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

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. 

mtv-video-music-awards-red-carpet-beauty-2023-309374-1694556590600-main

(Image credit: 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 productRevlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Bare it All, $8

mtv-video-music-awards-red-carpet-beauty-2023-309374-1694556759109-main

(Image credit: 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

mtv-video-music-awards-red-carpet-beauty-2023-309374-1694556876935-main

(Image credit: 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

mtv-video-music-awards-red-carpet-beauty-2023-309374-1694557007273-main

(Image credit: 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

mtv-video-music-awards-red-carpet-beauty-2023-309374-1694557254653-main

(Image credit: 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

mtv-video-music-awards-red-carpet-beauty-2023-309374-1694558706368-main

(Image credit: 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

mtv-video-music-awards-red-carpet-beauty-2023-309374-1694559413950-main

(Image credit: 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

mtv-video-music-awards-red-carpet-beauty-2023-309374-1694560553197-main

(Image credit: 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

mtv-video-music-awards-red-carpet-beauty-2023-309374-1694561073284-main

(Image credit: Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic)

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

mtv-video-music-awards-red-carpet-beauty-2023-309374-1694563532078-main

(Image credit: 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

mtv-video-music-awards-red-carpet-beauty-2023-309374-1694563741448-main

(Image credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

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

mtv-video-music-awards-red-carpet-beauty-2023-309374-1694563846180-main

(Image credit: 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. 

mtv-video-music-awards-red-carpet-beauty-2023-309374-1694563976975-main

(Image credit: 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

mtv-video-music-awards-red-carpet-beauty-2023-309374-1694564105764-main

(Image credit: 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

Explore More:
Associate Beauty Editor

Katie Berohn is the associate beauty editor at Who What Wear. Previously, she worked as the beauty assistant for Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a major in journalism and minor in technology, arts, and media, and earned her master's degree at NYU's graduate program for magazine journalism. In addition, Katie has held editorial internships at Denver Life magazine, Yoga Journal, and Cosmopolitan; a digital editorial internship at New York magazine's The Cut; a social good fellowship at Mashable; and a freelance role at HelloGiggles. When she's not obsessing over the latest skincare launch or continuing her journey to smell every perfume on the planet, Katie can be found taking a hot yoga class, trying everything on the menu at New York's newest restaurant, or hanging out at a trendy wine bar with her friends.