Behind the Glam! See How Nicky and Kathy Hilton Prepped for the 2023 VMAs Red Carpet (Exclusive)
The mother-daughter duo gives PEOPLE a peek at everything from their beauty prep to their accessory picks
Allie Holloway
A cape, a cat-eye and lots of sparkle. Nicky and Kathy Hilton didn't hold anything back when it came to making major style statements on the 2023 MTV VMAs red carpet. And while their dazzling Chopard jewels may be out of our budget, their makeup looks couldn't be more accessible.
The pair worked with pro Joel Vasquez who used a full range of e.l.f. Cosmetics products to create their glowing makeup moments. The best part: We have the full glam breakdown. See how the pair prepped to feel their red carpet best below.
Putting Her Best e.l.f. Forward
Allie Holloway
Nicky is no stranger to the VMAs red carpet. The entrepreneur and fashion industry tastemaker has been going to the awards show for over a decade, and her latest makeup moment was inspired by her sister Paris' go-to smokey eye look from the early aughts.
"One of my earliest beauty memories is my sister Paris introducing me to the smokey eye which we rocked all throughout the 2000s," she tells PEOPLE. "She used to tell me she was going to sneak me into a club, and I’d have to have lots of black eyeshadow and lots of black liner to look older."
Read on for how makeup artist Joel Vasquez brought that smokey eye moment to lie. (Editor's note: Here Nicky holds e.l.f.'s O Face Lipstick ($9) in Feeling Myself.)
Nicky's Beauty Breakdown
Allie Holloway
To prime the skin for long-lasting makeup, Vasquez used e.l.f.’s Liquid Poreless Putty Primer ($10) creating a smooth and poreless complexion.
To create a sultry smokey eye, Vasquez used a combination of shades from e.l.f.’s Perfect 10 Eyeshadow Palette ($10) in Nude Mood. To enhance the lashes, Joel applied multiple coats of Big Mood Mascara ($8).
To add dimension to the cheeks, Vasquez applied e.l.f.’s Halo Glow Blush Beauty Wand ($9) in Pink Me Up.
To add silky, satin color to the lips, Vasquez finished off color application by swiping a few coats of O Face Lipstick ($9) in Feeling Myself.
Vasquez used e.l.f.’s Halo Glow Liquid Filter ($14) on the cheekbones to lift, sculpt and add a touch of glamour.
Vasquez capped off Nicky’s glam by spraying e.l.f.’s Stay All Night Blue Light Micro-Setting Mist, $10.
Pucker Up
Allie Holloway
"When I’m getting ready for a red carpet I really love enjoying it with my daughters or my good friends," Kathy tells PEOPLE. "My hairdresser Valerie and makeup artist Joel are very close to me so the three of us have a great time. I like giving myself time so I’m not rushing and can enjoy the process."
Kathy, who made her VMAs red carpe debut on Tuesday night, is seen here applying e.l.f.'s O Face Lipstick ($9) in Effortless.
Kathy's Beauty Breakdown
Allie Holloway
Vasquez prepped Kathy's freshly cleansed skin using e.l.f. SKIN’s Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Serum ($12), followed by Holy Hydration! Eye Cream ($10) and Face Cream ($13).
To prep for makeup, the pro applied Matte Putty Primer ($10) from e.l.f.'s popular putty portfolio.
To create a pinky nude eye, Vasquez applied a combination of shades from e.l.f.’s Perfect 10 Eyeshadow Palette ($10) in Need It Nude. To enhance the lashes, Joel applied a few coats of e.l.f.’s Big Mood Mascara ($8).
To add a burst of rosy color to the cheeks, Vasquez applied e.l.f.’s Halo Glow Blush Beauty Wand ($9) in Candlelit. Continuing to use pink, Vasquez added color to the lips using e.l.f.’s O Face Lipstick ($9) in Effortless.
To add a bit of radiance and glow to the face, Vasquez applied e.l.f.’s TikTok viral Halo Glow Liquid Filter ($14) to the high points of Kathy’s cheeks.
To finish off the look and set makeup for a fun evening at the VMA’s, Vasquezspritzed e.l.f.’s Stay All Night Blue Light Micro-Setting Mist, $10.
Finding Her Light
Allie Holloway
"I’m excited to have a fun date night with my mom," Nicky shares. "I've been going to the VMAs for many years and she’s never been. I’m looking forward to having a great night together and celebrating the music, fashion, and being in New York."
All that Glitters
Allie Holloway
The pair definitely nailed the VMAs dress code, bringing lots of sparkle — and a little bit of drama — from all angles with their outfits.
Nicky opted for a glittering, gold Versace mini dress, while Kathy leaned into the superhero style trend wearing an Alice + Olivia cape and bustier.
Superhero Style
Allie Holloway
"I’m excited tonight because it’s my first time going to the VMA’s, and Nicky and Paris have been going for years — I feel like Cinderella going to the ball," Kathy tells PEOPLE.
Kathy also reflected on how getting glam with her girls always holds a special place for her.
"One of my earliest beauty memories is a photo shoot with Patrick Demarchelier," she shares. "I remember all of the makeup and being with my girls. The clothing and jewelry were beautiful, I remember Patrick giving me this advice: 'You don’t need to wear earrings and a necklace; pick one or the other!' It was a very special day."
Golden Girl
Allie Holloway
"One of my favorite things about getting ready for a red carpet is the whole process," Nicky tells PEOPLE. "I love getting ready and picking out my dress, shoes, makeup, hair and nails, and putting it all together."
Bling It On
Allie Holloway
Both Nicky and Kathy accessorized their looks with Chopard diamond earrings and show-stopping metallic heels. Nicky shined in earrings from Chopard's Haute Joaillerie Collection featuring pear-shaped yellow diamonds and white diamond studs.
Kathy dazzled in a pair from Chopard's Red Carpet Collection boasting more than 17 carats of diamonds
Red Carpet Ready
Allie Holloway
"I think Nicky’s excited to go with me, because even though she’s been before she’ll be seeing it through someone else’s eyes," Kathy tells PEOPLE.
Nicky couldn't agree more, adding that her mom will keep her laughing all night: "She probably won't know who half the people are and it’ll be funny!"
For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on People.
