This year's Met Gala may have come and gone but we are still reeling from all the excitement. This year, the Costume Institute celebrated its newest exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style', and as ever all eyes were on the arrivals carpet. The A-list set were always going to serve the fashion, but we're here to talk about their beauty credentials – and there's a lot to dig into. Serena Williams arrived with gilded finger waves, Doechii went all out with Louis Vuitton, right down to a 3D logo stamped on her face, and Diana Ross made a case for a monochrome pink make-up moment. Kendall Jenner, meanwhile, delivered a full face of Met Gala-worthy make-up on a high street budget courtesy of L'Oréal Paris and Mary Phillips, her longtime friend and make-up artist.
For her 11th Met Gala appearance, Jenner wore a sharply tailored two-piece skirt suit by independent British designer Torishéju Dumi, which took inspiration from queer nightclub singer Gladys Bentley. To match, her beauty look was minimal and fresh.
Taking to Instagram Stories, Phillips gave followers a sneak peak into her Met Gala beauty kit to reveal all the products she had on standby to create Jenner's radiant look. Phillips' work station was brimming with the very best buys from L’Oréal Paris, which Jenner has been a global ambassador for since 2023. In the mix were a line-up of the brand's well-known cult classics as well as some game-changing new launches.
Spotted in Phillips' kit was the Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer, £7.23, the Paradise Lumi Glotion, £9.59, and the Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray, £7.99, proving that you really don't need to break the bank to create a red carpet-ready look. Keen to emulate Jenner's style? These are the products to add to basket now.
Shop: Kendall Jenner's Met Gala make-up essentials
www.lookfantastic.com
What the brand says: 'A transfer-proof and water-proof foundation with full coverage so you get more from your makeup. The innovative oxygen technology gives a lightweight feel whilst the ultra - stretchable formula ensures full coverage application, so a little goes a long way. Life doesn't compromise, so now your makeup doesn't either.'
What we know: Loaded with vitamin C and SPF 25, this foundation does much to perfect the look of skin while protecting it over time.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'Finding a solid high street foundation that you can come to rely on time and time again is no easy feet, but this is one such offering. It promises all the qualities I look out for in a perfect base – breathable, ample coverage and a skin-like finish – plus, the formula is non-comedogenic so I can rest assured that it wont break me out.'
Pros
- Breathable formula
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Limited shade range in comparison to other foundations
What the brand says: 'A lightweight bronzer that instantly gives skin a gorgeous sun-kissed glow. The soft powder formula is waterproof, sweatproof, transfer-proof, heatproof and non-comedogenic.'
What we know: The brand's Up To 24H Fresh Wear Powder was a breakout viral star and its bronzy sister follows in the same fashion with an equally featherweight, velvety offering perfect for lending skin a golden glow.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'I'm very picky with bronzers. The right one will sculpt and impart a sun-kissed radiance that looks like the remnants of a sun-soaked holiday, there should also be no red tones in sight. This bronzer manages to warm my complexion and chisel my features with a natural-looking finish thanks to a selection of cool contour shades and a buildable soft matte texture.'
Pros
- Water-, sweat-, transfer-proof formula
- Buildable soft matte finish
Cons
- Might not pack a punch if you prefer heavy cream contour
www.lookfantastic.com
What the brand says: 'L’Oréal Paris Lumi Glotion hydrates and luminizies skin for an all-over, fresh, natural glow. The highlighting formula delivers an illuminating colour tint to enhance your skin’s natural glow for a healthier, brighter complexion.'
What we know: Another new(ish), internet-backed product from the brand, this time intended to make you shine in the best way possible. The Lumi Glotion is loaded with glycerine and shea butter to help boost hydration for up to 24 hours, while each of the four shades on offer deliver a beautiful, natural glow.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'I love a serious glow-giver and this doesn't disappoint. It can be used alone, as a primer under foundation, or on specific areas for targeted radiance, and I love using it for the latter to spotlight my cupid's bow, tip of the nose and highest points of my cheekbones. The formula is more lit-from-within, than disco ball, so I constantly reach for this as a more wearable and natural-looking answer to highlighting.'
Pros
- Multi-tasker
- Delivers 24 hours of hydration
Cons
- Packaging doesn't allow for easy target highlighting
www.boots.com
What the brand says: 'This highly-pigmented, buildable formula glides on effortlessly, blending into skin seamlessly whether you're wearing foundation, powder, or on top of bare skin.'
What we know: If you're a blush addict (guilty as charged), the Lumi Le Liquid Blush is worthy of your attention. It creates a glossy natural-looking flush of colour where ever needed – yep, it doubles up as a lip stain, too. The six shades available, including 640 Glowy Rouge Paris, 635 Glowy Worth It Medium, 645 Glowy Cool Berry, 630 Glowy True Rose, 625 Glowy Gold Pink, and 627 Glowy Warm Peach, are loaded with high intensity colour pigments to help them last well into the day.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'As a blush obsessive, I quickly took to these. The doefoot applicator makes it a dream to apply over cheeks and lips, and the luminous flush of colour really does stay in place. I love applying it to my cheeks, lips and bridge of the nose for a glowy, monochromatic look.'
Pros
- Doefoot applicator for easy use
- Glowy finish
Cons
- May not be suitable for those who prefer matte finish
What the brand says: 'Dress your lips in the must-have, iconic Color Riche Lipstick from L’Oréal Paris. Rich, pure colour pigments with a luxurious satin finish.'
What we know: This collection of lipsticks is well-loved for good reason. Enriched with 75% caring ingredients, including nourishing omega 3, argan oil, and vitamin E, each shade boasts an ultra-creamy formula that leaves lips soft, supple and nourished.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'While we don't know the exact lipstick Jenner wore on the red carpet, it was likely a combination of lip essentials from L'Oréal Paris' line that includes this hero. And, my money is on the shade 107 Seine Sunset - a stunning flesh-toned berry hue, which looks akin to what Jenner wears in her finished look. Having used a few shades from the collection, I can attest to the lipstick's comfortable wear and long-lasting finish, which Jenner surely relied on throughout the events of last night.'
Pros
- Enriched with 75% caring ingredients
- Luxurious satin finish
Cons
- Not for those who love a matte lipstick
Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia's beauty writer, covering all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral).
