The Best Beauty Looks at the Met Gala 2025

In no particular order, here are the best beauty looks from the occasion that embody the different styles purveyed by Black identity.

In cohesion with her Louis Vuitton monogram tailcoat, Doechii’s face card was adorned with an LV stamp. She sported warm-toned eyes and nude lips with a prominent brown liner, all tied together with gloss. She also flaunted a natural afro and a subtle take on long, square French tips, making for an overall memorable look for her first Met.

It’s been three years since Megan Thee Stallion attended the Met Gala, and she truly came back stronger. As shared by her hairstylist Kellon Deryck, her ponytail was inspired by the activist and a major figure for Dandyism, Josephine Baker. The intricate and bejeweled hairdo was prepared days in advance, with Kellon creating custom donut buns to be stacked on top of one another. Her makeup was modern but classic. As described by her makeup artist Diana Shin, “I wanted to keep the makeup clean yet glamorous for timeless elegance."

Dua Lipa’s look was reminiscent of the 1920s, a time when African-American culture was booming, especially for creatives, artists, and musicians. Her face was framed with kiss curls, while her signature bushy brows were accompanied by glittery, smoky eyes.

With embellished eyebrows and rockstar eyes, Lupita Nyong’o truly embodied her inspiration for the evening, Little Richard. The actress was edgy as she glided along the red carpet, with no less than a 40-inch loc ponytail swaying behind her. With so much attention to detail, her nails matched the shade of her power suit. Her nail artist Vanessa Sanchez McCullough shared on Instagram, “The blue color is a color associated with luxury, heritage, and personal expression—aligns with the elegance of fine tailoring. The iridescent sheen nods to the innovation and multidimensionality of Black style, and this nail look becomes a subtle, shimmering form of self-styled opulence.”

Emma Chamberlain sported a spiked version of her platinum blond pixie cut, representing nonconformity and empowerment. She completed the look with feathered brows and bold, dark eyes. The feminine pop of color on her cheeks and her lips contrasted this, bringing balance to her glam.

What better theme for Lauryn Hill's Met Gala debut than Black dandyism? A masterclass in color blocking, the iconic singer opted for a glistening green eye look and burgundy lips that match her tie. These colors unexpectedly (yet intentionally) complimented her butter yellow suit and cerulean blue Hermès Kelly. A natural afro completed the look. She rarely appears on red carpets, but when she does, she surely makes it worth your while.

The bigger the hair, the closer to heaven, and Cardi B certainly did not disappoint. She flaunted the texture of her hair and gave it a dramatic side part. The ever-evolving rapper’s look also came with winged emerald green eyeshadow to match her ensemble and her eye color for the night. Her lips were a classic brown nude, and her skin was simply illuminated. 

What’s a conversation on Black fashion if we weren’t to bring up durags? This is what Teyana Taylor sported under her feathered hat, carrying a significant element of Black culture. Peeking through were swirls of her hair that sat nicely along her cheeks. Her eyes were powerful, lined by tones of ruby that matched her look of the day, from her coat and cape to her suit and cane.

Apart from the 18-foot train of her dress, embroidered with the names of her loved ones, Diana Ross’ glam also caught our eye. She flaunted her signature voluminous curls, which she has always been proud of. Her eyes were bold as they were lined entirely with jet black eyeliner, but remained soft with hues of pink adorning her eyes, cheeks, and lips. Jewels charmingly placed on her forehead and by the edges of her eyes tied the look together. It’s been 20 years since the icon last attended the Met Gala, and with her appearance this year, we look forward to seeing her grace the occasion more.