Tate McRae Wore Party Girl Eyes and “Model Off Duty” Hair at the VMAs

How could you miss the 2024 VMAs last night? Between Taylor Swift shouting out Travis Kelce, Sabrina Carpenter making out with an alien, and Katy Perry performing an Eras Tour style of all her top hits, there were plenty of viral moments from the show. We’re still not over some of the best looks of the night, including Tate McRae’s sheer Roberto Cavalli gown, which she paired with “model-off-duty” hair and glowing skin.

McRae was nominated for Best Pop and Choreography for her song “Greedy.” For the occasion, her makeup artist Lilly Keys wanted to lean into McRae’s signature aesthetics, while her hairstylist crafted a “sexy, lived-in” look.

The pop star’s makeup for the night featured a skin-like foundation with a statement ’90s party-girl eye, as though the singer just rolled out of bed from a fun night out—in the best way. “I really wanted to lean into Tate’s aesthetic,” Keys tells Byrdie exclusively, which she says is influenced by Y2K and futurism. She started by prepping McRae’s skin to create that glowing-from-within look using Herbivore products.

“I start by cleansing the face with Pink Cloud Creamy Jelly Cleanser to gently remove impurities,” says Keys. Next, she layered on the Pink Cloud Jelly Plumping Hydration Serum and Nova 15% Vitamin C and Turmeric Brightening Serum to “brighten and even out the complexion.” To finish her skin prep and lock in that extra glow she layered Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil, Lapis Blue Tansy Face Oil, and Phoenix Face Oil.

Keys wanted the centerpiece of the look to include “glitter, metallic shadows, and intricate liner.” As such, the singer’s smoked-out eyeshadow with a sparkly base and winged eyeliner were the statement of her makeup, as was her natural-looking foundation. Keys used all Stila products on McRae including the Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, the Blush & Bronze Hydro-Blur Cheek Duo, and the Heaven’s Hue Highlighter.

“I love underpainting,” says Keys. “I use a cream bronzer, contouring her cheekbones underneath the foundation to add depth and warmth. Using a soft domed foundation brush, I buff a small amount of foundation onto her skin in concentric circles, beginning at the center of her face and blending outward.” Keys notes that this technique allows her to use a smaller amount of foundation and apply it evenly. “I finish with a luminous highlight to enhance the glow and keep the look fresh and radiant.”

Hairstylist Chad Wood crafted McRae’s loose, voluminous waves, and says that she was inspired by “that barely there, textured, supermodel off-duty hair,” similar to the pared-back approach of her makeup. McRae’s long layers were on display, with face-framing pieces adding volume. “Always start with heat protection,” says Wood. “I used Tresemmé Protecting Heat Spray roots to ends. Then I layer in the Extra Hold Mousse for long-lasting volume and hold. 

If we were greedy, we’d kept all of McRae’s beauty secrets to ourselves, but they’re just so good we had to share.