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The Met Gala, a highlight in the world of fashion, has consistently served as a stage for pioneering style, especially concerning men's use of cosmetics. Over time, male figures have progressively adopted makeup as a potent means of personal expression, adapting their aesthetics to resonate with the varied themes of the celebrated occasion. This feature explores some of the most emblematic and inventive male makeup presentations witnessed on the Met Gala's illustrious red carpet, underscoring how these individuals expanded artistic limits and reimagined conventional masculinity within the beauty domain.

Met Gala's Boldest Male Beauty Statements: A Chronological Retrospective

The Met Gala red carpet has long been a platform for audacious fashion and beauty declarations, with a growing number of men embracing makeup to amplify their ensembles. From subtle enhancements to dramatic transformations, these memorable looks reflect an evolving landscape of masculine self-expression.

In 2013, during the "Punk: Chaos to Couture" themed gala, Pharrell Williams set an early precedent by defining his eyes with a subtle kohl liner, embodying the rebellious spirit of punk. Years later, in 2018, at the "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" event, singer Troye Sivan channeled celestial radiance with shimmering skin and a golden gaze, capturing the ethereal mood of the theme.

The 2019 "Camp: Notes on Fashion" gala truly ignited a fervor for elaborate beauty statements. Co-chair Harry Styles graced the pink carpet alongside Gucci's creative director Alessandro Michele, sporting a striking dark raven manicure accented with teal, perfectly complementing his ruffled black attire. That same year, Jared Leto made a surreal entrance by carrying a lifelike prosthetic replica of his own head, a playful homage to Gucci's viral runway show. Actors Darren Criss and Marc Jacobs each showcased impactful graphic eyeliner, while Michael Urie distinguished himself with a singular bold eye makeup application, harmonizing with his distinctive half-gown, half-suit ensemble. Also in 2019, drag icon RuPaul and actor Cole Sprouse made their own distinctive beauty marks on the event's storied red carpet.

By 2021, artists like Lil Nas X further elevated the artistry, with his gaze punctuated by gilded wing decals that completed his dazzling aureate outfit. His makeup artist, Grace Pae, noted their goal was for him to "radiate," a mission unequivocally achieved. Musician Kid Cudi also delivered a striking makeup look that year.

The 2022 gala saw further innovation, with artists such as Conan Gray and Lenny Kravitz showcasing unique beauty interpretations. Avant-garde theater producer Jordan Roth unveiled a dreamy 80s New Romantic aesthetic, characterized by a pale complexion, abstract color washes, and a deep red lip.

At the 2023 event, Alton Mason presented an ethereal vision with silver pigment artfully applied to the inner corners of his eyes. Lil Nas X and Jordan Roth once again pushed boundaries with their creative makeup choices.

The 2024 gala continued this trend, with appearances from Cole Escola and Marc Jacobs, who each contributed to the event's rich tapestry of beauty.

Most recently, at the 2025 Met Gala, guests embraced the "Costume Art" theme with an array of painted lids, rouged cheeks, and lacquered nails. Noteworthy looks included actor Jeremy Pope, and a fully prosthetically enhanced Bad Bunny, demonstrating the limitless potential of makeup as an artistic medium. Additional prominent figures like Colman Domingo, Hudson Williams, Joe Alwyn, Sombr, Loïk Gomez, and Rauw also contributed to the visual spectacle, confirming the Met Gala as a vanguard for male beauty and self-expression.

This evolving trend at the Met Gala reflects a broader cultural shift, signaling a move towards more fluid and expansive definitions of masculinity and beauty. It encourages individuals to view makeup not merely as a tool for concealment or correction, but as a powerful avenue for artistic expression and identity exploration. The continuous innovation seen on this prominent stage inspires dialogue and pushes the boundaries of traditional gender norms in fashion and beauty, advocating for a future where personal style knows no bounds.

