Kate Hudson’s Sculpted Abs Steal the Spotlight at Max Mara’s Star-Studded Chateau Marmont Event
Hollywood icon Kate Hudson proved age is just a number as she commanded attention at the 2025 WIF Max Mara Face of the Future Awards at Los Angeles’ legendary Chateau Marmont. The 46-year-old actress showcased her enviably toned physique in a sophisticated two-piece ensemble that perfectly balanced elegance with edge, leaving attendees and fashion critics alike in awe.
The Look That Stopped Traffic: Kate Hudson’s Complete Style Breakdown
Hudson’s appearance at the November 5th event celebrating Maude Apatow was nothing short of spectacular. The Almost Famous star opted for a monochromatic black Max Mara ensemble featuring a high-neck crop top paired with a flowing maxi skirt. What set this look apart was the strategic styling—a sleek black leather belt cinched precisely at her waist, drawing immediate attention to her sculpted midsection and creating an hourglass silhouette that photographers couldn’t resist.
The crop top featured a sophisticated high neckline that added refinement to what could have been an overly casual piece, while the matching maxi skirt provided movement and drama with every step. Hudson completed the ensemble with barely-there open-toe strappy heels that elongated her frame without competing with the outfit’s clean lines.
The Beauty Details: Recreating Kate Hudson’s Effortless Glam
Hudson’s beauty look embodied soft glamour perfection—a signature style that complements rather than overpowers. Her makeup artist achieved a luminous, dewy complexion that appeared lit from within, likely using a combination of illuminating primers and lightweight foundations.
The Face
For a similar glowing complexion, consider starting with the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer, which creates a smooth, hydrated canvas that helps makeup adhere beautifully throughout the evening. Layer with a luminous foundation like the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation for that second-skin finish Hudson achieved.
The shimmery eye look featured subtle champagne and bronze tones that caught the light without appearing overdone—perfect for evening events. Hudson’s makeup artist wisely balanced the eye shimmer with natural, defined brows and barely-there liner to keep the look sophisticated rather than theatrical.
The Cheeks
A crucial element of Hudson’s radiant appearance was the strategic placement of blush and highlighter. The soft flush across her cheekbones appeared natural yet defined, suggesting a cream or liquid formula. For a similar effect, the NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush blends seamlessly and provides buildable color that looks incredibly natural. Alternatively, the Hourglass® Unreal Liquid Blush offers a similar weightless finish with long-lasting wear.
To achieve Hudson’s subtle glow, consider adding the Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer to the high points of your face—cheekbones, bridge of nose, and cupid’s bow—for that lit-from-within radiance.
The Lips
Hudson’s glossy lip was the perfect finishing touch, adding dimension without drawing focus from her statement abs. The shade appeared to be a rosy nude with significant shine—ideal for evening events when you want polish without drama. Recreate this look with the Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil, which provides beautiful shine while nourishing lips, or opt for the luxurious Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil for a similar high-shine finish with subtle color.
For those who prefer a plumping effect along with the gloss, the YSL Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss delivers both shine and fuller-looking lips.
The Hair
Hudson’s sleek, straight blonde hair was styled in a sophisticated, effortless manner—pulled behind her shoulders to showcase her jawline and the high neckline of her top. This polished yet relaxed styling choice demonstrated the actress’s innate understanding of how to let her outfit and physique take center stage without competing elements.
The Fitness Formula Behind Kate Hudson’s Ageless Physique
Hudson’s impressively toned abs didn’t happen by accident. The actress has been refreshingly candid about her evolving approach to fitness, particularly as she’s matured. In recent interviews, Hudson revealed a significant shift in her workout philosophy that prioritizes strength over length.
“I need to be moving to feel good,” Hudson has explained, emphasizing that exercise for her transcends vanity—it’s about mental clarity, cardiovascular health, and overall vitality. Her routine incorporates variety: Pilates for core strength and flexibility, hot yoga for detoxification and mental focus, strength training for muscle definition, and outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and skiing for enjoyment and functional fitness.
What makes Hudson’s approach particularly refreshing is her rejection of crash dieting. “Getting healthy is not a two-week process, it’s a change of lifestyle,” she’s stated emphatically. This philosophy aligns with sustainable health practices that prioritize long-term wellbeing over quick fixes—a message that resonates particularly well in an era of fad diets and extreme protocols.
Hudson works closely with trainer Brian Nguyen, who has helped her incorporate more strength-based exercises into her regimen. “I don’t feel strong, I feel long,” Hudson realized after years of Pilates-focused workouts. This honest assessment led to a more balanced approach combining the lengthening benefits of Pilates with the muscle-building advantages of resistance training—a combination clearly reflected in her sculpted midsection.
