While the VMAs have historically inspired experimental–often questionable–hair and makeup choices, this year's red carpet was uncharacteristically subdued. Kim campaigned to make fresh-out-the-shower waves a thing, Beyoncé showed us how highlighter works, and Naomi Campbell tried Pat McGrath's new Lust 004 glitter lip look. Here, all the hair and makeup you'll want to recreate IRL.
Beyoncé
VMA hosts Key and Peele said it best: "Dead. Dead. Toe tag it. Morgue it. Well attended funeral full of friends and loved ones." From the mother-daughter braid look to the gold Snap filter-looking skin, Queen Bey killed the red carpet.
Naomi Campbell
"Showing the children how it's DONE!!!" says Pat McGrath who showed Naomi how Lust 004 Kit in Vermillion Venom is done for the red carpet.
Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj makes a case for waist-length hair, pairing the sleek look with nude lips and a black cat eye.
Kim Kardashian
"Kim and I decided to keep her hair fresh and sexy, perfecting and enhancing her natural texture. A continuation of summery, beach beauty," says hair stylist Michael Silva who used seven different Kenra products and two styling tools–ghd's Air Hairdryer and Platinum Styler–to get the look. Alternatively, step out of the shower, flip your hair over, scrunch in some texturizing mist and leave it alone.
Rihanna
One of several performance looks, this super-high ponytail and bright red lipstick combo is signature Riri.
Amber Rose
Makeup artist Joanna Simkin used M.A.C Retro Matte in Fashion Legacy for Amber's red lip look.
Rita Ora
Eschewing the just-play-up-one-feature rule, Rita served a beauty trifecta with bordeaux gradient nails, smoky eyes, and slicked hair. Whatever, it's working.
Halsey
Instant fall lip reference, Halsey proves goth lips aren't going away any time soon.
Hailey Baldwin
For Hailey's piecey lob, hair stylist Jennifer Yepez prepped with Honestly Uplifted Volumizing Spray and blow dried upwards for extra volume using a medium size round brush. Yepez used a 1.5"curling iron to bend hair away from the roots, alternating directions and finished by misting roots with Honestly Effortless Sea Salt Spray.
Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande's hair is available in two speeds: High pony without bangs and high pony with bangs. Here's the latter.
Justine Skye
Proof that highlighter works just as well on lips as it does at the inner corners of your eyes.
Jaden Smith
Direct quote: "Hi My Name is Jaden, I Like Turtles And I Like Fruit."
Joan Smalls
Joan Smalls wears one of several center-parted straight hair looks last night. Makeup artist Patrick Ta kept her makeup monochrome, with "rustic" lids and neutral lips.
Tinashe
Makeup artist Michael Anthony emphasized Tinashe's eyes with gold shadow and major lashes.
Taylor Hill
Taylor's strong cat eye works to counteract her soft ballerina bun.
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