The Best Beauty Looks From the 2023 Met Gala
Karl Lagerfeld would have been impressed.
It may be fashion’s biggest night, but beauty stole the show at the 2023 Met Gala. For this year’s theme, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” attendees strutted along the red carpet, paying homage to one of the biggest names and influences in fashion. On the red carpet, Lala Anthony interviewed the Grande Madame of the evening, Anna Wintour herself, who said, “I love seeing what everybody is wearing,” when asked what she’s excited about. But what’s a fashion look without a beauty moment? And the guests didn’t disappoint.
The Met Gala is a perfect opportunity for stars to play with beauty and they didn’t disappoint. While several looks—like Dua Lipa’s soft glam—were attainable and wearable, other stars used the moment for avant-garde and even camp looks (I’m looking at you, Doja Cat). There were several beauty trends on the red carpet that you can use for inspiration. Whether it’s the super short cuts that Florence Pugh and Kristen Stewart rocked or the voluminous hairstyles (that we told you would be trending for spring)—featured on Keke Palmer and Anne Hathaway, you’ll be sure to find a beauty look to emulate.
Keep scrolling to see the best looks of the evening.
Doja Cat
For me, the Met Gala is the moment to let creativity blossom. Many guests go literal; Doja Cat went camp with this unique tribute. She paid homage to Karl Lagerfeld by showing up as Choupette, his cat.
Take a Bow
Hair accessories are always a good idea. This oversized black bow in actress Sydney Sweeney's hair is the perfect contrast to her soft pink glam.
Va Va Volume
You can never go wrong with volume and Amanda Seyfried shows us how it's done with these large, loose ringlets. The curls paired with a blood red lip is >>chef's kiss<<.
Straight and Narrow
An arch in your eyebrow? Kristen Stewart says no. This straight-brow look adds a little pizzazz to her androgynous beauty.
Part-ing Ways
Penelope Cruz shows that a middle part isn't just for Gen Z. It gives her sleek and chic chignon a nice finish.
Architectual Beauty
Quinta Brunson knows how to turn her hair into an art form. Her sky-high hair looks like it's in the shape of a flower; it may be a nod to the Camellia, a flower Coco Chanel was known to love. And her Picasso-like edges are perfect for an event that takes place at a museum.
Side Swept
Soft glam is all over the red carpet, but it's more than just bows and balletcore makeup. Gwendoline Christie's side-swept soft waves add to the romantic appeal of her pink look.
Pump Up the volume
Keke Palmer looks like a 90s supermodel with this voluminous hairstyle.
Cutting It Close
Actress Florence Pugh looks like a young Sinead O'Connor with this super short hairstyle. It's perfect for showing off her gorgeous face and that smokey eye.
Updated French Manicure
Serena Williams' nails are definitely a grand slam on the red carpet. Manicurist Serynin Peng reveals that "Serena wanted a modern tuxedo nail look," to accompany her custom Gucci dress.
Apres Nail Neutrals Gel-X® Alex Natural Round Medium Box of Tips
Apres Nail Neutrals Gel-X® Alex Natural Round Medium Box of Tips
If you don't want to (or can't for work purposes) go too long with your nails, this medium length almond look will be perfect for you.
Danielle James is the Digital Beauty Director of ELLE.com. Previously, she was the Fashion and Beauty Director of HelloBeautiful.com and MadameNoire.com. She’s bylined for The Cut, InStyle, Allure, Business of Fashion, Nylon, Essence, Good Housekeeping, The Grio, and Huffington Post. Danielle enjoys sailing, thrifting, Japanese whiskey, Naomi Campbell’s runway walk, and Rihanna in the comment section.
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