MTV VMAs 2016: The 12 best beauty looks on the red carpet

Date August 28, 2016

No one tunes into the MTV Video Music Awards expecting to witness classic or safe beauty looks. No, we watch because we know it’s a platform for celebrities to break beauty boundaries. From bold lips to celestial strobing, the VMAs can always be counted on for statement making looks. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Halsey is clearly ready for fall, embracing the season’s key dark lip trend, pairing it with spiky lashes. But the best lip of the night has to go to Naomi Campbell, wearing a sparkly red mouth. You didn’t even need Instagram to confirm that she was wearing the work of Pat McGrath. In fact it was her Lust 004 in “Vermillion Venom” which will no doubt sell out when it goes on sale in two days. I mean, who wouldn’t want lips like ruby slippers? Those who kept their lips in neutral territory included Hailey Baldwin, Hailee Steinfeld and Nicki Minaj.

Taking the party to the eyes instead was Rita Ora, who went for a smokeshow, while VS Angel Stella Maxwell went for red; makes you wonder if she was feeling Chanel, whose fall collection is all based on the fiery shade. Then there was Taylor Hill‘s cat eye shaped shadow paired with a messy top knot courtesy of Canada’s own Harry Josh.

When it came to hair, Kim Kardashian broke from script, opting for a wet look reserved for poolside times, rather than her usual blowout. Beyonce kept it all off her face with a twisted braid at the crown, as did Alicia Keys employing a scraped back top knot. And while we’re on the topic of Alicia, let’s give it up to her for showing up wearing nothing. It’s something she decided back in May, saying she didn’t want to cover up anymore. It’s almost like your eye needs to adjust to seeing her without eye makeup; she looks exactly as she does when she rolls out of bed and really, it’s probably the biggest beauty statement tonight of all. And lucky her, she can just fall right into bed when she gets home.