Every year, MTV's Video Music Awards act as a distillation of the current cultural zeitgeist. No matter what, the show manages to be the perfect arena for moments we just can't stop talking about. You never know what will happen at the VMAs. Whether it's Lady Gaga showing up in a meat dress or Beyoncé making a pregnancy announcement, years past have always delivered surprises.
The VMAs are the ideal place for stars to play around with their looks. The fashion is always off the charts, and the beauty never disappoints. Every iconic outfit on the red carpet needs equally heavy-hitting makeup, hair, and nails to round it out. Just think about it—Rose McGowan's iconic "naked" dress from 1998 wouldn't have been complete without her red lacquered lips, and Megan Fox's own rendition of the "naked" dress in 2021 wouldn't have made the same statement without her wet-looking waves.
This year, we're anticipating some beauty looks that we won't be able to stop thinking about for at least the rest of the week if not months to come. We'll be keeping track of these beauty moments here as we see them. Keep scrolling for our absolute favorites.
Lizzo looks like absolute royalty with slicked-back, wet-looking hair, smoky-blue lipstick, and a faux lip ring reminiscent of trends we saw on the F/W 22 runways.
Sabrina Carpenter is making a very convincing case for the return of the headband.
We can't get enough of Chloë Bailey's two-toned, glossy lips and pulled-back locks.
The outfit might be stealing the show, but let's hear it for this beauty—Lil Nas X's blue-rimmed eyes and mismatched black and white nails take this look to a whole new level.
Taylor Swift shows up in her signature red lip but proves the eye-gem trend has staying power with her bejeweled cat eye.
Becky G's classic, Old Hollywood–inspired makeup pairs perfectly with her voluminous waves.
Bebe Rhexa nails the smoky eye and nude lip.
Latto is serving big lash energy with a Twiggy-esque look.
With sunset-hued, pin-straight hair and a heavy smoky eye, Avril Lavigne is not here to play around.
Leave it to Ashley Graham to absolutely nail a siren eye.
We suddenly want to wear pigtail braids thanks to Dove Cameron. We're also drooling over her glossy lip and white-lined eyes.
Matte-black grills and a deep smoky eye round out Doechii's edgy ensemble.
Next Up: The VMA Red Carpet Looks That Deserve an Award of Their Own
-
Celebs Are Obsessed With Animal-Print Nails—5 Takes That Will Dominate This WinterSnakeskin! Leopard! Tortoiseshell!
-
J.Crew Just Released Its Holiday Campaign—Shop Curated Gift Guides for Everyone You're Shopping ForStarring Delaney Rowe, Aki & Koichi Kim, Kareem Rahma, Abby and Baskin Champion, and Terrence O’Connor.
-
Celebs Are Obsessed With Animal-Print Nails—5 Takes That Will Dominate This Winter
Snakeskin! Leopard! Tortoiseshell!
-
I'm Desperate to Copy Selena Gomez's Romeo + Juliet Manicure—It's Giving 1996 in the Best WayStar-crossed lovers? More like stunning nail inspo.
-
Kylie Jenner’s Jelly Plaid Nails Prove This OPI Color Is Truly the Most VersatileThe chicest mani staple.
-
Forget Red—Experts Say These 10 Chic Nail Trends Are Taking Over This WinterCelebrity manicurists spotlight moody hues and textured designs.
-
I've Finally Tired of Pink Nails—This Is the Chic Polish Shade I'm Wearing for the Foreseeable FutureEarthy tones are in.
-
This Has Been OPI's Best-Selling Fall Nail Color for Decades—TikTok Says It's Especially Relevant in 2025Search volume has grown 83% month over month.
-
Heads-Up: Every Stylish New Yorker Is Already Wearing This Rich-Looking Manicure TrendNot burgundy, not black.
-
It's Official: Dua Lipa's Red Halo Nails Are the Coolest Way to Wear a Fall-to-Winter ManicureIt's simple and chic.
