feels just about right.

--Melissa Magsaysay

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Golden Globes 2012: Ponytails rule the red carpet

Photos:

Top left: Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar arrives at the 69th Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Sunday in Beverly Hills. (Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Top right: Nicole Richie poses on the red carpet at the Golden Globes. (Chris Pizzello/AP)

Middle left: Charlize Theron arrives at the 69th Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Sunday.

Middle right: Actress Michelle Williams. Credit: Jason Merritt / Getty Images.

Bottom left: Actress Zooey Deschanel arrives at NBC Universal’s 69th Golden Globe Awards after party at the Beverly Hilton hotel on Sunday. (Photo by Mark Davis/Getty Images)

Actress Jessica Biel arrives at the 69th Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)