Emmy Beauty Secrets: What Zendaya and Other Stars Did Differently

Dr. Anya Sharma · 2026-09-15

### The Glow You Saw on Stage Wasn't Luck When the Emmys roll around, we all do the same thing: stare at the red carpet and wonder how everyone looks so effortlessly luminous. This year, Zendaya, Chase Infiniti, Rachel Sennott, and a handful of other stars gave us a masterclass in modern beauty. And here's the thing—their secrets aren't locked behind a VIP door. You can borrow most of them without a glam squad. I've spent years watching award-season beauty trends, and this year felt different. Less fuss, more intention. Let's break down what actually worked. ### The Common Thread: Skin That Looks Like Skin If you squint at the red carpet photos, you'll notice something refreshing. Nobody's wearing a mask of foundation anymore. Zendaya's look leaned into her natural texture, with just enough coverage to even out tone but not erase it. Chase Infiniti did the same—dewy, fresh, almost bare. That's not an accident. Makeup artists are moving away from heavy contouring and baking. Instead, they're prepping skin like it's the main event. Think hydrating serums, a lightweight tinted moisturizer, and a cream blush that melts in. You can replicate this at home with three products, not thirteen. ### Chase Infiniti's Secret? Strategic Highlighting Chase Infiniti kept things minimal but strategic. Her team focused on two zones: the high points of the cheeks and the inner corners of the eyes. That's it. No glitter overload, no dramatic wing. Just a soft, reflective glow that catches the light when you turn your head. You can do this with a liquid highlighter—a little goes a long way. Tap it on with your finger, not a brush. The warmth of your skin helps it blend seamlessly. ### Rachel Sennott Went Bold Without Going Loud Rachel Sennott is known for her quirky, cool-girl vibe, and her Emmy look matched that energy. She paired a clean, matte complexion with a statement lip in a rich berry tone. The contrast felt modern, not overdone. Here's what I loved: she didn't pile on the eye makeup. Just a swipe of mascara and a well-groomed brow. That balance—one focal point, everything else quiet—is a lesson in restraint. If you're doing a bold lip, keep the rest of your face simple. Let the lip speak. ### The Underrated Step Everyone Skipped If there's one thing all these looks had in common, it's prep. Not just skincare, but actual skin prep before makeup. That means: - Cleansing gently (no harsh scrubs the night before) - Layering a hydrating toner or essence - Using a lightweight moisturizer and letting it set for five minutes - Applying SPF if there's any daylight involved It sounds basic, but most people rush this part. The pros don't. They treat makeup like a second skin, not a cover-up. ### A Quick Word on Tools You don't need a $200 brush set. A damp beauty sponge, a fluffy blending brush, and your fingers will get you 90% of the way there. The stars' teams often use fingers for cream products because the warmth helps everything melt together. Try it—you might ditch half your tools. ### What This Means for You Emmy beauty this year wasn't about transformation. It was about enhancement. Zendaya, Chase Infiniti, and Rachel Sennott all showed us that the best look is the one that still feels like you. So before you buy another palette, ask yourself: does this make my skin look like skin? If not, put it back. The red carpet has spoken—and it's voting for real.