The 2026 Met Gala Demonstrated That Beauty Is Art—Every Stunning Look We're Adoring
There are numerous dazzling red carpet events each year, but none resonate with us quite like the Met Gala. On the first Monday of May, celebrities, designers, socialites, and others will flock to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, showcasing fashion's finest while generally adhering to the event's theme: Costume Art, aligned with the museum's spring exhibition. For 2026, the dress code is simply Fashion Is Art, as stated in a press release from the Met, and a stream of stars is making their way up the iconic stairs in ensemble pieces and custom couture. However, we beauty editors are particularly focused on the makeup, hair, and nail details that define timeless Met Gala looks. While the event predominantly highlights the greatest modern (and archival) fashion feats, the influence of a stunning beauty look cannot be overlooked. While sculptural silhouettes and lush materials can elevate an outfit, it’s the intricately styled hair, radiant eye shadow, and vibrant blush that truly complete the look. Join us as we showcase the beauty moments that transformed these fashionable celebrities into living works of art (and follow our live reactions to the red carpet throughout the night). Our Super Bowl has finally arrived.
The Best Beauty Looks at the 2026 Met Gala
Rihanna at the 2026 Met Gala (Image credit: John Shearer/WireImage via Getty Images)
Fashionably late but absolutely worth the wait, Rihanna graced the Met Gala carpet in a gown embedded with silver, gold, and bronze gems, complemented by matching makeup and hair. The details were stunning: golden spirals adorned her slicked-back curls, and gem decorations around her eyes mimicked tears. The multi-talented star also made a case for frosted lips, with her Cupid's bow shimmering in champagne-gold.
Anok Yai at the 2026 Met Gala (Image credit: ANGELA WEISS / AFP via Getty Images)
Anok Yai is officially being crowned the best beauty look of the Met Gala. Her hair and skin drew inspiration from bronze statues, and she showcased visceral, dripping tears in a look rich with references—certainly one for the makeup history books.
Beyoncé at the 2026 Met Gala (Image credit: Julian Hamilton/Getty Images)
Beyoncé radiated the essence of a sun goddess in her jeweled headpiece and skeleton-inspired gown (and certainly every inch the proud mother at Blue Ivy's first Met Gala). To allow her couture to stand out, she opted for a simplistic yet beautiful makeup look. Her cool-pink blush placed on the apples of her cheeks provided a youthful glow, while her eyes and lips sparkled with glittery shades.
Doechii at the 2026 Met Gala (Image credit: Julian Hamilton/Getty Images)
Doechii, known for her iconic style, did not disappoint. The rapper's layered ensemble was paired with an exquisite combination of plum and shimmering mint green eye shadows that complemented her ornate jewelry, with her curls cascading gently from her headpiece.
Hudson Williams at the 2026 Met Gala (Image credit: John Shearer/WireImage via Getty Images)
We were surprised to see Hudson Williams among the best beauty looks, but he proved that we should never underestimate a breakout star. His softly tousled hair contrasted beautifully with the striking blue and red eye shadow, inspired by Black Swan. Well done, Hudson!
Sabrina Carpenter at the 2026 Met Gala (Image credit: Angela Weiss / AFP via Getty Images)
Sabrina Carpenter effortlessly stole the spotlight in both fashion and beauty. While her custom Dior gown made from film was undoubtedly the highlight, her dripping-diamond headpiece, chic roller curls, and signature soft glam left us in awe.
Hunter Schafer at the 2026 Met Gala (Image credit: Michael Buckner/Penske Media via Getty Images)
Euphoria star Hunter Schafer embodied painterly elegance with a vintage-inspired look featuring a watercolor finish. She maintained a simple, velvety complexion to highlight the cloud of peachy-pink blush extending from her lips to her under-eyes and the soft denim blue wash gracing her eyelids. To complete her look, she chose a medium pink lipstick and skipped mascara altogether.
Kylie Jenner at the 2026 Met Gala (Image credit: Julian Hamilton/Getty Images)
Kylie Jenner confirmed that bleached brows are the hottest beauty trend this spring. Her look, crafted by celebrity makeup artist Ariel Tejada, was kept understated to emphasize her custom Schiaparelli gown and ornate jewelry. Still, her Old Hollywood kiss curls made a bold statement.
Beauty products used: Kylie Cosmetics Precision Pout Lip Liner in Cool Nude ($19), Kylie Cosmetics Plumping Powder Matte Lip in Nude Mood ($22), Kenra Perfect Medium Hold Hairspray ($21).
Joey King at the 2026 Met Gala (Image credit: John Shearer/WireImage via Getty
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The 2026 Met Gala Demonstrated That Beauty Is Art—Every Stunning Look We're Adoring
Display them in the Louvre.