While fashion is the main attraction at the Met Gala, there's no denying that attendees' artistic beauty looks are worthy of being displayed in a museum.
After all, this is the one event where creative expression is not only encouraged but celebrated. That's why A-listers like Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Zendaya and many others aren't afraid to push the boundaries with over-the-top makeup, blinding body jewels and va-va-voom hairstyles.
Case in point? In 2019, the House of Gucci actress stole the spotlight with her dagger-sharp spikey gold false lashes, oval-shaped eye gems, thick double-winged eyeliner and hot pink lipstick. Plus, her mini hair bows were a nostalgic call-back to her early red carpet days.
"I know intrinsically that I have a camp soul," Lady Gaga told Vogue in 2019, referencing the "Camp: Notes of Fashion" theme based on Susan Sontag's 1964 essay. "What I really love about what we're doing is that it reads like an essay or a poem."
Other swoon-worthy beauty moments from year's past include Alicia Keys' silver-studded ponytail that featured shiny embellished discs, Cher's purple iridescent eyeshadow paired with holographic lips and Cara Delevingne's silver-painted head and body glitter.
With the 2023 Met Gala honoring the legacy of the late Karl Lagerfeld—who passed away in February 2019 at the age of 85—it's only a matter of time before the biggest and brightest stars re-write the rules of style.
So, before the Super Bowl of fashion kicks off on May 1, relive the best beauty looks to ever hit the red carpet.