The 2026 VMAs red carpet brought out no shortage of statement looks—from Taylor Swift’s ’60s-inspired eyeliner to Lisa’s sculptural nails—but Obsession breakout star Megan Lawless (she plays Sarah) showed up with a point of view she says she hadn’t previously leaned into.
“I really wanted to do an elevated street style,” Lawless told us on the teal carpet about her “new” look. “I haven’t shown off that side of my style yet…I love wearing dresses, but I also love a jort. I love having boyish elements to my wardrobe.”
The rest of the styling followed that same instinct—including what she described as “some revealing” chest—which meant her hair had a job to do. “I wanted some long extensions that were edgy and sharp but also would block some of my side boob.”
The look was new territory for Lawless, but her approach to taking it all off is well practiced.
On-Set Essentials
Of course, we had to ask what got a full face of makeup (and blood) off after a long day filming the breakout hit Obsession, and Lawless didn’t hesitate to share the secret: It’s a balm cleanser, rather than a wipe. “I’m actually a big fan of the e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm ($12),” she said. “I love a balm in general. The Clinique one is good, too. When I take off makeup that way, I actually enjoy it. I feel like pulling everything out, and it gets rid of everything so seamlessly. Waterproof mascara, it comes off with a balm.”
Self-Care Wishes
As for pre-show pampering, Lawless kept it honest: There wasn’t much time for it, although she wished there had been. “I love massages,” she said. “I didn’t get one because I’ve been busy, but I would have loved to get a massage or a lymphatic drainage massage. I’ve actually never done that, but I wanted to do that for this. I just didn’t have the time.”
Massage or not, Lawless arrived with a look—and an attitude—that suggested she didn’t need the extra hour in a chair to make an impression.
