Yep, the MET Gala is undoubtedly fashion’s biggest night out. An annual stage for the crème de la crème of the world, the first Monday of May is a day we await with bated breath each year. Ever since the Metropolitan Museum of Art held its first event in 1971 there hasn’t been any looking back. While everyone’s focus is on jaw-dropping outfits, there’s no denying that the beauty looks have always served.
The theme for this year is ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion’ and we can’t wait to see our Disney princess fantasies be fulfilled. Till then, we’re going to be reminiscing about some of our favourite showstopping beauty looks from the years gone by. Bleached eyebrows, wacky hair colours and breathtaking eyeshadow—we’ve seen it all.
Here are some beauty moments that will always be a part of our mood boards.
Alia Bhatt, 2023
View this post on Instagram
Trust Alia to make a smashing debut at the 2023 MET Gala with her pearls and bows. She’s always been a believer of less is more and her beauty choices expressed that perfectly. With a dewy base and peachy blush, Alia’s makeup exuded every bit of her personality. Her smudged eyes added a dash of intensity to the otherwise romantic look. However, the star here was undoubtedly her delicate pearl-bow which held her half-up half-down hairstyle. She did them bows before they became cool!
Olivia Rodrigo, 2022
View this post on Instagram
Playing perfectly to the theme of ‘Gilded Glamour’ Olivia Rodrigo’s fairycore energy was everything. Keeping the Y2K energy alive, her makeup was all about the metallics. The metallic purple eyeshadow walked a fine line between a dreamy fairy and a teenage rockstar, something she’s known for. Those butterfly clips in her tousled, wavy hair took me back to the ’00s. Somebody cast her in a Winx Club remake!
Lilly Collins, 2019
View this post on Instagram
Showing everyone how it is done, Lilly Collins came through with her version of Priscilla Presley’s wedding night. Her maximalist lilac eyeshadow and dramatic eyelashes were reminiscent of everything the ‘60s stood for. What’s a ‘60s look without a teased-bouffant? Her locks were adorned with delicate white flowers which added a certain level of drama, suiting the theme of ‘Camp: Notes on Fashion’.
Doja Cat, 2023
View this post on Instagram
Nobody except Doja Cat can pull off a transformation into a cat for the MET Gala. She channelled Choupette, Karl Lagerfeld’s cat with her precisely done prosthetic makeup. Her makeup on these prosthetics was soft and subtle, just like Choupette.
Rihanna, 2021
View this post on Instagram
Undoubtedly the queen of the MET Gala, there isn’t a single appearance of Rihanna’s which hasn’t sent all of us into a frenzy. With a bunch of exaggerated elements, her makeup for the 2021 MET Gala was as gothic as it gets. Mauve and purple eyeshadow were blended with her blush and highlighter for an added effect, she certainly loves her cheeks draped. The final gothic touch was added by her ox-blood lips.
Sydney Sweeney, 2023
View this post on Instagram
Trust Sydney Sweeney to embrace Barbiecore with open arms at the 2023 MET Gala. Her makeup was minimal and understated, something that was ideal for the entire look. Subdued golden eyeshadow graced her eyes while her cheeks had a soft wash of colour. Her voluminous hair was coiffed up with a large, black bow.
Deepika Padukone, 2019
View this post on Instagram
An iconic one for the books, Deepika Padukone’s appearance at the 2019 MET Gala was the epitome of camp. She decided to go all in on the maximalist makeup with her jewel-toned eyes that featured hues of pink and purple. Not just her eyes, she also decided to make a statement with her vampy lips that looked striking.
