The 2026 Met Gala, held on the first Monday of May, showcased not only high-fashion gowns but also a surprising number of affordable beauty products. Among them, a £14 L'Oreal mascara stood out, worn by Cara Delevingne and Zoë Kravitz.
Affordable Beauty on the Red Carpet
This year's theme, 'Costume Art' with the dress code 'Fashion is Art', encouraged guests to treat their looks as works of art. While stars like Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Cher dazzled in designer outfits, it was the makeup choices that caught attention. Cara Delevingne, a host of the Met Gala live stream, wore a semi-sheer Ralph Lauren dress and paired it with a sultry smoky eye using L'Oreal's Telescopic Extensionist Lengthening & Curling Mascara, priced at £13.99.
L'Oreal Telescopic Extensionist Mascara
This mascara, launched in January 2026, features a formula with magnetic pigments and lengthening fibres to create a lash lift effect. It has already garnered numerous five-star reviews for its volumising and lengthening results, and now has Cara Delevingne's endorsement.
Zoë Kravitz also opted for L'Oreal products, using the cult-favourite Lumi Glotion, priced at £11.99. This sheer, skin-enhancing primer, originally a sell-out in the US before its UK launch in 2024, is loved for its natural glow. It comes in five shades from 901 Fair Glow to 905 Very Deep Glow and is available at LookFantastic, Superdrug, and Boots.
Kylie Jenner's Own Brand
Kylie Jenner complemented her Schiaparelli gown with a full face of Kylie Cosmetics, including the Hybrid Blush in 'Petal'. This blush, currently on sale at Boots for £15.75 (down from £21), features a silky, suede-like texture for a natural, skin-like finish.
The presence of these affordable products on the Met Gala red carpet highlights a shift towards accessible beauty, proving that luxury isn't always necessary for a stunning look.
