What do Olivia Rodrigo and Byredo have in common? At first glance, perhaps nothing more three-syllable names ending in the letter O. But they share a very significant pivot in their respective paths. Before 2020, both were each known more or less for one thing: Byredo as a fragrance brand, and Rodrigo as a Disney star. But by the time 2021 rolled around, both showed the world new sides, with Byredo entering the color cosmetics category and Rodrigo becoming a breakout singer-songwriter who churns out gritty-meets-catchy hit singles. So it’s almost poetic that, for Rodrigo’s first MTV VMAs — where she’s nominated for five awards — that her makeup look would be entirely ByredoRodrigo’s go-to makeup artist Molly Greenwald used Byredo makeup to create her sweet, simple, yet glamorous look for the red carpet. “Olivia’s look was clean, radiant, and delicate,” Greenwald tells Allure. Her lashes were the real star of the show — long and wispy thanks to Byredo Tears in Rain Mascara — and made to look even more fluttery by a long yet soft cat-eye wing done with Byredo Eyeliner in Technical Black. A hint of shimmer graced her lids. “We used a simple wash of the Byredo Syren Palette in Melody, from lash to brow,” she explained, and it was matched by the highlight on her cheekbone — though her entire face glowed with subtle dewiness.
The berry-pink lipstick, Byredo Semi Formal Lipstick in Tokio Rose, was a perfect match for the draping tulle details of her gown, also picking up the glistening magenta gems of her oversized butterfly earrings. Her cheeks were a warmer pink, helping to add to the glow of her complexion.
Rodrigo’s hair made a quick change between the red carpet and her opening performance. She arrived with her super long hair in sleek waves; stylist Clayton Hawkins parted it in the middle and elegantly tucked it behind her ears. The look was held in place with Matrix High Amplify Flexible Hold Hairspray. But by the time she hit the stage, she’d switched things up. Still middle-parted, her hair now featured face-framing braids — one of the biggest trends of the season — which Hawkins played up with little butterly charms. The look was clearly award-worthy because she almost immediately accepted her first Moon Man of the night in it.
For her first VMAs, Olivia Rodrigo has definitely made it a memorable one, both through music and beauty.
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