Before the Met Gala carpet even begins, the real work is already underway. Under the lights and on one of the most photographed red carpets in the world, the focus is on hydrated, calm, well-prepped skin that lets makeup sit better and last longer. A-listers don’t just align with a designer, they carefully choose the skin-care brands and facialists behind the scenes, knowing prep is just as important as hair and makeup. Here’s what they’re using to get ready for fashion’s biggest night.
Zoë Kravitz
Ahead of the Gala, Zoë Kravitz is being prepped by makeup artist Nina Park using a full SK-II lineup designed to build glow in layers. It starts with gentle exfoliation to smooth texture, followed by the brand’s signature Facial Treatment Essence ($245). From there, it’s all about hydration, a treatment mask, a brightening serum and a lightweight cream for luminous, even skin.
Katy Perry
We’re hearing that before she steps onto the carpet, Katy Perry is getting prepped by makeup arstist Alexandra French using Loops Beauty ($6). We can’t wait to see Perry’s final look (last year her attendance was famously AI generated), and fingers crossed she brings her new boo with her, too.
Camila Mendes
Ahead of the night, Camila Mendes is being prepped at Rescue Spa with esthetician Danuta Mieloch using Danucera. The treatment focuses on deep hydration, smoothing and circulation for skin that looks fresh, not overworked, and holds makeup without looking heavy.
Sarah Pidgeon and Sarah Paulson
For both Sarah Pidgeon and Sarah Paulson, prep is coming from the Augustinus Bader camp, where the focus is less about a single product and more about method. Celebrity aesthetician Lord Gavin McLeod-Valentine is behind the treatment, which leans into sculpting and circulation as much as skin care. Think deep cleansing, oxygen infusion and lymphatic drainage, followed by sculpting massage to reduce puffiness and bring definition back to the face, along with LED and radio-frequency.
Miranda Kerr and Karlie Kloss
For both Miranda Kerr and Karlie Kloss, skin prep comes courtesy of famed facialist and brand founder Mimi Luzon. Her approach is all about hydration, smoothing things out and a bit of sculpting to wake the face up. Luzon says at the base of her treatment is the Mimi Luzon Skincore Creme Oil ($229), which helps smooth, hydrate and rebalance the skin, creating the ideal canvas for makeup.
Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer’s prep, led by makeup artist Kenya Alexis, focuses on calming and conditioning the skin before makeup ever touches it. Using Aveeno’s Calm + Restore Triple Oat Serum ($27) and Oat Gel Moisturizer ($27), the goal is to reduce sensitivity, lock in hydration and create a balanced, comfortable base.
Ciara Miller
For Ciara Miller, skin prep is all about building radiance that reads on camera. Makeup artist Yolonda Frederick-Thompson is leaning into glow-boosting essentials from Rodan + Fields, with an approach centered on prepping the skin so it reflects light naturally, allowing makeup to enhance rather than mask.
Olivia Wilde
For Olivia Wilde, skin prep is coming from makeup artist Melanie Inglessis, who is leaning on glow-boosting staples from Rodan + Fields to create a hydrated, luminous base. The focus is on layering hydration and antioxidants, starting with the Pure C Serum ($90), to smooth and prep the skin ahead of makeup.
