37 Best VMAs Red Carpet Beauty Looks Through the Years

Some iconic moments that will live on forever.

September 11, 2024

No matter who is nominated, who wins, or who even shows up to the show, one thing is certain: The MTV Video Music Awards (or VMAs) are always full of drama. And we're not just talking about the dramatic videos that win awards. There was, of course, the Kanye vs. Taylor Swift incident, Justin Bieber's tearful performance, and the brief return of *NSYNC in 2013.

But even all that happens on stage is no match for the statement-making beauty looks that hit the red carpet right before. From Nicki Minaj's over-the-top pink up-do to Rihanna's simply chic red lip, the VMAs have been the background for many an iconic look. Here, we revisit the very best of all time.

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TLC’s Triple Threat
TLC accepted the award for Best Group Video in 1999 with super glowy, super soft makeup and individualistic hairstyles. In a word? Iconic.
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Rihanna’s Red Lip
Rihanna has worn her fair share of over-the-top looks, which makes this minimalist moment even more special. Forget the bright hair and dark lips: a short crop, black mascara, and orange-red lipstick was all she needed to make a scene in 2012.

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Throwback Taylor
Yep, this is what Taylor wore to the 2009 VMAs — you know, the one where Kanye interrupted her acceptance speech? With a red lip, groomed brows, and her old country curls, she held her head up in style.
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Madonna Antoinette
The 1990 VMAs were all about Madonna. This Marie Antoinette-inspired getup remains one of the star's best looks ever.

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Ciara’s Cut
Not all of the show-stopping VMA looks have been outrageous. Ciara’s hairstyle for the 2015 show, a straight, shoulder-length bob with a middle part, was simply irresistible.
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Britney and Christina
Crimped hair, dark shadow, red streaks, and metallic frosted lips? Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera managed to wear all the trends in 2000.

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The Spice Girls in 1997 — Enough Said
Posh, Ginger, Scary, Baby, and Sporty did what they do best at the 1997 Awards, promoted girl power, sang, and showed off their super unique style.
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Just Kendall
Kendall didn’t need flashy lashes or even much of anything at the 2014 VMAs. Her straight hair and glowy makeup made a chic statement on their own.

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Katy Denim
Although this look was worn at the 2014 VMAs, Katy Perry’s classic cat eye, red lip, bangs, and denim-on-denim could’ve been just as at-home at the annual CMAs, too.
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Britney’s Burmese Python
Britney is a VMAs staple so you never know when she'll pop up, but it will be tough for anyone to ever top this 2001 moment. Pioneering the beach wave trend and decked out in sparkly body jewelry, Britney and Banana the snake had all eyes on them.

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Subtle Solange
This might look like the standard, stunning Solange you know so well, but take a closer look and you’ll see the singer’s amazingly subtle orange eyelashes. This wasn’t just one of the coolest moments of the 2014 VMAs, it was one of the awards’ best beauty moments ever!
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Miley’s Minimalism
Just one year before hosting the 2015 ceremony with fluorescent lashes and neon hair, Miley showed off her softer side with a sleek short ‘do and no-makeup makeup.

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Lauryn Hill’s Rose-Colored Glasses
Lauryn Hill is the epitome of cool — which this red-on-red ensemble (with perfectly coordinating lip) proves.
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Nicki Minaj’s Ice Cream Coif
Nicki always takes things to the next level. This ice-cream-cone-inspired up-do (with matching baby pink lipstick) in 2011 was no exception.

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Lady Gaga’s Awe-Inspiring Ombre
It was all about ombre in 2010, but Lady Gaga’s white and blue version took things to a whole new level.
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Fresh-Faced Demi
It's safe to say this is an elevated version of the no-makeup makeup look that dominated red carpets in seasons past. Demi takes it to the next level with soft, rosy glow that perfectly complements her pretty-in-pink ensemble.

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Taylor's Cat Eye
Though the legendary singer opted out of her red lip, she donned a heavy cat-eye that made an equally powerful statement. Given her smoldering eye makeup, you can't blame her for going light on the rest of her beauty look.
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IRL Barbie Nicki
Nicki's two-toned hairstyle was responsible for many a double take on the 2017 VMAs red carpet. The rapper proved rose-gold hair is even cooler when it covers half your head.

