The first Monday in May is practically a national holiday for anyone who loves fashion, artistry, and a touch of theatrical glamour. The Met Gala red carpet is where fantasy meets craftsmanship, and the beauty looks are just as important as the couture gowns.
1. Cher at the 1985 Met Gala
We cannot discuss the most iconic met gala beauty looks without starting with Cher in 1985. She arrived with a bold, unapologetic eye that defined the decade. Vivid violet shadow swept across her lids, paired with heavy black kohl liner rimming her entire eye. It was a dramatic, smoky gaze that felt both of its era and completely timeless. The look proved that a single, powerful makeup choice can anchor an entire ensemble.
2. Zendaya at the 2024 Met Gala
Zendaya’s 2024 appearance was a masterclass in thematic storytelling. Her makeup team created a 1920s-inspired vision with a dark, vampy twist. Thin, drawn-on brows arched over blown-out red shadow, while her lips were painted a glossy, oxblood hue. The combination of flapper-girl charm and Maleficent edge was unforgettable. It is a prime example of how met gala beauty looks can merge historical references with modern drama.
3. Lady Gaga at the 2019 Met Gala
The 2019 theme was camp, and Lady Gaga delivered a performance that started on the carpet. Her beauty look featured ultra-graphic black eyeliner with sharp, exaggerated wings. A hot pink matte lip matched her fuchsia gown perfectly. The real showstopper, however, was the set of metallic strip lashes that framed her eyes like tiny, futuristic fans. It was maximalist, theatrical, and utterly unforgettable.
4. Rihanna at the 2017 Met Gala
Rihanna arrived in 2017 with a look that still feels ahead of its time. Her makeup centered on an exaggerated, almost sculptural blush. The rosy pigment swept high on her cheekbones and blended into her temples. She paired it with a deep, berry-toned lip and soft, smoky eyes. This look helped popularize the “blush-heavy” trend that dominates social media today. It remains one of the most influential met gala beauty looks in recent memory.
5. Gigi Hadid at the 2024 Met Gala
Gigi Hadid consistently proves she is a beauty chameleon. In 2024, she embraced a classic pinup aesthetic. Her cheeks and lips matched in a vivid, cherry red. Her eyes featured a subtle cat-eye flick and fluttery lashes. The cohesion between her makeup and her vintage-inspired gown was seamless. It was a reminder that sometimes the most striking met gala beauty looks are the ones rooted in timeless elegance.
6. Lupita Nyong’o at the 2019 Met Gala
Lupita Nyong’o understood the camp theme on a molecular level in 2019. Her beauty look was a celebration of glitter and gold. Tiny, sparkling crystals dusted her eyelids and brows, creating a shimmering halo effect. Gold hair combs shaped like delicate leaves adorned her natural curls. The entire look felt like wearable art, a true testament to how hair and makeup can elevate a concept into a masterpiece.
7. Lily Collins at the 2019 Met Gala
Lily Collins brought a fairy-tale quality to the 2019 red carpet. Her eyes were painted a soft, bright lilac, a shade that echoed the floral theme of her dress. Her hair was swept into an impossibly high bouffant, adorned with fresh flowers woven throughout the updo. The combination of pastel shadow and garden-inspired hair was whimsical yet sophisticated. It showed that subtle, thematic beauty can be just as powerful as bold statements.
8. Doechii at the 2025 Met Gala
Doechii made her Met Gala debut in 2025 and instantly created a viral moment. Her makeup artist applied a blush stamp shaped like the Louis Vuitton logo directly onto her cheek. It was a clever, brand-integrated detail that felt fresh and modern. The rest of her makeup remained minimal, allowing the stamp to be the focal point. This look proves that innovation often comes from small, unexpected details.
9. Chappell Roan at the 2025 Met Gala
Chappell Roan brought her signature theatrical style to the 2025 steps. Her makeup was heavily inspired by vintage clown aesthetics, with a heart-shaped lip and exaggerated, painted-on features. White base makeup contrasted with bright pops of color on her cheeks and eyes. It was a divisive look, but one that sparked conversation about the boundaries of beauty and self-expression at the gala.
10. Blake Lively at the 2022 Met Gala
Blake Lively’s 2022 appearance was a tribute to New York City architecture. Her makeup shifted from warm copper tones to a cooler, patina-inspired green as she walked the carpet. Her hair was styled in a voluminous, Old Hollywood wave with a gilded headpiece. The transformation was a feat of beauty engineering, showing that makeup can be a narrative tool in its own right.
