The MTV Video Music Awards have always been a stage for unforgettable style moments. From Lil’ Kim’s purple wig in 1999 to Lady Gaga’s infamous meat dress in 2010, and even the paperboy hat craze that Britney Spears popularised in the early 2000s, the VMAs remain a breeding ground for iconic beauty and fashion.
The 2025 edition was no different. Hosted by rap legend LL Cool J at the UBS Arena in New York, the night was filled with show-stopping performances by Lady Gaga, Doja Cat and Sabrina Carpenter, as well as a tribute to Mariah Carey, the recipient of this year’s Video Vanguard Award. But beyond the music, it was the beauty looks—bold, experimental, and unapologetically expressive—that truly stole the spotlight.
This year, the theme seemed to be bigger, brighter, bolder. Voluminous hair, daring colour, and statement lips dominated the red carpet. From Doja Cat’s teased-to-perfection mane to Ariana Grande’s coquette-inspired softness, the evening proved once again that beauty at the VMAs is all about making a statement.
Here are the standout beauty moments from the 2025 VMAs.
Doja Cat
The undisputed queen of reinvention brought vintage glamour with a twist. Her oversized, feathered hair paid homage to the ’80s, while a classic red lip and matching crimson manicure tied the look together. The viral lipstick bite only amplified her dramatic effect.
Ariana Grande 
Grande returned to her signature high ponytail, this time pairing it with delicate, pink-toned makeup and a razor-sharp liquid liner. The overall aesthetic was dreamy, romantic, and perfectly coquette.
Sabrina Carpenter
The Man’s Best Friend singer leaned into bronzed bombshell beauty. Loose, cascading waves framed her face, while her sculpted lips gave the look a sultry, golden edge.
Tyla
South Africa’s very own shone in a sleek bob elevated by cornrow detailing. Her dewy complexion and nude lip cemented her as one of the evening’s most radiant stars.
Latto
Presenter Latto embodied understated glamour. With glowing glass skin, a rosy flush, and flowing blonde waves crafted by hairstylist Ashanti Lation for SheaMoisture, her look balanced elegance with effortless ease.
Ice Spice
Channelling ’90s nostalgia, Ice Spice lit up the carpet with a strawberry-pink updo and soft French tips. It was playful yet polished, proving why she continues to be a beauty trendsetter.
FKA Twigs
Few could make headphones a beauty statement, but FKA Twigs did just that. Her braided hairstyle, sculpted to mimic a pair of headphones, was avant-garde artistry at its finest.
Lady Gaga
True to form, Gaga leaned into theatricality. A flower-adorned updo paired with blunt black bangs, a smoky eye, and a bold red lip cemented her gothic-glam aesthetic and reminded us why she remains a beauty chameleon.
Olandria Carthen
Making her VMAs debut, Love Island USA alum Olandria Carthen wore radiant glam to match her flowing Matthew Reisman gown. Makeup artist Kenya Alexis described the look as “a bronze show-stopping glow,” complete with glittering shadow, winged liner, and a bold brown lip.
Ashlee Simpson
Serving early-2000s nostalgia, Simpson returned to the spotlight with copper crimped waves. Paired with a brown smoky eye and a nude lip, her look was a throwback done right.
Justine Skye
After experimenting with micro braids, Justine Skye went natural with honey-blonde curls. Bleached brows, a ’90s-style lip with dark liner, and a smouldering smoky eye gave her look a raw, high-fashion edge.
Audrey Nuna
The KPop Demon Hunters star showcased a sculptural half-up, half-down hairstyle adorned with gold jewellery. Equal parts regal and futuristic, it was one of the most memorable beauty statements of the night.
Taylor Momsen
The Gossip Girl alum stayed true to her grunge roots with platinum waves and signature dark, smudged eyeshadow. The look was rebellious, raw, and unmistakably Taylor.
From hyper-glam lips to experimental hair, the 2025 VMAs reminded us that the red carpet is not only about fashion—it’s also a playground for beauty. Whether embracing nostalgia or pushing boundaries, these artists proved once again that at the VMAs, beauty is performance.