For fashion and beauty lovers, the first Monday of May may be the single most exciting day of the year. It's the night of the 2023 Met Gala, and we're champing at the bit to see who will be walking the red carpet and what they'll be wearing.
This year's Met Gala theme, "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty," celebrates the life and work of legendary fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, who designed for a slew of brands throughout his career, including Chanel, Chloé, and Fendi before passing away in 2019. In light of the theme, the evening's official dress code is naturally "in honor of Karl."
The Met Gala red carpet has never been the time to play it safe with fashion or beauty, so we're preparing ourselves for a night of rich inspiration and jaw-dropping (we mean that literally, not figuratively) appearances from our favorite celebrity invitees. Keep scrolling for the best must-see hair, makeup, and beauty moments from the 2023 Met Gala.
Angelic makeup and eye jewels were a major trend at this year's Met Gala. Alexandra Daddario kills two trend birds with one stone by pairing hers with a sweep of peach and pink over her eyes and cheeks. Celebrity makeup artist Lottie Stannard used Dior beauty products, exclusively, on the actress.
The must-have beauty products used: Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid + Collagen + Niacinamide Activating Serum ($69) and Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush in 001 Light Pink ($40)
We didn't see much graphic liner or ultra-dark makeup on the red carpet, so Stephanie Hsu's luxe plum lip and feline-inspired eyes felt dramatic and refreshing. Not to mention, the entire look was created using the clean makeup brand Well People.
The must-have beauty product used: Well People Lip Nurture Hydrating Balm in Black Cherry ($15)
Lopez let her accessories take center stage with a minimal and classic beauty aesthetic that included wispy pulled-back hair, glossy nude lips (I mean, it is J.Lo, after all!), and smokey cat-eye makeup.
It wouldn't be a Met Gala red carpet without Monáe's trademark ruby lip and a gravity-defying hairstyle.
The must-have beauty product used: Mielle Organics Rice Water & Aloe Vera Braid Gel ($15)
Paloma Elsesser exemplifies two of the night's biggest trends: micro bangs (we love this diagonal take) and embellished eyes and skin.
The must-have beauty product used: YSL Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick ($39)
Viola Davis in feathers, hot pink, and an afro is officially one of our forever-favorite red-carpet moments from the actress.
The must-have beauty product used: L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara ($13)
We've taken 10 screenshots of Kylie Jenner's gorgeous updo because we want to try it ASAP. That, and her 90's supermodel-inspired makeup.
The must-have beauty product used: Kylie Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Kylie ($23)
Kendall Jenner opted for a slicked-back ponytail, making her the antithesis to her sister's dreamy up-swept strands.
The must-have beauty product used: L'Oréal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer in Medium ($16)
Curled tendrils and a Cinderella-esque updo perfectly frame Kim Kardashian's signature nude lip and smoldering eye look.
The must-have beauty product used: Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil in Travis ($24)
How perfect are Ashley Park's dramatic side part, voluminous curls, and metallic eye shadow?
The must-have beauty product used: Dyson Airwrap Styler ($600)
There were multiple Choupette-inspired looks on the Met Gala red carpet this year (looking at you, Jared Leto and Doja Cat). But Lil Nas X's interpretation included shimmering chrome skin and jewel-crusted lips. Fun fact: The look was created by Dame Pat McGrath and featured roughly 5,000 crystals—the glam team began working at 8:30am and finished at 7pm!
The must-have beauty product used: Matrix Food For Soft Multi-Use Hair Oil Serum ($31)
Florence Pugh debuted a buzz cut, and we might be more shocked than we were seeing Jessica Chastain's platinum blonde strands earlier in the night. Her A+ smokey eye and peachy matte lip pull everything together.
The must-have beauty product used: Valentino Beauty Color Flip Eyeshadow Palette ($98)
We immediately wanted to copy Gigi Hadid's understated eye jewels and pulled-back half-up hairstyle.
The must-have beauty product used: Maybelline New York Super Stay Vinyl Ink Liquid Lip Color in Captivated ($13)
We think Anne Hathaway's retro half-up hairstyle, glossy nude lip, and dramatic winged shadow would make Miranda Priestly proud.
"The look features a Chanel-inspired hair camellia, a flower made out of hair, from a show I once did in the mid-90s," shares Hathaway's hairstlyist Orlando Pita. "I had kept this from the show and thought it was the perfect opportunity to include in her look to honor tonight's theme."
The must-have beauty product used: Orlando Pita Play Body Breakthrough Volume Boosting Hairspray ($17)
Hot-pink blush, the sharpest cat-eye liner, and micro bangs with a high pile of curls: Lizzo's beauty aesthetic is one of our favorites.
The must-have beauty product used: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Beauty Blush Wand in Dream Pop ($42)
Elle Fanning is another celebrity who got the pink-blush memo this year! The effect is dainty and elegant paired with her floral accents.
The must-have beauty product used: L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Satin Blush in Mauved ($10)
Billie Eilish proves again and again that she's the ultimate chameleon when it comes to beauty. Stunning makeup aside, her beaded-and-ribbon-streaked braid is the star here.
