The summer of Selena Gomez is still going strong — and we’re loving it! On the heels of releasing a music video for her party anthem, "Single Soon," Gomez stunned at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) red carpet. As a prominent star on Hulu's "Only Murders in the Building," she had plenty to celebrate, receiving three VMA nominations, including the prestigious Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, and Best AfroBeat of the Year, all for Rema's "Calm Down."
For this glamorous occasion, Gomez donned a daring red Oscar de La Renta dress adorned with tonal beading. Her makeup was equally striking, featuring "red velvet" tones that perfectly complemented her stunning look. As every Selenator knows, Gomez founded Rare Beauty, a color cosmetics line sold at Sephora, so naturally, she showcased a full face of her own makeup brand.
Here's a quick breakdown of how to recreate the look at home using the exact products and colors that Gomez rocked for the occasion, courtesy of her long-time makeup artist, Hung Vanngo. The best part? Everything is relatively affordable, with prices starting at just $15!
How to Get Selena Gomez's Red Velvet VMAs Makeup with Rare Beauty
Complexion
Vanngo prepped her skin with the Always an Optimist Pore Diffusing Primer, a cushiony gel that blurs fine lines and minimizes shine, ensuring the makeup lasts even in hot weather. He then applied her signature Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation in the shade 210N, followed by the Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer in the same shade to cover any imperfections.
Next, the Positive Light Under Eye Brightener in Light Medium was used to visibly brighten and hydrate Gomez's delicate undereye area. This radiant concealer offers sheer, flexible coverage that feels light on the skin. To set everything in place, Vanngo used the Always an Optimist Soft Radiance Powder in Light and completed the look with the Always an Optimist 4-in-1 Mist.
After perfecting her base, Vanngo enhanced her stunning cheekbones with the viral Soft Pinch Dewy Liquid Blush in Worth, adding a sunkissed glow with the Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick in Bright Side. A pro tip: The liquid blush is extremely pigmented, so start small with just a couple of dots and blend before adding more!
- For an IRL Beauty Filter: Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Always an Optimist Pore Diffusing Primer - $28 at Sephora
- For Medium-to-Full Coverage: Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation in 210 - $30 at Sephora
- For Cake-Free Spot Coverage: Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer in 210 - $22 at Sephora
- For Hiding Dark Circles: Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Positive Light Under Eye Brightener in Light - $24 at Sephora
Eyes
Having gorgeous eyebrows is an essential part of Gomez's beauty looks, and her VMA red velvet makeup was no exception. To achieve the feathery look at home, create hair-like strokes with the Brow Harmony Precision Pencil in Cool Brown and lock everything in place with the Brow Harmony Flexible Lifting Gel, which is currently sold out on Sephora. For those no-makeup days, consider running the clear brow gel through your brow hairs to tame pesky flyaways!
Once the brows are perfected, it’s time to enhance the eyes. Start by priming the eyelids with the Always an Optimist Weightless Eye Primer to ensure the makeup lasts longer and colors pop. Vanngo used the Rare Beauty True To Myself Eyeshadow Palette to create a sultry brown smoky eye, along with the Perfect Strokes Gel Eyeliner in Black. Finally, he finished off the eyes with the Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara.
- For Bigger, Bolder Brows: Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Brow Harmony Precision Eyebrow Pencil in Soft Brown - $19 at Sephora
- For Fluffy Brows: Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Brow Harmony Flexible Lifting Gel - $17 at Rare Beauty
- For Long-Lasting Eye Makeup: Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Always an Optimist Weightless Eyeshadow Primer - $21 at Sephora
- For Waterline-Safe Eyeliner: Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Perfect Strokes Longwear and Waterproof Gel Eyeliner in True Black - $19 at Sephora
Lips
The final touch to achieving Gomez's exact VMAs look is lining the lips with the Kind Words Matte Lipliner in Wise and swiping on the Kind Words Matte Lipstick in Humble, a gorgeous rose mauve.
- Includes a Sharpener: Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Kind Words Lip Liner in Wise - $15 at Sephora
- For a Kissable Pout: Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Kind Words Matte Lipstick in Humble - $20 at Sephora
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