Star-Studded Guest List: Who Else Stunned at the Max Mara Event
The 2025 WIF Max Mara Face of the Future celebration honored Maude Apatow, daughter of filmmaker Judd Apatow and actress Leslie Mann, recognizing her work as an actress, writer, and director. The Euphoria star’s parents attended proudly, with Leslie Mann looking elegant in a sophisticated brown bandeau dress that hit perfectly at the ankle.
Ashley Benson, 35, turned heads in a dramatically different direction with a daring black gown featuring a thigh-high slit that showcased serious leg. The Pretty Little Liars alumna, who attended with her husband Brandon Davis, chose a minimalist ’90s-inspired silhouette that relied on impeccable tailoring and strategic cut rather than embellishment—a masterclass in understated sexiness.
Fashion socialite Kathy Hilton brought classic elegance in a beige tailored suit layered over an ivory silk shirt—proof that power suiting remains eternally chic. Her daughter Nicky Hilton echoed the monochrome theme in a sleek black gown accented with a leather belt and opera-length leather gloves, adding a vintage-inspired twist to contemporary minimalism.
Victoria Justice made a bold statement in a hot pink mini dress with long sleeves—a color choice that demanded attention in a sea of neutrals. The vibrant hue and abbreviated hemline perfectly captured youthful energy while remaining sophisticated through thoughtful styling.
Other notable attendees included Hannah Stocking in a sheer gown with strategic black undergarments, Sophia Culpo working a leather jacket and matching skirt combination, and Dylan Mulvaney looking striking in a plunging blazer ensemble. The evening represented a beautiful spectrum of personal style, from classic to daring, all celebrating female talent in entertainment.
Setting Your Features: The Finishing Powders That Keep Red Carpet Looks Intact
One often-overlooked element of Hudson’s flawless appearance was undoubtedly the setting powder that kept her makeup camera-ready throughout the evening. For events requiring hours of photo opportunities, a quality setting powder is non-negotiable.
The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder creates an airbrushed effect while controlling shine—essential for professional photography where flash can highlight unwanted texture or oil. For those seeking a similar finish with a different formulation, the Hourglass® Vanish Airbrush Pressed Powder offers remarkable blurring properties that photograph beautifully.
Concealing to Perfection: The Under-Eye Secret
Hudson’s bright, youthful eye area suggests careful concealer application—a crucial step for any sophisticated makeup look, especially for evening events with harsh lighting. The right concealer doesn’t just cover darkness; it brightens and lifts the entire face.
For professional results, the Hourglass® Vanish™ Airbrush Concealer provides weightless coverage that doesn’t settle into fine lines—critical for maintaining a fresh appearance throughout lengthy events. Alternatively, the cult-favorite NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer delivers buildable coverage with a luminous finish that mimics natural skin.
Hydration Heroes: The Overnight Treatments A-List Skin Depends On
Maintaining skin that glows like Hudson’s requires more than just event-day makeup—it demands consistent skincare. Overnight treatments work while you sleep to deliver active ingredients deep into skin, creating the perfect canvas for makeup application.
The LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask EX – Berry has achieved cult status for transforming dry, flaky lips into perfectly smooth, plump pouts overnight. Given Hudson’s glossy lip look, proper lip care is clearly part of her pre-event preparation.
For overall facial hydration, the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask delivers intense moisture while supporting the skin barrier with niacinamide and squalane—ingredients that create the dewy, healthy-looking skin that makes makeup application effortless.
The Lip Care Routine Behind That Perfect Pout
Beyond overnight treatments, daytime lip care is essential for achieving the smooth, glossy finish Hudson displayed. The rhode Peptide Lip Tint provides subtle color while delivering peptide-rich hydration, while the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm offers rich nourishment that creates the perfect base for glosses and oils.
For those seeking luxury lip care, the Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil combines nourishment with beautiful shine, while the Pixi +Hydra Lip Treat provides budget-friendly hydration that performs impressively.
Max Mara’s Legacy: Twenty Years of Celebrating Rising Female Talent
The Face of the Future Award, now celebrating its 20th anniversary, represents Max Mara’s enduring commitment to identifying and supporting emerging female talent in entertainment. The award recognizes not just on-screen achievement but the intersection of style, substance, and potential that defines tomorrow’s leading women in film.
Past recipients include Yara Shahidi, who was honored at the 2023 event where Hudson also appeared, creating a beautiful continuum of female support and celebration. The partnership between Women In Film and Max Mara highlights the fashion industry’s role in amplifying women’s voices and creating platforms for recognition beyond traditional award shows.
Maude Apatow’s selection as the 2025 honoree acknowledges her multifaceted approach to entertainment—not just acting, but writing and directing as well. Her recent directorial debut, “Poetic License,” released in September 2024, demonstrates her commitment to telling authentic stories from behind the camera as well as in front of it.
