Last year, Pamela Anderson broke the internet (soz, Kim K) after taking to Paris Fashion Week wearing no makeup. Ever since, the model stepped out into the spotlight donning a fresh, au naturel face, though, that is until now when she broke her makeup hiatus at this year's Met Gala. Gird your loins, folks.

Taking to the event of the year, last night [6 May 2024], Pam took to the Met Gala red carpet wearing a full face of glam makeup for the first time in months. The legend that is Pat McGrath was the artist behind the star's rosy-cheeked look and even shared a BTS video of her work on Instagram.

Pat shared details of the look in the caption of her post. "ICONIC ELEGANCE ⚡⚡⚡ STUNNED by @pamelaanderson dazzling in a COMPLETE #patmcgrathlabs LOOK featuring Divine Cream Blush: Legendary Glow Color Balm ‘DIVINE ROSE GLOW’ & Skin Fetish: Highlighter + Balm Duo NUDE," she wrote.

Pat McGrath Labs Divine Blush: Legendary Glow Colour Balm

Divine Blush: Legendary Glow Colour Balm
£28 at Sephora
Credit: Courtesy of brand

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Highlighter + Balm Duo

Skin Fetish Highlighter + Balm Duo
£50 at Sephora
Credit: Courtesy of brand

While an everyday occurrence for a good few of us, wearing makeup comes as a surprise for Pamela as she previously spoke out about wanting to embrace her natural beauty. "I don't think you should give me the credit of it being a stunt, because that's not how I think," Pamela, 56, told Allure in an interview earlier this year.

Throughout her career on Baywatch and as a model, Pamela was often photographed in bikinis with heavy makeup. "I've always felt like there’s a little monster inside of me that I need to get out, I need to share. I've been trying and I've begun to feel closest to it," she said, "and it's peeling back everything and trying to remember what my original thoughts are.

"It's not just about makeup, taking off the mask, but it's about why am I here, what's my purpose, why do I resonate with people, can I help in any way?"

However, for the Met's "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" theme, Pamela has certainly reawakened her look...

pamela anderson breaks makeup hiatus met gala 2024pinterest
Dimitrios Kambouris

Whether sporting a full coverage base of foundation, a minimal skin tint or just a healthy dose of lip balm, there's no denying that Pamela looks as beautiful as she did at 25. Plus, there's no shame in dabbling in and out of beauty – after all, it's an experimentation of art.

We support you makeup-free or not, Pammie!

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Lia Mappoura
Beauty Writer

Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).

In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.