American Music Awards 2018: The Best Skin, Hair and Makeup Looks on the Red Carpet

At this year's American Music Awards, musicians may have received all the accolades—but it was the actresses who ruled the red carpet. 

Namely, Amber Heard and Leighton Meester, who had my favourite glam of the night. But I was also excited about Tracee Ellis Ross, with her fearless approach to makeup, and Cobie Smulders, who schooled us in the art of colour-blocking.

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These were the most inspiring celeb looks: 

Amber Heard

Amber looks beautiful in peachy makeup, glowing skin and slicked-back wet hair (it's in a braid at the back). The lip colour is especially lovely, and if you look closely, you can see she's wearing blue mascara on her lower lashes. The bronzer could be softer and more blended, especially around her forehead.

Amber is wearing: Foundation in Nude Beige • Blush in Barely Blushing • Eyeshadow in Impressive Brown • Eyeshadow in Because I'm Worth It • Eyeliner in Black • Mascara in Cobalt Blue • Mascara in Black • Lipstick in Matte-cadamia

Leighton Meester

Leighton's rich red lipstick really pops against her flawless skin, accented by gold eyeshadow and defined lashes. I love the texture of her brows, and how we can still see the freckles across her nose. 

Vanessa Hudgens

Vanessa's shimmery pink shadow matches her dress (and skin!) perfectly. The shiny lob, tucked behind one ear, adds polish. Glow down her nose and gloss in the centre of her lips really brings this to life.

Vanessa is wearing: Foundation in Buff • Highlighter in Solar • Eyeshadow in Friendcation

Taylor Swift

Taylor has returned to her Life Cut! This is my all-time favourite hair for her—long and dark blonde with bangs. The makeup's still on the heavy side, especially the lip liner, but I do like the grey shadow and baby pink lips. And her skin is seriously perfect.

Dua Lipa

Dua went '90s style with brown lipstick, matching shadow and lush lashes. She has a new, shorter bob (this is what her hair looked like before) and I always love her brows. 

Tracee Ellis Ross

I always appreciate Tracee's foundation-free skin, adorned here with graphic black liner and mod pink lipstick. I know this won't be everyone's taste, but I SO appreciate her willingness to experiment—she's never boring! I just think this would be better with her hair up.

Tracee is wearing: Highlighter • Eyeshadow in VR Nectar • Eyeliner in Xtreme Black • Lip liner in Buff • Lipstick in Christy

Rita Ora

Rita's high, sculptural ponytail with curled up ends gives her outfit a girly, playful vibe. (Here it is from more angles.) Cat eyes and glossy pale lips were the obvious makeup choice, and her skin is so good! 

Rita is wearing: False lashes

Ciara

Ciara showed off her big, textured curls. Makeup-wise, all she needs is bright gold highlighter at the inner corners of her eyes and down the bridge of her nose. Her skin is looking flawless and naturally sculpted. 

Cobie Smulders

Cobie tried out the colour-blocked makeup trend with a pop of blue liner and an orangey-red lip stain, against fresh skin. The shades match her floral dress, but look more edgy than sweet thanks to the textured lob, bare lashes and natural brows. 

Camila Cabello

Camila did her go-to clear lip gloss, flushed pink cheeks and flawless skin. We can't really see her eye makeup, but it's nice to see less blush compared to her VMAs look. Her layered hair has a cool bedhead texture.

Camila is wearing: Eye cream • Moisturizer • Foundation • Concealer • Contour in Chestnut • Blush in Sexy Flush • Highlighter in Slay in Rose • Eyeshadow in In Love • Eyeshadow in Noir C'est Noir • Eyeliner in Black • Lash primer • Mascara in Mystic Black • Lip liner in Matte's It • Lip gloss in Desnudo

Busy Philipps

Busy played up her eyes with bright metallic silver shadow at the inner corners. Her pink lip gloss is the perfect shade and texture. But I'm not feeling the hair... I think the colour is too close to her skin tone. I think it looks better lighter and more cool-toned.

Constance Wu

Constance's half-up wavy hairstyle is young and fun, and the wrapped ponytail is a nice touch. But with the red lip stain, bold peach blush and yellow-brown eyeshadow, there's a bit too much going on with the makeup. I'd tone down the eyeshadow and blush and ditch the harsh waterline liner. 

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer went with a messy, sexy updo with a side-swept bang. And her bronde hair colour is perfection. But as usual, she'd look great with half as much makeup. The base is too light and the contouring is too dark... and I'd rather see normal lips than this dark ring all the time. It's not fooling anyone!

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