The Best Met Gala Beauty Looks of All Time

Brownish-nude lipstick, a prom-style updo, and pearl choker made this ’90s look a win for this supermodel. She was wise to keep her makeup simple.

Before she was a red carpet commentator, comedian Joan Rivers was hosting The Joan Rivers Show until 1993. At the Met Gala in 1992, the red-carpet queen donned flashy diamond earrings and long pearl strands with her glossy red lips.

Her dark lipstick, slip dress, and furry coat are all unmistakably ’90s, but her signature bob is timeless.

Model Veronica Webb was the first African-American to have a major cosmetics contract (good job, Revlon), and the pioneering model turned heads on the Met Gala red carpet in tiny gold hoop earrings, a wavy bob, and tapered eyebrows — exactly how we’d imagine a ’90s supermodel to look.

Princess Diana once told a biographer that being an English rose “wasn’t her bag,” but she was the belle of the ball at the Gala in 1996, when she stepped onto the red carpet in a sexy boudoir-inspired gown, her famous sapphire-and-pearl choker, and the perfect head of short hair.

When you’re the daughters of rock stars, you don’t need one-of-a-kind couture gowns to land you in the society pages. Blossoming “it” girls Liv Tyler and Stella McCartney shook up the Met Gala with their DIY tops and grungy makeup.

The Goop founder enhanced her then-dark hair with a pinky-brown lipstick for a totally different look.

Adrienne Bailon, Kiely Williams, and Naturi Naughton stayed true to their image with neon clothing, makeup, and hair.

The theme was “Goddess: The Classical Mode” — and leading lady Nicole Kidman pulled out all the stops in her ethereal look, from the elegant half-do to the flushed pink makeup to the dazzling long earrings.

The supermodel channeled Marie Antoinette with a corseted dress and hair piled high on her head. Hot pink lipstick gave her look a modern touch.

The perma-tan Aussie supermodel made her bombshell waves the focal point, keeping her makeup simple with a little blush, pink lipstick, and mascara.

Once upon a time, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were straight-to-video child stars. But their enviable expensive-but-boho style, pouty lips, and meticulously styled messy hair put them on the map as style stars building a fashion empire.

We love this dramatic hair and makeup on the singer — from her braid chignon to her graphic eyeliner, this might be the best she’s ever looked.

Nowadays Eva Mendes often wears her enviable hair down, but these tousled curls work well with the neckline of her halter dress. Her coordinating coral flush and lipstick are on point, too.

The fair-skinned beauty knows what works and she sticks with it: Retro brushed-out curls, flirty lashes, and impeccably applied blue-toned red lipstick.

It’s rare when your husband wears more makeup than you, but in 2006, Marilyn Manson out-dolled his then-wife, Dita Von Teese. His signature full face of face paint worked well with the year’s irreverent theme: “AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion.”

Scarlett Johansson was a princess at the Gala in 2008 with loose tresses framing her milky complexion and red lips and a sparkly headband to top the look.

The theme was “Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy,” and Tilda Swinton proved that she was a superwoman with her supernatural gold makeup and glistening hair.

In a stunning silver Marc Jacobs ensemble — turban included — supermodel Kate Moss reminded the world why she was an icon. She served as co-chair of the exhibition “The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion.”

Leave it to Sarah Jessica Parker to wear a giant flower bow in her hair without looking goofy. The star’s high cheekbones were dusted with pink blush, which matched her pink eyeshadow and lips.

Back when she was still a country music sweetheart, Taylor Swift dolled up for the Gala with her signature red lip and big curls.

Even with old Hollywood curls, Kate Bosworth rocked the boho-California look so well. Her spider lashes, pink-hued makeup, and diamond earrings complemented her hippie-glam dress.

The British style icon looked lovely with bronze eye makeup, berry lips, and her signature undone hair.

Retro finger waves, black smoky eyes, and dark plum lipstick make David Bowie’s better half look like a vampy Betty Boop.

Heavy liner, contoured cheeks, and face-framing fringe are all good looks for J.Lo.

Yoko Ono paid homage to Alexander McQueen’s fantastical headpieces with her pure white fascinator, iconic black sunglasses, and perfectly coiffed hair.

Mermaids wished they looked this good. Song siren Rihanna turned heads on the red carpet with a long red braid accented by emerald earrings.

Pre-Olivia Pope Kerry Washington made the case for pastel pink lips on the evening red carpet in 2011, pairing her soft lips with Shirley Temple-style curls.

Turquoise eye makeup isn’t for everyone, but Ms. Goodwin is a risk taker. From her choppy pixie cut to her clever shadow placement, we give her serious props for this killer style.

The Australian model and actress kept her makeup bronzy and matte, letting her earrings and headpiece sparkle.

The Revlon spokesperson knows that dash of liquid liner and some hot pink matte lipstick is a simple way to make a big impact.

The actress looked sweet and age appropriate in fresh-faced makeup and a high bun.

Before she landed the cover of American Vogue, Kate Upton made herself known to Anna Winter at the Met Gala, where she channeled the old Hollywood blond bombshells who preceded her with a bright red lip. That didn’t take attention away from her signature mole.

Nicole Richie is no stranger to changing her hair color while still looking chic, but she went full punk at the Met Gala in 2013 with spray-painted white hair, merlot lips, and ear cuffs.

We can’t remember the last time we saw the singer without her matte red lipstick, and we don’t want to. Her cat-eye liner and architectural updo only enhance her modern style.

The British actress often goes minimal for the red carpet, and this look — swept-back hair, bold brows, and lots of lashes — really works.

Of course, all-American model Karlie Kloss paid proper homage to American couturier Charles James with an elegant chignon, tapered eyebrows, and dewy pink makeup.

Pink lipstick, winged lashes, and retro glam waves were perfection on the Gossip Girl star. Her sparkly talons provided a nice finishing touch.

Lupita Nyong’o brought the flapper style back in 2014 with her bedazzled Prada headband and dress — a tribute to American couturier Charles James. Her purple eye makeup and pink lips combined for the perfect spring beauty look.

A classic lip doesn’t have to be red. Model Joan Smalls smoldered in a bold purple lip and fishtail braid, while keeping the rest of her beauty look simple and elegant.

Queen Bey can take on any trend with ease — here she swapped her typical nude lip for a goth oxblood shade. A mesh headpiece wouldn’t work on just anyone, but she made it look both classy and edgy.

Wilde brought the glam with a satin headband, straight, sleek locks, and a dramatic cat eye.

The model stunned with middle-parted soft waves, matte makeup, and a pretty pink lip.

Nicki kept an extreme look soft with matte skin and nude lipstick.

The sliver eyeshadow and dark roots Stewart premiered in 2016 were a hit.

Ciara turned up the volume with gorgeous dewy skin, a sliver coiffed hairstyle, and pale lip.