Getty ImagesSave this storySave this story
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
If you just quickly glanced at pop star Tate McRae on the 2025 MTV VMAs red carpet, you'd assume she wore her highlighted light brown hair down in simple waves. But if you looked closer, you'd see a subtle little surprise woven through the lengths of her hair: feathers!
But these aren't the colorful feathers you probably wore in your hair circa 2010; rather, McRae's feathered waves were much more delicate and discreet. Hairstylist Chad Wood, who often works with McRae, added a touch of whimsy to McRae's hair with the addition of long, skinny white feathers to match the ethereal vibes of McRae's sheer white Ludovic de Saint Sernin dress. “Inspired by a runway show that incorporated ostrich feathers, I sourced and hand-dyed feathers to perfectly match Tate’s natural highlights, allowing them to flow seamlessly as she moved with elegance," Wood shared.
Wood used Paul Mitchell products on the Canadian musician, prepping her clean, towel-dried hair with Hot Off The Press Thermal Protection Hairspray for heat protection, then applying Sculpting Foam at the roots to build volume and body. Wood used the Express Ion Round Brush and Neuro Dry Blow Dryer for a smooth glossy finish, then reached for the Neuro Style Iron in 1.25” to create loose, easy bends and waves throughout. Wood layered Extra-Body Hairspray and Texturizing Spray to add texture and hold. Once the base look was complete, Wood placed the feathers at the mid-shaft and ends of select strands, securing them with Super Clean Sculpting Gel. The feathers added soft drama and romance to an otherwise simple style.
Getty Images
Getty Images
To complement the delicate feathers, makeup artist Lilly Keys opted for a “sunkissed ’90s supermodel” vibe with fresh, hydrated skin and soft brows. “Overall, her look is meant to be minimal, radiant, and effortless,” Keys shared. She used Neutrogena products on McRae, prepping her skin with Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes and Hydro Boost Water Gel. “The skin has to feel alive before makeup even touches it,” Keys explained. “For an added dose of radiance and SPF, we used Healthy Skin Invisibly Radiant UV Primer SPF 30. It is luminous, sheer, and layers beautifully if you want even more glow.”
Keys perfected McRae's skin with the medium coverage Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup in a combination of shades Medium Beige 80 and Soft Beige 50, then applied Healthy Skin Radiant Cream Concealer for “a touch of luminosity.” For a “'90s wash of fresh, healthy color with zero effort,” Keys used Hydro Boost Multi-Use Stick on McRae's cheeks, then finished off the look with Hydro Boost Lip Oil in Light Pink. “It gives that glassy, cushiony shine that feels hydrating and effortless,” Keys shared. As a final touch to ensure McRae's makeup lasted all night long, Keys spritzed on Hydro Boost Hydrating Setting Spray. Then it was time to fly away to the red carpet and the VMAs stage!
