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Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by AdpathwayThe first Monday in May reliably transforms the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art into the world’s most-watched fashion show, but instead of (or in addition to) models, celebrities are doing the walking—and in more than just one designer’s boldest couture. But even though fashion is the intended focus of the highly anticipated event, the beauty looks can be just as memorable—especially with an art-centric theme like this year’s.
The exhibition at the center of the 2026 Met Gala is called Costume Art, which explores the relationship between clothing and the human form. And we can’t think anything that bridges clothing with the body quite like the canvases of hair, nails, and face. The dress code may be “Fashion Is Art,” but we all know makeup is art, manicures are art, updos and braids and hair color are art. And the glam teams behind this year’s gala guests, who prove that regularly, were prepared to elevate their visions to amplify the stories told by the most creative fashion moments of the year.
Whether it’s sculptural hair that feels like a wearable installation or makeup that makes us reconsider what everyday eye shadow could look like, the 2026 Met Gala gave us some truly stunning beauty statements. Here are the ones we’ll be talking about until the next first Monday in May.
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Photo: Getty Images
Doja Cat
Doja Cat is a monochromatic dream from head-to-toe, with nails, makeup, and even her hair color all falling into the sandy color palette anchored by her shiny, drapey, latex dress. Her makeup is truly flawless—especially the masterfully blended crease and dramatic wing that takes us back to more elaborate eye makeup days (circa 2016). Her extra-long, matte nails feature muted tips and bubble-like jewels to add a little whimsy.
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Photo: Getty Images
Sabrina Carpenter
You've never seen a faux bob quite like the one Sabrina Carpenter wore to the Met Gala. Topped off with a bejeweled headpiece, the smoothed strands are curled under up front, but flipped the other way in back for a fun, unexpected contrast. And speaking of contrast, her French manicure has black tips made to resemble film (which, if you hadn't noticed, is what her dress is made of). Meanwhile, her makeup is very true to her signature look, with fluttery lashes, a hint of shimmery eye shadow in the corners, and rosy-mauve lips.
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Photo: Getty Images
Gabrielle Union
Larry Sims traded in his hairstylist hat for that of a sculptor in crafting Gabrielle Union's epic updo for the Met Gala. Three rings of impossibly sleek hair are impeccably set atop a no-hair-out-of-place base. It gives us a clear view of her glowing face, the focus of which has to be her lush lashes—Kiss The New Natural Lashes in Nude Blazer on top and Impress Individual Lashes on the bottom.
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Photo: Getty Images
Ejae
The crystals are truly countless in Ejae's absolutely incredible look, branching off of her gown—literally—with twig-like, floral hair accessories gracing her sleek, thickly braided updo. The bedazzling continues with her gem-coated manicure, and even her lips are sparkly—a gorgeous juxtaposition with her matte, smoky eyes.
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Photo: Getty Images
Kylie Jenner
On a night when many A-listers played it surprisingly safe with their beauty looks, Kylie Jenner went at least a little experimental. Her Old Hollywood waves take a literal turn with a curl that practically creates a monocle over her eye, drawing attention to the other edgy element of her look: bleached brows. Both her makeup and nails pull in the nude tones of her anatomically suggestive gown.
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Photo: Getty Images
Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman let her sparkling, red, form-fitting dress with feather trim serve as the main source of color for her Met Gala look. In addition to softly, simply styled, extra-long hair—the polar opposite of her 2025 Met Gala look—her makeup and nails stayed in neutral territory with a glossy, beige manicure, equally glossy nude-pink lips, and tawny-tan eye shadow.
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Photo: Getty Images
Claire Foy
It's not hard to see through Claire Foy's sculptural, black veil to see her classic, never-fails makeup combo of fresh skin, berry lips, and mascara—a look that wears as gorgeously at the Met Gala as it does on a movie date night. The same can be said for her sleek, short, simple ponytail, the ends of which just brush her bare shoulders.
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