2025 Met Gala Beauty

2025 Met Gala Beauty

The first Monday in May is synonymous with the Met Gala, otherwise known as the “Super Bowl of fashion”.  The highly anticipated and publicized event is a fundraiser that was started by Eleanor Lambert in 1948 that benefits the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s (Met) Costume Institute.  Now helmed by Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine, the annual affair draws an A-list celebrity guest list from all walks of life dressed to the nines in outrageous couture and fabulous costumes that represent the “theme” of that year.

This year’s theme of “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” explored the history of Black dandyism with a focus on menswear and the impact fashion and style has on Black identity.   The dress code, “Tailored for You” encouraged attendees to interpret that theme through their own personal style.

Tailoring was the focus on the “blue” carpet with many guests showcasing suits and structured silhouettes.  The beauty looks were a mix of classic and contemporary, while paying tribute to historical Black fashion icons with intricate and naturally textured hairstyles and bold, expressive makeup. 

2025 marks the first time in the event’s history that four Black men were chosen as co-chairs of the Met Gala along with Wintour.  Singer/songwriter Pharrell Williams, actor/playwrite Coleman Domingo, British race car driver Lewis Hamilton and rapper A$AP Rocky collectively helped raise a record-breaking $31 million to fund the Costume Institute.

Scroll down to see some of the standout hair and makeup looks from the 2025 Met Gala and the products used to create them.          

Zendaya

Making her seventh Met Gala appearance, fashionista Zendaya did not disappoint in a sleek, white Louis Vuitton pantsuit inspired by Bianca Jagger and totally nailed the dress code “Tailored for You”.  Her hair, styled by Ursula Stephen with GHD tools and SheaMoisture products was slicked back into a low bun and tucked under a floppy hat.  But it was her sophisticated, flawless, bronzy, makeup that was the focus of the look.  Makeup artist, Ernesto Casillas created the polished and modern take on 90s supermodel glam that featured glowing skin, defined cheeks and soft smoky eyes with nude glossy lips using Charlotte Tilbury products. 

He first prepped the star’s skin with the brand’s Crystal Elixir and Magic Cream to hydrate, plump, smooth and boost radiance to her complexion.  He then applied both the Hollywood Flawless Filter and Airbrush Flawless Foundation to create a perfect dewy canvas for makeup application.  Other products used were the Beauty Light Wand in Spotlight to highlight the high points of her face, The Super Nudes Liner Duo on her lips to line and create definition and the Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray to lock the look in place all night.   

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman walked the Met Gala stairs in a black strapless Balenciaga gown with bow embellishments at the waist and hips, and soft, smoky, sophisticated makeup.  It was her hair, however, that was one of the most dramatic transformations of the evening.  She debuted a newly cropped pixie cut that was quite the departure from her usual long, blonde, flowing tresses. 

It featured a two-toned ombre effect with honey blonde on top fading into darker brunette undertones.  It was a nod to Dandyism that extended into the tailoring of her hair which was slicked back and tapered to her head except for a long, side-parted, wavy bang.  The look was styled by Adir Abergel using Virtue products like the Volumizing Primer, Smooth Un-Frizz Cream and Healing Oil for high gloss shine. 

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o wore a custom made, powder blue, double breasted Chanel pantsuit with a matching sheer cape and one of the most popular accessories of the evening, a hat (in this case, a boater hat).  Her hair was sculpted into a high, textural ponytail with an organic shape that blended sharp lines with soft curves to create a unique silhouette. 

Hair artist, Vernon Francois used hidden pins and Olaplex products like the No.9 Bond Protector Hair Serum and No. 0.5 Scalp Longevity Treatment to shape the embellished masterpiece.  Makeup artist, Nick Barose created her monochromatic, brown-toned glam with Chanel products.  He showcased her brows by first darkening them, and then filling them in with black jewels.  He lined her eyes with a thick, winged-out liner using Le Crayon Yeux Precision Eye Definer to add a rockstar vibe.  Her flawless complexion was thanks to Les Beiges Healthy Glow Hydration and Longwear Foundation and her bronzed lip color was Rouge Coco Flash.

Lauren Hill

Reclusive recording artist, Lauren Hill, made her Met Gala debut in a butter yellow Stella McCartney suit with a matching, dramatic, sculptural cape paired with a white button-down shirt and burgundy tie.  She wore her hair in a face-framing afro and her vampy makeup featured shimmery green eyes and dark, matte plum lips. 