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Ariana's Ponytail
Ariana didn't ditch her signature high pony for the red carpet, but instead of going totally straight, she switched things up with a crimped 'do. The bangs were still in tact, of course.
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Flawless Fab Five
Gabby Douglas sadly couldn't make it back in 2016, but Madison Kocian, Aly Raisman, Laurie Hernandez and Simone Biles represented their team beautifully. They were all smiles with glowing skin and the most fabulous curly and wavy hairstyles. After all, they are known as the Fab Five.

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Pretty Paris
Paris's beauty look was a breath of fresh air on the 2017 red carpet, from her eye-catching teal liner to her romantic ombré waves.
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Shay Goes Slicked Back
This look is everything, and from the orange outfit to her slicked back hair, we cannot get enough of Shay at the 2018 VMAs.

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Dascha Polanco's Shiny Cat Eye
Dascha Polanco completely elevated the cat eye with her silver take. Her wings extended nearly to her ears, and the silver coloring complimented her dazzling choice of wardrobe.
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Kylie's Blonde Bun
Kylie Jenner is always changing up her look for the red carpet, and the 2018 VMAs had her rocking a classic, blonde 'do. Along with a change in hair color, the makeup mogul went with a neutral makeup palette, and showed off just a hint of sheen on her lips.

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Kim Petras Makes a Statement
From the long lashes to her long blonde hair, everything about Kim's VMAs look was statement making. To top it all off, she paired her beauty look with a pink zebra-print outfit.
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DeJ Loaf Defines Updo
DeJ Loaf didn't go with a traditional ponytail for this VMAs appearance. Instead, the star gathered hair on the very top of her head and allowed a few extra pieces to peek out.

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Lizzo Becomes a Princess
We've always known that Lizzo was rap royalty, but this VMAs look just proved it.
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H.E.R Snake Feels
From her hair to her trademark sunglasses and the snake around her neck… everything about this look from H.E.R is 10/10.

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Halsey's Rainbow Roots
Halsey proved just how fun beauty is with her rainbow roots. Keeping things simple on the makeup front but fun up top, she killed this red carpet look.
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Normani's Classic Beauty
This look from Normani is so good we have to just use a full-body shot. The eye makeup matching the hues on her dress is perfection.

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Lizzo's Old-School Glamour
Full updo with clean-cut bangs and a rep lip? Lizzo took old-school Hollywood glamour seriously.
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Lil Nas X's Yeehaw Agenda
Can we take a moment to appreciate Lil Nas X's skin? Thank you.

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Keke Palmer's Golden Moment
You can never go wrong with gold eye makeup, contoured cheeks, and a sleek bun and 2020 host Keke Palmer knows this well.
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Lil Nas X's Mullet
Sure, we've seen Lil Nas X in all sorts of fun looks over the years, but this mullet at the 2021 VMAs was an especially memorable one.

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Olivia Rodrigo's Butterfly Hair Charms
Olivia Rodrigo incorporated her butterfly motif into her hairstyle and the 2021 VMAs. The delicate hair charms were held by two small braids that framed her face. She wore a soft touch of blush and glittery eyeshadow with her signature winged eyeliner.
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BLACKPINK's Coordinated Glam
Bringing Thai and Korean beauty trends to the states, the members of BLACKPINK — Lisa, Jisoo, Jennie, and Rosé — demonstrated how to be in unison while also letting every individual's personal style shine through at the 2022 VMAs.

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Megan Thee Stallion's Lip Combo
There were so many great details in Megan Thee Stallion's 2023 VMAs look. From her slicked back hair to her stunning nail art, there was truly so much to discuss, but one thing that stuck out to us in particular was her lip combo. The best part of all? It was all drugstore products from Revlon! She wore the “Bare It All” and “Champagne on Ice” Super Lustrous Lipstick, the “Crystal Clear” Super Lustrous The Gloss, and “Chocolate” Colorstay Lip Liner.

Sara Delgado is a freelance writer, editor, and translator specializing in culture and fashion content with experience across digital, print, and social media based in Madrid, Spain. She was previously the online editor of Schön! Magazine and is now a contributing editor-at-large at Teen Vogue. She has written for Dazed, ... Read More

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