Anna Kendrick has won hearts worldwide, not only for her diverse film roles but also for her effortlessly captivating style. From the glamour of red-carpet events to her fresh, approachable daytime appearances, Anna’s beauty looks capture an elegant balance of sophistication and ease. Fans of the actress are drawn to her ability to switch between dramatic evening glam and glowing, understated looks – all of which are surprisingly accessible with a few beauty techniques.

If you’re looking to channel Anna Kendrick’s classic beauty, here’s a guide to recreating her signature looks, from smoky eyes and bold brows to soft waves and glowing skin. Whether preparing for an evening out or aiming for a radiant day look, Anna’s styles can be tailored to fit any occasion.

1. Classic Red Carpet Glam

Anna’s red-carpet presence is mesmerizing. Her go-to look is a smoky eye paired with a subtle lip, a classic combination that exudes confidence and allure. Here’s how to replicate this iconic look:

Step-by-Step Smoky Eye:

1. Prime Your Eyelids: Start with a neutral primer on your eyelids to ensure the eyeshadow lasts and doesn’t crease.
2. Transition Shade: Begin with a medium brown shade in the crease to add depth and act as a transition between your lid and brow bone.
3. Build the Smoky Effect: Use a dark gray or black eyeshadow on the eyelid, concentrating color near the lash line and gradually blending upwards for a soft gradient effect.
4. Define with Eyeliner: Apply a black or dark brown eyeliner along your upper lash line. For added intensity, lightly smudge the liner with a small brush.
5. Finish with Mascara: Curl your lashes and apply a generous coat of mascara to open up the eyes and add drama.

Balancing with a Neutral Lip: To balance the intense eye look, Anna often opts for a subtle lip color. Choose a nude or soft pink shade that complements your skin tone. A hint of gloss adds dimension without overpowering the smoky eye.

2. Effortless Daytime Glow

One of Anna’s most beloved daytime looks is her natural, glowing skin with a hint of color on the cheeks and lips. It’s perfect for those who want a fresh, radiant look that’s subtle yet striking.

Steps for Dewy Skin:

1. Start with a Hydrating Base: Moisturizer is key to achieving that dewy glow. Choose a hydrating formula that gives your skin a plump, fresh appearance.
2. Apply a Light Foundation or Tinted Moisturizer: For this look, less is more. Use a light foundation or tinted moisturizer to even out your skin tone without covering its natural texture.
3. Conceal Where Needed: Apply a touch of concealer under the eyes and around any blemishes for a polished look.
4. Add a Cream Blush: Cream blushes blend seamlessly into the skin, giving a natural flush. Choose a pink or peach shade, applying it to the apples of your cheeks and blending upward.
5. Highlight for Radiance: A light highlighter on the high points of your face—cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and cupid’s bow—adds a subtle glow.

Nude Lips to Complete the Look: A nude lip color complements the glowy skin perfectly. A lightly tinted balm can provide color and moisture, keeping the lips soft and natural.

3. Bold Lips and Defined Brows

For evening events, Anna often opts for bold lips paired with well-defined brows—a powerful yet straightforward look that doesn’t require a full face of makeup to make an impact.

Steps for Bold Lips and Brows:

1. Choose Your Bold Lip Color: Reds, burgundies, or deep plums are excellent choices. Pick a shade that complements your skin tone for a striking effect.
2. Prep and Line: Start by exfoliating your lips and applying a balm. Then, line your lips with a matching lip liner to create a defined shape and prevent feathering.
3. Apply Lipstick: For a polished look, apply the lipstick with a brush for precision, especially when using darker shades.

Perfecting Defined Brows: Anna’s brows are always on point, framing her face beautifully. To achieve a similar look:

1. Brush and Fill: Start by brushing your brows into shape with a spoolie. Then, use a brow pencil or powder to fill in sparse areas, following the natural shape of your brows.
2. Define the Arch: Emphasize the arch to add structure to your brows. A well-defined arch can create a lifted, open-eyed appearance.
3. Set with Gel: Use a brow gel to keep hairs in place and add a slight sheen.

4. Soft Waves and Textured Hair

Anna’s relaxed, tousled waves add a touch of effortless chic to her style, perfect for both red-carpet events and casual outings. Here’s how to achieve that laid-back, textured look:

Steps for Soft Waves:

1. Prep with a Heat Protectant: Before using any heat tools, apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair.
2. Use a Curling Wand: Wrap small sections of your hair around a curling wand, holding each piece for a few seconds. Leave the ends out to keep the waves relaxed rather than overly defined.
3. Texturize for Volume: Once you’ve curled all sections, use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to add volume and texture. This will help create a more tousled look.

Finishing Touches: For a bit of extra shine and to enhance your waves’ texture, finish with a light spritz of shine spray or a touch of styling cream. Avoid heavy products that might weigh your hair down.

5. Subtle Smoky Eyes for Everyday Wear

Anna has a knack for wearing smoky eyes in a way that looks just as suitable for casual daytime events as it does for night outings. Her go-to daytime smoky eye incorporates softer tones, making it versatile and approachable.

Steps for a Daytime-Appropriate Smoky Eye:

1. Use Neutral Shades: Choose earthy tones like taupe, beige, and soft brown. Start with a light taupe shade as a base all over the eyelid.
2. Add Definition in the Crease: Use a slightly darker brown shade in the crease, blending it well to avoid any harsh lines.
3. Softly Line the Eyes: Instead of a bold eyeliner, use a brown or gray pencil and apply it close to the lash line. Smudge it slightly for a more diffused effect.
4. Finish with Mascara: Apply a single coat of mascara to both the upper and lower lashes for definition without the heaviness of a traditional smoky eye.

Pair with a Soft Lip: Choose a pink or nude lip color that complements the subtle smoky eye. This way, the look remains understated and wearable.

Conclusion

Anna Kendrick’s beauty routine showcases her versatility, making it easy for fans to try these looks at home. Whether it’s the bold sophistication of her red-carpet glam, the fresh radiance of her daytime glow, or the chic elegance of her textured waves, each of Anna’s styles reflects a unique personality and occasion. By following these steps, you can create an “Anna-inspired” look that feels right for you—be it for a glamorous evening out, a relaxed day look, or anything in between.

Beauty is all about experimentation, so try each look and discover what works best with your own features. Anna Kendrick’s approach to beauty reminds us that with a few essential tools and techniques, everyone can achieve a style that’s effortlessly chic and distinctly their own.