Met Gala: 6 Must-Try Makeup Trends from the… Blue Carpet
The Met Gala was last night, and the beauty looks did not disappoint! One of the standout beauty moments at the Met Gala was radiant, glowing skin. Also, monochromatic makeup is a major trend this year. Here, we worked with Saffron Hughes, the resident makeup artist at FalseEyelashes.co.uk, to round up the top six makeup trends that stole the show on the… blue carpet.
6 Must-Try Makeup Trends from the 2025 Met Gala
- The Effortless ‘No Makeup’ Lash
“The ‘No Mascara’ Natural Lash look, as seen on Yara Shahidi, is all about letting your natural features take centre stage,” says Saffron. “Yara’s makeup was the perfect example of ‘less is more’ – it looked fresh, modern, and complemented her tailored suit. Skipping mascara keeps the eyes soft and effortless, which worked beautifully with the clean lines of her outfit and the overall theme of this year’s Met Gala.”
How to recreate: “To get this look yourself, you should warm up your eyelash curler a little with your hair dryer before curling your eyelashes – the heat will give your lashes an extra lift. Next, you should brush through them with a clear mascara to hold the curl.
“If you’d like some extra definition, apply a brown pencil on your upper waterline, and add a bit of highlighter to your inner corners. It’s a subtle hack that makes your eyes appear bright and awake without the need for black mascara.”
- Soft, Grey Smokey Eyes
Saffron said, “Colman Domingo and Halle Berry showed us how to pull off a smokey eye that’s striking but never too much. Using grey tones instead of black gives you all the definition and drama, but with a softer, more wearable finish. It’s a brilliant choice for the Met Gala’s dandy-inspired theme – polished and sharp, but not overpowering.”
How to recreate the look: “Start by lining your upper and lower lash lines with a grey pencil, then blend it out with a fluffy brush for that hazy effect. Next, using a flat eyeshadow brush, apply some silver shimmer onto your eyelids to catch the light. You can then keep the rest of your makeup pared back and fresh for an ultra effortlessly cool look. This is the perfect way to get that classic sultry eye look without the dramatisation of using black.”
- The ’90s Supermodel Nude Lip
“The most popular lip shade at the Met Gala was the classic nude, but this year it got a real upgrade thanks to Zendaya, Coco Jones, and Charli XCX. Instead of a flat nude, they used a slightly deeper lip liner to shape and contour the lips, then finished with a juicy gloss for a perfectly plump effect.
“Zendaya’s take was especially striking, a true ‘90s supermodel look, with a rich brown liner and a high-shine finish that made her lips look fuller and more defined. This trend worked brilliantly with the evening’s tailored theme, giving a polished, structured feel that balanced the bold fashion on show.”
How to recreate the look: “Start by outlining your lips with a liner that’s about two shades darker than your natural lip colour, gently overlining for extra shape. Blend the liner inward so there are no harsh lines, then add a nude lipstick or a clear gloss over the top. For an added boost, dab a little highlighter on your cupid’s bow – this instantly gives the illusion of fuller lips whilst finishing off the look.”
- Burgundy Monochromatic Magic
Saffron told YCB, “Monochromatic makeup is a major trend this year, and Zendaya and Simone Biles really highlighted it at last night’s Met Gala with their burgundy versions. Both wore rich burgundy shades across their eyes, cheeks, and lips, creating a look that was bold yet beautifully elegant. Burgundy is a versatile shade; it adds warmth and depth, and really brings a look together. It worked perfectly with the evening’s focus on individuality and refined style, making a statement without ever feeling overdone.“
How to recreate the look: “Choose a creamy blush or eyeshadow in a berry or burgundy shade and sweep it onto your cheeks and eyelids for a soft wash of colour. Finish with a matching lip tint or lipstick, and if you fancy a bit more glamour, add a layer of gloss on the lips for extra shine. This look suits every skin tone and is a great way to try something a little different while still keeping things chic and wearable.”
- Big, Fluttery Statement Lashes
“Teyana Taylor, Gabrielle Union Wade, and Mindy Kaling went all out with big, fluttery lashes – and honestly, that’s what the Met Gala is for! Statement lashes open up your eyes and add instant glam, which is perfect for a red carpet moment.”
How to recreate the look: “If you’d like to recreate the dramatic lashes look, I’d recommend choosing false eyelashes that are longer in the centre for a wide-eyed effect or winged out for a cat-eye vibe. Use a flexible, clear-drying glue so you can place the band super close to your natural lash line without any mess. For extra drama, add individual lashes on the outer corners to build volume and length exactly where you want it. Trust me, layering is the secret to lashes that wow!”
- Glowing, Dewy Skin
Saffron said, “Stars like Gigi Hadid and Jennie went for fresh, dewy complexions that looked healthy and luminous under the lights. This trend is all about enhancing your natural glow rather than covering it up, which perfectly suits the evening’s celebration of individuality and elegance.”
How to recreate the look: “Begin with a hydrating primer and a lightweight, luminous foundation or tinted moisturiser to even out your skin tone without feeling heavy. Apply a cream highlighter to the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose, for a natural glow. Finish with a setting spray that adds dewiness rather than mattifying. The key is to keep everything fresh and radiant, so avoid heavy powders that can dull your skin.”