The best beauty looks from the 2018 American Music Awards

Um, ponytail GOALS! Rita Ora is always stunning, but her AMAs red carpet look proved her beauty game is timeless. Her super sleek updo, which was curled at the ends for a cute vintage-inspired look, worked to accentuate her facial features on a whole new level. It shows that a classic ponytail can make any look polished and chic, without being too hard to style. Win! The singer also showed off her flawlessly contoured base, complete with statement smoky eyes, classic winged liner and a nude lip.

Cardi B brought her A-game and we didn’t expect anything less. Her bright, colourful makeup look (and extremely large floral headpiece!) gave us major summer vibes. She worked with a combination of red/sunset hues for a killer statement eye, complete with outstretched pink eyeshadow wings – it’s all the inspo you need to switch out your usual black eyeliner. Her hair was styled in a slicked-back low bun, letting her eye-catching makeup (and headpiece) take centre stage.

Leighton Meister took to the red carpet wearing a classic red lip, bold brows and an elegant updo. Her hair was parted in the middle and pulled back into a low bun, with some wisps left out around the face to soften the look – a super simple hairstyle that looks sophisticated and chic!

Is it just us, or are updos having a major moment on the red carpet this year? They were aplenty at the AMAs! J.Lo showed off a tousled, voluminous updo, which looked both parts elegant and sexy. On the makeup front, she went for a super dark smoky eye, which perfectly complemented her nude lip and flawless skin.

Vanessa Hudgens absolutely oozed Hollywood glam with a modern twist, highlighting that less is definitely more. Wearing a pink glossy lip and big, voluminous lashes, the star wore her sleek lob tucked behind one ear, allowing the other side to effortlessly frame her face.

Taylor Swift showed us how to rock silver metallic eyeshadow without looking completely over the top. Yes, it’s a thing. Her statement eyeshadow was blended out above her crease line and paired with winged liner for a sultry, smoky look. She added a *massive* set of feathery lashes to finish her eye look and a slick of pink lipstick to her lips. And would you look at that! Another messy, updo that we want to copy immediately.

We’re calling it: Dua Lipa wins best manicure. Her bright yellow neon nails were enough to rival J.Lo’s money nails from the Billboard Music Awards. And that’s saying something. The lesson here? Sometimes a pop of attention-grabbing colour on the nails can *make* a whole beauty look. Teamed with a textured, deeply-parted cropped ‘do, the singer wore long lashes, power brows and brown ‘90s-style statement lips.

If you’re after more hair and makeup inspiration, check out the best spring beauty trends from New York Fashion Week, or three of the biggest beauty looks coming out of London.

Which American Music Awards beauty look do you love the most? Let us know in the comments below.  

Main image credit: Getty
Inset image credit: Getty