The Beauty Revolution of the 2025 VMAs
The VMAs are one of the most anticipated events for music celebrities, and on September 7, 2025, at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, the ceremony took place filled with emotions, beauty, drama, and sparkle.
One of the standout beauty trends at this year’s edition was the “tired girl” look makeup with a deliberately fatigued appearance that defined the style of several guests. The event was also a feast of references: voluminous waves and bleached straight brows appeared repeatedly, while most chose to elevate their individual style with a modern twist.
In addition to the awards, the evening featured a series of performances.
Lady Gaga, the queen of the night, was the big winner of the first category, taking home the award for “Artist of the Year.” In her speech, she moved the audience when she spoke about the responsibility of being an artist:
“Being an artist is discipline, craft, and above all, a way to make the audience smile, dance, and cry.”
Lady Gaga has long been a standout for her bold and unforgettable fashion and beauty choices. At this year’s show, she embraced a romantic gothic look: an elegant bun with dark floral accessories, burgundy smoky eyes, and a deep red lip. Theatricality at its finest.
Trending Looks:
Bold red lips & striking matte lipstick.
Well-placed blush “cheeky blush”as the main pop of color.
Shimmering shadows and metallic eyes.
Glow skin / luminous finishes.
Natural contrasts / soft makeup with one bold detail.
Earthy tones, copper, and warm shades.
Bronze or copper eyes, warm shadows balanced beautifully across skin tones.
Doja Cat is the new global ambassador for M·A·C, bringing back the iconic Lady Danger
She wore the M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Lady Danger paired with the Cherry lip liner. On the red carpet, Doja didn’t just steal the show she redefined it. Between fiery performances and the surprise of biting into a lipstick made of chocolate by chef Amaury Guichon, she announced, in the most unconventional way, her new role as the face of M·A·C Cosmetics. Her chosen style was ’80s retro glam: voluminous hair with a side fringe, vibrant red lips, and matching red manicure.
The 2025 VMAs also pointed toward the future of beauty: the rise of hybrid products blending makeup and skincare, along with the push for more sustainable and inclusive approaches. On the red carpet, we saw the dominance of lightweight textures, natural skin, and colors that spoke equally to diversity and technology from futuristic metallic pigments to modern reimaginings of timeless classics.
