The Met Gala stands as fashion’s premier event, where top celebrities ascend the iconic steps. This year’s theme, Costume Art, and dress code, Fashion is Art, inspired attendees to craft living artworks. While extravagant outfits dominate headlines, high-street makeup and nail products from accessible brands like L’Oréal Paris, KIKO, and Essie turned heads with their affordability and impact.

Stars including Zoë Kravitz, Madonna, Kendall Jenner, Emily Blunt, and Emma Chamberlain embraced drugstore favorites for flawless red-carpet finishes.

Zoë Kravitz’s Fresh L’Oréal Look

Celebrity makeup artist Alex Babsky crafted Zoë Kravitz’s radiant appearance using exclusively L’Oréal products, from primer to polish. “I wanted Zoë’s look to feel fresh and quietly romantic,” Babsky shared. “The cheeks have a natural flush that brings warmth back into the face, and the lip is Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in 762 Divine Wine that stays tonal with the skin. I layered lightly so it adds colour without taking over, and everything still feels effortless.” The standout £10 lipstick delivered subtle, skin-matching elegance.

Madonna’s Surreal KIKO Smoky Eye

Madonna drew from Leonora Carrington’s 1945 Surrealist painting The Temptation of St. Anthony. Fragment II, evoking desert temptation motifs that shaped modern art. Makeup artist Marcelo Gutierrez, Kiko Milano’s Global Makeup Artistry Creative Director, applied the brand’s £7.49 eyeshadow for her intense smoky effect. Its high-pigment formula ensured bold, seamless color payoff on the red carpet.

Kendall Jenner’s Sultry L’Oréal Glow

Kendall Jenner exuded allure in an ivory GapStudio gown with a daring bodice. Her makeup mirrored the accessibility, featuring L’Oréal Paris staples as the model serves as the brand’s global ambassador since 2023. Artists applied the Lumi Le Glass bronzing stick and £13.99 mascara for a luminous, seductive vibe.

Emily Blunt’s Pearl-Accented Essie Manicure

Emily Blunt mesmerized in a semi-sheer tassel top paired with a $500,000 Mikimoto pearl body necklace. Charlotte Tilbury products enhanced her features, but fans raved over her £10.99 Essie nail varnish. Nail artist Julie K designed a sophisticated manicure: a “deep, dark base” topped with “a single, deliberately placed circle” on each nail.

Emma Chamberlain’s Artistic Après Nails

Emma Chamberlain commanded attention in a Mugler gown mimicking paint strokes, complete with tassel sleeves and a shredded train. Her dramatic dark smoky eye and nude lip paired perfectly with a high-pigment Après Nail Gel Couleurs manicure in art deco hues that echoed the gown’s vibrant design.