Drop Everything—These VMA Beauty Looks Are the Best We've Ever Seen

by Katie Berohn

When it comes to memorable moments, the MTV VMAs have the market cornered. Every year, the VMAs give us an essential new piece of pop culture history. Think of every major moment the VMAs have given us—Britney Spears performing with a python, Lady Gaga wearing a meat dress, Beyoncé announcing her first pregnancy, and more. 

This year, we expect all the drama and flair that usually comes with the VMAs, but our eyes are turned to something else: the beauty looks. In the realm of award shows, most play it fairly tame with beauty. Think smoky eyes, polished chignons, and classic lips. The VMAs, on the other hand, are a totally different story. 

Every year at the VMAs, celebrities take chances with their hair, makeup, and nails, and that's what makes it one of our favorite nights. Last year, Taylor Swift showed up with face jewels on, Lil Nas X sported blue-toned eyes, and Chloë Bailey had three-dimensional nails. Keep reading for the best beauty looks at the 2023 VMAs—I promise you won't be disappointed. 

Photo:

John Nacion/WireImage

Megan Thee Stallion's two-toned glossy lips, elongated eye shadow, and mermaidcore slicked-back hair will be all I can think about this week.

The hero product: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Bare it All, $8

Photo:

Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic

Olivia Rodrigo kept it simple and sleek with straight hair parted down the middle, glossy pink lips, and a subtle cat eye. 

The hero product: Sexy Hair Big Spray N’ Play Volumizing Hairspray, $21

Photo:

Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

With pink hair, draped blush, and glossy pink lips, Karol G is leaning hard into Barbiecore.

The hero product: Great Lengths Hair Extensions

Photo:

Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic

Saweetie looks like she's straight out of The Flintstones, but her pastel-pink eye look and perfectly coifed baby hairs bring her into the future. 

The hero product: Maybelline Color Tattoo Eye Stix in I Am Shining

Photo:

Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic

A deep side part, sharp brows, and a smoky eye go perfectly with Demi Lovato's leather look. 

The hero product: Danessa Myricks Beauty Groundwork Palette, $65

Photo:

Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic

Cardi B went for soft glam, sleek hair, and chrome nails to pair with her metal dress. 

The hero product: Pat McGrath Labs SatinAllure Lipstick in Venusian Peach, $30

Photo:

Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic

Bebe Rexha's glossy nude lips and straight strands are giving us flashbacks to the early aughts. 

The hero product: R+Co Bleu Optical Illusion Smoothing Oil, $66

Photo:

Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic

Kelsea Ballerini perfectly balanced her bold red dress with undone waves and gold-flecked eyes. 

The hero product: Covergirl Clean Fresh Clean Color Eyeshadow Palette, $9

Photo:

Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic

Wavy hair, voluminous lashes, and petal-pink lips look so dreamy on Shakira. 

Photo:

Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic

Selena Gomez went for a monochromatic look with a dusty, elongated smoky eye and brown lip liner. 

The hero product: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Worth, $23

Photo:

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

In a sharp departure from her usual red, Taylor Swift opted for nude, glossy lips. 

Photo:

Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic

Chloe Bailey's eyes pop thanks to black liner around her waterline, and her half-up hair keeps all the focus on her face. 

Photo:

Jamie McCarthy/WireImage

Sabrina Carpenter's perfectly coifed curtain bangs are the ideal complement to her glossy fuchsia cheeks and dark lined lips. 

The hero product: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Glow Blush in 51, $38

Photo:

Jamie McCarthy/WireImage

Emily Ratajkowski showed up with her signature sultry eyeliner. 

The hero product: Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil in Xtreme Black, $29

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