These Beauty Looks at the 2026 VMAs Deserve Your Full Attention

1Teyana TaylorJeff Kravitz//Getty ImagesTeyana Taylor makes the case for a space bun resurgence with this romantic, wind-swept take that looks like it belongs in Wuthering Heights. Of course, though, she made it her own with a smudgy, black smokey eye and nude lip. She’s been on our best-beauty lists for virtually every appearance she’s made over the last year—and I don’t see it going away.2Charli XCXKevin Mazur//Getty ImagesI’m floored at how shiny and healthy Charli’s hair looks here. It’s glass-like and reflective, with an inky-black color that’s worthy of many fall 2026 hair color mood boards. This hair matches her smokey eye well, a smudgey black that rims her entire eye. It’s fitting this is the look she wore when she performed with Madonna.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3TylaFrazer Harrison//Getty ImagesWe can always count on Tyla to show up in the coolest braids, and this headband made of twists is no exception. It’s also something I can totally see people recreating, as it fully looks like a relic from the early ‘00s.4RayeJeff Kravitz//Getty ImagesAlthough simple, Raye’s look is breathtaking. The dark-red lip nearly matches her cherry cola hair color. Her cloud-like complexion also begs the question: Is matte foundation back?Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Chloe BaileyFrazer Harrison//Getty ImagesChlöe Bailey is proof that a bleached brow can majorly elevate a makeup look. This immediately makes a classic winged liner and blush look a bit more editorial and stylistic. It is the VMAs, after all!6OlandriaJC Olivera//Getty ImagesThe Ola Dolls have quite a lot to feast on after tonight. Appearing at her second VMAs, Olandria paired extra-long, mermaid waves with a pink-toned smokey eye and blush. This is a makeup look we’ve come to expect from Olandria, but this hair, created by hairstylist Ashanti Lation using Amika, takes everything to the next level.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Sienna SpiroKevin Mazur//Getty ImagesIt wouldn’t be a Sienna look if it didn’t include a beehive. But our newest Cosmo girl changed up her go-to hair slightly for the VMAs. This long length—complete with soft, bouncy waves—modernizes her ‘60s ‘do. A fitting look for the Best New Artist!Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.