The Makeup Must-Haves for Your Own Red Carpet Moment
Whether you’re attending a gala or simply want to feel red-carpet ready for a special evening, certain products deliver professional results that last. Beyond the previously mentioned items, consider these essentials:
For Eyes That Captivate
Hudson’s shimmery eye look requires quality eyeshadows that blend seamlessly and last through hours of wear. The Huda Beauty Empowered Eyeshadow Palette offers a range of complementary shades perfect for creating dimension, while the Kiko Milano New Glamour Multi-Finish Eyeshadow Palette provides excellent quality at an accessible price point.
For definition that won’t smudge or fade, the NYX Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner creates precise lines that last, while the legendary Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High® Mascara delivers dramatic length and volume without clumping.
For Dimension and Definition
Bronzing adds warmth and structure that photographs beautifully. The Gucci Poudre de Beauté Éclat Soleil Bronzing Powder provides sophisticated warmth with a subtle sheen, while the Fenty Beauty Match Stix Contour Stick — Amber offers precise contouring for sculpted definition.
For That Signature Glow
Highlighter placement makes the difference between flat makeup and dimensional radiance. The Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter provides buildable glow that looks natural rather than glittery, perfect for sophisticated events where subtlety matters.
Skincare That Creates the Perfect Canvas
Hudson’s glowing complexion starts with excellent skincare—the foundation upon which all great makeup looks are built. Advanced serums targeting specific concerns create skin that looks healthy with or without makeup.
For Hydration and Plumping
The La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum – Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin B5 delivers multi-molecular weight hyaluronic acid that penetrates multiple skin layers, creating genuine plumpness rather than surface-level hydration. Complement this with the SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan to amplify your skin’s natural hyaluronic acid production.
For peptide-powered hydration, the COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum delivers multiple peptides that support skin structure and resilience, while the rhode Glazing Milk provides the glossy, healthy-looking finish that’s become Hailey Bieber’s signature.
For Brightness and Clarity
Vitamin C serums brighten and protect, creating radiant skin that needs less coverage. The La Roche-Posay Vitamin C12 Serum – Pure Vitamin C + Salicylic Acid combines brightening vitamin C with gentle exfoliating salicylic acid for comprehensive radiance.
For targeting specific dark spots and discoloration, the La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum – Melasyl™ + Niacinamide uses innovative technology to address hyperpigmentation at its source.
For Anti-Aging and Texture Refinement
Retinol remains the gold standard for anti-aging, and the La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum – Pure Retinol + Vitamin B3 combines pure retinol with soothing niacinamide to minimize irritation while maximizing results.
For those dealing with acne or congestion, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Acne Serum – Salicylic Acid + Niacinamide targets breakouts while reducing post-inflammatory marks.
Sun Protection: The Non-Negotiable Step
Regardless of your skincare routine’s complexity, sun protection remains essential for maintaining youthful skin. The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 provides broad-spectrum mineral protection that works immediately upon application and won’t irritate sensitive skin.
Body Care Worthy of Bare Midriffs
When showcasing abs like Hudson, body care becomes equally important as facial skincare. The right body treatments create smooth, glowing skin that looks incredible whether you’re wearing a crop top or an evening gown.
The Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Visibly Firming Body Cream has achieved cult status for its firming effects and addictive scent. The guaraná-rich formula tightens and smooths skin while providing intense hydration—perfect for maintaining skin that looks toned and healthy.
For comprehensive body care, consider the Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Jet Set, which includes travel-friendly sizes perfect for maintaining your routine whether you’re home or attending events across the city.
The Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright™ Body Cream targets dark spots and uneven tone, creating uniformly radiant skin, while the Sol de Janeiro Delícia Drench™ Body Butter provides intensive moisture for skin that feels as soft as it looks.
For targeted firming and elasticity, the Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor™ Elasti-Cream supports skin’s structural proteins for a lifted, toned appearance.
The Takeaway: Confidence Is the Ultimate Accessory
Kate Hudson’s appearance at the 2025 WIF Max Mara Face of the Future Awards exemplifies modern Hollywood glamour—sophisticated without being stuffy, sexy without being excessive, and confident without being contrived. Her willingness to showcase her hard-earned physique while maintaining elegance demonstrates the evolution of red carpet dressing, where personal style and authenticity matter more than rigid fashion rules.
The event itself, celebrating Maude Apatow and the legacy of supporting rising female talent, provided the perfect backdrop for Hudson’s appearance. As both a long-established star and a supporter of emerging voices, Hudson embodies the continuum of women supporting women that defines the best of the entertainment industry.
Whether you’re inspired by Hudson’s fitness dedication, her makeup choices, or simply her confident approach to personal style, the underlying message remains clear: authenticity, preparation, and self-care create the foundation for genuine glamour that transcends trends and age.