Affordable beauty products stole the spotlight at the 2026 Met Gala, with a £13.99 mascara from L'Oreal taking centre stage. Cara Delevingne, one of the official hosts of the event, wore the brand's Telescopic Extensionist Lengthening & Curling Mascara, part of a sultry smoky eye look that complemented her semi-sheer Ralph Lauren dress.
The mascara, which launched in January, features an innovative formula infused with magnetic pigments and lengthening fibres to create a 'lash lift effect'. It has already garnered dozens of five-star reviews for its volumising and lengthening results, and now boasts Delevingne's seal of approval.
Zoë Kravitz also chose L'Oreal for her Met Gala appearance, achieving a radiant glow with the cult-favourite Lumi Glotion, priced at £11.99. The sheer, skin-enhancing primer, a sell-out success in the US before launching in the UK in 2024, comes in five shades and is available at LookFantastic, Superdrug and Boots.
Kylie Jenner wore her own brand, Kylie Cosmetics, including the Hybrid Blush in 'Petal', currently on sale at Boots for £15.75 down from £21. The blush features a suede-like texture and neutral pink hue, providing a natural, skin-like finish.
The Met Gala, hailed as the biggest night in fashion, saw A-listers including Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Cher donning high-end couture. However, the prevalence of accessible beauty brands on the red carpet marked a notable shift.
