Beauty Details From the MTV VMAs You Won't Want to Miss

When the MTV Video Music Awards roll around, we usually find ourselves asking the same questions: who will win artist of the year? Who is performing? What over-the-top beauty looks will the A-list attendees pull out?

We've seen many amazing hair, makeup, and nail demonstrations at the annual VMAs over the years. Miley Cyrus alone has had more jaw-dropping looks than we can count, and, of course, it's hard to top Doja Cat's infinite wardrobe changes as host of the 2021 show. We'd also be remiss not to at least briefly mention Lady Gaga's meat dress in 2010, which was a moment not to be missed.

During last year's show, we saw extra-bold nails on stars like Lil Nas X, Annita, and Dove Cameron. On stage, Lizzo looked like emo royalty with her blue lipstick and lip ring, and Taylor Swift's floating crystal eyeliner landed a spot on our mood boards instantly. But that's not to say everyone went big. Other celebrities brought the minimalist beauty vibes to the red carpet, like Ashley Graham's chic supermodel nails, and Becky G's red lip.

This year will be no different. The stars are bringing their beauty A-game yet again, and we're in for a treat. From the maximalist nail looks — we see you, Megan Thee Stallion and Saweetie — to the slick hairstyles, there's no shortage of show-stoppers.

Ahead, we've rounded up a few of the best beauty moments from the MTV VMAs 2023.

Olivia Rodrigo's Black Nails at the 2023 MTV VMAs
Getty | John Nacion

Olivia Rodrigo's Black Nails at the 2023 MTV VMAs

Olivia Rodrigo has been promoting her sophomore album, "Guts," with subtle help from her beauty team. Most notably, the singer has been wearing chipped black nail polish — and that extended to the MTV VMAs red carpet. Don't worry, we tracked down the exact shade she wears: OPI Nail Lacquer in Black Onyx.

Her manicure is by Mo Qin, her hair is by Clayton Hawkins using Sexy Hair products, and her makeup is by Nina Park using Nars.

Doja Cat's "Angel Eyes" Makeup at the 2023 MTV VMAs
Getty | John Nacion

Doja Cat's "Angel Eyes" Makeup at the 2023 MTV VMAs

There's a lot to unpack with Doja Cat's beauty look at the MTV VMAs: the glassy amber nails, the green contacts, the face gems, the intentionally uneven lash extensions, and (perhaps our favorite) the "angel eyes" eyeshadow.

Her manicure is by Saccia Livingston using Aprés Nails, her hair is by Jared Henderson using Professional Hair Labs, and her makeup is by Ernesto Casillas using Maybelline.

Selena Gomez's Red Chrome Nails at the 2023 MTV VMAs
Getty | Jason Kempin

Selena Gomez's Red Chrome Nails at the 2023 MTV VMAs

Selena Gomez went for an all-red ensemble for the event. She continued the theme across her dress, shoes, lip color, and even her nails, which her manicurist Tom Bachik dubbed a "golden glazed fire mani."

Bachik did her manicure using PLA polish, her hair is by Anh Co Tran, and her makeup is by Hung Vanngo using Rare Beauty.

Megan Thee Stallion's See-Through Nail Art at the 2023 MTV VMAs
Getty | Dimitrios Kambouris

Megan Thee Stallion's See-Through Nail Art at the 2023 MTV VMAs

Megan thee Stallion never plays with her nail art, and this look — an eye-catching yet see-through design — is no exception. Her manicure is by Coca Michelle, her hair is by Kellon Deryck, and her makeup is by Lauren Child using Revlon.

Taylor Swift's Chrome Nails at the 2023 MTV VMAs
Getty | Taylor Hill

Taylor Swift's Chrome Nails at the 2023 MTV VMAs

Taylor Swift took a break from her legendary Eras Tour to grace us with her presence at the MTV VMAs, and her look did not disappoint. From her sultry black Versace gown to her half-up, half-down style and her short chrome nails, it was giving "Reputation."

Saweetie's Silver Chrome Nails at the 2023 MTV VMAs
Getty | Dia Dipasupil

Saweetie's Silver Chrome Nails at the 2023 MTV VMAs

If you can look away from Saweetie's Flinstones-inspired dress, you'll notice an equally cool detail: her chrome nails.

