The Tamesis
Boys will be boys—especially at the 2026 Met Gala. The Costume Institute’s annual Met Gala has always been a beacon for boundary-pushing style, which extends above the neck to powerful effect. For men, makeup is increasingly becoming one of the most powerful tools for bold self-expression. Just like it does in pop culture, it gained momentum over time on the Met Gala red carpet.
In 2013, Pharrell Williams’ waterline-fringed eyeliner catered to the “Punk: Chaos to Couture” theme, while in 2018, singer Troye Sivan channeled the celestial spirit of the “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” exhibition and upped the ante with a golden gaze and shimmering skin.
But it was 2019’s “Camp: Notes on Fashion” theme that truly inspired attendees to make grand beauty statements. Joining Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele on the pink carpet, co-chairman Harry Styles styled a dark raven manicure and a blue ruffled shirt to match his ruffled black shirt, while Jared Leto harnessed the power of prosthetics with an uncanny replica of his own head to pay homage to the Italian fashion house’s fiery moment at the Fall 2018 show. Darren Criss and Marc Jacobs both sported eye-catching graphic eyeliner, as did Michael Urie, albeit only on one eye, to coordinate with his half-dress, half-suit ensemble. Then in 2022, Lil Nas X’s gaze was interrupted by a set of gold-plated wing appliques, completing his gold ensemble. As his makeup artist Grace Pae said, “We wanted him to look radiant.” Mission accomplished. Finally, at last night’s event, Alton Mason applied silver paint to the inner corners of his eyes for an ethereal look, while Jordan Roth went for a dreamy ’80s New Romantic look with pale skin, abstract colors, and crimson lips.
At the 2025 Met Gala, beauty looks were made for you — which means we saw plenty of nail polish, rouged cheeks, and more. This year’s theme, “The Art of Costume,” brought out the painterly side of guests—including shading eyelids, cheeks, and more (hello, prosthetic-filled Bad Bunny).
Here, a look back at the best men’s makeup moments in Met Gala history so far.
