I like to consider myself somewhat self-aware, and at the top of the acknowledgments list for my biggest flaw is my posture...or rather, lack thereof. I spend most of my day hunched over a laptop, which, in turn, has led everything south. My cheekbones, my jawline, my neck—they all reside in a different postcode.
So, naturally, I'm always on the hunt for a beauty trick that promises big lift with little commitment. Enter: Sarah Paulson, whose latest hairstyle might just be the answer to my prayers (and my questionable desk posture). The actor stepped out at the 6th Annual Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles this weekend, sporting a glossy, jaw-skimming bob that was slicked back to perfection.
Created by celebrity hairstylist Chris McMillan, who dubbed the look a “patent leather slick back,” the hairstyle was all about high-shine lengths, a clean finish, and a sculpted silhouette that frames the face with ease. Now, I know what you're thinking: a slick-back style sounds like a recipe for exposing every inch of your forehead, but (!!) Sarah's look proves that it can actually have a rather impressive lifting effect. So, if you're after a little extra sculpting without committing to anything invasive, the right hairstyle with some hold can certainly help.
By sweeping the hair away from the face and keeping the sides sleek, the style draws attention upwards, creating the illusion of more defined cheekbones and a sharper jawline. Add a boar-bristle brush and a handful of hair wax sticks to your shopping list and consider yourself halfway there. We're coming for your look, and your cheekbones, SP!
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds). In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space.
She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
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