Even without unloading music’s biggest stars in the middle of the blazing hot desert, the 2016 Billboard Music Awards was bound to be hot. Everyone from veteran pop stars, like Britney Spears, to X-Factor champs Fifth Harmony, brought the heat with an endless stream of rule-breaking summer beauty looks.
Easy beach waves and no-makeup makeup? Not this season. We’re inspired by the current crop of lash-grazing bangs and sculptural styles, which are proving to be a lethal MO for celebs like Ciara and Jessica Alba. What’s more, classic Hollywood beauty and natural makeup (which was perfect for Cannes) is being replaced with something a bit more fun. Stars gravitated toward graphic wings and bright smoky eyes. And so are we. Check out the night’s best in savage beauty ahead and get ready to spend the show’s commercial breaks in the bathroom wielding a Kajal pencil and deliberating whether to make a blunt cut for bangs.
Laverne Cox
Cox swapped out her signature long waves for a shorter, super-sleek mid-length cut. Between that and her brow-grazing lashes, girl is serving up major glamour.
Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images.
Britney Spears
Our favorite Britney? Classic Britney — and the look is all here, thanks to her ultra-blonde bedhead, smoky eyes, and nude lips that signal serious pop star sex appeal.
Photo: David Becker/Getty Images.
Jessica Alba
Between the sharp updo and deep blue graphic eye, we hardly recognized Jessica Alba, who often goes with a more romantic look. The actress not only carries the hard-edged statement, but has us scheming ways to copy that amped-up cat-eye.
Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images.
Ciara
When we rock a ponytail not pulled all the way through, it’s for a quick fix at the gym. But when Billboard Music Awards host, Ciara, does the look, it’s edged up with fierce face-framing bangs and honey-highlighted hair that’s sexy and totally chic.
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ Getty Images.
Normani Kordei
If Olivia Pope had a sultry twin sister, we imagine she would look like Normani Kordei does here: eye-grazing fringe and matte brown lips. Her winged eyes scream fierce without having to say a word.
Photo: David Becker/Getty Images.
Demi Lovato
The "Cool for the Summer" singer is scorching hot, thanks to her piecey, jet-black lob and smoky eyes that graduate from obsidian to aubergine.
Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images.
Heidi Klum
Heidi Klum’s waves looked so shiny and soft, even The Fat Jew described her hair as looking “well-conditioned.” We have reason to believe it was. Kohl-rimmed eyes add to the rocker-chick look.
Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images.
Rihanna
And just like that, bad gal Ri-Ri — who is known for her oft elaborate red carpet looks — flips the script and wears soft makeup, loose waves, and a simple dress. We love the way her pale olive shadow brings out her eyes.
Photo: Steve Granitz/ Wire Image.
Zendaya
Just when we think we can spot Zendaya on the red carpet, she majorly changes her look again. After making a bowl cut look crazy-chic at the Met Gala, the actress surprises us with straight and shiny long locks, accented with strong eyebrows and rose-toned makeup.
Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images.
Mila Kunis
If this is what part of the Bad Moms squad looks like, then sign us up. Mila’s topknot, strong brow, and shot of lilac shadow adds a new twist to boss beauty.
Photo: Lester Cohen/Getty Images.
Lucy Hale
The Pretty Little Liars actress edges up her look with a sleek, pulled-back pony and smoky purple liner.
Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images.
Priyanka Chopra
Baywatch star Priyanka Chopra is only further solidifying her position as our new beauty icon. Her roughed-up braid and face-framing layers were perfect for the Vegas heat.
Photo: David Becker/Getty Images.
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