Makeup artist, Alana Palau painted the glam with MAC Cosmetics.  She first prepped the singer’s skin with Hyper Real Serumizer and Hyper Real Skin Canvas Balm.  She used a combination of the Pro Longwear Concealer with the Studio Fix 24HR Smooth Wear Concealer in shades NC45 and NC50.  Powder Blush in Raizin was used to sculpt her cheeks. Connect In Colour Eye Shadow Palettes in Unfiltered Nudes and Future Flame were used on her eyes topped with Dazzleshow in shade I Like To Watch.  MACstack Waterproof Mascara ensured a smudge-free flutter all night.  The look was completed with Power Kiss Liquid Lipcolour in shades Rekindled and Make Love To The Camera and finally, Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Caviar. 

Sabrina Carpenter

Performer Sabrina Carpenter stunned in a form-fitting, pantless, burgundy Louis Vuitton body suit designed by Met Gala co-chair, Pharrell Williams.  The ensemble featured a crisp white collar, long dramatic train and diamond jewelry accents.  Her earth-toned glam showcased defined eyes, sculpted cheeks and a vampy lip.

Hairstylist, Evanie Frausto styled her signature platinum voluminous waves with Redken products.  He first used the Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-in Treatment and Thermal Spray to strengthen and protect the singer’s locks while styling.  He then added the Volume Maximizer to increase fullness and thickness.  The look was refined and finished with the brand’s Dry Texture Spray and Max Hold Spray. 

Regina King

Actress Regina King arrived in a midnight blue, structural suit designed by Who Decides War.  The suit had a voluminous, asymmetrical collar and intricate angel embroidery.  Her jet black, braided, sculptural updo was a work of art created by Jennifer Lord. 

Her bold, sultry glam was inspired by Josephine Baker and applied by makeup artist Vincent Oquendo using Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.  The Vitamin Enriched Face Base and Weightless Skin Foundation were the staple products used to give King her flawless healthy glow.  The Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick and Clean Lash Mascara gave her eyes the perfect subtle pop. 

Ciara

Singer Ciara was a vision in an elegant black and silver, sleeveless, floor-length LaQuan Smith gown that featured large cut-outs held together with crystal strands on the bodice and sides of her legs.  Her smoldering makeup by Yolonda Frederick was radiant with hues of bronze, rose and plum, and a touch of silver to incorporate the pearlescence of the crystals.  Her sleek and edgy pixie hair style was very similar to Nicole Kidman’s (above) in that they were both two-toned with blonde over brunette and slicked back behind the ears with side-parted bangs. 

Hair stylist, Cesar Deleon Ramirez, styled Ciara’s look with products from Kerastase.  He used the brand’s Chroma Absolu – Soin Acide Chroma Gloss to strengthen and nourish her hair while amplifying the color’s vibrancy.  The Discipline Keratine Themique Heat Protectant shielded her hair from damage while styling.  The Mousse Bouffante was used at the roots for structure and shape and the Elixir Ultime for shine.   

Andre’ 3000

Rapper Andre’ 3000 made a bold statement with a Steinway baby grand piano strapped to his back.  The piano was a fabrication created by Pink Sparrow, weighed 30 pounds and was a nod to his newest album, “7 Piano Sketches”.  The navy jumpsuit he wore was a collaboration between Burberry and his own fashion label, Benji Bixby.  He topped the look off with a bright red, circular cap on his head. 

Makeup artist, Alexa Hernandez used MAC Cosmetics to get him camera-ready for the event.  She used the Fast Response Eye Cream to de-puff his undereyes, Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation to even his complexion, Pro Lock Brow Gel to groom his brows in place and the Lip Conditioner Hydratant to seal in moisture on his lips.

Hailey Bieber

Hailey Bieber was tailored to perfection in a black Saint Laurent double-breasted, blazer-minidress with sheer black tights and shiny black platform stilettos.  She wore her brown hair in tousled, side-parted waves styled by Bryce Scarlett and inspired by Catherine Deneuve. 

Makeup artist, Nina Park kept her glam simple and classic with NARS Cosmetics.  She created the gorgeous bronzy base with the brand’s Light Reflecting Foundation, Radiant Creamy Concealer, Soft Matte Complete Concealer and Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder.