Every year on the first Monday in May, the world’s fashion elite gather for the industry’s version of the Oscars: the Met Gala. Thrown by Vogue magazine to support The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, it’s a virtual spectator sport for those of us obsessed with fashion and beauty—and this year’s theme, Manus x Machina: Fashion In an Age of Technology, truly delivered. People lined the streets for hours ahead of time to get a glimpse of all of the models, celebrities and designers decked out in their most attention-grabbing looks. But we took advantage of being a beauty brand with three gorgeous models on our side by snagging a front-row seat behind the scenes as our spokesmodels Kendall Jenner, Joan Smalls and Liu Wen got ready for the main event.
Though the Met Gala has already come and gone, these three unique beauty looks serve as year-round inspiration. See below for a how-to on each one, and file it away for your next ultra glamorous event.
To get Liu Wen’s look:
Liu Wen’s makeup artist, Victor Henao, described her look as “simple, yet 21st century,” to align with the Met Gala’s technology-focused theme.
Face:
Double Wear Makeup To Go Liquid Compact
Eyes:
Little Black Liner, Pure Color Envy Sculpting EyeShadow 5-Color Palette in Defiant Nude, focusing on shade numbers 4 and 5 to give the eyes a sculpted definition, and Sumptuous Knockout Defining Lift and Fan Mascara
Brows:
Double Wear Stay-in-Place Brow Lift Duo in Soft Brown
Cheeks:
New Dimension Shape + Sculpt Face Kit and Bronze Goddess Bronzing Powderin Light
Lips:
Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick in Tumultuous Pink and Vengeful Red
Insider Tip:
To create a custom wash of color on lips as Henao did here, apply the Tumultuous Pink shade just to the center of lips, then use your fingertips to press the Vengeful Red shade on the outer corners and blend the colors together.
To get Kendall’s look:
Makeup artist Hrush Achemyan created a naturally gorgeous look that was the perfect complement to Jenner’s intricately patterned, visually stunning dress.
Face:
Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Makeup SPF 25, Double Wear Waterproof All Day Extreme Wear Concealer, Perfecting Loose Powder in Translucent
Eyes:
Pure Color Envy Sculpting EyeShadow 5-Color Palette in Defiant Nude, Sumptuous Knockout Defining Lift and Fan Mascara
Brows:
Brow Now Defining Pencil in Brunette
Cheeks:
Pure Color Envy Sculpting Blush in Blushing Nude, Limited Edition Bronze Goddess Summer Glow Multi-Palette
Lips:
Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick in Insatiable Ivory
To get Joan’s look:
Smalls’ makeup artist, Porsche Cooper, said she wanted to create a stark, clean line underneath Smalls’ eyes to mimic her sleek hair and the construction of her dress. A pop of deep forest green on the lower lashline intensified the look even more.
Face:
Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup (for Joan, using Spiced Sand and Rich Caramel, mixed together)
Eyes:
Little Black Liner along the top lashline, Double Wear Infinite Waterproof Eyeliner in Blackened Emerald on the lower lashline, Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil in Onyx along the lower waterline for more contrast, Pure Color Envy Defining EyeShadow in Silver Edge, and Sumptuous Waterproof Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascara in Black
Brows:
Brow Now Defining Pencil in Light Brunette
Cheeks:
Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Brightening Serum + Concealer, drawn in a line underneath cheekbones, topped with Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer in Medium, and Pure Color Envy Sculpting Blush in Blushing Nude on the apples of the cheeks
Lips:
Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lip Pencil in Nude and Pure Color Envy Sculpting Gloss in Discreet Nude
Insider Tip:
According to Cooper, it’s best to have a layer of product that actually mimics skin when contouring, hence why she reached for Perfectionist Concealer first. Blend it out with the Sculpting Foundation Brush to buff away any harsh lines, then add dimension with powder bronzer on top.