Though the 2026 Met Gala’s “red carpet” was more of a mossy green, Keke Palmer put the red back into it with her scarlet Prabal Gurung mini-dress and coordinating crimson hair and fiery makeup, creating a striking monochromatic look.
Celebrity makeup artist Kenya Alexis used Danessa Myricks Beauty to “lean all the way into” the “Nope” actress’ red-hot glam, calling “bold yet refined.”
The challenge: to balance the actress’ makeup with the vibrant cherry-red bixie (pixie/ bob) created for her by celebrity hairstylist Ashanti Lation.
“I wanted the skin to feel soft and matte with a dewy highlight to bring dimension back to the face,” Alexis says.
The first step: to prep the actress with sensitive skin-friendly Aveeno products for "deep hydration and calming the skin," Alexis says, "so everything layered beautifully and lasted all night."
Here is the product breakdown:
Primer
Complexion
- Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder in shade 8
- Yummy Skin Lift & Flex Concealer in shades 10, 12, 13, 15, 16
- Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed in Red Velvet (as blush)
- Vision Flush in Toasted Almond and Light Mocha
- Evolution Powder in Light Beige + Deep Peach
Eyes & Lips
- Colorfix in Primary Red
- Mini Everyday Magic Neutral Freedom Palette
- Linework Paintbrush Fluid Liquid Eyeliner in Onyx
Highlight
- Colorfix Stix – Aurora Radiance (Foil)
- Dew Wet Balm – Clear
Setting Spray