The best pictures are recorded
The performances were amazing, and our eyes were zoned in on what these stars were wearing from head to toe, both on and off the stage. They were already wowing us with their massive feather headpieces, face jewelry, and slicked-back hair, but we were also obsessing over all the manicures. Here are just a few that we are loving.
Dove Cameron
Dove Cameron’s striking pointed nails
Dove Cameron went for dark grunge vibes at the awards show. She paired her strapless leather and floral gown with smoked-out burgundy eye makeup, plum glossy lips, and stiletto-shaped nails. Makeup artist Kale Teter combined KVD Beauty’s Everlasting Hyperlight Liquid Lipstick in Quicksand Rose and XO Lip Gloss in Camellia for Cameron’s shiny pout.
Nail artist Juan Alvear added multiple 3D decals to her black-and-silver mani. For example, there were deep red rose charms and silver gems on each middle finger. If you look closely, you might have noticed the black scissor decals on each ring fingernail.
Betty Who
Each hand has a different nail design by the australian Singer-songwriter
The Australian-born singer-songwriter showed up with black-and-white graphic nails. Each hand had different nail designs. On one hand, there were various sizes of white and black stars on each nail. The other hand had white hearts on the index and ring fingers. The white design on the middle finger was actually an ode to the awards show; it’s the iconic MTV logo.
Monét X Change
Monét X Change’s nails with light pink base and dramatic white swirls
Monét X Change had already caught over eyes with her large afro puffs and bright tropical-inspired makeup, but we made sure not to forget her white swirly tips. She opted for a nude coffin-shaped manicure with a light baby pink base and various white swirls on each nail.
Taylor Swift
Pop star’s striking metal nails
The pop-country star was nominated for five awards and took home the best long-form video award. She accepted her Moonman in a silver cutout dress that looked like a chandelier draped over her body. Her nails and eyes were just as blinged out as her dress. Her bedazzled metallic nails practically blend into her dress in the above photo. The medium-length, almond-shaped nails were full of sparkly gems and jewels.
Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X’s nails make an unexpected impression
Now, hearing the words “goth Big Bird” probably sounds like the strangest and worst thing in the world, but we swear Lil Nas X’s VMAs outfit will make you rethink that. The rapper showed out with a massive black feather headpiece with matching pants. It’s hard to take your eyes off this elaborate feather piece, but the mismatched manicure he wore that night also deserves some fanfare.
Two nails on each hand were painted completely black by nail artist Temeka Jackson who used OPI GelColor polishes, which are exclusively available to nail artists, to complete this look. Thankfully, the two shades she used, Bubble Bath (pale pink) and Black Onyx (pitch black), are available in nail lacquer form, so this look can be recreated at home. With the Black Onyx polish and a thin brush, she drew French tips, geometric shapes, and lines to create the nail art.
Becky G
Becky G shows off her West Coast roots with bright red pointed claws
Becky G looked gorgeous in a sequined gown that looked just like a stained glass window. She repped her West Coast origins with bright-red stiletto claws. Those fiery nails matched the bright red pigment on her lips.
Latto
The Atlanta-born rapper wears delicate silver ombré nails
The Atlanta-raised rapper paired her highlighter-green blazer dress with a coifed updo, soft glam makeup, nude lips, and a silver ombré manicure.
Lizzo
Almond-shaped nails match the chrome color of her Moonman trophy
Lizzo accepted her Video for Good award in a black mesh gown with smoky eye makeup and a silver chain connecting her nose ring to her ear. The pop star’s silver, almond-shaped nails, which were painted by nail artist Eri Ishizu, matched the chrome hue of her Moonman trophy.
Ishizu used OPI’s GelColor in Clean Slate and Chrome Effects In Mixed Metals, two products that are exclusively available to manicurists, for these metallic nails. A nail lacquer version of Clean Slate exists that can be used with OPI Infinity Shine Nail Polish in Silver on Ice for a similar effect.
Nicki Minaj
Her striking nails showed drama and excitement in Nicki Minaj’s hot pink outfit
The Video Vanguard Award winner accepted her award with stiletto-shaped, hot pink claws that looked as long as a credit card. Her bedazzled nails embodied the drama and excitement of her hot pink outfit. It’s a manicure befitting of a Barbie.
