The first Monday in May reliably transforms the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art into the world’s most-watched fashion show, but instead of (or in addition to) models, celebrities are doing the walking—and in more than just one designer’s boldest couture. But even though fashion is the intended focus of the highly anticipated event, the beauty looks can be just as memorable—especially with an art-centric theme like this year’s.
The exhibition at the center of the 2026 Met Gala is called Costume Art, which explores the relationship between clothing and the human form. And we can’t think anything that bridges clothing with the body quite like the canvases of hair, nails, and face. The dress code may be “Fashion Is Art,” but we all know makeup is art, manicures are art, updos and braids and hair color are art. And the glam teams behind this year’s gala guests, who prove that regularly, were prepared to elevate their visions to amplify the stories told by the most creative fashion moments of the year.
Whether it’s sculptural hair that feels like a wearable installation or makeup that makes us reconsider what everyday eye shadow could look like, the 2026 Met Gala gave us some truly stunning beauty statements. Here are the ones we’ll be talking about until the next first Monday in May.
