Over the years, MTV’s Video Music Awards have played host to some of the most iconic celebrity moments of all time. Think Rose McGowan’s 1998 “naked” dress (aka a barely there, drippy beaded ensemble by Hanson’s label, Maja), Lil Kim’s 1999 lavender, sequined nipple pasties, Britney Spears’ 2001 onstage python moment, Lady Gaga’s 2010 raw meat venture… Need we say more?
Noting what our favorite entertainers choose to don for the festivities is always a wild and exciting ride, but their chosen aesthetic in the beauty department is just as important. (For instance, what would Lil Kim’s aforementioned outfit have been without her matching lavender wig!?) We’re expecting nothing but the best from this year’s roster of attendees, and lucky for you, we’ll be cataloging each and every jaw-dropping beauty look in real time so you don’t miss a beat. Keep scrolling!
It’s official: Rita Ora’s leaf-adorned twisted buns and her sultry black lids deserve their own award.
To really make that smoky eye sing, the singer keeps the rest of her makeup subtle via a flawless glow and satiny pink lips.
The gymnast makes a stunning case for eyebrow-scraping falsies and waist-length strands.
Kourtney Kardashian does her signature so well: slicked-back hair with patent-level shine coupled with A) ultra-bronzed skin and B) Travis Barker.
Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly look like they’ve just exited the deep dark depths of the ocean—what with his complexion encrusted with pearls and her slicked-wet waves. Now we’re just waiting for their siren song.
Billie Eilish’s face-framing fringe and baby blonde bob is the sweetest accent for her peachy makeup aesthetic.
Look closely, and you’ll see how the singer carried her black-and–hot-pink color scheme to her lashed-up eye makeup look.
A voluminous high ponytail? Sun-kissed skin? Lashes for days? That’s (all) hot.
Platinum hair is trending on the VMAs red carpet. We love Saweetie’s classic take: a pin-straight side part with retro curls.
Can we just have a moment of silence to appreciate the perfection that is Normani? Between that pulled-out cat-eye, those expertly laid edges, and the ponytail of all ponytails, we’re pretty much speechless.
FYI: This is how you execute the ultimate gray smoky eye, folks.
Doja Cat didn’t disappoint as one of the most highly anticipated red carpet arrivals. This glittery ombré purple eye shadow vibe is everything.
While it’s hard to peel our eyes from the country singer’s crown of purple feathers, Musgrave’s shimmering lilac lids and 10/10 liquid liner job are definitely worth a screenshot (or five).
Bia proves that the high-ponytail–and–baby-tendrils trend isn’t going anywhere fast.
Beer’s glowing skin, glossy lips, and rolling barrel curls put a fresh spin on Old Hollywood glamour.
The singer is a mermaid-esque vision with her back-grazing waves, fluttering lashes, and berry-stained lips.
We’ve recently re-claimed crimped hair à la the early aughts as one of our favorite re-emerging hair trends. Dove Cameron epitomizes.
And just like that, we predict Cabello’s magenta-embellished gaze will take the cake as one of the best beauty looks on this year’s VMA red carpet. Up next, The MTV VMAs Red Carpet Looks That Shocked and Amazed Us
