Anya Taylor-Joy has eyes that can see through your soul. Honestly, it’s the first thing anyone noticed when she burst onto the scene in The Witch. But for years, the actress struggled with a specific part of her face that most people wouldn't even guess: her lips. Specifically, finding a way to wear a "nude" look without looking like she’d just seen a ghost.
It sounds like a minor detail. It’s not. For someone with Anya's distinct, ethereal features—those wide-set eyes and pale skin—the wrong shade of lipstick can go south fast.
The Mystery of Anya Taylor Joy Nude Tones
"Before I found the right nude shade for me, I went too light and looked like an owl," Anya recently joked in a January 2026 interview with Her World. It’s a hilarious mental image, but it highlights a real struggle for the Furiosa star. Because her eyes are so prominent, she explains that she needs a lip color that "brings it all together" rather than washing her out.
She basically spent a decade avoiding the anya taylor joy nude lip trend because of this "owl" effect. If the shade is too pale, it erases the bottom half of her face. If it’s too beige, it looks like foundation.
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But look at her recent red carpet appearances for the Dior Spring 2026 show in Paris. She’s finally cracked the code. She has "remade friends" with the nude lip, often opting for peachy undertones that mimic a natural flush. Specifically, she’s been sporting the Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil in "Peachy," which adds just enough warmth to balance her high-fashion, often otherworldly outfits.
Why Contrast is the Key to Her Look
Anya doesn't do "boring." She’s mentioned that she feels most comfortable when she can express two things at once—like being "pretty" but also "tough." This contrast is her signature.
- The Extended Brow: A spur-of-the-moment decision in a van before the Dune: Part Two premiere. It changed her entire silhouette.
- The Dark Lip vs. The Nude: While she’s famous for a bold, "blood-stained" red, the shift to a anya taylor joy nude palette represents a new era of confidence for her.
- Fragrance as a Time Capsule: She picks a specific scent for every character she plays. For herself? She wants to smell like a "cathedral"—smoky roses and blown-out candles.
From "The Witch" to the 2026 Red Carpet
It’s hard to believe it’s been over ten years since she broke through. Back then, her name was often misspelled as "Ana" or "Anna," leading to a minor internet conspiracy known as the "Mandela Effect." People swore they remembered it differently. They didn't. She’s always been Anya.
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Lately, her fashion choices have become even more daring. At a Tiffany & Co. event in late 2025, she wore a Dilara Fındıkoğlu dress that... well, it had people talking. It was a corset-style piece that featured a very deliberate "ass crack" cut-out.
People on Reddit went wild. Was it "sexy mummy" or "toilet paper chic"?
Anya didn't care. She wears the clothes; the clothes don't wear her. Whether she's in a polarizing archival piece or a simple Dior cape, she carries a specific type of "unbothered elegance." That’s the real secret. It’s not just the makeup; it’s the fact that she’s stopped trying to fit into a box.
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Upcoming Projects in 2026
If you think she’s slowing down, you’re wrong. She’s currently one of the busiest people in Hollywood.
- The Gorge 2: Following the success of the first genre-blending sniper thriller with Miles Teller, a sequel is already in the works for 2026.
- Magik: There are heavy rumors and "leak" trailers regarding her return as Illyana Rasputin (Magik) in a dedicated Marvel project. Fans have been begging for this since The New Mutants.
- The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo: While Emma Corrin is a frontrunner, Anya is frequently cited by critics as the perfect choice for a modern Lisbeth Salander because of that "terrifying" intensity she brings to the screen.
How to Get the Anya Taylor Joy Look
If you’re trying to replicate that anya taylor joy nude aesthetic, stop looking for the palest beige on the shelf. That’s the mistake she made for years.
Look for "nude" shades that actually have some life in them. If you have pale skin like hers, go for apricots, peaches, or dusty roses. The goal isn't to hide your lips; it's to make them look like the best version of your natural self.
Actionable Insights for Your Beauty Routine:
- Identify Your Undertone: If you're cool-toned, look for mauvey nudes. If you're warm or neutral like Anya, go for peachy-pinks.
- Don't Fear the Brow: Sometimes extending the tail of your brow can balance out large eyes and give you a more "editorial" look.
- Embrace the Contrast: If you’re wearing a very "pretty" dress, try a "tougher" makeup look, or vice versa.
- Fragrance Anchoring: Try picking a specific scent for a big event or a new phase of your life. It creates a sensory memory you can return to later.
Anya’s journey from "owl-like" makeup mishaps to becoming a global Dior ambassador is a masterclass in self-acceptance. She isn't trying to hide her "weird" features anymore. She’s accentuating them. And honestly? That’s why she’s the most interesting person on any red carpet right now.