THE MTV Video Music Awards last weekend strangely showed a lack of variety when it came to makeup looks on the red carpet. Usually, the stars go fun and trendy with their beauty looks for the VMAs since it’s not black tie like the Oscars. This year, though, everyone seemed to be doing some variation of a winged eye and nude lips.
Here are three degrees of winged eye looks at the VMAs and how to attempt them. Is your hand steady enough for these?
Level 1: Demi Lovato
This is a wearable look that anyone can pull off for a special occasion. Demi’s liner is just a wing with a tapered end. What makes the look special and dramatic is the gleaming finish on the skin and major eyelashes. Pick a pair of falsies that are long and separated instead of one thick, even length. To prevent strobing from looking oily, use a matte foundation followed by liquid highlighter, then set with powder highlighter. Contour the cheekbones to give the face definition, then apply a clear gloss on lips. There’s not much color happening on the face, so this makeup won’t clash with whatever dress you’re wearing.
Level 2: Rita Ora
I’m not a major fan of this look because the winged shadow looks pretty bulky and not very neat, but it can be a fun one to try if you’re going to a party or a concert. Create this shape with a smoky gray eyeshadow, then blend out the top edge just a little. Take the color on the lower lash lines as well and finish with black liner on top lids plus mascara. To prevent the makeup from sliding down and to clean up the line, dab on cream concealer on the undereyes then sweep out with a sponge or flat foundation brush.
Level 3: Taylor Swift
We all know Taylor is a regular with the winged eyeliner, but she took it to Bad Blood music video levels at the VMAs. What prevented it from looking too Black Swan was the fact that her makeup artist didn’t use all black or all matte for this look, but shimmery dark blue-gray. For added control with this look, use a flat eyeshadow brush to pat on, not sweep, color on the lids. In this case, don’t blend the edges. On the lower lash line, pack on the color with a flat or angled liner brush to keep the line neat. Extend the line all the way to the inner corners. Notice that the wing does not extend past her brows, which keeps the look from being too costumey. Use a nude eyeliner on the waterline, false eyelashes on top and mascara on bottom lashes. Shape the brows but don’t darken them too much to keep the focus on the eyes. All you need is a clear gloss on the lips to finish this look.