Every first Monday in May, the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art transform into the most glamorous stage in fashion. But in 2026, the Met Gala didn’t just celebrate fashion — it elevated it. With a theme that blurred the lines between couture and canvas, this year’s red carpet proved that beauty (hair, makeup and artistry) can be just as powerful as the garments themselves.
The 2026 Met Gala centered around the Costume Institute’s exhibition “Costume Art”, with the official dress code, “Fashion Is Art.” The concept explored how the dressed body functions as a living artwork, drawing connections between historical fashion, fine art and modern identity.
Unlike previous years that leaned into specific eras or aesthetics, this theme encouraged boundless interpretation. Attendees referenced everything from Renaissance portraiture to surrealist sculpture, turning the red carpet into what was described as a “living museum.”
Notably, the mission extended beyond fashion. The gala celebrated the opening of new permanent galleries for the Costume Institute, reinforcing its role in preserving fashion as an art form.
And nowhere was this mission more evident than in the beauty looks. Hair and makeup weren’t supporting details — they were central to the storytelling.
A few of the beauty trends that dominated the event were:
Here are 10 standout red carpet looks from the 2026 Met Gala that reflected a shift to beauty as fine art, not just enhancement:
Beyoncé – Gilded Icon
Returning to the Met Gala after a decade-long hiatus, superstar and co-chair of the event, Beyoncé delivered a masterclass in luminous glam.
Makeup Artist: Sir John
Hair: Voluminous blonde curls
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Her peachy-rose glow and radiant skin reflected classical sculpture.
Charli XCX – Modern Impressionism
Charli XCX leaned into a Van Gogh-inspired aesthetic with luminous, barely-there glam.
Makeup Artist: Ana Takahashi
Hair: Half up, half down with naturally textured waves
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Her glowing skin and soft plum accents echoed the emotional tones of impressionist painting.
Jisoo – Soft Romanticism
Singer Jisoo embodied delicate femininity with a polished ethereal look.
Makeup Artist: Dior Beauty team
Hair: Low sculpted bun
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Her soft pink tones and shimmering lids created a modern portrait-like finish.
Gigi Hadid – Romantic Minimalism
Gigi Hadid took a more understated approach to the “Fashion Is Art” theme, proving that restraint can still feel incredibly intentional.
Makeup Artist: Patrick Ta (using all Maybelline New York products)
Hair Stylist: Dimitris Giannetos
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Her beauty look leaned into a “romance in the garden” aesthetic, pairing luminous, barely-there makeup with effortless waves.
Tyla – Y2K Glitter Revival
Singer Tyla brought playful nostalgia to the red carpet.
Makeup Artist: Soft glam with sparkle by Esther Edeme using Valentino Beauty
Hair Stylist: Yusef Williams
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Her “wet” look balanced youthful energy with high-fashion polish.
Emma Chamberlain – Starry Night Chic
YouTube sensation and red-carpet correspondent, Emma Chamberlain’s beauty look subtly referenced Van Gogh’s The Starry Night.
Makeup Artist: Kelsey Deenihan
Hair: Platinum-blonde, punk-inspired, edgy “bixie”
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Soft shimmer and celestial tones made the look feel painterly and dimensional.
Nicole Kidman – Classic Portrait Elegance
Co-Chair Nicole Kidman delivered a timeless beauty moment that felt directly inspired by classical portraiture, aligning effortlessly with the “Fashion Is Art” theme.
Makeup Artist: Gucci Westman using Clé de Peau
Hair Stylist: Adir Abergel
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Kidman’s look embraces refined, Old World glamour, echoing the softness and balance seen in 18th-century oil paintings.
Teyana Taylor – Harlem Renaissance Glamour
Teyana Taylor brought theatrical artistry and cultural storytelling to the 2026 Met Gala, delivering one of the evening’s most memorable beauty looks.
Makeup Artist: Yeika Oliva
Hair: Slicked back and tucked under the metallic silver fringe hood of her Tom Ford gown
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Taylor’s look referenced the elegance and artistry of the Harlem Renaissance while still feeling modern and editorial.
Cher – Legendary Glamour Reimagined
Cher delivered a masterclass in timeless red-carpet beauty at the 2026 Met Gala, proving once again why she remains one of fashion’s most enduring icons.
Makeup Artist: Francesca Tolot
Hair Stylist: Anna Cofone styled her platinum blonde wig using tools and products from GHD
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Rather than leaning fully into costume, Cher embraced the essence of the “Fashion Is Art” theme through pure glamour and presence.
Rihanna – Metallic Muse
Rihanna once again closed the carpet with a statement beauty look.
Makeup Artist: Priscilla Ono
Hair: Metallic pin curls
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Her glowing skin paired with sculptural metallic hair blurred the line between industrial art and beauty.
What set the 2026 Met Gala apart was how seamlessly beauty and fashion merged. Makeup artists and hairstylists weren’t just supporting designers — they were co-creators of the narrative. Faces became canvases. Hair became sculpture. Skin became texture. This evolution reflects a broader industry shift: beauty is no longer about perfection, it’s about expression.
The 2026 Met Gala will be remembered as the year beauty truly claimed its place as high art. From crystal-encrusted eyes to painterly complexions and architectural hair, the red carpet showcased the limitless potential of creative expression.
For questions, concerns, or article ideas, feel free to reach out to our eCosmetics Beauty Editor directly at beauty@ecosmetics.com
