A Look Back at the Most Over-the-Top Beauty Looks From Past Met Galas

With the first Monday in May right around the corner, there's one thing everyone in the celebrity and fashion worlds can look forward to: the Met Gala — and all of the best, most out-of-the-box beauty looks born from it. After making a return last year with the dress code "American Independence," it's safe to say there will be many hair and makeup moments to look forward to with the 2022 gala under the same theme. That also means there's no better time to reflect on the best beauty moments to hit the red carpet over the past few years.

Past Met Galas have provided us with more than enough beauty inspiration to reminisce on. There have been multitier updos adorned with precious jewels, stereotype-defying manicures, dramatic tributes to the beauty trends of iconic musical eras, and even a makeup look inspired by the dark arts. Some moments are purely theatric, while others are full of meaning. With its fashion-centric overarching theme, this event produces some of the most out-of-the-box beauty looks in history.

This is all to say that it's going to be hard to top the wildly creative looks we were privy to from some of our favorite celebrities. See just a few of the best ones ahead.