Playing it safe isn't an option at the VMAs, where total exhibitionism is practically required to get on the color-blocked carpet. But that makes finding the middle ground—chic but surprising—a little trickier. Here, the stars who turned out our favourite hair and makeup looks of the night.
1. Gigi Hadid
The model is keeping the summer spirit alive with whipped-back hair, a healthy, allover dose of bronze color and a sunny orange dress.
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Gigi Hadid, MTV VMAs 2015
2. Hailee Steinfeld
Surround inky black cat-eyes with deep purple shadow for a modern Cleopatra reinterpretation.
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Hailee Steinfeld, MTV VMAs 2015
3. Miley Cyrus
The host of the evening gets a free pass to go extreme on every level—and Cyrus certainly did—but we love the turquoise liner as an everyday way to instantly brighten your eyes.
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Miley Cyrus, MTV VMAs 2015
4. Taylor Swift
Swift's sleek ponytail and heavy winged liner were a fresh change from the red lips and loose waves she normally sports.
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Taylor Swift, MTV VMAs 2015
5. Cara Delevingne
Delevingne stayed true to the deep side part and smoky makeup she favoured throughout her Paper Towns press tour—after all, why fix what isn't broken?
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Cara Delevingne, MTV VMAs 2015