Celebrity makeup Artist Reveals What Goes Into Creating Met Gala Looks

In the highly unlikely chance that you haven't been on social media in the last 24 hours, May 6 marked the first Monday in May and was the date of the 2024 Met Gala.

While the celebrities get to shine on the iconic Met steps in couture and archival looks from fashion's biggest names as they dress to theme (this year it was "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion"), there are a group of people working tirelessly to get your favorite famous faces ready for the carpet: the glam teams.

The Met isn't just any red-carpet event—a significant amount of thought and sometimes months of work go into creating the incredible looks seen at the event each year—with the gala a bucket list item for people working in fashion and beauty globally. Singer Raye ticked off her appearance for the first time.

To find out what goes into getting an artist glam for what is arguably the fashion event of the year, Raye's long-term makeup artist Lan Nguyen Grealis, known to many as @lanslondon, shared her experience of working the Met, and exactly what goes into getting creating a makeup look for the event.

Pre-Met Prep

Ahead of the event, many guests will begin prep months in advance, scheduling body treatments, facials, hair appointments and everything else they may want or need to look and feel their best on the big night.

It's not just the celebs starting their Met prep well in advance, as Grealis' own thought process begins with the first sketch of the outfit—on this occasion, Raye wore Fendi haute couture.

"Usually, I work with the stylist first as the dress is everything," explained Grealis, "so it was a process from the beginning to see what was designed because it's a collaboration between the designer and talent."

"That usually gives inspiration to the theme, which then provides me a starting point for designing the makeup and working with hairstylist and nail tech to make it look cohesive."

For her first Met appearance, Grealis created a reference to Old Hollywood through makeup—a look Raye often favors.

She explained, "The inspiration is a nod to Raye's traditional look of the classic modern Hollywood era that she loves. For this look, it was still a case of less is more to let all the details of the dress sing.

"With washes of cooler color tones against her skin, I added a little lash and liner details for a feminine touch. We wanted to keep it like a cold matte flush, layering soft pink tones, and lips were matte also with an English rose tone."

Fashion is the focus at the Met, and Grealis drew inspiration from the stunning dress for finishing details that many might have missed but make all the difference. Grealis shared, "I added details from the beadwork of the Fendi dress to the outer corner of the eye as a little playful touch and shimmering powder to the collarbones for that little magical enhancement."

Kit Check

For Grealis, the key to ensuring smooth sailing is in her kit bag. The secret is finding the right balance between having options to adapt if needed without bringing an overwhelming amount of product.

Grealis explained, "Prepping the kit and having variations of everything is always the key for me in case for some reason the ideas have changed. Various tones and shades, finishes and options of colors.

"A full kit is generally needed as it's always nice to be open to see if there is anything else that can add to the look. Sometimes what you imagined may look better with a slight change, so as an artist you have to be prepared."

Set the Tone

As the glam squad is often the last with celebs ahead of a big event, it's imperative they set a mood that will keep their client calm and collected.

Grealis enjoys the buzz before a big event, as she shared, "Most red carpets are high energy with excitement as these events are full of fabulous people.

"As the talent is always scrutinized and pictures are taken at all angles often you can feel under pressure, and we always want them to feel the best. It's important to keep calm and positive energy."

For many, confidence comes through their makeup, so the product must perform.

Grealish takes pride in her prep work and ensures she allows time to properly prepare with skin care, not only increasing longevity but also giving a much-needed glow boost ahead of time in front of the camera.

"With the prep work and style of makeup, we're creating a flawless look with products chosen for their staying power. I use good products that are long wearing and smudge proof and set them correctly."

While her work is practically set in stone by the time Raye leaves her chair, with the Met Gala and an exclusive after party at Soho House on the cards, Grealis supplied some products to help it last the night and even saw the star for a touch up between events.

Grealis doesn't go overboard with spare product for top-ups, as she explained, "Generally I would always make sure they have some pressed powder compact, or blotting paper, cotton bud and lipstick."

The months of preparation were worth it – with Raye's Old Hollywood hair and stunning makeup, courtesy of Grealis, at the center of many Met Gala debriefs today.