Met Gala
The 2026 Met Gala Beauty Looks Went Full Art Mode
The glam was anything but subtle.
After months of refining their red carpet chops during awards season, A-listers have officially arrived at fashion’s biggest night: the Met Gala.
This year’s exhibition, “Costume Art,” explores the relationship between clothing and the body, with a fittingly interpretive dress code, “Fashion Is Art.” Co-chairs include Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour — meaning expectations are, naturally, sky-high (and yes, Queen Bey is back on the steps).
While the gowns are doing the absolute most (as they should), the night’s beauty looks are just as major. Emma Chamberlain, host of Vogue’s live red carpet coverage, rocked a bold copper shadow that circled her eyes for an edgy yet ethereal statement. Cara Delevingne went retro with the perfect cat-eye flick and sculpted finger waves. Nicole Kidman, meanwhile, channeled full Cher energy with dramatically waist-length blonde hair.
Ahead, the best hair and makeup looks from the 2026 Met Gala red carpet.
1Emma Chamberlain’s Mauve Eyeshadow
The perfect complement to Chamberlain’s custom watercolor Mugler dress? Her softly smoked-out mauve eyeshadow, created by Lilly Keys using Makeup By Mario products — specifically, mauve, plum, and pops of iridescent yellow from the Ethereal Eyes, Master Metallics, and Master Metals palettes.
2Cara Delevingne’s Finger Waves
Cara Delevingne went full flapper with soft finger waves molded to her head, with the rest of her strands pulled into a sleek, slicked-back bun. She paired the ’20s-era hairstyle with an equally retro cat-eye.
3Ashley Graham’s Wet Hair
Ashley Graham looked radiant with a luminous complexion, minimal — yet enviably dewy — glam, and a sleek, wet hairstyle parted down the middle.
4Lena Dunham’s Ghost Brows
It’s been seven years since Lena Dunham last graced the Met Gala red carpet, and her highly anticipated return did not disappoint. Celebrity makeup artist Matin Maulawizada gave the Famesick author a creamy, cloud-like complexion, fluttery Lashify SSTX 12 and 14 lashes, and bleached brows.
5Doja Cat’s Monochromatic Glam
Doja Cat served a master class in monochromatic styling in a rich blonde hue from head to toe — complete with wavy blonde Vivace by Kiss hair extensions, a taupe-colored cut crease, and a beige manicure.
6Nicole Kidman’s Waist-Length Hair
For an effortless yet sophisticated hairstyle to complement her red sequin gown, celebrity hairstylist Adir Abergel gave Nicole Kidman soft, dramatically long strands. He added subtle texture and curtain bangs using Virtue hair care products and Shark Beauty’s FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System.
7Zoë Kravitz’ Braided ‘Do
Zoë Kravitz channeled dark romance in a black lace gown, rose-toned blush, and long braids styled into a half-up look, with curled tendrils enhancing the romantic effect. Makeup artist Nina Park prepped her complexion using SK-II skin care.
8Angela Bassett’s Draped Blush
Proof that draped blush is always a Met Gala win: Angela Bassett’s coral-pink flush, diffused across her cheekbones and temples to complement her gown.
9Naomi Watts’ Flower-Adorned Hair
Naomi Watts looked like a spring vision in a fitted black strapless gown with colorful floral accents — which, naturally, she also added throughout her waved hair. She added voluminous lashes and a coral lip for good measure.
10Charli XCX’s Voluminous Half-Updo
In true pop star-turned-rock fashion, Charli XCX sported a black gown with Van Gogh-inspired flower details — made even edgier with her voluminous half-up hairstyle. Colorist Jacob Schwartz updated her modern black color using Schwarzkopf, while celebrity hairstylist Matt Benns went full throttle on lived-in texture using WavyTalk tools, finishing with a spritz of Initio Parfums Privés Atomic Rose Hair Perfume to seal the deal.
11Lisa’s Metallic Accents
For full ethereal energy, Lisa wore face gems, blue-and-silver eyeshadow, and metallic foils woven throughout her sculptural braids.
12Kylie Jenner’s Undone Waves
It’s not often that Kylie Jenner strays from her signature glossy strands, but she went full costume mode at the Met Gala with a slightly messy Old Hollywood hairstyle. Celebrity hairstylist Iggy Rosales used Kenra Professional products to create polished roots that unraveled with face-framing pieces and a kiss curl to complement her Schiaparelli gown.
13Keke Palmer’s Ruby Red Moment
Ever since dyeing her strands copper, Keke Palmer has been fully in her red era—and at the Met Gala, it officially hit its peak, thanks to a ruby-toned shixie and perfectly matched makeup (because of course it coordinated with the dress).
14Hudson Williams’ Avant-Garde Eye Makeup
Hudson Williams brought the heat to the red carpet with a multicolored eyeshadow look, featuring swirls of blue and magenta pigment across his lids, inner corners, and up to his brows.
15Sabrina Carpenter’s Pinned Bob
Another flapper reference: Sabrina Carpenter, who wore a diamond headpiece and a pinned, curled-under bob. She paired the old-school hairstyle with a soft pink-toned makeup look.
16Hunter Schafer’s Watercolor Hair
The ultimate beauty-as-art statement: Hunter Schafer’s side-parted waves, brushed through with blue pigment by celebrity hairstylist Rena Calhoun for a painterly effect. She used ghd styling products to create the Euphoria star’s smooth, sculpted finish.
17SZA’s Golden Eyeshadow
Yet another case for matching makeup to the dress: SZA leaned into a golden theme that carried from her sculptural headpiece to her gown and shimmering eyeshadow. Makeup artist Sophia Sinot kept the singer’s body glowing with Vaseline products, while defining the eyes with long, voluminous lashes using Lilly Lashes.
18Rihanna’s Metallic Moment
Never one to disappoint, Rihanna arrived in a fully metallic color story, from her pinwheel-styled hair to sparkling lids and rhinestone-adorned face accents.
