Head-Turning Beauty Looks from The 2021 VMAs

From Doja Cat to Olivia Rodrigo, the stars did not disappoint.

There’s one thing we can usually expect from the MTV VMAs, and that’s the unexpected. The annual video music awards show is known for its wild performances and even wilder red carpet looks, with makeup and hair to match. Every year, we look forward to a red carpet full of bold, experimental beauty looks, and 2021 is no different. We’re tuned in for the glitz, the glam, and everything in-between.

In case you didn't catch every single jaw-dropping moment, we’ve rounded up the best beauty looks spotted on the red carpet—complete with all the details, of course. Read on to see our favorites.

Normani

Normani embraced her “wild side” with super sharp eyeliner to match her edgy all-white ensemble. She paired the liner with an ultra glossy nude lip, brushed up brows, and berry blush. Celeb nail technician Kimmie Kyees had the unique challenge of matching all of Normani’s outfits for the night and delivered with this sparkling silver mani. Using Valentino Beauty Pure One Step Gel ($19) she layered on a white shade and the finishing touch was the chrome dip powder that perfectly accented her look. For healthy cuticles, she applied Valentino Beauty Pure Cuticle Oil ($8).

Saweetie

Saweetie kept everything icy with silver and white details. The rapper paired her frosty Old Hollywood starlet-inspired blonde hair with even frostier eyeshadow and long all-white nails.

Olivia Rodrigo

Good for you, Olivia. We're more just a little into this bright berry look on the red carpet. She paired soft waves with a center part, glowing highlighter, kitten eyeliner, and berry lipstick. On her nails, a matching shade from OPI aptly named 7th & Flower ($11) sealed with OPI Top Coat ($10) for a glossy finish. For this ethereal look, hairstylist Clayton Hawkins added Matrix's Total Results A Curl Can Dream Lightweight Oil ($24) to damp hair for a glossy blowout. Next, he curled her hair lightly with a 1-inch curling iron and Total Results High Amplify Flexible Hold Hairspray ($18) for long-lasting hold. He finished the look with Over Achiever 3-in-1 Cream + Paste + Wax ($18).

Doja Cat

Purple reigned supreme on the red carpet, and the host of the evening, Doja Cat, stunned with a bold eye look courtesy of makeup artist Ernesto Casillas and Pat McGrath Labs. For red carpet-worthy skin, he prepped her with Dermaflash and Youth to the People skincare.

For a flawless base, Casillas used Pat MacGrath's Sublime Perfection Foundation ($68) and Sublime Perfection Concealer ($32), setting with the Sublime Perfection Under-Eye Blurring Powder ($30) and Sublime Perfection Setting Powder ($38). To get a radiant glow, the makeup artist doubled up on the highlighter, layering Skin Fetish Highlighter + Balm Duo ($48) and Skin Fetish Sublime Skin Highlighting Trio iridescent pink 003 ($50). The show-stopping eye look was courtesy of Dark Star 006 V2 ($65) and Mothership IX Huetopian Dream ($125). He added a bit of depth with the PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil ($28) and KISS Strip Lashes ($5). Finishing with the lip he layered Lust: Gloss ($28) over the Lip Fetish Divinyl Lip Shine ($36).

For her burgundy and black red carpet hair, hairstylist JSTAYREADY drew inspiration from rock and 90s glam. To prep her hair and shape the curls he used Ghd's helios professional hair dryer ($249) and professional hair dryer diffuser ($30). To get the tighter curls he used the curve creative curl wand ($199) and added volume with the tail comb ($22).

Kacey Musgraves

Peaking out from Kacey's Musgraves's attention-grabbing feather hat was a glittery, glossy purple eye look. She paired the eye look with a peachy nude lip and peachy blush. We're calling it now: Purple is the color of the season.

Lil Nas X

Bold as ever (and in purple, of course), Lil Nas X showed up and out with fresh and flawless skin and a shaggy, wavy mullet. Makeup artist Grace Pae created the natural look with a full face of Glossier. She prepped his skin with the Super Bounce ($28) and Priming Moisturizer ($22) and added a layer of Future Dew ($24) on his face and body for a little extra glow. She then layered on the Perfecting Skin Tint ($26) and Stretch Concealer ($18), adding Solar Paint ($20) for warmth. She finished the look with Wowder ($22). Brow Flick ($18) and Boy Brow ($16), giving him a fluffy natural brow. Balm Dotcom ($12) completed the look.

Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly

Channeling red carpet styles of the early aughts, Megan Fox's sheer gown was just one part of her show-stopping appearance. She completed the dress with a glossy look, opting for subtle gold eyeshadow and a shiny nude lip. A long, wet hairstyle completed the outfit. On her arm, boyfriend and rapper Machine Gun Kelly also added a bit of drama to his look with pearl accents on his face.

Makeup artist Ash K Holm used a full face of Buxom Beauty to get this look on Megan Fox. On the eyes, she used the Ash K Holm Eyeshadow palette ($39) for a subtle shimmer and the brand's Lash Volumizing Mascara ($22) for some not- so-subtle length. Her warm, golden glow was courtesy of the Divine Goddess Luminizer ($28) and Staycation Vibes Bronzer ($28). For a full pouty lip, the makeup artist prepped Fox with the Power-Full Lip Scrub ($18) and layered on Power line Plumping Lip Liner ($18) and Full Force Plumping Lipstick ($20). The finishing touch? Full-On Plumping Lip Polish ($21) for a high shine look.

Billie Eilish

We're a little bit obsessed with Billie's shaggy new bob and bangs. The singer paired the choppy look with a glossy lip and peachy blush.

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