The 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards brought a slew of awe-inspiring moments, from Timothée Chalamet’s surprise win to Jane Fonda’s call for collective action as she accepted the Lifetime Achievement award. But of course, as beauty-obsessed viewers, our eyes were on the red-carpet beauty. For the monumental night, celebrities leaned into referential looks that made a statement while remaining effortless. Understated makeup was a noteworthy theme, with Pamela Anderson wearing no makeup to showcase her glowy skin and Demi Moore wearing light-coverage foundation and a neutral lip. Old Hollywood glamour also dominated the night, from blond wavy bobs to our favorite trend: red lips.
Stars like Keke Palmer, Selena Gomez, and Mikey Madison all stunned while wearing red lipstick, and that might’ve been more than coincidental. Sure, the captivating lip choice has been a beauty favorite for decades, but last night’s display shows how intentional wearing red lipstick has become, thanks to TikTok’s “red lip theory.” For those unaware, the concept (popularized by The Lipstick Lesbians) is the theory that a red lip worn with no other makeup can make your skin look even and heighten your confidence. “A throwback version of lip theory, popularized by classic French beauty, is the idea that a red lip can instantly make you look more sophisticated and pulled together,” makeup artist and beauty expert Ehlie Luna says. “A red lip is a makeup power move no matter which theory you follow, and considering the current political climate in the US, it makes total sense that it was trending on the red carpet.”
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Though it’s unknown if Palmer, Gomez, or Madison chose the crimson for this specific reason, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they did. Celebrities have increasingly used their platforms to make political statements and advocate for what they believe in. Given the country’s current political state, especially in regards to women’s rights and bodily autonomy, wearing a red lip to a major awards show is an opportunity to do more than just offer up an aesthetically pleasing beauty moment. The act says that you command attention and are assured of yourself – something that all of the stars who wore the trend embody.
Whether you’re feeling inspired by BeautyTok or simply looking to elevate your routine with the powerful hue, keep scrolling to see all of the celebrities who nailed red lip theory on last night’s carpet – plus some of their exact shades to shop.
