6 makeup styles that turned the 2025 VMAs red carpet into a beauty runway

While Doja Cat leaned into retro drama, Sabrina Carpenter stayed true to her signature sweet and polished style. Her glossy blonde hair fell loose, giving her an approachable yet luminous aura. Subtle smoky tones paired with nude-pink lips created a gentle harmony. The highlight was her blue eyes, defined discreetly with eyeliner along the upper and lower waterlines, adding depth without showiness. This balance has made Sabrina a beauty icon for a new generation: natural, refined, and irresistibly engaging to audiences worldwide.

Appearing at the VMAs, Tylar demonstrated not only star power but also a distinctive sense of style. A short black bob was punctuated with two close-braided sections, creating sharp definition. Broken brows and light orange eyeshadow offered an understated edge. Notably, Tylar forwent heavy eyeliner, opting instead for a soft touch of brown powder that elongated the eyes with quiet precision. Deep brown lips, offset by layers of gold accessories, completed a look both audacious and youthful. In doing so, Tylar underscored his rise as a Gen Z style figure in the making.

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As host of the night, Latto opted for a refined makeup look, striking yet never overpowering. Her natural curls and delicate brows framed her features softly. Eyes were kept subtle, highlighted only by pink eyeliner across the lids, balanced with a sweep of blush angled towards the temples. This sculpting effect drew attention away from her high forehead, refining her profile. Bold pink lips, rich with a classic undertone, finished the look, casting the rapper in an elegant yet magnetic light.

If anyone delivered a visual spectacle at the VMAs, it was FKA Twigs. She turned her hair into an accessory, sculpting it into faux ear cushions reminiscent of the headphones so tied to her music. Intricate braids, detailed with tiny horns, paired with stark white eye makeup that covered her brows, lids and lashes, all became statements of fearless experimentation. The finishing touch was deep red lips set against a nose ring, striking the balance between femininity and rebellion.

No red carpet is complete without Lady Gaga, who once again stunned with makeup that was both “monster” and high art. Her tousled curls were pulled into a high bun, short bangs skimming the brows, while a multishade red hairpin added dramatic flair. Eyes took centre stage with a gradient of brown, orange and purple-red, defined by razor-sharp liner and thick lashes. Gaga defied convention with bleached-white brows set against gleaming metallic purple-red lips. The result was pure theatre, an arresting look that made her the focus of every lens. Still the “Mother Monster”, but this time she offered a new vision: the monstrous intertwined with luxury.

VMA 2025 ended not only with explosive music but also with striking beauty moments, reaffirming the red carpet as a stage for creativity and a showcase of global trends.

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