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The 2011 Academy Awards took place Sunday, and it while stars are always asked in the pre-game festivities who they’re wearing, no one ever asks, “who did your makeup?” This year’s Oscars had some truly stunning dresses- many of which were on host Anne Hathaway- but the red carpet saw some pretty amazing makeup looks, too. Here are five of the most impressive from last night’s show.

1.) Anne Hathaway: The youngest ever Oscars host, Anne Hathaway managed to exude a total Old Hollywood vibe throughout her many costume changes. Most show-stopping was the first look she sported on the red carpet, featuring creamy matte skin, defined brows and lips stained red. Anastasia’s Brow Powder Duo in Brunette/Dark Brown will suffice for similarly glam brows. For lips, apply a matte, true red like NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Vesuvio, and blot. And blot again.

2.) Reese Witherspoon: As always, Reese Witherspoon looked perfect, demure and a little retro with her ponyfall. (Hopefully, ponyfalls will get a Q rating boost now.) Her combed back updo allowed her mostly-neutral face to take center stage, with a hint of bronzer, a nude lip and assertive liner. MAC’s Fresh Brew lipstick is a pretty neutral that won’t wash out most skin tones, and L’Oreal Paris Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner in Carbon Black is a bit more foolproof than liquid with a brush for this look.

3.) Gwyneth Paltrow: Gwyneth had a bit of a 70s vibe going with an all-white ensemble set off with pin straight hair and a tan. Smashbox Bronze Lights Bronzer comes in two shades and will give you a Gwyneth-esque glow, and Lipstick Queen’s Pink Sinner is long-lasting but subtle to offset sun-kissed skin.

4.) Amy Adams: At the Oscars last night, it’s like Amy Adams invented fresh-faced chic. Her blue eyes were played up with a smoky look, and rosy cheeks and pink lips gave her a formal, but not overdone vibe. Stila Smudge Pots in Black Cat lend an almost steely-black liner look, and Givenchy Blush Gelee in Candide Pink is pigmented but blendable. Yves St. Laurent Gloss Pur in Pure Redcurrant is a good, natural reddish pink for this look.

5.) Sandra Bullock: A year after her big win for The Blind Side, Sandra Bullock looked like Hollywood royalty in a stunning red frock and matching clutch. If Sandra’s look was your favorite, a dewy foundation like Clinique’s Superbalanced is creamy but not powdery, and Guerlain’s KissKiss in Flushy Beige merges a rose hue with a berry one for a nearly-red lip.

Which look from the 2011 Academy Awards was your favorite? Who had the best makeup on the red carpet?

One of the biggest cosmetic trends for Spring 2011 is vivid, colorful makeup. You know, intense shades you fall in love with when they’re in the pan- the ones that often become intimidating when they land on your vanity table. Quite often, even the most shocking hues can be wearable even for work or to brunch with a light hand and some balance. Here are six gorgeous, vibrant shades for Spring 2011.

1.) Benefit Bella Bamba: I’ve been a fan of this Benefit mini-line since it hit shelves (gasp!) over eight years ago in Dandelion. The generous size, the adorable mini brush, the mirror- these little powders are always so much fun to open. 70s glam packaging encases a vibrant shade described as “watermelon” and interlaced with gold shimmer. This blush would pair beautifully with bronzer or work well alone on fairer skin tones.

2.) Hourglass Aura Sheer Cheek Stain in Flush: If you’re not feeling powders for an intense cheek shade, or you’re trying to cultivate a dewier complexion, Hourglass has these saturated, sheer stains for cheeks. Described as providing a “subtle lit-from-within glow,” Aura Sheer Cheek Stain clicks up to dispense product, and is buildable for more color.

3.) MAC Eye Shadow in Zingy: Although it seems eyes are an area in which you can be a bit more creative with color, bright eye shadows can make even the deftest shadow users apprehensive. Zingy is a pure, matte sea blue, and there’s a trick that makes a shade like this eminently wearable. Brush a neutral shimmer shade over lids, and at the outer corner, touch in three dots of your selected bright shade very close together with a medium, flat-ish brush. Tap the brush in to diffuse the shadow- the small, unadulterated pop of color at the edges looks a little edgy without too much intensity. Finish with a coat of mascara, and an optional super-thin application of black kohl at the lashline only.

4.) Sephora by OPI Glee Collection in Slushied: An opaque, true turquoise- all the shades are springy, but this is a very bold option for a clean and bright nail look.

5.) Laura Mercier Lip Stain in Classic Red: Red popsicle stains are a bit of a perennial, and though a matte red lip is always chic, a sheerer gloss feels somewhat more appropriate as warmer weather rolls in. This glossy, balmy red stain adjusts to most skin tones and is longer lasting than a simple gloss.

6.) Givenchy Printed Lips Tinted Look Lip Stainer: Felt tip products can be hit or miss- some go on watery and meek, leaving too little color that settles awkwardly. This “richly pigmented” formulation in Rose Impression is both realistic and enduring. The color goes on matte, and you can finish with a thin coat of moisturizing balm to set off the color.

Do you have any super-colorful secret weapons? What’s your most vibrant go-to shade?

Get the Look: 2011 Academy Awards Makeup Breakdown

Six Super-Wearable Bright Makeup Shades for Spring 2011