It’s the most magical time of the year: Celebrities capturing bathroom selfies, late arrivals on the red carpet, and eye-catching outfits that will be discussed for weeks. Nope, not the holidays. It’s the2026 Met Gala, a charitable event honoring the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. This year’stheme”Costume Art,” influenced the event’s dress code: “Fashion Is Art,” encouraging guests to “express their personal connection to fashion as a physical art form.” Which can only mean one thing: We’re in for some impressive outfits, including hairstyles andmakeup. (If you’re asking me, a beauty editor, I’ll let you know that’s the most crucial aspect!)
I dare say, the hair and makeup are truly the hidden gem of the evening. The beauty looks from the Met Gala will shape trends for the rest of the year, starting withshort haircutsTo golden accents and bleached eyebrows. Subdued and simple just seem inappropriate alongside a “Fashion Is Art” dress code, so anticipate conceptual, high-editorial styles.
The list of celebrities confirmed for the Met Galais lengthy and impressive, but we completed the challenging task of selecting the top beauty looks from the evening. Continue reading for our insights on the details you might have overlooked (along with some information on how they were created).
1. Lisa
Every aspect of this style is making me want to sit in front of my vanity and experiment for hours. The blue eyeshadow is in line with the current trend of blue eye makeup, but a few gems add a touch of shine to her eyes. And it’s all framed by this amazing, extra-long, smooth hair that’s styled in a sculptural half-updo with a curly strand placed on her forehead. And if it wasn’t already my top favorite look of the night, just take a look at her hands. Lisa has blue gems on her nails (a custom set of)Kiss press-on nails by Juan Alvear) to match her eyes along with a million silver rhinestones covering her hands. She’s wearing it!
2. EJAE
I never thought a dress made completely of Swarovski crystals could be overshadowed by a makeup look, but that’s exactly what’s happening here. EJAE’s makeup is gentle and vibrant, created by a makeup artistMin KimUsing Dior. I can’t stop looking at the seamless blend in this smoky eye (which Kim used)Diorshow Couture Eyeshadow Palettein Grand Bal and the brand’swaterproof black eyeliner). But the star’s real highlight is this decorated updo. She told E! on the red carpet that she wanted to incorporate her Korean heritage into the hair and makeup style. In fact, her hairstyle was inspired by the female courtesans of the Joseon dynasty, and it’s actually secured using traditional Korean pins called “binyeos.”
3. Hudson Williams
Hudson Williams, the person you are!!! Every year, I hope and beg the makeup deities that we’ll see men on the red carpet who are ready to take it to the next level with glamour. Usually, I’m let down, but Hudson’s blue and red shimmering eye look (paired with a dark black winged liner, a trend I’m noticing all over the red carpet on both women and men—h/t to Sombr) is like a dream come true, and it’s even better than I could have ever dreamed. Sure, fashion is art, but so is makeup, and your face is the ideal canvas. And apparently your ears, which Hudson extended his metallic shadow onto. Hudson saidVoguehis makeup was influenced byBlack Swan, his (and his stylist’s) favorite movie.
4. Sabrina Carpenter
I’ve come to anticipate a comparable glamour each year from Sabrina Carpenter. However, witnessing her step onto the red carpet with this fake bob thrilled me immensely. Created in partnership with Redken (for whom Sabrina serves as an ambassador), this pin-curl hairstyle suggests her Old Hollywood style in a fresh manner. And it’s completed (literally) with a stunning diamond headpiece, featuring a custom “Sabrina” center piece.
5. Rihanna
I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a Met Gala red carpet andnot I thought Rihanna had one of the most impressive looks of the evening. But my favorite last-minute arrival always manages to deliver exactly what I’m looking for. Tonight, that meant custom metal pin curls byJennifer Behrthat really resemble hair accessories (created by a hairstylist)Yusef Williams) For makeup, the objective was a golden glow, according to her makeup artist.Hector Espinal, for which he utilizedFenty Beauty’s upcoming cream bronzer and Killawatt Freestyle HighlighterI particularly enjoyed the crystal decorations around her eyes, which complemented the earrings she was wearing perfectly.
6. Ciara
Ciara told Vogue Her inspiration was “modern-day Nefertiti,” and I believe she nailed it. Every strand of this hair was styled and smoothed with glitter and gold foil. And wow, it’s a work of art in itself. Perhaps it should have its own exhibition, I don’t know!
7. Zöe Kravitz
Hey, you don’t need to go all out for something impressive. Zoë always takes my breath away with how tiny her micro braids are, and it’s now a regular look for her to wear braids on the red carpet. I really like it. Fun fact: Hairstylist Nikki Nelms used the brand-newghd Speedto quickly dry Kravitz’s braids (it’s actually the top hair dryer available; I tested it last week and can confirm) while maintaining her hair’s softness and messy look with some loose strands left free.
8. Tyla
Tyla is someone to keep an eye on in the beauty industry right now, constantly experimenting with sparkle and vibrant hues that bring back memories of Y2K fashion. She even pulled it off for the Met Gala. This body glitter is fun and alluring, without being overly theatrical or cheap-looking (I particularly love how it’s placed on her hips). It also matches the shimmer on her ears (!!) and cheeks, which has a 2016, otherworldly highlight vibe.
9. Kylie Jenner
When has Jenner not served? She’s a billionaire entrepreneur and founder of one of the top brandscelebrity beauty brandsout there. I’m not surprised! Her iconic cloud-like complexion is achieved using a powder set to be released soon by Kylie Cosmetics, along with the brand’sblurring skin tint. However, the most notable aspect here is truly herbleached brows, created by her long-time makeup artistAriel Tejada. It transforms this from soft and natural to bold and creative.
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Beth Gilletteis the beauty editor atOver seven years of experience in researching, composing, and refining articles about hair.
