How to Recreate Sabrina Carpenter’s Iconic 2024 VMAs Makeup
Unlock the secrets of Sabrina Carpenter's viral VMAs retro-glam look, from $30 lashes to Marilyn-esque hair, with expert tips and budget-friendly products.
Sabrina Carpenter’s 2024 VMAs Beauty: A Step-by-Step Guide
On the night of the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, Sabrina Carpenter commanded the red carpet—her presence cemented by a dazzling vintage gown, signature rosy cheeks, cloud-soft hair, and effortlessly flirty lashes. Instantly, her look inspired countless tutorials and a flurry of product sell-outs. If you’re itching to channel Sabrina’s modern-retro energy, this detailed guide unpacks every product and trick from her makeup artist and hairstylist so you can recreate this viral moment at home.
Table of Contents
- The Complete Glam Breakdown
- The Legendary Gown: Bob Mackie for Madonna
- Madonna Meets Marilyn: The Aesthetic Inspiration
- Lashes for Days: Affordable Lash Extensions
- Blush Secrets and the Berry Lip
- The Hair: Six Hours to Old Hollywood Glam
- Get the Look at Home: Must-Have Products
- FAQs: Sabrina Carpenter’s VMAs Red Carpet
The Complete Glam Breakdown
Sabrina Carpenter’s ensemble for the 2024 VMAs was a study in retro opulence—fusing Madonna’s early 90s edge with the ethereal allure of Marilyn Monroe. The finishing touches, courtesy of her makeup artist Carolina Gonzalez and hairstylist Evanie Frausto, pulled the look firmly into iconic territory.
- Gown: Fully adorned in sequins and crystals—vintage Bob Mackie, previously worn by Madonna in 1991.
- Makeup: Gleaming lashes, bold blush, and a perfect berry lip.
- Hair: Bouncy, shoulder-grazing curls styled into a Monroe-inspired silhouette.
This fusion of pop-culture references, precise art direction, and attainable product choices resonated across social platforms, quickly becoming one of the most recreated celebrity beauty moments of 2024.
The Legendary Gown: Bob Mackie for Madonna
The foundation of the look was the vintage Bob Mackie dress—a sequin and crystal masterpiece forever linked to Madonna’s 1991 “Truth or Dare” documentary era. Sabrina’s team worked meticulously to add new life to the iconic silhouette, opting for modernized, shimmering accessories. Not only was the fashion statement significant, but it also set the tone for the starlet’s entire beauty direction for the night.
- Iconic origin: Dress first worn by Madonna (1991).
- Carpenter’s twist: Paired with pin-up-inspired beauty rather than Madonna’s original styling, blending legacy with youth.
Madonna Meets Marilyn: The Aesthetic Inspiration
The red carpet moment was more than just fashion nostalgia—it was an orchestration of contrasting icons. Sabrina’s team referenced:
- Madonna: For her unapologetic glamour, boldness, and the dress itself.
- Marilyn Monroe: For bouncy, bombshell curls and soft, pin-up drama.
- 60s Hollywood: For classic eye shapes, sculpted cheeks, and breakout berry lips.
This blend produced a look that was at once familiar—evoking memories of “Happy Birthday, Mr. President”—and newly relevant for Gen Z.
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Lashes for Days: Affordable Lash Extensions
What made Sabrina’s eye look so universally coveted was its perfect synergy of drama and accessibility. Her makeup artist, Carolina Gonzalez, didn’t reach for luxury extensions, but instead used $30 Velour-Xtensions™ Lash Clusters that are available to the public. The details:
- Product: Velour-Xtensions™ Lash Clusters ($30)
- Application: The base of Sabrina’s lash line was filled with 10mm clusters, and 12mm clusters were added from the mid-lid to the end for that signature pin-up flare.
- Adhesive: Velour Lash Adhesive in Black ($12)
- Tool: Too Easy Lash Applicator ($15), a specialized curved tweezer with a lash comb for seamless blending and placement.
The result was lashes that appeared lush, feathered, and distinctly retro—evoking both Monroe and modern Instagram trends. These extensions are reusable, making the look attainable beyond a single event.
Blush Secrets and the Berry Lip
One of the most talked-about elements of Sabrina’s VMAs makeup was her flush—unmistakable, yet never harsh. The technique behind it:
- Cheek Placement: Instead of applying blush squarely to the apples of her cheeks, the color was placed starting at the mid-apple and swept upward toward the hairline.
- Effect: This “lifted” the cheekbones, sculpting the face and adding youthful drama. The blush chosen was a rich, berry-pink, echoing both 60s screen sirens and contemporary beauty trends.
