Listen, I’m aware that the looks that go down the Met Gala red carpet aren’t exactly wearable. They’re not supposed to be! Especially with a dress code like “Fashion Is Art,” I don’t expect celebrities to don their clean-girl best. But this year, we got a surprising amount of inspo, all of which is in line with a lot of the makeup trends and hairstyles I’ve been predicting as Cosmo’s beauty editor all year long.
There was no shortage of excitement on the carpet this year in terms of fashion, but the beauty looks really brought it. Dare I say, it’s one of my favorite years in Met Gala beauty history. And the trends we’re about to see come out of tonight? Out-of-this-world shiny skin, extra-long hair, ear accents, watercolor blush, and so much more. Keep reading for all of the biggest trends at the 2026 Met Gala:
1. Great Lengths
Sorry to the bob, but long hair is back and better than ever. And if it’s sleek and shiny, even better. Just ask Nicole Kidman, Sunday Rose Kidman Urban (yup, her 17-year-old daughter!), and Rosé.
2. Ruby Reds
The most shocking trend of the night? Dark-red, vampy lips and eyes. But unexpected is what makes the Met so fun, right?
3. Strobe Skin
Body glitter grows up with these shimmery takes on Jennie and Ayo Edebiri. Just a swipe on your collarbones is enough, or go all out (a glitter spray works best for this).
4. Sun-Kissed Blonde
Haven’t you heard? It’s a never-ending midnight sun. Call your stylist and book a balayage immediately. This summer, I anticipate everyone will be adding sunny tones to their hair, just like Chase Infiniti and Sarah Pidgeon.
5. Watercolor Blush
Although it seems simple, a watercolor blush is a nod to the “art” theme. And Beyoncé and Joey King did it beautifully with rosy, flushed cheeks.
6. Undone Updos
So thiiis is the new party pony! Grab the loosest hair tie you own and don’t be precious with it. Alex Consani and Olivia Wilde sure weren’t.
7. Diamonds Are Forever
Some sparkle for your face will always make things look more glam, whether it’s rhinestones across your lids, nose, or even ears à la Odessa A’Zion and Rauw Alejandro. At the Met Gala, anything goes, but I think we’ll start seeing people choose one spot for a bejeweled moment.
8. Hair Jewelry
With hair jewelry (and in Rihanna’s case, face), you don’t have to make the hard decision between gold or silver. Both Ri and Ciara went high glamour, and while I don’t anticipate us normies going to this level, it’s definitely inspiring me to start decorating my hair, too.
9. Liquid Locks
Sculptural hair that looks like it’s been painted on your head? Yeah, I’d say that’s art for sure. And for summer, I think everyone will do it for a beachy look.
10. The Inner Corners Have It
A pop of color in just the inner corner of your eyes creates the illusion that you spent way more time on your makeup than you did. And it makes your eyes look so bright.
11. Flower Child
I’ll save you from another Devil Wears Prada reference, but just know I’m thinking it. Floral adornments just make sense in spring.
12. Don’t Forget Your Ears
The saying isn’t just for your bronzer or your shower routine. All the glitter, gems, and color you swipe on your face? Make sure it goes on your ears, too.
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Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing stories on hair, makeup, and nails.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
