The 2023 MTV VMA red carpet witnessed a natural-looking beauty trend: the rise of the nude and subdued lips. Neutrals, pinky nudes and 90s brown tones took center stage at the Video Music Awards, leaving iconic red hues at the door. Music’s biggest stars like Selena Gomez, Cardi B, Demi Lovato, and Karol G embraced the understated elegance of neutral lips, letting their fresh, glowy, dewy skin shine to serve straight beauty with zero distractions.
1 / 9
Selena Gomez
The pink carpet lit up when Gomez arrived with her unforgettable bold eyes, sleek hair and a pretty pinky-nude lip. Gomez is a three-time nominee with Rema for her hit song "Calm Down."
@swifttchile
2 / 9
Cardi B
Pairing her bold lashes and doe eyes with a neutral shine, Cardi glittered in her Dilara Fındıkoğlu gown.
@behumblewedigital
3 / 9
Karol G
A vision in pink, the "Mañana Será Bonito" singer brought old Hollywood glamour with a mermaid twist in a stunning sheer gown.
@lomasinnmusic
4 / 9
Kelsea Ballerini
The “Penthouse” singer wowed on the red carpet in her first appearance at the VMAs in a stunning outfit to celebrate her 30th birthday at the show.
Getty Images
5 / 9
Taylor Swift
Taking a break from her sell-out Eras Tour, Swift stopped by the VMAs—she already took home the Moonperson for Best Pop—and served major looks.
Getty Images
6 / 9
Shakira
The first South American artist to be presented with the Video Vanguard Award, Shakira came to win with gorgeous goddess glam and waves for days.
@vmas
7 / 9
Bebe Rexha
Bebe Rexha got candid in a new TikTok video, where she opened up about anxiety before the 2023 VMAs, but the star was all smiles on the pink carpet.
@beberexhaczsk
8 / 9
Anitta
Anitta arrived an avant-garde Schiaparelli FW23 couture dress. While the design was far from conventional, the singer opted for a more neutral makeup look.
@annittaonlinebr_
9 / 9
Demi Lovato
Demi channeled the Matrix with an all-black long leather duster with oversized structured shoulders. To let her matching smoky eye stand out, she gave her lips a softer, more subdued moment.
@demilovato.glow