We're not sure what we love more, Quinta Brunson's beautiful lilac eye shadow or her amazing updo and perfectly curled edges. "For Quinta’s look, we decided to traverse the intersection between hair and high fashion, creating an artistic crown headpiece using her natural voluminous curls and coils to make a statement and up the ante on her signature updo," explains her hairstylist Alexander Armand.
The must-have beauty product used: Maui Moisture Lightweight Curls + Flaxseed Edge Control Pomade ($11)
The epitome of immaculate, Ashley Graham's glossy finger waves and rosy makeup are what beauty dreams are made of. "Inspired by her pink satin and black velvet gown, I decided to give her a classic 90’s glam, matte skin, flushed rosy blush, matte smokey eyes, and a beautiful matte lip," says makeup artist Ivan Núñez. "A timeless and beautiful look for the Met Gala.”
The must-have beauty product used: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Bare It All ($6)
We're getting major retro vibes (inspired by Lagerfield muse, Claudia Schiffer, no less!) from Sydney Sweeney, thanks to her megawatt volume of hair and almost Twiggy-like bottom lashes.
The must-have beauty product used: Shark FlexStyle Multi-Styler ($299)
Pearls are definitely a recurring theme on the red carpet. The ones Kerry Washington wore complemented her gorgeous updo, which had pearls pinned in the back, and shimmering charcoal gaze.
The must-have beauty product used: Chanel Les 4 Ombres Multi-Effect Quadra Eyeshadow in Blurry Grey ($68)
Even though pink is quite notably the color trend for Met-Gala makeup this year, Salma Hayek makes a great case for red. And can we take a moment for her rose-dipped pony?
The must-have beauty product used: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Walk of No Shame ($35)
Jessica Chastain shocked everyone by showing up to the Met Gala with platinum blonde hair instead of her signature red. Her highlighted skin and moody smokey eye are the cherries on top.
The must-have beauty product used: Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Eyeshadow Palette in The Rock Chick ($55)
We're not saying we called this, but we totally called this. Doja Cat stepped onto the red carpet as Choupette, Lagerfeld's beloved blue-cream tortie Birman cat.
The must-have beauty product used: Charlotte Tilbury Feline Flick Volume 2 Liquid Liner in Panther ($32)
And just like that, Amanda Seyfried has us craving disco-esque curls and the boldest of crimson lips.
The must-have beauty product used: Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge Drama Matte Lipstick in Berry Intense ($35)
With neon pink and green dusted from her cheekbones to the inner corners of her eyelids, Suki Waterhouse looks completely ethereal. We're also in love with her romantic, Bardot-inspired hairstyle.
The must-have beauty product used: YSL Nu Halo Tint Highlighter ($28)
We're mesmerized by the model's work-of-art-caliber hair and makeup. From pearl-studded hair, ears, and skin, to pink, glitter-spackled eyes, we're obsessed.
The must-have beauty product used: Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Blush in Pink Kiss ($42)
We can't get over Naomi Campbell. From her glossy pink lips to her perfectly winged cat-eye liner to her opalescent pink eye shadow, her look is everything.
The must-have beauty product used: Pat McGrath Labs Divine Rose Luxe Eyeshadow Palette: Eternal Eden - Divine Rose II Collection ($62)
Speaking of pink, Irina Shayk's monochromatic hot pink eyelids and popsicle-stained lips are already one of our favorite makeup moments of the night. She kept the rest of her look fresh with a light coat of mascara and radiant skin.
The must-have beauty product used: Pat McGrath Labs SatinAllure Lipstick in Boudoir Bloom ($30)
Kate Moss accentuated her green eyes with brow-grazing lashes and a healthy coat of eyeliner. She kept it classic with the I-just-woke-up-like-this textured hair she's known for.
The must-have beauty product used: Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Liner Duo ($32)
The supermodel kept her look effortless and minimal à la glowing bronzed skin, fluttery lashes, and light pink lips. Her signature beachy-bronde waves punctuated her look, of course.
The must-have beauty product used: Olivia Garden Titanium + Ion Professional 1.25" Curling Iron ($100)
EmRata is always one of our most anticipated Met Gala attendees—her micro bangs and smoldering smokey eye don't disappoint.
The must-have beauty product used: Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner in Xtreme Black ($35)
We love that Emma Chamberlain is back to host the 2023 Met Gala red carpet. We also love her monochromatic look, complete with hazy blue lids and lots (and lots) of eyeliner.
The must-have beauty product used: Lancôme Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Noir Intense ($28)
Penélope Cruz is a vision in white, with a shimmery copper lid and a glossy pink lip to complement.
The must-have beauty product used: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir ($40)
It's hard not to stare at Dua Lipa's 100-carat necklace. To accent it, the singer kept her look understated with a peachy-matte lip, glittering eyes, and ultra-glossy waves.
The must-have beauty product used: Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Beautiful Stranger ($39)
Our jaws literally dropped when we saw Rita Ora arrive on the red carpet. Her lined nude lip, smudgy eyeshadow, and long crimped strands are perfection.
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