Why We're Crowning Lupita Nyong'o the Queen of the SAG Awards

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Last award season, we crowned Lupita Nyong'o the queen of red carpet hair (literally we counted 20 different styles with just two inches of hair). Tonight at the 2015 SAG Awards, she continued her path to coiffure coronation with an epic crown braid. The style started with cornrows around the hairline and blended into an Afro puff surrounded by plaits. The pulled-back style made room for her '40s-inspired makeup look by Nick Barose. The red carpet beauty pro pulled inspiration from Lupita's floral and striped Elie Saab gown — which reminded him of Gone With the Wind — for her elongated brows and bright red lip. Keep reading for the details on how to get the look at home.

Lupita Nyong'o at the 2015 SAG Awards
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Lupita Nyong'o at the 2015 SAG Awards

In order to keep Lupita's red lipstick from smearing on the red carpet, Nick used a four-step technique that you can copy at home when wearing any bold lip hue. First, apply a moisturizing product like Kiehls lip balm ($9) to smooth any dry patches. Then, prep the area around the lips with Lancome Effacernes Waterproof Concealer ($31). Barose used a Beautyblender ($20) for the most sheer application.

Next you want to put on the lipstick directly from the tube for the most color payoff. Lupita's exact shade was Lancome lipstick in Rouge Caprice ($30). Only use the lip brush to get hard-to-reach crevices like the inner corners. Complete the lip with a coordinating pencil on top. Barose applied Lancome Lip Crayon in Garnet ($25) on the cupid's bow and outer corners.

Lupita Nyong'o at the 2015 SAG Awards
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Lupita Nyong'o at the 2015 SAG Awards

To continue the 1940s theme, Barose elongated Lupita's eyebrows and exaggerated the arch with a dark brown pencil. Her eyes were accented with a thin layer of liquid liner. The actress also wore Lancome Blush in Plum Noir ($31) topped with highlighter for a lit-from-within glow.

"The lip is like the leading actress, the brow is the supporting role, the liquid eyeliner is the nominee, and the blush is the presenter," Barose explained. "It's about harmony. If everything is winning on the face, it's too much."

Lupita Nyong'o at the 2015 SAG Awards
Getty/Frederic J. Brown

Lupita Nyong'o at the 2015 SAG Awards

Lupita's cornrows flowed in a curved design from hairline to crown. These tiny plaits surrounded her head directing her hair upwards into an Afro puff.

Lupita Nyong'o at the 2015 SAG Awards
Getty

Lupita Nyong'o at the 2015 SAG Awards

The updo was accented with a ring of braids at the base, giving the style the appearance of a crown.