Her manicure is by Temeka Jackson using Aprés Nails, her hair is by Erol Karadağ, and her makeup is by Kenya Alexis using Maybelline.

Demi Lovato's "Wet" Bob at the 2023 MTV VMAs
Getty | Jason Kempin

Demi Lovato's "Wet" Bob at the 2023 MTV VMAs

Everything about Demi Lovato's look was sleek, from her contoured eyeshadow to her slick, wet-looking hairstyle. Their makeup is by Jill Powell using The Inkey List and Danessa Myricks Beauty, their hair is by Alyx Liu, and their nails are by Natalie Minerva using OPI.

Sabrina Carpenter's Angelic Makeup at the 2023 MTV VMAs
Getty | Jamie McCarthy

Sabrina Carpenter's Angelic Makeup at the 2023 MTV VMAs

Sabrina Carpenter looks angelic in her white crystal-encrusted gown and perfectly undone hairstyle. Our favorite detail, however, is her flushed doll-like makeup. "I decided to go for a dreamy luminous glow with flushed angelic cheeks and fluffy lashes," her makeup artist Carolina Gonzalez said in a press release.

Her manicure is by Zola Ganzorigt using OPI, her hair is by Evanie Frausto, and Gonzalez used Velour Lashes and Armani Beauty.

Cardi B's Chrome Nails at the 2023 MTV VMAs
Getty | Udo Salters

Cardi B's Chrome Nails at the 2023 MTV VMAs

Cardi B's duck-clip dress is accented with reflective chrome nails. Her sleek mirror-like hair and soft, smoky glam is the cherry on top of the look.

Her manicure is by Jenny Bui using Aprés Nails, her hair is by Tokyo Stylez using Göt2b products, and her makeup is by Erika La Pearl using Pat McGrath Labs and Dermablend.

Offset's Duck-Clips Hairstyle at the 2023 MTV VMAs
Getty | John Nacion

Offset's Duck-Clips Hairstyle at the 2023 MTV VMAs

Offset hit the red carpet at the MTV VMAs with silver duck clips along both sides of his head to accessorize his look. The addition of the hair clips added a bit of spice to his otherwise formal attire, and matched the vibe of Cari B's duck-clip dress.

Madelyn Cline's Soft Glam and Beach Waves at the 2023 MTV VMAs
Getty | Jamie McCarthy

Madelyn Cline's Soft Glam and Beach Waves at the 2023 MTV VMAs

Madelyn Cline knows that minimal beauty trends are all the rage right now. Her MTV VMAs look featured barely-there supermodel nails, bronzy makeup, and beachy waves that are fitting for an "Outer Banks" star like herself.

Her manicure is by Zola Ganzorigt using OPI, her hair is by Laura Polko using John Frieda and Conair products, and her makeup is by Jennifer Luney Tioseco.

Karol G's Ombré Pink Hair at the 2023 MTV VMAs
Getty | Jamie McCarthy

Karol G's Ombré Pink Hair at the 2023 MTV VMAs

Blame it on Barbiecore (or don't), but the pink-hair party is going strong well after the movie's release. Our favorite rendition of the trend is Karol G's ombré color, which she matched to her nail polish.

Kelsea Ballerini's Abstract French Manicure at the 2023 MTV VMAs
Getty | Jamie McCarthy

Kelsea Ballerini's Abstract French Manicure at the 2023 MTV VMAs

Kelsea Ballerini wore a stunning red gown to the award show and paired it with loose waves and an abstract french manicure. The unique design on her tips is so subtle, you may just miss it.

Her nails are by Zola Ganzorigt and her hair and makeup is by Kelsey Deenihan using GHD and Covergirl products.

Charli D'Amelio's Red Nails and Lip at the 2023 MTV VMAs
Getty | Jamie McCarthy

Charli D'Amelio's Red Nails and Lip at the 2023 MTV VMAs

Charli D'Amelio's look oozes class and elegance. She paired her black and white structured gown with a bold red lip and equally head-turning red nails.

Her manicure is by Brittany Boyce using Manucurist Paris, her hair is by Laura Polko using John Frieda and Conair products, and her makeup is by Olivia Madorma.