The 9 Best Beauty Looks at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards

JC Olivera // Getty Images Beauty Makeup The 9 Best Beauty Looks at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards The 9 Best Beauty Looks at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards Statement ponytails and sultry eyes ruled music’s wildest night

Video may have killed the radio star, but the MTV Video Music Awards continue to be one of music’s biggest—and wildest—nights. Bazaar’s beauty editors are keeping their eyes peeled for the best beauty looks on the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet. Stars like Teyana Taylor, Taylor Swift, and Charli XCX gathered to celebrate and honor some of the greatest achievements in performance, pop culture, and musical artistry. Statement ponytails and darker hair-color changes added to the evening’s bold red-carpet looks, along with smoky eyes, bright lips, and glowing skin. Keep reading for some of our favorite hair and makeup looks from the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards.

Teyana Taylor’s braided space buns add a Y2K twist to the star’s playful red-carpet look. Her subtly smoky eye and contoured lip are the perfect match for her feather boa and beaded gown.

Off Campus star Ella Bright’s sultry brown makeup is a masterclass in understated yet impactful beauty. The star’s darker, smokier brown hair was center-parted and styled in waves that are equal parts soft and structured.

Lisa’s sharp cat-eye flick at this evening’s VMAs proves that the makeup trend isn’t just for millennials. We love the singer’s statement earrings and matching red hair accessories for a complete, monochromatic look.

Along with voluminous, Old Hollywood-inspired curls, singer Raye’s cherry cola-red hair is giving Bazaar editors plenty of fall hair-color inspiration. Plus, the star’s glossy, wine-colored lips add extra depth alongside her shimmery halter-neck gown.

Rock-star glam is having a major moment at this year’s Video Music Awards, thanks to Charli XCX’s smoky makeup and sleek black hair.

Whether Taylor Swift identifies as a blonde or brunette these days, her sleek, shoulder-grazing haircut deserves a moon man. The “Patient Zero” singer opted for a rose-nude lip and classic winged liner on the evening’s red carpet.

Bleached brows are back, according to singer Chlöe Bailey. The star’s edgy makeup expertly accentuates the icy-blond tendrils in her coiled updo.

Speaking of rock-star makeup, we can’t get enough of Sombr’s guyliner and effortlessly tousled curls at this year’s VMAs.

Songwriter Sienna Spiro’s Twiggy-inspired lashes and bombshell hair are a recipe for beauty success. Her stunning retro glam was a standout on the red carpet.

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