Reese Witherspoon and Ava Phillippe's Matching Glam Was the Highlight of the Critics Choice Awards

Mother-daughter beauty for mother-daughter beauties.

Reese Witherspoon Ava Philippe
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Whether you're headed to the movies or an actual red carpet, there's no date quite like a mother-daughter date. Besides the joy of spending time with someone who knows you well, the echoes of "are you related?" can warm your heart. While Reese Witherspoon and Ava Phillippe are probably never going to be asked that question (there's no doubt that these two share a gene pool), it's still a treat to see them out together. On Sunday, January 14, the duo walked the Critics Choice Awards red carpet arm in arm, looking even more alike than usual.

Sure, there were obvious differences in their glam—Phillippe's middle-parted blonde hair was styled in soft waves, while Witherspoon's was sleek and straight. But the similarities were much more evident. Those coral lips! The smoky eyes! Plus, they have the same face.

A post shared by Reese Witherspoon

A photo posted by reesewitherspoon on

Celebrity makeup artist Kelsey Deenihan Fisher used a collection of ILIA beauty products to craft Witherspoon's look. To start things off, she applied the brand-new The Base Face Milk for a "calming boost of moisture for smooth, soothed skin ready for makeup." The rest of the complexion featured Bright Start Activated Eye Cream, Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40, and True Skin Serum Concealer—plus a little blush courtesy of Multi-Stick in the peach-pink "Whisper."

For the main events, she went with a "warm smoky eye" that made use of three colors from the Necessary Eyeshadow Palette in "Warm Nude": "Cocoon," "Lineup," and "1979." On the lips, Color Block Lipstick in "Cinnabar" (a "gorgeous deep coral," according to the artist).

As for the outfits, both ladies opted for a strapless look, with Phillippe wearing Monique Lhuillier and Witherspoon in Celine. And while there's no breakdown for Phillippe's makeup (yet!), she certainly took cues from her mama, going for a similar warm smoky eye—an easy choice, as they have the exact same eye color—and lipstick just a shade or two lighter.

"The best ‘date’ there is!" commented the 24-year-old on her mom's Instagram post. Whether she's talking Reese Witherspoon or mothers in general, she's right.

Sophia Vilensky
Freelance Writer

Sophia Vilensky is a Freelance Beauty Writer at Marie Claire with a beauty, wellness, and entertainment journalism portfolio that includes contributions to Byrdie, Bravo, Teen Vogue, and Us Weekly. Growing up in a family of beauticians—and through her own personal studies—she developed an in-depth understanding of aesthetics, cosmetic product formulation, and beauty treatment development and has also held roles as a senior copywriter, content strategist, and proofreader for top beauty and wellness brands. Even so, you'd be hard pressed to find her with her hair and makeup actually done. Sophia is based in Minneapolis and is a 2019 graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she majored in English and minored in cinema studies. During her time at the university, she was the Arts & Entertainment Editor for the Minnesota Daily, earning the 2019 Editor of the Year award for her work. She connected deeply with the Twin Cities arts scene, collaborating with leading beauty professionals, designers, and artists. Graduating Summa Cum Laude, her thesis—a close-reading of Vanderpump Rules—was featured on NPR. When not immersed in writing or testing new products, Sophia enjoys watching reality TV, reading, and exploring the newest woo-woo wellness trends. Keep up with her on Instagram @sophiavilensky.