How MUAs Created These Met Gala 2025 Beauty Looks

While the Met Gala red carpet commands attention, it’s the focused energy backstage that defines the mood. Long before the camera's flash, a league of visionary makeup artists, hairstylists, and nail technicians were already at work, brushstroke by brushstroke, braid by braid, nail by nail, crafting the evening’s most iconic transformations.

This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” sparked a wave of looks that celebrated individuality, precision, and power. From Pat McGrath’s icy blue eyes and satin lips on Doja Cat, to Nick Barose’s jewel-studded brows on Lupita Nyong’o, and Bob Recine’s origami braid on Miley Cyrus, each detail told its own story. Not to mention Zola Ganzorigt’s Louis Vuitton-stitched manicure for Sabrina Carpenter.

Together, these artists didn’t just complement the fashion. They amplified it. This is beauty at its most intentional, designed not just to be seen, but to be remembered.

Makeup artist Patrick Ta, assisted by Matthew Taylor, created a sculpted, luminous look for Gigi Hadid, pairing smoked-out liner with soft contouring for a modern take on Old Hollywood glamour. Dimitris Giannetos styled her hair into polished 1940s victory rolls, or “boudoir curls”, using traditional curlers and layers of hairspray to achieve a smooth, frizz-proof finish. For the final detail, Mei Kawajiri added sculptural, almond-shaped nails with a metallic edge.

Lupita Nyong’o paid tribute to Little Richard with a glam look that balanced drama and precision. Makeup artist Nick Barose, using Chanel Beauty, gave her glowing skin, smoky Rouge Noir eyes, and crystal-studded brows. Vernon François styled her 40-inch loc ponytail into a sculptural silhouette, while Vanessa Sanchez McCullough created iridescent blue nails layered with silver and mylar.

Sabrina Carpenter brought velvety drama to the Met Gala with a beauty look described by Carolina Gonzalez as “Espresso Swagger.” Assisted by Vasilios Theotokis, Gonzalez crafted a sculpted eye with white liner, a soft brown cut crease, and a chocolatey-lined lip. Her long, voluminous waves were styled by Evanie Frausto, assisted by Courtney Peak, using Redken and L’Oréal Professionnel for hold and shine. Zola Ganzorigt delivered what was arguably the coolest manicure of the night, a glossy pink base accented with red thread-like embellishments and a delicate Louis Vuitton logo, appearing almost stitched into the nail to mirror her custom ensemble.

Doja Cat’s look fused ’80s glamour with a darker, more expressive edge. Her icy blue eyes, created by Pat McGrath, were framed by pastel shadow and paired with a bold, satin red lip, a combination that felt both nostalgic and sharp. Vernon François, with support from Maria Pelo, shaped her hair into a voluminous, textured afro that added sculptural impact. Finishing the look, Saccia Harris applied reflective gold nails that echoed the metallic elements of her Marc Jacobs fit.

Miley Cyrus brought structured ease to the Met Gala, channelling the precision of her custom Alaïa through a beauty look that was sleek, sculptural, and unmistakably her. Makeup artist James Kaliardos kept the skin clean and radiant, with soft sculpting, a neutral lip, and Miley’s signature twist, a sideways swipe of black mascara mimicking liner. Hair stylist Bob Recine mirrored the sharp tailoring of her gown with an ultra-sleek, high-shine plait, styled into an origami-inspired braid.

Makeup artist Hung Vanngo, assisted by Jianlu Makeup, created a fresh, radiant look for Halle Berry. Featuring a soft, shimmery eye, sculpted skin, and a barely-there rosy lip that let her natural beauty take centre stage. Hairstylist Sara Tess styled her hair into a sleek, high-shine bun, adding polish and structure.