Candidly, we didn’t really know what to expect going into the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards. Aside from the usual questions – Like who will win artist of the year? Who is performing? What over-the-top beauty looks will this year’s guests pull out? – we were all curious to see how the COVID-19 pandemic would change this year’s event.
We’ve seen so many showstopping, amazing beauty looks 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 the moment Lady Gaga emerged onto the red carpet in 2010 in a meat dress. Good times.
Now that the big night is here, we’re happy to report that stars like Keke Palmer, Joey King, and Lady Gaga did not let this year’s unique situation stifle their creativity . . . like, at all. Ahead, we rounded up a few of the best beauty moments from the 2020 VMAs.
Getty / Rich Fury/MTV VMAs 2020
Joey King at the MTV VMAs 2020
King arrived at the show with superstraight hair, courtesy of stylist Dimitri Giannetos, and a monochrome pink makeup look by celebrity makeup artist Allan Avendaño. As for her beauty process? She told an MTV VMAs reporter: “I’m wearing a lot of Spanx, I’ve got some fake makeup on my legs so that they look shiny, and yeah, I have extensions in my hair. So you know, I don’t really look like this.”
Getty / Jeff Kravitz/MTV VMAs 2020
Keke Palmer at the MTV VMAs 2020
As the official host of the show, Palmer made sure to bring it with her beauty look – slicked-back updo with face-framing tendrils and all.
Getty / Rich Fury/MTV VMAs 2020
Bebe Rexha at the MTV VMAs 2020
Never one to skimp on her nail game, Rexha stepped out with an extralong, metallic-tipped french manicure.
Getty / Kevin Winter/MTV VMAs 2020
Lady Gaga at the MTV VMAs 2020
Lady Gaga took “Moon Person” to new heights with this monochromatic gray look, from her hair, courtesy of Frederic Aspiras for ghd, to her makeup, courtesy of makeup artist and global artistry director for Haus Laboratories Sarah Tanno.
Getty / Frazer Harrison
Doja Cat at the MTV VMAs 2020
For Doja Cat, it was all in the details – just check out her shiny nails and shimmery eyeshadow that perfectly matched her ruby jewelry and dress.
Getty / Vijat Mohindra/MTV VMAs 2020
Miley Cyrus at the MTV VMAs 2020
Cyrus is no stranger to the mullet hairstyle, but she freshened it up with this look in 2020.
Getty / Jeff Kravitz/MTV VMAs 2020
Getty / Rich Fury/MTV VMAs 2020
Madison Beer at the MTV VMAs 2020
Beer kept her hair and makeup simple this year, with a neutral makeup look and straight, slightly highlighted hair parted down the middle.
Getty / Rich Fury/MTV VMAs 2020
Sofia Carson at the MTV VMAs 2020
Carson’s sleek chignon and neutral makeup palette, courtesy of celebrity makeup artist Karan Mitchell for Revlon, were the definition of Old Hollywood glam.
