The 21 best Met Gala beauty looks of all time

Elle Fanning exuded romantic, slightly gothic energy in 2023 with tightly lined eyes and black ribbons in her hair.

Vanessa Hudgens looked mesmerising at the Karl Lagerfeld-themed event in bold, graphic liner. 

Doja Cat paid tribute to Karl Lagerfeld's cat Choupette by transforming into the late designer's beloved pet. She wore feline prosthetic makeup and, frankly, we are still in awe.

Not one to shy away from a theme, Kim Kardashian served modern Marilyn Monroe in her freshly dyed platinum blonde updo.

Supermodel Kaia Gerber brought major corkscrew energy to the ball in 2022 with her beautiful, fluffy waves.

Gigi Hadid looked every inch the redhead bombshell a few years ago with a striking high ponytail, adorned with a sparkly Prada clip.

The angular petrol blue shadow, the lit-from-within skin, the utterly fabulous hair – Lupita Nyong'o at the 2021 Met Gala is perfection and beyond.

Kendall Jenner brought high octane drama to the 2019 Met Gala with a slicked-down updo and statement kiss curls alongside XXL lashes.

Who could forget Lily Collins' dedication to the 2019 Met Gala's "Celebrating Camp: Notes on Fashion" theme? Her look felt quirky and playful, with an air of 1960s nostalgia.

Pop sensation Dua Lipa brought va va volume in 2019 with her magnificent backcombed mane, teamed with purple shimmer across her eyes.

Kate Bosworth exuded radiance and polish in 2018 with flawless skin, flushed cheeks and a gel-slicked hairline.

A lesser known EmRata red carpet triumph perhaps, but beauty fans went crazy for the supermodel's metallic blue winged liner at the "Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between" Met Gala in 2017.

Forget her omelette gown, Rihanna's rusty red flicky bob totally stopped us in our tracks in 2015. Plus, who knew straight brows could serve up so much drama?

Beyoncé looked utterly striking in a gothic plum lip shade and a crisp side parting with a mesh overlay headpiece at the 2014 bash.

Naomi Campbell attended the "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" themed Met Gala in 2011, and delivered high-octane glamour with her Hepburn-esque hairstyle.

Kate Moss attended the 2009 Met Gala as the guest of Honorary Chair Marc Jacobs, and brought the glamour in a shimmering turban paired with matching silvery smokey eye. Iconic doesn't cut it. 

Princess Diana radiated regal elegance at the 1996 ball with her signature voluminous hairstyle and a natural makeup look.

Christy Turlington was serving major Holly Golightly elegance with strong brows and an elaborate updo at the 1992 Met Gala.

Vintage Cher snaps literally never disappoint – and this is no exception. The star looked unbelievable in 1985 with purple shimmery shadow, creamy, soft-focus skin and a slick of gloss on her lips.

Nicaraguan model and actress Bianca Jagger showed off an elegant bob and golden, glowy skin at the 1981 Met Gala with eponymous fashion designer Halston.

Iman exuded supermodel glamour at the 1981 Met Gala on the arm of Calvin Klein, sporting flawless skin, soft brows and a nude glossy lip.