Nicole Kidman

Which makeup look reigns supreme: the smoky eye or the bold lip? While Cleopatra was lining her eyes with kohl, women in other parts of the world were using fresh berries and rose petals to paint their pout. Today, as then, both can’t be used at once. To bring out your features, you must choose either an assertive eye or a high-volume lip. And as the yearly gown parade known as Awards Season moves toward its big event, the faces that will be lighting up the Oscar red carpet are deciding whether they’ll be joining "Team Eyes" or "Team Lips."

For some, it all boils down to the dress. For fussy and bejeweled looks, I like to play up the eyes for full drama. For vibrant colors, I like a bold lip that highlights the color of your dress without matching it. I also like a bold lip and a clean eye for classic, structured dresses.

Keep in mind the unique features of your face when making a decision. You can’t force a look to work on yourself. The ultimate goal is to have a look that fits your face and works in harmony with your gown.

For a great olive skin tone, like that of best-actress contender Natalie Portman, jewel-toned smoky eyes look amazing. Those with fairer complexions, like fellow best-actress contender Nicole Kidman, will stand out with a bright pout.

Whether these celebs choose eyes or lips, the Oscars are an amazing moment to shine, and the looks are sure to be memorable!

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Celebrity makeup artist Tasha Reiko Brown helps get young Hollywood radiant for photo shoots and countless red carpet events, including the Oscars, Emmys and Golden Globes.

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