11. Kim Kardashian at the 2022 Met Gala
Kim Kardashian channeled Marilyn Monroe in 2022, and her beauty look was a precise recreation. Her hair was dyed a platinum blonde and styled in tight, pin-curled waves. Her makeup featured a pale, matte foundation, a soft pink lip, and a signature beauty mark. The wet-look gloss on her eyelids was a modern update. The historical accuracy of the look sparked debate, but its impact on the red carpet was undeniable.
12. Sarah Jessica Parker at the 2014 Met Gala
Sarah Jessica Parker is a Met Gala veteran who always commits to a theme. In 2014, she arrived with a striking, architectural headpiece that resembled a golden sunburst. Her makeup was minimal, with a nude lip and defined brows, allowing the headpiece to take center stage. It was a lesson in restraint, proving that sometimes the most powerful beauty statement is a single, bold accessory.
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13. Billy Porter at the 2019 Met Gala
Billy Porter arrived at the 2019 gala carried by six shirtless men, but his beauty look was equally dramatic. His face was painted in a golden, sun-god motif, with intricate lines and shimmering pigments. A golden headpiece framed his face. The look was pure camp, blending body paint with high fashion. It expanded the definition of what a beauty look can be on that carpet.
14. Solange Knowles at the 2018 Met Gala
Solange Knowles is known for her artistic approach to style. In 2018, she wore a sculptural, metallic halo headpiece that extended far beyond her shoulders. Her makeup was kept clean and fresh, with glowing skin and a soft lip. The halo became an extension of her silhouette. It was a futuristic, avant-garde moment that prioritized concept over conventional beauty.
15. Janelle Monáe at the 2019 Met Gala
Janelle Monáe’s 2019 look was a visual feast. Her face was painted with multiple eyes, creating an optical illusion that referenced surrealist art. The makeup was precise and graphic, with each “eye” featuring a distinct shape and color. Her hair was styled in a sleek, high ponytail. It was a daring, intellectual beauty look that perfectly matched the camp theme.
16. Rihanna at the 2018 Met Gala
Rihanna returned in 2018 as a papal figure, complete with a mitre hat and bejeweled robes. Her makeup was dramatic, with a bold, red lip and heavily defined eyes. The real beauty moment, however, was her skin. It appeared luminous and flawless, thanks to a strategic highlighter application. She proved that a strong lip and radiant skin can hold their own against even the most elaborate costume.
17. Zendaya at the 2018 Met Gala
Zendaya channeled Joan of Arc in 2018 with a silver chainmail crop top and matching headpiece. Her makeup was minimal and modern, with a glossy, nude lip and a subtle smoky eye. Her hair was slicked back into a tight, low bun. The look was a study in contrast, pairing medieval inspiration with contemporary beauty techniques. It remains one of her most memorable appearances.
18. Emma Stone at the 2016 Met Gala
Emma Stone arrived in 2016 with a platinum blonde bob and a bold, red lip. Her skin was dewy and fresh, with minimal eye makeup. The look was a direct nod to Old Hollywood glamour, but with a modern edge. The short, bleached hair was a dramatic change from her usual red locks. It showed that a simple, classic beauty formula can still capture attention on a crowded carpet.
19. Bella Hadid at the 2021 Met Gala
Bella Hadid’s 2021 look was a tribute to American sportswear. Her makeup featured a sharp, graphic eyeliner that extended into a dramatic wing. Her lips were a muted, rosy nude. Her hair was slicked back into a wet, low ponytail. The overall effect was sleek and athletic, a departure from the usual red carpet glamour. It was a confident, minimalist statement.
20. Naomi Campbell at the 2019 Met Gala
Naomi Campbell is a Met Gala legend, and her 2019 look was a celebration of her iconic status. Her makeup featured a bold, glittering eye shadow in a champagne gold. Her skin was bronzed and luminous. Her hair was styled in a dramatic, high ponytail that cascaded down her back. The look was pure, unadulterated glamour, proving that some beauty standards are timeless.
21. Cardi B at the 2019 Met Gala
Cardi B arrived at the 2019 gala in a massive, burgundy gown that required multiple handlers. Her beauty look was equally grand. Her eyes were painted with a deep, wine-colored shadow that matched her dress. Her lips were a glossy, dark berry. Her hair was styled in an elaborate, curly updo adorned with jewels. The entire look was opulent and unapologetically dramatic, a perfect fit for the camp theme.