This brush technique is accessible for all face shapes and creates an effect that photographs beautifully from every angle. Her lips, meanwhile, were a creamy, shiny berry hue, outlined for a classic shape but softened for a more serene finish than an ultra-matte or sharply defined look.
The Hair: Six Hours to Old Hollywood Glam
Few red carpet looks have generated as much conversation as Sabrina’s VMAs hairstyle. Orchestrated by hairstylist Evanie Frausto and the Redken team, here’s how it was built:
- Total time: 6 hours—from roller set to final mist.
- Prep: Medium-sized bangs were set in rollers for hours to ensure sleek, vintage S-curves.
- Product layering: Redken Volume Maximizer was applied from roots to ends, brushed in, and hair was sectioned with roller clips.
- Curling: 1-inch curling irons were used around the hairline for big bouncy waves, and 3/4-inch for a tighter curl across the remaining hair.
- Finishing: Redken Dry Texture Spray ensured volume while keeping the look touchable and soft. Pins were removed, and hair was brushed into pillow-soft, Monroe-inspired waves.
| Step | Product/Tool | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Set Bangs | Rollers | Sleek, vintage curve bang |
| Blowout | Round brush, Redken Volume Maximizer | Root lift, polished shine |
| Curl Top Section | 1” curling iron | Soft, large curls |
| Curl Remaining Section | 3/4” curling iron | Tighter texture, bounce |
| Finish | Dry Texture spray, brush out | Unified soft waves |
The effort ensured camera-ready movement and volume that lasted throughout the night—even after high-energy performances.
Get the Look at Home: Must-Have Products
Want to replicate Sabrina Carpenter’s VMA glam on a regular budget? Here’s a product checklist and technique summary to guide your next beauty routine:
- Lash Extensions: Velour-Xtensions™ Lash Clusters (10mm and 12mm), Velour Lash Adhesive in Black, Too Easy Lash Applicator
- Cheek Color: Choose a berry-pink liquid or cream blush—apply starting mid-apple and sweep upward for lift.
- Lip Color: Outline lips with a berry-toned lip pencil, fill in with a creamy or glossy lipstick for sheen.
- Complexion: Softly sculpt with blush and highlighter; avoid heavy contour for a youthful effect.
- Hair: Roller set bangs (or use a blow dryer and round brush for a DIY approach), curl sections, set with a lightweight texture spray for Hollywood volume.
Expert tips:
- Brush out set curls for soft waves rather than defined ringlets.
- Use lash clusters at multiple lengths for a customized shape—shortest in the inner corner, longest at the ends.
- Blend blush into the hairline for a seamless, editorial look.
This routine channels both timeless glamour and contemporary freshness—the essence of Sabrina Carpenter’s VMA moment.
FAQs: Sabrina Carpenter’s VMAs Red Carpet
What dress did Sabrina Carpenter wear for the 2024 VMAs?
Sabrina wore a vintage, sequin- and crystal-encrusted Bob Mackie gown, famously worn by Madonna in 1991.
How did she achieve her retro lashes?
Her makeup artist used Velour-Xtensions™ Lash Clusters ($30), applying 10mm length across the lash line with 12mm clusters layered on the outer corners for lift and drama.
What is the secret to Sabrina’s blush application?
Blush was swept from the mid-apple of the cheek up toward the hairline, providing a youthful, “snatched” lift to her features and echoing 60s Hollywood glam.
How long did her hairstyle take to create?
The full process took approximately six hours, focused on achieving perfectly set bangs and soft, marquee-worthy waves with extensive product layering and pin setting.
Can these makeup and hair products be purchased by the general public?
Yes, the majority of Sabrina’s products—such as Velour lash clusters and Redken’s haircare line—are available for purchase, making the look surprisingly attainable for non-celebrity budgets.
Final Thoughts: Why This Look Won the Night
The 2024 VMAs confirmed Sabrina Carpenter as a rising style icon. Her blend of iconic references, red-carpet polish, and accessible product choices makes her beauty routine one to emulate. By mixing classic technique with modern touches—and sharing affordable beauty hacks—she shows that Old Hollywood magic is only a few steps (and clever products) away.
So whether you’re getting ready for a big night or simply want that movie star aura, Sabrina’s VMAs glam proves the power of high-impact details, a strategic flush, and bold, fluttering lashes.
References
- https://www.glam.com/1740345/sabrina-carpenter-best-makeup-moments-2024/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a62173399/sabrina-carpenter-makeup-vmas-2024/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/celebrity-hair-makeup/a62168183/how-to-do-sabrina-carpenter-hair/
- https://www.nylon.com/beauty/sabrina-carpenter-vmas-hair-beauty-look
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