Held at the Prudential Centre in New Jersey, the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards had been highly anticipated all summer long. From co-hosts Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow to performers such as Annita and Fergie, the VMA’s long-standing tradition of subversive fashion certainly carried over into the realm of beauty, serving a plethora of outrageously beautiful hair, nail, and makeup looks. From bold blue lips to embellished 3D nails, this year’s attendees certainly did not disappoint. Below, our five favourite beauty looks prove why, including all the information you need to do the same from home.
Lizzo
Executed by celebrity MUA Alexa Mayo, Lizzo’s stunning glow could largely be owed to Charlotte Tilbury, utilizing the brand’s Glow Toner, Magic Cream, and Magic Serum Crystal Elixir to prep her flawless skin. Lizzo’s bold blue lips were formulated using both Rock ‘n’ Kohl in Bedroom Black and Eye Colour Magic Liner Duo in Super Blue, proving the perfect partner for her subtle smokey eye that made use of the Instant Eye Palette in Smoky Eyes are Forever and Pillow Talk Push up Lashes Mascara. To top it off, her sleek hairstyle was created by Shelbeniece Swain, using GHD’s products to achieve an effortless, blunt cut look.
Latto
After blowing out and curling her hair, Hairstylist Lace Assassin used Smooth & Hold Edge Control to slick back Latto’s edges, pulling the hair into a low pony before securing it with a claw clip and topping it off with Roses Galore Perfume. When it came to nails, Eri Ishizu used square shaped, medium-length soft gel tips, coated in a light nude and complimented by french chrome tips using an Instant Chrome Pen in shade Silver Holographic. Finally, the makeup look, which used products by Deck of Scarlet, was created by MUA Meli, utilizing the brand’s Big Lash Energy Mascara to build voluminous, chunky lashes that proved the focal point of the entire look.
Dove Cameron
As the winner of Best New Artist, Dove Cameron stunned audiences in more ways than one at this year’s VMA awards. Designed by manicurist Juan Alvear, Cameron’s nails featured red, black, and silver embellishments such as red roses and barbed wire, a rebellious reflection of the detail present upon Dove’s floral leather Paco Rabanbe gown. When it came to hair, Jacob Rozenberg created a Wednesday Addams inspired look through two sleek braids, a simplistic addition to her subtle white winged liner executed by Kale Teter using KVD beauty.
Doechii
Wearing matte black grills, Doechii took her edgy ensemble to the next level at this year’s VMA awards. Hairstylist Dhairius Thomas did not only sweep her hair into a spiky bun, but elevated her look by parting the front of her hair to the side, a fierce decision that combined the classic with the contemporary when it comes to the latest trends. Doechii’s seamless smoky eye pulled the entirety of her look together, complimenting her razor-sharp, structured leather co-ord styled by Malu.
Lil Nas X
Makeup Artist Grace Pae used a plethora of YSL beauty products to piece together Lil Nas X’s decadent makeup look, designed to accompany his theatrical garments designed by Harris Reed. From Nu Blotting Lotion to Nu Bare Look Tint in Nu 19, Lil Nas X had a fresh, dewy complexion that remained flawless under the flashlights. To voluminize his lashes and draw attention to the eyes, Lash Clash Mascara and Crushliner #1 Noir Intense were applied, layered with Sequin Crush Eyeshadow in Bold Blue for an unforgettable finish. Göt2be’s Metallic in Blue Charcoal helped Coree Moreno create a blue-black tone atop Lil Nas X’s previously coloured hair, whilst manicurist Temeka Jackson used OPI’s products in shades Bubble Bath and Black Onyx to create geometric nail shapes that were destined to catch our eye.
Words by Gracie Eastwood
Header Image: @Lizzobeeating
