Gothic beauty is spilling all over the MTV Video Music Awards red carpet in New York City, with a litany of a-listers donning inky black eyeshadow and nude lip shades. It’s no surprise the moody makeup is a fan-favorite aesthetic this year; after all, 1990s grunge is poised to be fall’s hottest beauty trend alongside the “tired girl” visage à la Jenna Ortega.
Outside Madison Square Garden, Ashlee Simpson and Frankie Grande cast their bids for a dark look, drawing misty hues up to their eyebrow bones and applying black eyeliner to their waterlines. Ahead, WWD breaks down gothic beauty moments from Simpson, Grande, “Gossip Girl” star Taylor Momsen and more.
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Gabby Windey
Gabby Windey put her own spin on the gothic beauty trend with an even base, pink-chestnut lip liner, and a light smoky eye. “The Bachelorette” star also followed the skinny brow fad that’s taken over the high-fashion runways recently with finely plucked, arched eyebrows.
Ashlee Simpson
Ashlee Simpson arrived outside Madison Square Garden on Sunday night with amber-colored hair, dark brown eyebrows, bronze shadow and pale lips. The 40-year-old performer evoked the witch aesthetic of the forthcoming spooky season with extra-long, almond-shaped talons.
Frankie Grande
Frankie Grande cast dark circles over his eyes on the VMAs red carpet in New York City. The black dust tinged with silver poured across his lids, while black eyeliner made what looked like a tear dripping down his right cheek.
Taylor Momsen
Taylor Momsen opted for her signature grunge aesthetic, comprised of dramatic smoky eyes and a white lipstick shade. The “Gossip Girl” actress and rock artist is known for stamping a heavy amount of black eyeshadow over her eyelids, on and off the stage.
Benee
Benee put her own spin on the makeup trend, opting for thin cat-eye liner and a matte burgundy lip shade. The 25-year-old singer from New Zealand also played with mod hairstyles, fashioning her inky black hair into a side part with foot-long braid extensions.