The allure of the full moon is transforming the travel industry, giving rise to a unique phenomenon known as full moon tourism. This burgeoning trend sees individuals seeking out specialized retreats and activities synchronized with lunar cycles, offering a profound opportunity for introspection, emotional purification, and a deeper bond with the natural world. From serene spa experiences designed for release to dynamic celebrations under the moonlight, these journeys are crafted to enhance personal well-being and offer a fresh perspective on life's intricate patterns. Resorts worldwide are recognizing this growing interest, curating diverse programs that cater to both seasoned astrologers and curious newcomers, promising an enriching escape from the mundane.

Celestial Journeys: Resorts Embrace the Full Moon's Mystique

In the tranquil landscapes of Sedona, Arizona, at the distinguished Mii Amo resort, an extraordinary "Spirit of the Full Moon" therapy unfolds. This exclusive treatment, available only during the peak lunar phase, commences with a cleansing ritual where the air is purified with burning sage, setting a serene tone. Participants are then invited to record their intentions for release on a delicate sheet of paper, which is then ceremonially incinerated, its embers dancing like distant stars, symbolizing transformation. The experience culminates in a full-body massage using sage oil, designed to alleviate negative thoughts and foster a sense of grounding. Earlier, guests gathered in the resort's Crystal Grotto, a planetarium-like meditation chamber nestled within Sedona's red sands, for a collective full moon observance focused on gratitude and letting go. Just a short drive away in Scottsdale, the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa hosts its "Celestial Circle Series," an immersive gathering featuring guided Yoga Nidra meditation, promoting connection with lunar rhythms, as articulated by wellness manager Jessica Rosas. Her sentiment highlights the lunar cycle's embodiment of renewal and natural harmony, principles central to holistic wellness. Across the globe, at the Aquaterra Spa within Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna Beach, California, full moon yoga sessions invite guests to engage in mindful movement and breathwork to the soothing sound of ocean waves. Meanwhile, Mii Amo's sister property, Enchantment, offers full moon hikes through Boynton Canyon, allowing guests to witness the moon's ascent over the majestic Red Rocks. For a more vibrant experience, the iconic Hotel Californian in Santa Barbara hosts "Howl," a monthly event at its Djinn bar. Here, guests revel in a lively atmosphere with a vinyl DJ, moon-inspired cocktails, and personalized tarot or rune readings. According to Giovanni Prada, VP of marketing, "Howl" is conceived as an immersive ritual, fostering collective energy and reconnection under shared celestial skies, deeply influenced by the hotel's coastal setting. In Greece, the luxurious Cape Sounio resort embraces the full moon with night swims in the Aegean Sea, accessible from its private beaches. The resort is also launching "The 13 Full Moons of 2026," a year-long program of curated experiences, where guests can witness the full moon ascend directly behind the ancient Temple of Poseidon, a truly awe-inspiring spectacle. Intuitive astrologer Meghan Rose, based in Rome, underscores the power of aligning travel with the full moon, noting that it offers a unique vantage point for self-reflection, helping individuals discern habitual behaviors from genuine aspirations. She particularly recommends water-side destinations due to the moon's tidal influence, even suggesting collecting moonlit water as a memento. Regardless of location, simple rituals such as observing the moon, meditating, or journaling under its glow can be profoundly impactful. Rose emphasizes that the full moon's energy lingers for about two and a half days, providing an extended window for introspection and acknowledging aspects of life ready for release. She also highlights the importance of gratitude, suggesting that incorporating "thank you" into the process of letting go can pave the way for new beginnings.

My recent sojourn at Mii Amo, timed perfectly with the full moon, profoundly reshaped my understanding of mindful travel. Away from the daily grind and immersed in the serene embrace of the resort's energy, I discovered an unparalleled mental clarity, allowing for deep self-examination. The full moon night, as I floated in the spa's outdoor pool, gazing at the luminous orb, filled me with an overwhelming sense of appreciation and an eager anticipation for a new chapter. This experience has instilled in me a desire to plan all my future travels around the full moon, a trend that promises an abundance of destinations where one can bask in the moon's enchanting glow and harness its transformative power. The fusion of lunar cycles with wellness and exploration offers a unique path to personal growth, proving that sometimes, the most profound journeys are those guided by the heavens above.